Chapter 163: Proposal ; Assassin (1/2)

Did I hear that correctly? Henrietta wishes to marry me?

I did think that our relationship seemed a little off, but I hadn't considered this possibility.

Also, the reason she gave? No way that is the truth. I mean, our respective kingdoms have been allied with no issues for some time now, so I find it suspicious that she wishes to form a ”permanent alliance” through marriage.

At most, this would calm the citizens down by making them believe that the relationship between the reborn Albion and Tristan is a firm one.

Naturally, I won't embarrass Henrietta, 'my' cousin in front of everyone, so I will go along with her for now, and see what she actually has in mind at a later interval.

Just as I'm about to voice my thoughts regarding the matter, the rude guy from before slams the table and exclaims,

”I object!”

Looks like this guy hasn't learned his lesson yet.

As a response to his exclamation, Henrietta furrows her brows, depicting extreme displeasure as she inquires,

”Is something wrong, Veer de Gramont?”

Gramont? Is this guy Guiche's elder brother? Now that I think about it, he does look quite similar to him.

That's especially the case once his blonde hair and disdainful aura are taken into consideration.

”Yes, Princess,” he responds while placing an emphasis on the word 'princess'.

I reckon that's his way of belittling her power by calling her as such instead of 'queen'.

”I refuse to accept such a marriage,” he continues, ”Albion is not worthy of Tristain. That's particularly the case if we think about the recent rebellion.”

Exasperated, I let out a sigh before saying, ”You're not worthy enough to judge Albion in any way. So, you either shut your mouth or I do it for you.”

”How dare you speak like this in front of-”

Having had enough of this, I simply use telekinesis to lift him from his seat and hurl him toward the door with enough force to break it.

The two guards that were patiently doing their job outside the room are both confounded by the sight of a noble being thrown out like trash.

”So, is there someone that would like to share their opinion?” I ask once I've switched my attention back to the men seated at the table.

After a few seconds of absolute silence, I lean back on my seat and say,

”I take that as a no.”

Shaking my head, I look Henrietta in the eyes and inquire in a neutral tone,

”What's your true intentions for forming this permanent alliance?”

My words seem to be what everyone else has been wondering, as they all immediately lock eyes onto the young princess.

The reason I asked Henrietta this question is so that she may explain her actions to those present. I believe that she wouldn't want to displease everyone, so I granted her an opportunity to prevent that.

Henrietta, being the smart lass she is, quickly realizes my intention as a small smile forms on her lips.

”Trading,” Henrietta says after a few seconds, ”I seek a relationship between our kingdoms that would allow trading resources and materials that normally wouldn't be traded.”

Huh? Is there something like that?

”Do you mind specifying what you wish to trade with?”

”Of course,” she replies, ”Wind-stones and blueprints.”

The moment the words leave her mouth, looks of shock become apparent on the men's face as they all disbelievingly gawk at her.

One glare from me seems to shut them all up as they all meekly sit back in their seats with displeasure all over their face.

From the looks of it, she's asking for something ridiculous, so I'm hoping that she has something just as ridiculous to trade.

”You should be aware of how much that is worth,” I say, ”So, you should know that only something of equal worth can be traded for it, right?”

”Indeed. I'm willing to exchange elixirs for those.”

This time, the shock is much more intense as several men stand up from their seats while some begin shouting words of objection.

”Elixirs?” I ask, intrigued.

”That's right,” she responds, ”We've been using the gems extracted from the enemies to create elixirs that increase the power of men, even if they aren't nobility.”

So, it's like a buffing potion, huh? That sounds like an interesting deal, as it would not only strengthen my army but also provide new research material for my researchers.

In the long term, this will bring a lot of benefits to my kingdom, so there is no reason to refuse.

Of course, I will make sure that the elixirs have no unwanted side effects before letting my soldiers use them.