Chapter 1.2

Chapter 1.2

She had heard he was cruel and ruthless, but it seemed he was somewhat amenable to reason, and a small flush of color rose to her face. Encouraged by his response, Rosette continued.

“I will not ask you to simply stop. You must, of course, receive something in return. We will triple the tribute paid to the Kaysen Empire annually, starting this year. Furthermore, I offer you ownership of five mines, including those of copper, silver, and coal, as well as exclusive rights to the valuable crops found only in the Hersia Kingdom. Please review this list I have prepared, Your Majesty.”

Rosette respectfully placed a bundle of parchment, which she had prepared, on the floor from beneath her cloak. It seemed things were progressing more smoothly than expected.

However, he acted as if he had no interest in the parchment Rosette had laid down. An eternal silence filled the space. Rosette’s optimistic assessment of the negotiation was soon shattered.

His crimson lips, which had been watching her actions intently, slowly parted.

“Why should I?”

“Yes…?”

“Why should I do that?”

His sharp gaze felt like a keen blade piercing her body. She was speechless at his biting question, and her whole body stiffened like a statue, as if caught in a spiderweb, unable to move.

“When I can have it all by taking this land, why should I be satisfied with such paltry offerings? Princess.”

“T-that…”

“If you wished to bargain with me, you should have brought something substantial.”

He lifted the sword he had been cleaning and extended it into the air. Unwiped, partially melted blood dripped from the sword’s tip. Each movement of the blade caught the light, gleaming brightly. A chilling sound, like a wail from hell, echoed in her ears. He swung the sword a few more times before placing it neatly against a wall.

After this series of actions, he rose to his feet. He was a tall man, easily over 190 cm. Theodore slowly walked towards Rosette. His loosely worn robe swayed precariously, threatening to unravel. Even his gait resembled that of a graceful beast about to pounce on its prey, causing her to instinctively shrink back. As the enormous figure slowly approached, Rosette unconsciously retreated.

“Survival of the fittest is the natural order, naive princess.”

“You… you already possess so much. Please consider the glory of Your Majesty that will be passed down to future generations…”

He had finally reached her. He looked down at Rosette, who had averted her gaze in embarrassment, and let out a scoff. The loosely tied belt of his robe came undone, revealing a muscular body covered in various scars. He calmly curled the corners of his lips and spoke.

“A tyrant who personally killed his father and half-brothers with his own hands. A cruel conqueror. A murderer. Some even say I devour living people, but unfortunately, that’s false. My stomach can’t handle it, you see. And… what else was there?”

He seemed unfazed by the fact that his flesh was exposed. The sudden visual shock made Rosette hastily lower her eyes, but unfortunately, they landed on his well-defined abs. The body of a warrior, hardened by war. It looked immense and as solid as rock, almost making her dizzy.

Even though he was merely standing in front of her, the oppressive feeling was like being blocked by an impenetrable wall, making it difficult for Rosette to breathe.

The old scars visible through the open robe shifted and contorted with his movements. As he calmly listed his reputation, he concluded with a resolute statement.

“I don’t think it would make much difference to me if one more title were added to that list.”

All the rumors about him across the continent were terrifying; it wouldn’t matter what new label was attached. His words were not wrong. She had somewhat anticipated that he wouldn’t be easily swayed. But with her family’s and people’s safety at stake, Rosette had nowhere left to retreat.

“If Your Majesty shows mercy, I will pledge my loyalty to you, on my honor.”

“Surely… you’re not proposing something so trivial as to take a princess and ask me to protect her country and family?”

Theodore misinterpreted Rosette’s slight hesitation, letting out another scoff.

“Judging by your expression, it seems I was right.”

She unconsciously glared at his face, which had twisted her intentions, then quickly lowered her eyes again. Her face flushed with shame, but she couldn’t give up now that she had come this far. Her clenched fist, hidden in her sleeve, trembled slightly.

“Your face is certainly presentable, but unfortunately, in the Kaysen Empire, beautiful women are a dime a dozen. It doesn’t seem like a very attractive offer. However, I will commend your courage.”

“Y-yes, of course, Your Majesty, since you possess everything. But what I wish to propose is not that.”

“I wonder. I am at the pinnacle, I need nothing more. Even a princess who comes to me of her own accord can be taken as I please.”