Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Capítulo 1469: Chapter 47: Princes All Have Ambitions

The atmosphere in the garden of Stelter Castle was a bit tense for a moment.

Everyone standing there was waiting for Prince Danboro’s answer… Everyone understood that Finch might indeed have been influenced by the scent of orchids, but the extent of that influence might only lead him to say things openly that he normally would have kept private.

Such as the mage family’s hostility towards the Danboro Royal Family.

But this mutual hostility, which both sides are aware of, must not escalate further… A precarious balance is still a balance.

Therefore, the prince’s attitude toward Finch may not be that important, but it could still weigh like a leaf on the shaking balance beam in the wind.

And at this time, each leaf carries its own weight, and no one wants to be the one to add it.

“Indeed.” Prince Alexis glanced at the slightly nervous Count Stelter and answered solemnly, “Saying too much truth can trouble those who hear it, Mr. Finch.

Sometimes, silence is more pleasing.”

“Ha~” Finch sneered, “It’s okay, at least now, our mage family doesn’t have to worry about the King’s authority.”

His double entendre was understood by everyone.

Countess Stelter abruptly interrupted their probing: “So, why haven’t you gone to catch the spiders yet? Do you really have to wait until all the earth is dug up?”

“That is inevitable, Lady Helena,” Finch calmly replied to her, “No one knows if those spiders will undergo some mutation due to the orchids and soil… especially right after consuming them.

We’re not interested in being poisoned by spiders because of a momentary oversight.

At the very least, we need to study the changes in the silk spiders after they’ve consumed the orchid juice and determine whether part of their venom remains hidden before deciding on the next step.

It’s not a life-and-death matter, is it?”

He glanced at Prince Alexis, still dressed in silk: “You see, most people still think it’s just your bad luck; otherwise, the noble prince wouldn’t still be wearing silk clothes.

Silk is not so easily abandoned, as it’s a main economic resource for many noble territories!”

“That’s… not necessarily true.

Normally, my shirts should be made of silk, but I only wear these cotton-linen shirts during workouts.

I’m still a bit worried, so I’ve already replaced all my close-fitting clothes.” Alexis scratched his head, “There’s something… I’m not sure if you’re aware of it… My father and elder brother, particularly my elder brother, have been inexplicably irritable since twenty years ago.

That was before I was born!

Silk products have always been the favorite of royal family members… but I wonder if there’s an issue.

Although Great Sage Ismael rarely appears anymore, he still conducts inspections of various alchemy arrays in the Royal Palace every few years.

I don’t think that such an obvious issue with silk products would escape his notice.

Hmm… maybe.

The court likes to use perfumes to mask the scents of stimulating or soothing potions, and he might have assumed that it was intentional if he noticed something unusual.

After all, it does help in calming emotions, right?”

Count Stelter gave Prince Alexis a cold look… although not as well-informed as Finch, the speed at which this prince received news was no slower than those powerful entities in Basia City.

These remarks don’t seem like they would come from a prince without ambition, using the Finch family’s hidden rivalry with the Ishmael Household to coax Finch into speaking more plainly, so he can report back to the King, right?

Moreover, although it was Finch’s words that gave Alexis a reason to speak up, he wasn’t supposed to be present in the garden in the first place.

No, from the moment this prince was able to discreetly coax Lind into conversation in the small garden, they should have realized that this guy’s ambition was merely suppressed, not nonexistent.

Lucky for them, Helena’s plan didn’t succeed, and the couple felt relieved as they exchanged a glance… Perhaps it was realizing that she had done something foolish that helped Helena suppress the boiling anger inside, easing her livid expression a bit.

Finch thoughtfully nodded: “If I were in the same situation, I wouldn’t mention such a scent either, since compared to the somewhat chaotic smells on the Stelter family’s side, the Royal Palace undoubtedly carries the overwhelmingly sweet aroma of crystal fruit.”

“Indeed.” Prince Alexis maintained a calm expression, “My father and two brothers have the means to enjoy the Crystal Mystery, and the current Queen is also very fond of the fragrance of crystal fruit, consuming one every seven days… mainly for the lingering aroma it leaves in her chambers. Apparently, the fruits are given to a certain maid to consume just before they spoil.”

“Ah… so was Lady Helena’s suspicion correct?” Finch sympathetically glanced at Countess Stelter, “It turns out, it was indeed settled at hand!

Why didn’t the Stelter family take a fancy to them?

