Chapter 150
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Chapter 150: The Golden Peacock Crown Prince
“The overly suspicious king of South Sotua has begun frequently changing generals, and their prime minister is taking this chance to eliminate rivals. This might be our opportunity…”
In the inner hall of the Golden Peacock Kingdom palace, Maria Diana, the current regent prince and sister of the Empress, reclined on a luxurious couch. She wore a light yellow brocade bathrobe, her wet hair clinging to her pale shoulders. Her partially exposed legs rested gracefully as she listened to a subordinate’s report.
Since her sister, Empress Anya, had fallen into a cursed slumber, Maria had taken control of the kingdom’s affairs. A sharp sneer curled her lips as she processed the information.
“Oh dear, I advise you not to underestimate those two old foxes from South Sotua,” Maria said, lowering her eyes. “Even before my sister fell asleep, they worked in perfect sync. Now, as they eliminate their rivals, it won’t just be the chancellor they remove.
“They will shuffle the deck, sacrifice a few pawns, and in the end, pin everything on a rootless adventurer… That’s why they treat mercenaries so kindly, you know. It’s all for moments like this.”
The spy kneeling beside her nodded, dressed entirely in black.
“Understood. We’ll continue to stay hidden.”
“No,” Maria replied lazily, twirling her hair. “We can still take advantage of the chaos. If you encounter any troublesome individuals in South Sotua, use this chance to get rid of them.
“However, those matters are yours to handle. I have bigger responsibilities—managing the entire mess of the Golden Peacock is enough for me.”
The spy nodded, her head lowered.
“And one more thing,” she added, “it seems the Grand Princess has been contacting officials frequently as of late.”
Maria’s expression turned cold.
“Ah, my niece Dorothy,” she said icily. “So full of energy, yet with no proper outlet. Perhaps it’s time she explores the world a little. Follow my instructions and tell her about the matter we discussed earlier.”
“You mean the secret discussion with the Lady of Light?”
“Of course,” Maria said with a faint smirk. “Her Holiness has already set out, and the Sage of Cloud City is expected to arrive at the royal city either tonight or tomorrow. The timing is perfect.”
The spy nodded, then disappeared into the shadows. Moments later, she reappeared outside the inner hall.
She removed her black attire, replacing it with a simple light purple maid’s uniform—the standard attire for palace staff. With her unremarkable face blending seamlessly into the crowd, she moved quickly through the corridors.
As other maids passed by, they greeted her warmly.
“Greetings, Chief Garland.”
She nodded back with a faint smile and eventually arrived at the western palace, where the Crown Prince of the Golden Peacock resided.
Pushing open the door, Garland entered the study. There, amidst a tall stack of books, sat a pale, frail girl. Her oversized golden robe hung loosely on her small frame, and dark shadows under her eyes hinted at her exhaustion.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, the girl looked up.
“Sister Garland,” Dorothy Diana greeted weakly.
Garland bowed slightly, concern flickering in her eyes.
“Lady Dorothy,” she said softly, “you mustn’t overwork yourself. Please take care of your health.”
“I’m only reading, Sister Garland. There’s no need to worry,” Dorothy replied, closing the book in her hands. “How is the investigation I asked you to conduct?”
“It’s been completed,” Garland said. “The ones conspiring with Princess Maria are the Lady of Light from the Church of Light and the ‘Morning Star’ Great Sage from Cloud City. Their goal is to retrieve a lost Light Artifact from Hillenbrand, a town within the demon race’s territory.”
“A lost Light Artifact?” Dorothy’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Yes,” Garland confirmed. “The artifact can only be accessed by members of the Golden Peacock royal family or the Sage of Cloud City. That’s why they sought Cloud City’s involvement.”
Dorothy’s expression grew thoughtful.
“Could it be…” she murmured, “the place where our ancestor Tiris went?”
Garland nodded slowly.
“Princess Maria plans to send a relative from a collateral branch to retrieve it. The Sage of Cloud City will meet with them tonight or tomorrow morning. It’s dangerous work, especially since the artifact’s location lies deep within demon territory.”
Dorothy’s gaze sharpened, determination replacing her initial surprise.
“Sister Garland,” she said firmly, “tell me where the meeting with the Great Sage is. I’ll go myself.”
Garland’s expression turned stern.
“No, Lady Dorothy. You are the crown princess and heir to the throne. Such a dangerous task isn’t suitable for you, especially given your health—”
Dorothy interrupted her with unwavering resolve.
“With the Lady of Light and the Sage of Cloud City involved, I’ll be safe. Besides, as a direct descendant of the Golden Peacock royal family and Tiris herself, I stand to gain the most from this opportunity.
“Although it’s risky, the rewards are worth it.”
Garland hesitated, torn between her duty and Dorothy’s determination.
“But Princess Maria won’t approve of this.”
“Which is why I’m asking for your help, Sister Garland,” Dorothy said softly, a faint smile on her pale face. “Please keep this a secret from Aunt Maria.”
Garland sighed deeply, seeing the pleading look in Dorothy’s eyes.
“Very well,” she relented. “Go to the southern gate of the royal city and wait at the royal station. The Sage will meet you there.”
Dorothy’s face lit up as she quickly closed her book and began packing. Watching her, Garland sighed again.
“Take care on your journey, Lady Dorothy,” she said as she turned to leave.
“You too, Sister Garland,” Dorothy replied.
Her voice was weak, yet it carried a sense of hope and determination. To her, reaching the mysterious town of Hillenbrand felt like the key to unlocking her future.
