The Princess And The Lord
Chapter 1434: Terrifying Man

Chapter 1434: Terrifying Man

The truth was, Zhao Li Xin already knew about Lucas’s plan.

Right after returning from his date with Lory, a sudden knock came at their door. Zhao Li Xin rose from the chair and walked over.

When Zhao Li Xin opened the door, he found Fredhardt standing there in a perfectly tailored suit, his posture as composed and impeccable as ever. But there was something... off about his expression—an unusual tightness around his eyes, a faint strain in his usually calm demeanor.

"Where’s Lory?" Fredhardt asked, his voice low, almost a whisper, as if he didn’t want anyone else to overhear.

Zhao Li Xin narrowed his eyes slightly, curiosity sparking. What is he planning?

"She’s taking a bath," Zhao Li Xin replied in the same hushed tone.

Fredhardt’s eyes seemed to brighten, a flicker of relief passing across his face. "Good. Would you come with me? It’s important." He gestured with a small tilt of his chin, his tone brisk, almost hurried, as if time was pressing on him.

Zhao Li Xin curiousity was pique, he slowly closing the door quietly behind him, then step beside fredhardt. meanwhile Fredhardt step was quicken as if he was pressed by time.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the King’s study.

Inside, Lucas was sitting casually on the couch, a report in one hand and a laptop balanced on his lap. His brows were drawn in concentration, his expression weary but focused.

As soon as Lucas looked up and saw Zhao Li Xin, his eyes curved into a crescent-shaped smile, so much like Lory’s it caught Zhao Li Xin off guard for a heartbeat. The resemblance reminded him again that they were really twins.

"Hi, Li Xin,~" Lucas greeted warmly, setting aside both the laptop and his papers. "Come in." He motioned for Zhao Li Xin to take a seat.

Zhao Li Xin sat across from him, his eyes scanning the clutter of scattered documents and electronic devices on the table. "You look busy," he observed.

Lucas let out a tired sigh, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Just trying to catch up on the mountain of tasks I left behind while I was... sleeping."

"Who told you to sleep that long?" Fredhardt said dryly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he placed a plate of chicken sandwiches on the table.

"Hey, I was in a coma, remember?" Lucas replied with a faint smirk, the corners of his eyes crinkling again.

Fredhardt rolled his eyes. Despite all his sarcastic remarks, he still stepped outside for a moment. When he returned, he was carrying a tray of food. Setting it down on the table, he lifted the lid to reveal a plate of neatly arranged chicken sandwiches.

He placed the plate in front of Lucas and said in his usual dry tone, "Then take a break and eat something. I don’t want you suddenly fainting again."

Lucas’s smile widened mischievously. Then he leaned slightly toward Zhao Li Xin, his eyes sparkling with playful amusement. "A man like him... is what we call a tsundere," he whispered conspiratorially.

"What?" Fredhardt’s head snapped up, his glare sharp.

"Ehm, nothing." Lucas straightened his back quickly, adopting an innocent expression as he grabbed a sandwich. But the glint of mischief in his eyes didn’t escape Zhao Li Xin—it was the same look Lory had whenever she teased him.

’What a pair of siblings...’ Zhao Li Xin thought wryly.

Lucas took a bite, chewed, and swallowed before speaking again. "Brother-in-law," he began, his tone suddenly earnest, "I called you here because I need your help to coax Lory."

"Coax her?" Zhao Li Xin tilted his head slightly, puzzled.

Fredhardt, who had just placed a cup of tea in front of Zhao Li Xin, chimed in smoothly. "Yes. We’re planning to hold an exhibition for your paintings—an event to gather influential people from across the world to Harland, though actually we trying to gather allies under our banner. At the same time, we intend to announce to the world that Harland is open again... and stronger than ever."

As he spoke, Fredhardt poured another cup of tea and set it beside Lucas, who was already reaching for his second sandwich, eating with quiet relish.

Fredhardt continued with calm precision, "We also plan to use this event as a warning to our enemies."

"Warn them?" Zhao Li Xin’s eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued.

"You’ve noticed, haven’t you?" Fredhardt said. "The so-called Saintess has been expanding her influence globally, especially targeting the younger generation. It’s no coincidence S.A.I.N.T. put forward a young, pretty girl as their figurehead—it’s all about optics."

"I see..." Zhao Li Xin nodded thoughtfully.

"At first, we ignored her shallow attempts to gain relevance—subtle comments, comparisons, even claims that she was a better healer than Princess Lorient, simply because she flaunted her powers openly to the people of the world. Most of these remarks came from S.A.I.N.T. members and paid influencers or celebrities." Fredhardt’s voice remained calm, though there was a faint edge of disdain.

"We didn’t pay much attention, though" he went on, "Since there were more pressing matters. Even when she tried to ride on Lucas’s reputation to gain favor with our citizens, our PR team easily countered it. We dismissed it again as petty posturing. But after Lucas was injured... she and her master grew bolder, thinking no one would stop them."

"Now you want to stop them," Zhao Li Xin guessed.

