Chapter 94: Once Again (1)

“Extra! Extra!”

A young paperboy was shouting as he ran through the street, tossing flyers.

“Breaking news!”

Even though he scattered papers at random, the streets of the Imperial City remained clean.

Every passerby who saw them hurried to pick them up and read their contents.

The Imperial Daily’s special edition was brief and direct. Just one illustration and a few phrases:

[The 3rd Prince of rumor, Yuri Briol, reveals the truth about last night.]

[A childhood friendship and a fated encounter that won’t leave anyone indifferent.]

[The impact of drugs that have reached even the Imperial City.]

[The charming smile of the 3rd Prince, who wishes to save those lost in darkness.]

[More details and full story in tomorrow’s edition.]

One of those flyers, floating through the streets, landed right on a young woman’s head.

She caught it and unfolded it.

“Hmm…”

Her delicate brows furrowed.

“What’s he doing here?”

There weren’t many people who could refer to the 3rd Prince of Briol as “he,” and she was one of the few.

Sybilla Arsaint, Princess of the Holy Kingdom and commander of the allied forces, invited to the Empire.

“Ridiculous…”

A flyer that fell from the sky as she was walking, and on it was Yuri’s face. It was laughable.

Especially the composition of the illustration: Yuri was seated at a table, smiling sweetly like a celebrity from the art world giving an interview.

An image that didn’t match Yuri Briol’s true personality in the slightest.

“What the hell is this guy doing?”

Though there were some keywords, a single flyer wasn’t enough to understand the full content. More than informative, it was a promotional teaser for the next day’s issue.

“Haa…”

This wasn’t the time to be distracted. Sybilla shook her head to clear her thoughts and continued walking toward her meeting place.

“Ah, Princess.”

Her contact was waiting at an outdoor table of a tea house.

He was elegantly dressed in the Imperial fashion but was actually a priest. And not just any priest—a high official with influence over all the temples in the Empire.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“How have you been, Vlad?”

“Well, thank you. I’m sorry for summoning you so suddenly.”

“Why did you want to see me?”

“I found myself in a situation where I needed help, and upon hearing that Your Highness was in the Imperial City, I decided to reach out.”

“Weren’t you looking to meet my brother?”

“No, no. Hahaha.”

Although the Holy Kingdom delegation was already in the Imperial City, its official representative was not Sybilla, but her brother Larsson.

When Sybilla was invited by the emperor, Larsson insisted on accompanying her. That’s why the holy knights, including Fenek, were busy attending to him.

He was so demanding that they even had to rent out an entire hotel for him. Vlad took a sip of tea.

“Would you care for something to drink, Princess?”

“No, thank you.”

Sybilla didn’t plan to stay long, so she didn’t order anything.

“Get to the point.”

“You prefer it that way?”

“It’s more comfortable.”

“Understood.”

Vlad clasped his hands and leaned forward.

“To be frank… I’d like your help contacting the 3rd Prince of Briol.”

Sybilla had already guessed as much. When someone without political backing asked her for help, it was usually for an introduction or mediation.

“Sorry, but I don’t think I can help much.”

“But aren’t you two a couple?”

“It’s just a façade.”

Sybilla was direct. Vlad didn’t look surprised; on the contrary, he smiled as if he already knew.

“Even if it’s an act, feelings could develop over time.”

“You’re not surprised?”

“I knew beforehand.”

“How?”

“His Highness Prince Ragnar said it while drinking. It’s already an open secret.”

“Wow…”

Ragnar had tried to arrange a meeting between his niece Yekaterina and Yuri, and Yuri had used Sybilla as an excuse to refuse.

But Ragnar had noticed from the beginning. He even joked about it when Yuri wasn’t around. He probably already had everything planned and was eagerly awaiting the encounter between Yuri and Yekaterina.

Sybilla shrugged.

“Well, I figured as much. And why do you want to meet Yuri?”

“I’m trying to expand my business.”

“What kind of business?”

Though the temple portrayed itself as a charitable organization, in reality, it operated with stricter financial logic than many corporations.

What kind of business relationship could Yuri have with the temple?

“Recently, drugs have begun circulating in the Empire.”

“I’ve heard.”

“But this drug is different from previous ones. It sounds bad to say, but… it’s high-quality. That’s why it’s become popular among the nobility.”

“That means it’s profitable.”

“Exactly. Last night, the 3rd Prince of Briol personally admitted an addict to the temple. That caused a stir across the Imperial City. Thanks to that, our rehabilitation clinic became a hot topic.”

“And you want to ride that wave?”

“Yes.”

Vlad smiled pleasantly.

“I want to work alongside the 3rd Prince to officially promote our addiction rehabilitation clinic.”

“Ah…”

Does living in the Empire make people like this? The idea of using a prince as a marketing tool was surprisingly bold. And for some reason, Sybilla had the feeling Yuri would go along with it.

Thinking of that mischievous face, she let out a chuckle.

“And what do I get out of this?”

“I’ll secure you a position in the Temple Knights.”

Sybilla raised an eyebrow.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“And you think I’d actually join them?”

“What other option do you have?”

In the Holy Kingdom, the main military orders were the Sacred Order and the Temple Order.

