Chapter: 31. Minor Issues!
The situation within the royal family certainly shouldn’t be discussed casually.
But one should know that as the “Sword of the Nation,” many matters concerning the royal authority shouldn’t be concealed from Lord Xialet.
Not to mention that Livra thinks this matter…
Very likely needs the Hero’s intervention to resolve.
Livra’s intuition told her that both Lord Xialet and Miss Shaya are trustworthy.
“The one who has been worrying Father King these days is that annoying Prime Minister… he has repeatedly gone to the palace to advise Father King.”
“Philex?”
Upon hearing this name, Xiya instinctively frowned in disgust.
This so-called Prime Minister of the kingdom is merely a puppet in the game between the Church State and the kingdom; anything involving him is bound to be troublesome.
Sure enough, Livra’s subsequent narration confirmed Xiya’s suspicions.
“Yes, it is this Philex. Until yesterday, I didn’t know what he had been telling Father King recently that left him sighing with worry all the time. It was only yesterday that I quietly snuck into the palace’s council chamber and overheard Philex advising Father King about Xue Fei Ya Halder.”
You can actually sneak into the palace’s council chamber?!
This is a bit impolite to say; sometimes Xiya truly feels that the princess is like a curious hamster, hopping around and exploring the world.
Xue Fei Ya had already ordered a new drink.
That towering three-layer snow top was a generous tribute to Livra’s invitation.
Xiya wasn’t in the mood for drinks now; she nodded for Princess Livra to continue.
At this point, Livra lowered her voice and quietly informed Xiya of what she had heard.
“I heard… the request made by Philex on behalf of the Church State is that the kingdom should transfer Xue Fei Ya Halder to the Church for imprisonment, rather than letting Lord Xialet handle it alone.”
“What’s the reason…?”
A mysterious chill flickered in Xiya’s eyes, not making Livra uncomfortable.
Because, in matters of national righteousness, as a princess, she must stand forth.
“Their reasoning is that the Church State’s foundation is stronger than that of the kingdom, making them more reliable for holding the Demon Princess. I remember Philex saying at the time, ‘Among the two human countries, there are a total of five Tenth-Phase Experts; the Church claims three seats, and the kingdom only two. The Pope has already informed these three Tenth-Phase Experts of the Church, and they will collaborate to construct a demon-sealing formation. If this formation can be realized, it will be much more secure than having the Hero hold her alone.'”
“His Majesty is impossible to agree to that.” Xiya Lait could assert this.
“Yes, Father King has always refused because wherever the Demon Princess is, that country will be spared from the Demon Race’s attacks. The Church now even covets the fleeting peace that the kingdom’s soldiers have purchased with their blood… Of course, Father King wouldn’t agree, but…”
“Philex has threatened again, hasn’t he?”
“Exactly…” Livra’s emerald eyes held some sympathy for her father’s predicament. “The Church means… if we don’t hand over the Demon Princess, we are ignoring the overall safety of the human race. They will achieve their goals by violent means if necessary. Father King… truly exhausted and finds it hard to make a decision.”
“Taking advantage of the fire… Haha, truly the Church’s style.”
These two princesses and the Hero were discussing state affairs while Miss Shaya was listening nearby~
To be honest, Xue Fei Ya couldn’t commend the actions of the Corea Church State at all.
The kingdom had exhausted its resources and was battered and bruised, barely managing to secure a “ceasefire” with the Demon Race.
And at this time, the Corea Church State suddenly jumped out and said: hand over the “ceasefire”, or even if the Demon Race doesn’t attack you, I will!
Haha… taking advantage of your illness to demand your life?
This Church State certainly has the timing and the leverage.
Xue Fei Ya tilted her head back and finished her snowy drink in one gulp, bouncing off the chair with youthful energy, stretching like a little lazy cat.
Unlike the tense atmosphere, she cheerfully waved to the beautiful yet troubled Xiya.
“Sister Xiya, shall we go home?”
“Sister…!”
Worries vanished instantly at the sound of this sweet address, leaving no trace!
Livra also stood up, surprised at the key point she had just caught in their conversation.
“Eh? Go home? Miss Shaya is living with Lord Xialet now?!”
“Yes.” Miss Shaya responded honestly, “I don’t have any money, so I can only live off others, and Sister Xiya’s home is very large, so I can stay, heh, to be honest, I even contributed a bit to sealing that big demon Xue Fei Ya!”
This wasn’t a lie; without me, Xue Fei Ya herself, how could she be sealed?
So if it’s about credit, I must be the one with top merit!
“Ah… how enviable! A Sixth Phase Mage living with a Tenth Phase Warrior! Isn’t that a chance to learn from each other and grow stronger together? And you can seal the strongest Witch together… so impressive!”
“……”
Xiya chose not to comment on the princess’s words.
If you think the benefits of living with Xue Fei are merely about growing stronger.
Then I can only say you’re too small-minded and not worth fearing.
“May I occasionally come to ask you both about magic?”
““No.””
“That’s discouraging…!”
The simultaneous rejection left Livra, who had just become friends with Shaya, feeling quite disappointed!
Out of politeness, Xiya added a remark.
