Strike
"Words sharper than steel, delivered behind silk."
Unlike the discourteous Fourth Princess, the Valdinian nobles began concealing their uncomfortable expressions only after hearing the Grand Duke's gracious words praising their homeland.
'The Grand Duke acknowledges our nation with such respect. As expected, the Emperor's bloodline is different.'
Favorable assessments of 'Grand Duke Castullo'—removed from the throne by unfortunate circumstances—began to rise among the crowd.
Count Kensington also directed a grateful glance toward the Grand Duke for easing the tension.
"When examined closely, I feel only... amusement."
Medea barely suppressed a derisive snort.
It's obvious Jason intended this strike all along, waiting for precisely this moment.
'Jason, do you wish to exploit my country?'
Then you, too, shall pay a fair price this time.
"Grand Duke Castullo, I have heard much of the... valiant actions of your father, the late Emperor."
A clear, resonant voice rang out among the Valdinian assembly.
"Your father visited our Valdina quite often, as I recall."
Medea's words caused the gathered nobles to pause in consideration.
His father, Alcetas II, had once invaded and ravaged Valdinian soil.
No matter how graciously the Grand Duke spoke of Valdina now, the immutable fact remained—he was the son of Alcetas II.
"You undoubtedly learned the Grand Duke's high opinion of Valdina from your father, did you not? I can only express my deepest gratitude for such generous words."
The atmosphere turned frigid instantly.
As though their earlier cordiality had never existed, the nobles averted their gazes and pointedly ignored the Grand Duke of Katzen.
"..."
Jason found himself momentarily speechless.
'Why attack me so immediately upon seeing me?'
Jason's carefully laid plan to cultivate favorable impressions among the Valdinians crumbled to nothing.
Rather than earning goodwill, he felt fortunate merely to avoid provoking greater antipathy than the Fourth Princess herself.
All undone by a few words from that veiled woman.
The woman who'd silently ambushed him wore a black veil obscuring her features. Her attire was similarly modest.
She appeared to be neither a great noble nor royalty.
Jason barely suppressed a frown and forced a diplomatic smile.
"What purpose would discussing the past serve when we've gathered to promote continental peace?"
The Fourth Princess raised her voice as though she'd caught prey.
"Who are you to dare interfere in dialogue between nations? Remove that veil and show yourself!"
The command dripped with imperial authority.
The Valdinian nobles bristled with offense. Why was the Katzen Princess issuing orders on their soil?
Weary of the Princess's arrogant attitude, none volunteered to reveal Medea's identity.
"Has Her Royal Highness asked—"
The Prince Regent, sensing an opportunity, began turning toward Medea.
"As you yourself stated, this is an official exchange of ambassadors between two nations. Even the Emperor of Katzen cannot compel Valdina to act against its will."
A crystalline voice emerged from beneath the veil.
"Does the Fourth Princess truly wish to exceed her father's authority?"
The Princess's face froze. She glanced hastily toward her delegation.
No matter how beloved his children, the Emperor becomes ruthlessly cold where imperial power is concerned. If this matter reaches Father's ears, he'll view me with suspicion as well.
Mother's position—constantly competing with the other empresses—could be jeopardized.
She bit her lip hard.
She couldn't continue pressuring this strange woman who dared invoke the Emperor, yet nor could she simply retreat.
As the Fourth Princess's predicament deepened, Count Raju stepped forward, scolding the veiled woman.
"How dare you insult our Princess's loyalty! His Majesty above all—even at the cost of our very lives!"
Raju sought to win the Princess's favor through this display.
"Why aren't you dragging her to her knees!"
Sissair, who'd been observing the arrogant imperials with crossed arms, frowned deliberately.
"Ah, Count Raju—it's you! How does it feel returning to your homeland after such a long absence? We all welcome you warmly."
Sissair spread his arms before Raju as though greeting an old friend, stoking the Valdinians' simmering anger.
At Sissair's words, the Fourth Princess glanced back at Raju as though suddenly remembering.
Count Raju, who stepped forward to defend me, was originally Valdinian before catching the Emperor's eye and becoming naturalized to the Empire.
'That's why Father doesn't fully trust him. Is this wretched creature attempting to curry my favor?'
'Do I appear so desperate that a mongrel from this backwater would dare?'
"You—silence!"
CRACK!
The Princess slapped Raju across the face. Count Raju, struck for his foolishness, couldn't comprehend why the Princess had turned on him.
While Count Raju stood dazed, the Fourth Princess shrieked again.
"I've heard all Valdinians are this discourteous! What does it mean, concealing one's face when greeting a delegation?"
The Princess, regaining her confidence, huffed indignantly.
"Count Kensington, bring that woman to me and make her kneel. I must demonstrate the majesty of my great empire!"
"Your Highness..."
Kensington sighed heavily.
"Please show proper courtesy to the Fourth Princess."
A pale hand reached up and removed the veil.
The black fabric fell away, revealing a young woman's face.
Her upright posture radiated quiet authority and unwavering grace. Delicate features formed a face both refined and striking. Vivid green eyes regarded them with perfect composure.
"May I present Her Highness Medea, Princess of Valdina and His Majesty the King's only sister."
Sissair's voice rang out into sudden silence.
The Katzen delegation collectively held their breath.
*That girl is a princess?*
They all knew the stories about Valdina's foolish princess.
A puppet manipulated throughout the palace while her brother fought wars abroad.
They stood speechless, confronted by a princess utterly unlike the rumors they'd heard.
The Fourth Princess froze as though turned to ice.
'Why is the girl from yesterday's altercation here...?'
While everyone absorbed the revelation in stunned silence, that clear voice spoke once more.
"Please don't worry, Fourth Princess. You've already demonstrated quite admirably the majesty of your great empire."
The Valdinians felt vindicated by their princess's composed critique, while the Katzen delegation experienced collective shame.
"..."
The Fourth Princess's face flushed crimson.
'This girl...'
Beyond pointing out their arrogant self-designation as a great power, Medea was subtly threatening her by referencing yesterday's behavior.
No matter how powerful the Katzen Empire, if it's revealed we attempted to harm innocent Valdinians at an official event like this, not only I but the entire delegation will face consequences.
'She wouldn't dare bring that up publicly... would she?'
Yet even the Fourth Princess couldn't openly demand that the King's own sister kneel before her.
She chewed her lip, unable to escalate further, and could only glare at Medea with impotent fury.
"Her Majesty the Princess is fatigued from her long journey. We humbly ask our distinguished Valdinian hosts for understanding."
Count Kensington sighed and stepped forward once more to salvage the disastrous arrival.
Neither General Jared standing behind him nor the Grand Duke observing from the side showed any inclination to smooth over the situation.
"Of course. I'm aware you've all been exceedingly occupied with preparations for today's meeting. I understand completely."
When Medea offered this pointed reminder, even the false smile vanished from the Fourth Princess's face.
"Since Her Highness demonstrates such generous understanding, I can only accept with gratitude."
Kensington bowed to Medea.
Their eyes met—two masters recognizing each other across the diplomatic chessboard.
'We finally meet, Kensington.'
'Is this girl truly "the" Princess? She's far from easy prey.'
Fortunately, the atmosphere—sharp and brittle as thin ice—resolved without shattering.
However, it was abundantly clear the encounter had fallen far short of the overwhelming show of power the Katzen delegation had intended.
---