Fredhardt gave a firm nod. "Exactly. Now that Lucas is awake, we can finally go on the offensive. And this time, we won’t bother with gentle reminders. We’ll strike where it hurts the most—first, by dismantling the Saintess’s carefully cultivated image."

Zhao Li Xin frowned slightly, still unable to understand how holding an art exhibition could damage the Saintess’s image.

Fredhardt seemed to sense his confusion. His sharp gaze softened, but not with condescension, but with the understanding that Zhao Li Xin hadn’t yet fully grasped how the media operated in this world. Well he’s from another world after all.

"The organization has spent an enormous amount of money manipulating the media," Fredhardt explained coolly. "They’ve worked tirelessly to craft and broadcast a narrative portraying the Saintess as a figure of benevolence and purity. But not anymore." A faint edge crept into his voice. "I intend to show everyone the real difference between her... and Lory."

Lucas turned to Zhao Li Xin then, a glint of determination in his eyes. "All that being said, I need your help to coax Lory into letting us make a biography film about her."

Zhao Li Xin nodded slowly, beginning to understand. "You want to remind the people of what Lory has done—for this country and for the world."

"Exactly!" Lucas said, his voice brightening as he nodded enthusiastically.

Zhao Li Xin tilted his head slightly, puzzled at their apprehension. "That shouldn’t be too difficult... should it? Lory has never shied away from helping others. Why are you both so concerned?"

Lucas let out a weary sigh and waved his hand as if trying to dispel Zhao Li Xin’s simplistic assumption. "No, no—you don’t understand. This isn’t just a simple biography." He glanced at Fredhardt. "Fred, you explain."

Fredhardt stepped forward immediately, his posture straightening as though preparing for a dramatic performance. With a deliberate flick of his wrists, he gestured broadly into the air.

"Imagine this..." he began, his tone rich and deliberate. His gaze drifted upward as if visualizing the entire scene, his expression so profound that Lucas and even Zhao Li Xin couldn’t help but follow his gazes.

"At the grand finale of the exhibition, a short but powerful biography of Princess Lorient will play on giant screens inside the hall and on the massive Jumbotrons outside, visible to every passerby. The story will highlight her sacrifices, her triumphs, and her unwavering spirit. The visuals will stir emotions. The narration will inspire reverence."

"And then—just as the applause reaches its peak—your latest masterpiece, Li Xin... a giant painting of Princess Lorient herself, will be unveiled. It will dominate the hall, illuminated in cascading lights, while the Jumbotrons outside broadcast it live to the crowds gathered outside the building."

Fredhardt’s voice grew more intense, his hands rising higher as if conducting an orchestra.

"To end the night," he continued, "a spectacular display of fireworks will light up the sky. Bluebell flower confetti—the symbol of Princess Lorient’s purity—will rain down upon the cheering crowds. The atmosphere will be both festive and overwhelming, embedding the image of her greatness into the hearts of everyone watching."

By the time Fredhardt finished his theatrical pitch, Lucas’s eyes were practically glowing with excitement. Zhao Li Xin, on the other hand, just sat there, staring at Fredhardt like he wasn’t sure whether to be impressed... or deeply concerned.

Zhao Li Xin parted his lips slightly, hesitant. "...Um. Lory will truly—"

"Hate it," Lucas cut in with a knowing nod. "She’ll probably say she never wants to step foot outside again." he already could picture it.

Fredhardt, regaining his usual elegant composure, straightened his posture and adjusted his suit cuff with a precise flick. "Which is why we’ll need your help to make this work."

Zhao Li Xin folded his arms across his chest, his brows furrowed deeply as though he were staring down an impossible opponent. He inhaled slowly, the weight of their request pressing on his shoulders like an avalanche. "I don’t know if I can do this..."

Perhaps for the first time, the great Lord experience the feeling to flee from the battle.

Fredhardt’s eyes narrowed, but his voice remained sharp and reassuring. "Hey. You can do this. I’ve seen how much Lory adores you. She’ll listen to you. If anyone can sway her, it’s you."

But Zhao Li Xin shook his head grimly. "Depend on the situation, ... but mostly I lose when I argue with her."

Fredhardt clicked his tongue impatiently, then leaned forward like a general planning his final assault. His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Then don’t let her argue. Take off your clothes, show your abs, and corner her."

"HEY!" Lucas shout in protest. "That’s my sister you’re talking about!"

"It’s a state matter, Your Majesty," Fredhardt countered flatly, his tone utterly serious.

"Well, I’m not going to listen to this anymore," Lucas groaned. He shoved his earbuds in and turned his attention back to the documents on the table.

Fredhardt ignored him and fixed Zhao Li Xin with an intense gaze. "Listen carefully. Use your beauty. Lead with confidence. Take charge. When her defenses are down, strike. Don’t give her room to recover. Press the advantage. Overwhelm her until she gives in...and trust me, she will"

At that moment a realization dawned on him. "No wonder Lory is terrified of you."

Fredhardt’s lips curled into a slow, almost sinister smile. "Smart girl, isn’t she?"

______________________

__not long after__

Lory glanced up from the sofa where she was watching TV. "Hey, Li Xin, where were you... eh? Why are you taking off your clothes?"