“My family does have the Demon Princess sealed underground; it’s better for you not to approach unless there’s a special circumstance, Your Highness.”
“Well… that’s true, I need to strengthen myself first.”
Livra understood; everything must be done step by step, and one cannot rush to become strong.
She looked at Miss Shaya, who was now at the shop counter, standing on tiptoe to greet the shopkeeper and asking for several more cups of drinks to take away…
The adorable princess couldn’t help but poke out her little tongue and lick her cherry lips.
But Shaya…
I won’t let you slip away, okay?
— If there’s a chance, please allow me to experience your marvelous magic once again!
………………………………
Xue Fei Ya held the heavy packaged drinks with both hands, swinging her arms high on the way home, feeling quite jubilant!
It’s not every day a princess treats; if I don’t pack a few more cups to take home and continue drinking, it wouldn’t show our enthusiasm for being treated!
It was dusk now.
Walking towards the carriage along the road, the edge of the afternoon small town glimmered with a picturesque serenity.
“Heehee, Xiya, do you know? We made a fortune today!”
“Fortune…? Oh, I understand, you received a hundred gold coins from that noblewoman, right?”
“And a silver coin! Not just that, look at my two hands, so heavy, a big harvest!”
“Mm, the King dotes on Her Highness the Third Princess the most, so she must have quite a bit of pocket money; it’s not unreasonable to drink a few cups from her.”
“Ah! Xiya, you’re getting more perceptive!”
The wheat fields on either side of the stone path stretched long in the slanting sunlight, dragging the shadows of the two stunning girls.
Xiya fondly watched Xue Fei humming a cheerful harvest tune.
She was also very happy…
But this couldn’t completely mask the worries in her heart.
Just before parting, Princess Livra had again mentioned the matter regarding the Prime Minister’s advice with a pleading tone.
Xiya wasn’t so naive; she could certainly tell that Livra was worried about the King, hoping that she as the Hero could step in to help the kingdom out of danger.
In fact, she didn’t even need to hint like that…
Since it concerns Xue Fei.
Xiya couldn’t afford to show the slightest relaxation.
Her brows gradually knitted tighter, various thoughts and plans intertwining in her mind.
Suddenly…
“Sister Xiya~”
“Mm?!”
“Poof… I just wanted to try calling you, no other choice, the setting of ‘Shaya’ is like this—I’m the pitiful child you picked up home, only sixteen, of course, I should call you sister, don’t you like it?”
“Of course I don’t mind…! Uh… I understand, Xue Fei, you’re trying to make me happy, aren’t you?”
Xue Fei Ya smiled without a word.
She walked backward, hiding her little hands behind her and smiling mischievously, refusing to speak.
Can you blame me for teasing you?
Who told you to come home with a frown, completely lacking the awareness of your harvest?
Xiya’s pace slowed.
Xue Fei Ya matched her slowed step.
Soon, the two walked shoulder to shoulder.
Well… actually, there wasn’t much shoulder to shoulder; Xue Fei’s shoulders barely brushed against Xiya’s arm.
The action was subtle and clumsy.
Xiya carefully picked up a strand of the black hair transformed from Xue Fei’s silver hair, letting the strands glide through her fingers in the sunlight.
“Don’t worry, Xue Fei… I will find a way and won’t let the Church State disturb your life. Today was very happy, right?”
“Mm…! I bought a lot of things! The key is that we made a fortune!”
“Such a little money lover… Feel happy and come out to play often. Alright, let’s go home. It’s time to throw those rare ingredients into the pot, right?”
“Yay!! There’s still a big fish to cook! Ah… but, Xiya, I forgot to tell you something.”
“Mm?”
The carriage was just ahead.
Xiya stopped, tilting her head in confusion at Xue Fei, unsure of what she wanted to say.
Xue Fei displayed a wicked smile, purposely holding off for a long time before continuing.
“I actually just thought of how to solve this issue!”
“This issue… which issue?”
“Of course, the Church asking the kingdom for people! Isn’t this what you were worried about? It’s not a big deal~”
“!”
So quickly… you thought of a solution to the fundamental contradiction between the two countries?!
As for the specific method, Xue Fei didn’t immediately explain it to Xiya.
Because the wind blew through the wheat waves, and the mountains were high and waters long; it wasn’t suitable to discuss such troublesome matters.
Xue Fei squinted her eyes, feeling the gentle breeze ahead, her long hair flowing like ink, melodious and distant.
Xue Fei… came to the kingdom not just for her sister’s protection.
The phrase “living off others” was for outsiders to hear.
In reality, “under the fence” was family, watching out for each other.
“Hee, in any case, tomorrow we’ll go to the palace, and I’ll settle that stupid Prime Minister!”
“You want to enter the palace, Xue Fei?!”
“It’s not that I want to go; it’s that Shaya wants to go.”
“Isn’t that the same thing…”
After a moment of deep thought.
Xiya couldn’t help but smile faintly with a sigh.
“Alright, alright, I understand; anyway, you say you want to go where, and I’ve never been able to stop you.”
“Hee, Xiya understands me~”
Moreover, there was no need to stop her.
Since Xue Fei said so.
Then wherever it is, her sister is willing to accompany her.
