Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 121: It Will Not End Well

Chapter 121: It Will Not End Well

The Crown Prince idly turned another page of yet another thick tome containing the yearly tax reports of the Capital, his tired green eyes skimming over the text with a hint of reluctance and laziness.

Today, delving into the intricacies of tax reports did not hold much necessity for him; every line inscribed within had already been seared into his memory. Nevertheless, Yanad discovered it less burdensome to immerse himself in the tedium of reading and committing to memory these dreadfully mundane records than to confront the complexities of familial matters or entertain Princess Melania, who persistently sought his company day after day.

’The constraints of social decorum weigh heavily upon my daily tasks. I fail to comprehend why I must entertain that woman when I have far more important matters to attend to. As I aspire to ascend the throne, I must ready myself for any eventuality and present nothing short of impeccable outcomes to the House of Nobles. The wedding day draws near... I can only pray that she will cease her incessant pursuit of my company thereafter.’

Yanad’s exceptional ability to concentrate, invaluable during his study sessions, failed him today as he remained oblivious to the intrusion of another person within the quiet confines of the royal library.

Suddenly, an open white envelope landed in front of him, covering the numbers and letters on the book’s old pages, causing the Crown Prince to flinch and raise his head to identify the intruder.

"Valon?"

"Good morning, brother!" Valon’s thin lips spread into a wide grin, his piercing green eyes fixed on the envelope he had just tossed before his brother. "You have been cooped up in here for several days already! Don’t you think it is time you took some rest? Your wedding ceremony is fast approaching, and you must present your best self for the bride!"

Yanad could not help but furrow his eyebrows in irritation; he had hoped that at least his younger brother would be sensible enough to avoid mentioning the dreaded wedding.

Returning his gaze to the envelope, he finally inquired,

"What is this?"

"This is the letter Princess Melania wanted to send to her parents in Lafad."

The Crown Prince picked up the letter and perused the carefully written words. Indeed, the envelope was intended for Lafad, but it never reached its destination.

As if he had read his brother’s mind and to spare him the need to voice the question on the tip of his tongue, Valon explained,

"A very touching letter, I must say. The little princess clearly adores her parents. Did you know her mother, the Queen, is sick? Something with her legs, or whatever."

Yanad simply nodded, and Valon continued,

"In the letter, she laments about how cold and unwelcoming this place feels to her. She criticizes you and the rest of the Royal Family, accusing us of being inhospitable hosts. Furthermore, she expresses doubts about the wisdom of this union, urging her father to reconsider before it is too late."

With a long, weary sigh, the Crown Prince tossed the envelope aside and rubbed his stinging eyelids, his voice retaining its coldness as he still ventured to ask,

"So why did you intercept this letter? Interfering with royal correspondence is a crime, even for you, Valon."

The young prince took offense at his brother’s lack of appreciation and understanding for his efforts.

"You should exercise more caution, Yan. Extend invitations for meals now and then, take her for walks, and lend an ear to her yapping. All she needs is an occasional diversion; her complaints stem from sheer boredom. Father will not forgive any missteps in this marriage. You are well aware that we require Lafad’s support if we wish for Gerladion to be included in the Continental coalition."

Yanad sighed once more, his gaze fixed on the open envelope, contemplating his brother’s words for a fleeting moment before responding,

"If she is feeling bored, there are myriad sources of entertainment in the Capital. Noble ladies host tea parties almost daily; she should consider accepting invitations instead of secluding herself in her room, attributing her dissatisfaction solely to me."

Valon could not suppress a hearty laugh.

"She was raised in a doting family that indulged her every whim. I wager she anticipates you to parade her around the Capital like a proud groom. Perhaps that is customary in Lafad as well."

His attempt at humor fell flat, evident from the deepening of Yanad’s expression into one of both annoyance and frustration. Valon sighed.

"I will ensure to intercept all her letters before dispatching them, but you must also do your part. If you aspire to be King, you must play your cards wisely. It is imperative that the girl finds contentment here, Yan."

The Crown Prince pressed his cold palm against his burning forehead and shut his tired eyes. The facade he had to put on was draining. Though accustomed to it, it gnawed at him, consuming him from within and eroding the last vestiges of the person he believed himself meant to be.

And yet, there was still no end to it.

In an effort to break free from the vexing conversation, Yanad opened his eyes again and turned his attention to his brother, seeking a new topic to engage with until inspiration struck.

"Why are you here, Valon? Aren’t you usually in your laboratory at this hour?"

The young prince grinned once more.

"I am here because I have received quite intriguing news from the Holy Church, Your Royal Highness. And I wanted to share."

"What sort of news?"

"A witch was sighted heading North two days ago. A necromancer witch."

Valon’s response caught Yanad off-guard.

"What does this mean? Why would they require a necromancer witch there?"

His brother shrugged rather dismissively and shook his head.

"Who knows? But there is no need to fret, Yan. Sarith will surely uncover the truth soon; after all, the witch is in his custody, like a dog on a leash."

Yanad reclined in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, his mind swirling with uneasy thoughts.

"What is happening there? Should I send Aideen a letter? If Sarith and Valon are both involved in whatever is happening, it will not end well, I am certain of it."