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(3rd Person POV)
In the territory of Agriches,
All the preparations had been going on for the visit by the crown prince of the Phoenix Family.
All traces of dealing with the underworld were removed, rooms and servants prepared, and every person in the mansion had been informed.
Most had no idea why the crown prince was visiting them but they were extremely excited.
This was the first time a crown prince was going to visit the Agriches. How could a person be not excited about seeing the most famous person in the novel society?
However, there was a person who did not have a bit of a positive opinion of the crown prince coming to their estate.
That person was Lant Agriche.
He was sitting in his office with two of his most capable children, Roxana Agriche and Jeremy Agriche.
He had his hands on his forehead and he was extremely terrified. His complexion was pale and sweat could be seen sliding down his cheek.
It was the first time Roxana and Jeremy were viewing their father having a panic attack.
Jeremy asked in confusion, "Father, can I ask why you are so much panicking? It's just the crown prince visiting. We are the Agriches, a respectable ducal family, we don't get scared."
The last line he said had a tinge of pride in it.
Lant Agriche suddenly grabbed Jeremy's shoulders tightly and nearly shouted at him, "Jeremy! Don't make the mistake of taking Phoenix Family as pushovers!"
"All of them are monsters! And the crown prince? He may be the devil itself."
Roxana's brain started thinking about several possibilities and then she asked a question to get more information out of her father, "But father, didn't you teach us that we, Agriches should always be strong and never give up our pride? And the crown prince might be strong but can he go against all the Agriches alone?"
Lant had a wry smile on his face as he said, "That's the thing, Roxana. I am not sure if all of us together can beat him alone."
Roxana's eyes slightly widened as she became instantly wary of the person who would be visiting them.
If her father is saying that all the Agriches together can't beat him, then this is a big problem. Her plan of getting herself not killed by helping Cassis Pedelian escape is in tatters now.
Her father had encased him in the deepest place of the basement, only accessible by the lord of the Agriche. He won't be coming out until and unless the crown prince leaves.
According to her father, if the crown prince gets even a hint that the prince of the Blue is here, then he might use that chance to obliterate the Agriches.
Completely to the core...
Now, this was not acceptable to Roxana at all, in the process of trying to save her life and then bringing her death day even closer.
No, she liked her life a lot.
She might have to find another way to survive in this hellhole.
Some might not still realise but Roxana was a manipulator at her core. She would grab onto any straw which could help her survive and resist her fate.
She planned to help Cassis Pedelian escape but now she has to find another way to preserve her survival.
Cassis Pedelian now mattered to her as much as a common peasant in the Agriches territory would do to her.
He was now insignificant to her.
Adopting this mindset, she had a crazy glint in her eyes as her lips slightly curled up into a deranged smile.
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In the royal carriage travelling to the Agriches,
Panem asked nervously and had a slightly frightened countenance, "Are we visiting the Agriches?"
Aston while viewing the scenery outside replied without turning his face to Panem, "Yes, are you not fine with going there?"
Panem hurriedly shook his head and said, "N-No. I will follow Your Highness everywhere you want me to go. But... aren't the Agriches really scary and intimidating? I have heard of some rumours that they kill people too."
Aston now faced Panem and replied with a beaming smile, "Yeah, but they are fine people to work with. And they had to kill people because of a rebellion by one of their subordinates."
He said in a calm voice, "Don't be too shy, Panem. You can be more frank with me."
Panem then asked hastily in a slightly high pitch, "Have you heard about Dion Agriche?!".
Sensing his mistake, he rubbed the back of his head and apologized.
Aston replied, "Yes, I have heard about him. He is the eldest son of the Agriches, right?"
"Yes! He is said to be one of the strongest in the generation. He hunted almost 100 beasts alone in the Northern Forest. He is also said to be the person who can surpass the crown pri-"
Realizing his mistake, he again shuts his mouth and apologizes in a remorseful manner.
Aston said with a bemused expression, "It's fine."
Panem then clenched his small fists and said in a cute voice, "But I am sure that your majesty can easily defeat him! After all, you hunted a wyvern! An animal belonging to the dragon species!"
Aston slightly chuckled at his antics and had an entertained expression. His faith in his decision to keep Panem under him for entertainment was right.
Panem again asked another question to satisfy his curiosity, "Have you heard about the Rose of the Agriches?"
Aston said, "Yes, I have heard about her. Isn't her name Roxana Agriche?"
"Yeah! I have heard about her rumours and she is said to be the most beautiful of the generation mainly because she is an untouchable beauty."
"An untouchable beauty?"
"Yes, haven't you heard? She had a lot of suitors but no one managed to win her heart because of her ruthless aura around her. It is said that she mercilessly crushes anyone who tries to propose to her."
"There is a saying in the noble society that the devil itself might be bewitched by her beauty. I want to see how she looks."
Panem chattered a lot during the ride but most things were blurred out for Aston as only a single thought remained in his mind.
'The Devil Itself Might Be Bewitched By Her Beauty?'
Let's see if that holds true or not...
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(End of the Chapter)
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