Chapter 12

“That concludes territorial issues.”

Hanavah breathed in deeply and slowly let it out as if feeling relieved. Lu Havre tapped on top of the circular table and lazily laid back into his chair. Then he spoke in a deep voice to emphasize the importance of the matter.

“Sir Hanava-Iyene, I wish to suggest transferring the crown prince of Skara to Monterovis.”

“It cannot be done.” Hanavah restrained himself from almost raising his voice. Instead, he spoke in a very low voice while trying to catch his breath. Lu Havre grinned.

Hanavah read the king as soon as he has entered the room with the sharp sense he had developed over the years. This king was well-known for being violent but generous in comparison to people he liked.

It was a relatively easy judgment to make. Plus, Hanavah easily took the hint that the king liked him already. First, the king was surprisingly calm and gentle for someone who was recently in a warzone and was well-known to be vicious. Second, Hanavah knew well enough that a reputation of being the “genius head diplomat of Skara” had earned him respect and favor from major authorities. Third, the king was addressing him by his name, not his title.

Therefore, all it would take was just a bit of persuasion. Hanavah’s eyes glistened.

“He will not be staying here forever.”

“The crown prince is to be the king of Skara.”

“I even volunteered to be at the warzone.”

“Your Highness.”

“Of course, he shall receive the best treatment.”

“Your Highness, there are three princesses in Skara.”

“I am aware.”

Hanavah swallowed hard. His throat was burning.

“How about replacing him with the youngest and most beautiful third Princess?”

“Will she be treated the same way?”

“No.”

His mouth turned bitter. Treated differently? There was no way he did not understand the meaning behind it.

But Hanavah remembered his one and only owner. Above all things, the king’s will was his priority. Hanus II called him and commanded before making an end of the war.

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“You…”

“Therefore, the crown prince cannot be offered.”

Lu Havre looked at him with a strange face. With his eyes and shaking lips, he scanned without missing a thing. Then he lifted the corner of his mouth.

“A princess. That is not so bad. Okay.”

“Your Highness, I apologize.”

“No need to. I still want the crown prince to come to Monterovis.”

“Your Highness.”

“Instead, I will set a certain amount of time. Just send him first.”

“The crown prince is currently attending Baya Nansheed.”

“He should be graduating soon.”

“Plus, we also have Ramon Chater.”

Lu Havre smiled slightly. Hanavah would not dare to say Baya Renand was better than Ramon Chater in front of the king. Sometimes, the truth was better hidden.

“The longest it would be is three years. He may even graduate early. I heard he is quite intelligent. He will be sent back after graduation.”

Hanavah let out a long sigh. “Okay. However, the prince needs to graduate from Baya Nansheed first.”

“Send him by next Spring.”

That concluded the treaty regarding the crown prince and the princess.

“Sir Hanavah-Iyene.”

Hanavah failed to keep a poker face and looked at her anxiously. No other choice was given. The princess called him by his name. He knew well why she called him by it. Usually addressing someone by their first name suggested friendship and favor, but the princess had a different intention.

In Skara, if a mother had a low social status, the child would inherit the mother’s name after their own, followed by a dash. Therefore, such names obviously suggested the low status of the mother.

Ashite-Ploca. Hanavah was not close to her but knew how she was treated back in Skara. It was easy to assume her feelings because he was also from a low-status family. He may be the head of the Alchevs’k family, but he and his mother did not have high statuses. Such a name tag followed him all his life. Even though he became the head diplomat after hard work and dedication, sometimes people with jealousy would sneer and call him Hanavah-Iyene intentionally.

Being called by that name with goodwill or ridicule would make a huge difference. Facial expressions, tone of voice, one’s way of speaking and everything else determined the speaker’s intention. Hanavah this well thanks to his own previous experience.

Even Ashite would know as well.

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The King of Skara praised Delg Alchevs’k and the servants beneath him. A beautiful banquet was held. The King suggested making a toast to celebrate a safe return of the head diplomat from the war. It was a reward for his hard work on the Crown Prince matter and the treaty with the least damage for Skara. Besides the king, many other noblemen also appraised and what’s more, the citizens of Skara admired him for accomplishing another success.

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“I did not say it to blame you, Sir Hanavah-Iyene.”

Hanavah covered his eyes with hands even though he knew it was rude. A dark shadow waved over his face soon after. Ashite pretended to not see any of it.

A feeling of guilt had been lingering ever since.

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Hanavah had been suppressing guilt over the princess ever since the treaty was sealed.

There was no other choice. Such things about politics and being the diplomat of a nation were inevitable. He knew it well enough.

But…

“Raise your head.”

Silence.

“I said raise your head. Sir Hanavah-Iyene.”

He clenched his teeth.

“I called you to ask a question.”

“… yes, Your Majesty.”

The silence ended. Hanavah’s voice sank even deeper. He kept a darkened poker face. Ashite did not mind.

Ashite knew being a captive was a matter of trust anyways.

After repeating multiple ceasefires over 30 years, northern Monsterovis and Southern Skara almost crumbled down to ash. The long-lasting war had given about the same amount of big damage to both nations. Who knows if Monsterovis would attack again even after the war had ended. A stag at bay is a dangerous foe. There would be nothing but disaster if Skara, who was given the unfair side of the treaty, decided to re-start the war.

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Therefore, it would be one useless apology. Ashite knew that Delg Alchevs’k could not even apologize because of his shame and guilt. She could guess how he saw her.

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But without a doubt, an apology would still mean nothing. His apology would not change a thing in her situation, nor would his guilt to change the treaty. As the king’s spokesperson, he was not in a position to consider his personal feelings. Del Monte the Third, who has zero interest in women, could not have asked for the princess first. Perhaps he wanted the Crown Prince, but he could not let him go easily. It could have concluded with him shadowing the prince after some more conversations, but the king probably commanded Delg Alchevs’k to prevent as much damage as possible.

In conclusion, Ashite was satisfied with her life at Monsterovis. It was not so bad. But of course, that did not mean she thanked Hanus II or Delg Alchevs’k. It would be a lie to say she did not once have negative feelings towards him.

Anyways, Ashite wanted to ask Delg Alchevs’k about the details of the treaty. Knowing them would not change the situation, but at least she wanted to know the reason she was here in detail. It was possible to make a few guesses but she was still curious.

However, there was no one to ask about details. Del Monte the Third? No way. Yeref? He would know much since he is an Etutu; however, she did not want to have a deep conversation with him regarding the treaty and after war situation. It would almost be impossible to talk to anyone including the slaves and servants in the palace and the nobles who walked by. Lante had seen the treaty but would not know the details when it was made.

And now in front of her stood the person who was directly involved. He knew well how she was treated back home and could relate. He would also be an easy target since he was technically her servant.

“How was the treaty formed? Tell me all the details from then.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The head diplomat lowered his head.