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Chapter 43 - Chapter 42

~Imperial Meeting Room

"We have submitted four consecutive requests to the Uluka tribe, to no avail. They are very reluctant about sending their people to Lithiar's battle camp, despite being the closest to them."

"The Lithiaran soldiers are holding out rather well, however they are bound to run out of weapons and ammunitions soon. I hear the attacks are so severe that it is proving difficult to switch teams." Explained Marquis Valentini.

Uluka. A mysterious tribe in which everyone's names start with the letter 'U.' Aside from their eccentric features, we know very little of them, as they do not mingle well with the rest of the world. Their long white locks that resembled the clouds in the sky, bronze-like skin, and deep blue eyes, are said to be a symbol of purity. Not to mention their superhuman strength that matches their godlike physique. People typically refer to them as the descendants of God's first creation, yet they do not even believe in the existence of a deity.

"Marquis Valentini, how long will it take for our troops to reach Lithiar?" asked the emperor with a heavy sigh.

"Fourteen days at most, your majesty."

"Very well. I am entrusting the preparations to you."

"Um…your majesty. We have another concern." Replied the Marquis nervously.

"Go on."

"With sir Gabril overseeing the new recruits, and vice-captain Nestor on leave, I'm afraid we are short of a commander to lead the troops."

"I'll go." I blurted as I raised my hand.

While I am eager to return to Chilsela, I cannot ignore the importance of the country's safety. Not after hearing of that pathetic crown prince being placed in charge of the whole affair. 

"P-pardon?"

The council members, including the emperor, were gaping in disbelief. They were acting as though I had never stepped on a battleground before. Granted, I have not yet fought high level demons, but that is no reason to underestimate my capabilities?If I am to sit on the throne one day, I must prove to everyone that I can pull my own weight. 

"Very well, son. I concur with your decision. However, you shall depart the day after your sister's wedding ceremony."

"Your majesty!" shouted the council.

"Please reconsider, your majesty!"

"This decision is final, and this meeting has been concluded.You may submit your concerns to my secretary."

+++++

~One week Later. Imperial wedding reception hall.

The bride and groom were seated at the front and center of the banquet hall, as their guests showered them with gifts and joyful congratulations. Emilia's face was brimming with joy as she interacted with Dimitriu. Today, she looked nothing like the petty little princess who wouldn't let anyone other than her brother touch her hair. She is now a full-grown woman, and a wife at that. If only mother were here to witness this. Congratulations, princess.

"My, how time flies." I mumbled under my breath.

Is it me, or is it starting to feel rather warm in here?

+++++

Every dark corner of the garden revealed couples sharing a passionate tryst. The farther I wandered, the more intense things became. What in the world is happening to me? I only had one glass of wine, yet it feels as though I had ten. Is it because of the surrounding activities? My body heat won't stop rising while my lower half kept tingling. I feel lightheaded. As I struggled to loosen my necktie, a couple of footsteps approached from behind me. Judging from how light they were, it must be a young woman.

"Greetings, your highness."

When I turned around, I realized that the voice did not match the face that was standing before me. I was certain I heard lady Florette just now. Why is it Fatima's face that I'm seeing? The longer I stared into her eyes, the worse my symptoms became, as I am now entertaining the thought of pouncing on her like an animal. Something's not right.

"Your highness?" she called as she took a few steps forward.

"Do not come near me!" I yelled in response.

I need to get out of here fast, but I can't find the strength to move. I leaned against the tall bushes while I tried to walk, and with each step I took, the tingling became more intense. I was panting as droplets of sweat ran down my face. At this rate, I might pass out before I even make it out of here.

"Let me help you, your highness. I can make the pain go away for you. I'm here for you."

When she grabbed my arm, I felt weak in all of my limbs except the one between my legs, which seemed to have gotten stronger. Though I have never been in this situation before, I am now realizing the precarious ordeal I found myself in. What are the odds that lady Florette of all people appeared before me just when things started to take a turn for the worse.

"Do not touch me, lady Florette. Leave me! That is a command!" I yelled frustratingly.

"Your highness is unwell. What kind of fiancé would I be if I were to leave you alone in your condition? Please let me help you, your highness."

I'm not sure how or when we got into this position. Lady Florette and I were on the ground with her sitting on top of me. She quickly unbuttoned my shirt and started caressing my bare chest with a lewd expression on her face. My breath became even shorter as I fought the urge to reciprocate her actions. 

"Someone…anyone…help." I mumbled.

"There you are, my prince." exclaimed a familiar voice from behind Lady Florette.

Next to Leo was Vederre, who was snarling angrily at Lady Florette. Thank goodness, it's all over.

~Meanwhile

"My divinity mark has been pulsing for a while now. I wonder what's wrong…"

"Your what?" asked Ivy with a blank stare.

"Huh?! Oh! I-I mean, my arm has been itching. I must have been bitten by a bug on our way back from the waterfall." I replied nervously.

"You're right, it is a bit swollen."

"*gasp* It is?" 

Why is it doing that?

++++++

~The Next Day. Prince Kazein's Palace.

The morning sunlight was peeking in from behind the draped curtains while the birds were chirping in excitement. I opened my eyes to Vederre licking my face, and Rosie pecking my forehead. My body still feels slightly numb, and my head was throbbing.

"Rosie, go and fetch Leo for me." I groaned.

She halted, stretched out her wings and flew off the opened balcony. She took flight from the top of my head, which made a mess of my hair. Strangely enough, she reminds me so much of her.

"I take it you wish to be petted?"

Vederre let out a soft growl as he gently placed his head on my lap.

"You must have been worried."

As I was leisurely caressing his soft black fur, he purred blissfully as if he's been waiting for this moment for quite a while. 

"I am coming in, your highness." Said Leo as he elegantly waltzed in with Rosie perched on his shoulder.

It's amazing how friendly they are to each other now, compared to when they first met. Back then, she could not stand the sight of him despite being named by him.

"Pleasant morning, your highness. How are you feeling? Any lingering symptoms?"

He was pushing a rolling cart filled with delicacies which caused me to hurl because of the uneasiness in my stomach.

"It seems you are still experiencing some discomfort despite having consumed the antidote last night." he spoke with a heavy sigh.

"Could it have been because the thirst was not at all quenched?Your highness did struggle quite a bit before passing out." he pondered.

"What are you babbling on about, Leo?" I asked as I stepped down from the bed.

"Your suspicions were correct, your highness. You were indeed under the influence of a drug last night."