The first reported to the royal family; the second, to the temple. Since Larsson was the most likely heir to the throne and was jealous of Sybilla, advancing in the Sacred Order was practically impossible for her.

Vlad knew that and made it clear. He also knew that Sybilla wanted to advance as a knight.

“You could obtain a captain’s rank in the Temple Order. After that, it would depend on your skills.”

Sybilla fell into thought. In reality, it was the most reasonable option. Since the rumor about Yuri had spread, she couldn’t use him as a shield for much longer.

She had to prepare before Larsson, as king, tried to force her into marriage. After considering it, she nodded.

“Alright.”

“Wise decision.”

“But I won’t join the order just yet. Consider that I owe you a favor.”

“Of course, take your time to decide.”

“When do you want to meet with Yuri?”

“Any time is fine, but the sooner, the better. You can tell him it’s about the friend he admitted to the clinic.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Sybilla smiled mischievously.

“Just tell him you want to promote the clinic with me. Let’s see what he says.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

She knew Yuri. He wasn’t someone who cared for appearances or protocol. He was a practical person. All it took was offering him something he considered valuable.

“But I don’t know what he might want. You’ll have to talk to him.”

“Negotiation always adjusts to both parties.”

Sybilla nodded. The meeting had turned out more productive than expected. When Vlad requested the meeting, she had imagined all sorts of scenarios, but it ended up being something simple and beneficial for both.

Sybilla suddenly extended her hand. Vlad blinked, confused.

“What is this…?”

“A handshake.”

She said that… and then felt embarrassed.

That was something Yuri Briol usually did. No matter who he was speaking to, whenever a conversation ended well, he would always offer a handshake.

Had she picked up the habit without realizing? Vlad looked puzzled for a moment, but then smiled and shook her hand.

“Your Highness… you’ve changed.”

“Me?”

“For the better.”

“I don’t know…”

Though they weren’t particularly close, Vlad had been one of the few who truly made an effort when her mother was dying.

Even when Larsson’s maternal family pressured Vlad, he didn’t give in and stayed focused on treating her.

“Thank you.”

“Yes.”

Vlad looked her straight in the eye while shaking her hand, then released it gently.

“I’m excited.”

“Mm?”

“About the 3rd Prince of Briol.”

“He’s a strange guy.”

“This is the first time I’ve seen Your Highness speak about someone so openly.”

***

After finishing the interview with a reporter named Eil, Yuri gathered his companions before leaving the hotel.

“The palace visit will be in a few days, and the tournament will be held afterward. Until then, you’re free to move around.”

“Yes!”

“But…”

Even though there were no official activities scheduled during their stay in the Imperial City and everyone was free to move about, Yuri couldn’t help but worry about the young Simon and Guinness.

“Just in case, I’ll say this—don’t do anything foolish.”

“Foolish?”

Yuri’s gaze fixed on Simon and Guinness.

“Especially you two.”

“Huh?”

“You’ve been walking around lately with that dazed look.”

“I don’t know what you mean…”

“I understand the Imperial City is exciting. I don’t want to interfere too much, but I do want you to remember something.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Love is serious business.”

“Huh?”

“If you start something just for fun, I won’t forgive you. You must uphold the honor of Briol. If you’re going to meet someone, do it with the intent of taking full responsibility.”

Simon and Guinness were left stunned, staring at Yuri.

“…Yes…”

The 3rd Prince was of royal blood and far stronger than any of them.

But he hadn’t even turned twenty. He was younger than they were.

They, who had traveled all over to become knights, likely had more social experience than he did. Yet, in his eyes and voice was an authority that couldn’t be ignored.

A seriousness that seemed like it could fill an entire book on love.

“…Ah, understood.”

“We’ll keep it in mind.”

Both responded while hiding their confusion. Laurent nodded with admiration, and Jose, who stood beside him, burst out in loud laughter.

“The prince thinks of everything, as expected.”

“Wow, Prince Yuri. I didn’t know you were so clear on matters of the heart! Haha!”

By the way, Jose was supposed to accompany them until the people from Brusen arrived, but since their arrival had been delayed, he was still under Yuri and company’s care.

Jared, standing there with a frown, muttered:

“You’re in a fake relationship yourself…”

Most of those close to Yuri already knew that his relationship with Sybilla was a façade.

Yuri looked at him and replied:

“I did that to reject an unwanted engagement.”

“Now that you mention it, Prince… there’s something I’ve always wanted to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“Is there no one you like?”

It was an unexpected question. Everyone else, except Yuri, nodded all at once, looking at him with curiosity. After all, Yuri was probably the most popular young man on the continent.

With his fame from the allied army, there were plenty who admired him. His looks, his strength, his status—his reputation lacked nothing.

And yet, he showed an almost unnatural disinterest in romance.

Even with Sybilla, with whom he had a fake relationship, or beauties like Maryrose who showed interest in him… he always ended up rejecting them.

Yuri sighed as he met everyone’s gaze.

“You’re making me repeat it. I’ve said it before.”

“Huh?”

“I…”

Yuri gently touched the hilt of Guilty, lost in thought. The bitter regrets of his past life had led him to make a decision.

He remembered throwing away his umbrella in an attempt to free himself from sorrow, only to end up with his vision clouded by rain, collapsing to his knees.

Yuri spoke with a melancholic voice.

“I do not love…”