In the Royal Capital, everyone can see why you’d rather marry a notorious female brute rather than the Finch family’s charming and graceful young lady!”

Count Stelter raised an eyebrow: “Although I don’t know what you’re trying to provoke, rest assured, Helena would never doubt my love and loyalty to her.

Stop loitering around the flower pond, you’ve spoken more today than you have in the past year.

Why not wear a mask like them?”

Covering the nose might also keep that mouth shut.

Yet Prince Alexis clearly understood that Finch’s remarks referred to him.

Twenty years ago, it was exactly the day he was born.

What Countess Stelter experienced back then might very well have been endured by his mother too, leading to her being frail ever since giving birth to him, and passing away after only five years.

Isn’t that quite normal?

Could one truly believe the King of Danboro has the attribute of causing his wives’ demise, each Queen serving shorter than the last?

It’s evident from the age gap between their siblings… the youngest two brothers were born only two years apart.

Yet he and his two elder brothers have an age gap of ten years.

But his father genuinely cares about nothing.

His maternal family is the weakest, but this isn’t a choice made by his father due to the terrible relations where the elder princes nearly kill each other.

Rather, his mother wasn’t particularly beautiful, but possessed a voice like a Bai Ling Bird’s golden voice, speaking as if singing.

Perfectly able to soothe his father’s tantrum, agitated by the chaotic state of the Royal Palace.

However, the King who loves beauty suddenly choosing a delicate beauty arouses suspicion… suspicion of encountering true love.

Naturally, someone would authenticate its reality.

Though later it was discovered that the King wasn’t truly sincere, the deceased Queens were all discarded like trash, delighted to remarry… after hearing enough voices, he wished for a pretty face to accompany him.

Yet, once the Pandora’s box was opened it could never be closed again.

The position of the Queen of Danboro became a high-risk role… no matter the caution, one never knew when they might die.

Especially later, when the number of people joining the ‘Send the Queen to her predecessor’ small faction increased, it became futile even for the King himself to intervene for protection.

Fortunately, Great Sage Ismael’s blood protection array was powerful enough, allowing these princes and princesses to survive.

Prince Alexis’s eyes silently flashed with a hint of bewilderment, then he shook it off immediately.

With a beaming smile, he looked at Count Stelter: “Count, when do you plan to approach Great Sage Belfran for exchanging Crystal Fruit?

If possible, can you exchange a bit more?

I will pay… Of course, I wish to purchase a box capable of storing Crystal Fruit for a long time.”

Prince Alexis smiled sincerely… but everyone understood that since the exposure of this matter, Silk Spider and Crystal Fruit could only exist one within Danboro.

“A few fruits would be useless,” Finch was somewhat baffled.

“Ah, having this matter is a deterrent,” Alexis laughed, “After all, no one dares to be certain if I might secretly buy again in the future.”

He spoke earnestly: “I certainly wouldn’t engage in such wicked acts, but, one cannot lack a means of counteraction.”

The few eavesdroppers simultaneously rolled their eyes… oh~ the prince’s mouth!

Count Stelter shook his head: “When Ellie goes for the exchange, ask Belfran the Great Sage about his willingness.

Write out your own offer yourself.

But you must understand that money is the most useless thing.

Great Sage Belfran won’t be interested.”

“Hm?” Finch expressed curiosity with a question mark, “Why have you suddenly become so generous today?

Can I also go for an exchange?”

Count Stelter glanced at Finch: “Great Sage Belfran has never only contacted our family.

You think I’m unaware that the gifts you sent were also accepted?

Doesn’t that mean your visits can reach the eyes of Great Sage Belfran?

I wouldn’t be foolish enough to think I can control the Great Sage’s social circle.”

“Ah…” Finch looked at Count Stelter with suspicion, “Though unclear on what you’re planning, but that person isn’t easily manipulated, you better not do anything.

I know you excel at commanding the army, but…”

“Though angry, I have still maintained reason.” Count Stelter interrupted him, “Otherwise I would have rushed to the Scarret ship at the port!”

The Count who has always been proficient at controlling his emotions, if not for this remark, no one thought he was so displeased with the Royal Family.

Prince Alexis instead felt relieved… Count Stelter’s response now was normal.

Otherwise, he truly worried whether the Stelter Family would wish to completely separate from the Royal Family faction.

After all, no knight no matter how loyal could endure fighting for the country while his master’s child wishes to ruin his home, scatter his family.