CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 54: MAKE HER BLUSH!

The Second Princess of the Fresta Empire—

Isadella von Freysberg.

The woman from my spring dream had appeared in reality.

And it seemed she had watched the whole process through the Astral Realm channel.

It was... quite awkward.

It had a certain aesthetic, reminiscent of a high school romance anime I’d seen in my previous life, where the protagonists confessed to each other using, "You were once the object of my fantasy."

Shiayar had indeed speculated that the sovereign behind Dyres might be the Second Princess Isadella—

After all, there were only a few within the entire Fresta Empire with the power and status to protect a member of the Abyss Species within the Empire Capital and even represent the Empire’s official stance to some extent.

Apart from a handful of Great Nobles, who wielded immense power in court and government, there were only those few princes and princesses eligible to compete for the throne.

I’d thought that testing and assessing a minor figure like myself, who hadn’t even reached 4-Ring status, should logically be delegated to subordinates.

According to Shiayar’s knowledge, the Princess is practically single-handedly keeping the Empire from falling apart. It was no exaggeration to describe her as managing myriad affairs.

I never expected she’d come to meet me in person.

It seems the Second Princess’s capabilities and methods are even greater than I imagined.

It wasn’t just the Ashes Cult incident; her intelligence network must have noticed other hidden details about me too. That’s why she’s paying me more attention now.

Within the light screen formed by the Astral Realm communication channel—

The silver-haired, red-eyed Princess turned and scrutinized Shiayar.

After a long moment, a trace of satisfaction emerged in her crimson eyes.

She slightly swirled the wine glass held between her pale fingers, addressing him in a cool, emotionless voice.

"Shiayar Egutt,"

"Don’t you have anything you wish to say to me? As the male lead of the dream?"

Meeting that stern gaze, Shiayar spoke with neither humility nor arrogance, "Your Royal Highness, I indeed made a mistake."

"However, I think it’s a mistake any normal man would make."

He sighed softly.

"As a subject of the Empire, I should maintain a heart of reverence towards Your Royal Highness, a member of the Royal Family."

"But, Your Royal Highness..."

"You’re just so incredibly my type."

"There’s an old saying in my hometown: we’re all fans of white hair..."

"Furthermore, not only do you have silver hair, but you also have red eyes; you’re like a beautiful girl straight out of my XP."

"Add to that the awe-inspiring military uniform and the contrast with your petite frame..."

"What I want to say is, you are, simply put, my ideal type in the flesh."

"Honestly, although it’s a bit embarrassing..."

"When I first saw you as a guest at the St. Roland Academy festival, there was even a fleeting moment when I’d already thought of names for our children."

...

Silence.

Within the entire Astral Realm communication channel, only Shiayar’s sincere confession echoed.

Meanwhile, atop the Black Scales Drake high in the skies of the northern territory, Fioran’s gaze paused.

She noticed that the princess before her—who always appeared unruffled and inscrutable—though her expression remained calm, her body was now inexplicably tense.

This would seem inexplicable to an ordinary person.

After all, this Second Princess of the Empire, though young, had experienced the border warfronts years ago.

The Empire’s current stability, barely maintained under the covetous gazes of many, relied entirely on the illustrious reputation this iron-blooded princess had forged.

Even when facing the might of Legendary figures from enemy factions, she had never shown a hint of fear; how could she be emotionally perturbed by a mere Astral Realm communication?

However, the Astral Realm communication had been switched to a private channel. Fioran and Dyres could no longer view its contents, leaving them to idle speculation.

...

"You... are quite interesting," Isadella nodded after a moment of silence.

Even so, her fingers, tightly gripping the wine glass, betrayed an inner turmoil that her calm facade couldn’t completely hide.

As the Second Princess of the Empire, gifted with extraordinary talent from a young age, Isadella had borne the expectations and scrutiny of countless individuals for as long as she could remember.

Supporters hoped she would become an exemplary Queen, leading the Fresta Empire to greatness once again. Her opponents, meanwhile, relentlessly studied her every word and action, year after year, hoping to find a flaw or vulnerability to deliver a fatal blow to the young candidate for the throne.

Therefore, to meet others’ expectations, Isadella had always held herself to the strictest standards.

While other noble girls gathered to discuss the latest fashion trends and newest romance novels from book clubs, Isadella had to navigate the military, the Jurisdiction Bureau, and the Adventurers Guild. She was undergoing the most rigorous imperial education.

Her constant companions, day and night, were not the teddy bears, flowers, and pretty dresses of other girls her age, but cold military reports and a gleaming practice sword.

She had forsaken leisurely pursuits like admiring flowers or chasing butterflies.

She had forsaken romantic love and whispered sweet nothings.

Furthermore, unlike other girls her age, she had no close confidantes—

Such an upbringing meant Isadella’s romantic experience was virtually nil; any random female student from St. Roland Academy likely had more.

Throughout her life, allies and adversaries alike had treated her merely as a powerful political machine.

And because of this—

To be praised so effusively, not as a candidate for the throne but simply as a young woman, genuinely caught Isadella off guard.

Initially, after witnessing Shiayar’s dream, Isadella had intended to use its contents to seize the initiative in their conversation.

But thinking about it now, that was clearly a mistake.

I’d even lost the initiative.

Facing Shiayar, my usual experience as a superior felt somewhat inadequate.

Isadella reached up to tuck a stray strand of silver hair behind her ear, concealing a fleeting moment of embarrassment.

Then, she deftly steered the conversation away from topics where she lacked experience.

"Shiayar Egutt."

"Have you heard of the Swordbearer?"