Two-Faced Princess

As Paris’ rival emerged, it would have been impossible to leave Caelion, who not only threatened the Emperor himself but also rose to prominence. However, killing him was not easy either. Caelion had grown in strength and influence over the past five years, accumulating experience and power. Assassinating him was no longer possible through ordinary means. Every time they sent assassins, they returned as corpses, and when they sent poison, he recognized it and did not consume it. Appointed as the prince’s subordinate and sent to war, Caelion surpassed the general and gained popularity among the people. Therefore, the emperor planned to send Caelion to a dangerous place, even at the risk of casualties. Killing him was the most important thing. Once he was dead, the nobles would no longer pose a threat to either himself or Paris, or so he believed.

“Viscount Buiche, as the princess’s guardian, cannot accompany you. However, your abilities are known throughout the empire, capable of rescuing the people from disaster.”

Caelion bit his lip. Lately, he had been tormented whenever he heard Uriel’s name. The image of him kissing Apollonia never left his mind, nor did the sight of her breaking off their engagement on the same day.

“I’m considering reconsidering our marriage.”

He had said that to accommodate him, but his tone was firm, devoid of any trace of lingering attachment. No, she had never loved him, so the word ‘attachment’ was not appropriate. Breaking off the engagement… Did that mean he was no longer useful to Apollonia? Caelion clenched his fist unknowingly, to the point where his blood couldn’t flow properly.

“Your Majesty.”

The Emperor’s voice echoed through the council chamber, and all the nobles’ gazes turned toward him. “What will you do?”

The Emperor pressured him once again. Caelion met his gaze without averting his golden eyes. Caelion’s gaze shifted to Viscount Trion, who nodded as if to say he would help this time. It was an implicit promise to lend strength to Caelion. Apollonia’s face seemed to overlap with his. The influence of the neutral nobles residing in the capital was Apollonia’s greatest concern. If they could be won over…

“I sincerely hope you have thought deeply, sister,” Caelion recalled the last words he left with Apollonia. The request to reconsider their marriage. She wasn’t someone who changed her mind easily. That’s why he had to give her something. Not opals or anything like that, something far more valuable. Caelion took a deep breath and stood up from his seat. His broad shoulders, tall stature, and the energy radiating from his body filled the council chamber. Both the Emperor and the nobles remained silent, waiting for him to speak.

“For the empire, I will exterminate the demons and return.”

“Promise me one thing. Let Her Majesty know before we depart. That person is more cautious than you, so they might try to stop you.”

“Okay.” After a brief silence, she let out a deep sigh and began her explanation. “I don’t know much about magic. All I can share are my observations.”

Caelion raised an eyebrow. He doubted whether Evangeline’s words were true. Seeing her not only capturing demons but also communicating with them and even giving them instructions, it was hard to believe that she didn’t borrow any power from magic. Whether he doubted or not, Evangeline continued speaking.

“If the number suddenly increased, there would be a dormant queen among them for hundreds of years. It’s difficult to discover them, and it’s even harder to deal with them. It’s beyond my comprehension how creatures living in water can reproduce on mountains.”

“Was it said to be similar to crocodiles?” Caelion asked. “Crocodiles are known to resemble them in appearance, but they’re completely different. They’re larger, faster, stronger, and they can move on land in an instant. They also hide their presence when hunting, making them excellent at ambushes. They can withstand hunger even without water and food, so starving them to death is also challenging. And they can regulate their body temperature, so they’re unfazed by heat or cold. That part is like…” Evangeline hesitated, choosing the right expression, her sharp eyes resembling those of a leopard narrowing for a moment and then opening again.

“Like Her Highness, the Princess.” Caelion’s face twisted. Describing the monstrous creatures as resembling Apollonia. However, Evangeline nodded, satisfied with her own expression. “Yeah, poisons don’t work on them either. I tried raising one by capturing it, but it failed.”

Caelion’s expression became even more incredulous. Raising a giant carnivorous monster? Well, she was someone who had tamed and ridden a formidable winged black creature. “How do you capture them?”

“The only thing that somewhat works is the venom of the Lishan lower. It has to be injected with a weapon like an arrow, not just touching the body. It’s not easy because you have to administer a considerable amount of poison into their system. In fact, the most effective method is feeding them a lethal dose of poison, but they are cunning enough to detect food containing poison like ghosts. So, that method is futile.”

“Are there any vulnerabilities where arrows can penetrate?” “Their skin is thick and almost impenetrable. Perhaps the eyeballs? Normally, one shot to the eye would be fatal, but with the queen, it might take around three shots.” Calleon nodded slowly.

It meant he was prepared for that extent.

However, Evangelin’s words were not yet finished.

“Dozens of them form a herd and cooperate as one body. If you shoot one with an arrow, in the next moment, it will be devoured by another.” She shook her body as she spoke, and at her last words, even Calleon furrowed his brow. “The only effective method is to capture the queen. Once the queen is captured, the other creatures in the group can’t move properly since they are somehow connected. Of course, the queen is so powerful that it’s not easy to capture her.” “How do you distinguish the queen? Any distinct sounds or…?” Evangeline shrugged her shoulders and replied. “She’s just the largest and strongest one. She also rules over the others in the group aggressively. When hunting large and dangerous prey, she cautiously withdraws at first, but once the prey is subdued and ready to be eaten, she charges in first. She mercilessly kills any who blocks her path.”

“Does she have any preferred prey?”

“She likes any kind of meat. Including humans.” She said with a shudder. “An immense knowledge you have.”

Caelion sincerely admired her. There would be few people on the entire continent who would have such an interest in giant carnivorous monsters as Evangeline did. Her knowledge of other monsters was the same. Unlike most people who only saw them as absolute enemies or prey, Evangeline regarded them as an interesting subject of study. Her gaze observing them even contained sincere affection.

“Don’t go.” She said again. Caelion lowered his head. “I have to go.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s a difficult task, but if we had to find a suitable candidate, it would be you. But this is reckless. If it’s the Emperor’s trap, there might be hidden dangers that you can’t anticipate.” Caelion was well aware of that fact too. However, he couldn’t withdraw at this point. He had to win, for Apollonia’s sake. “At least give me some time. If you give me a few days, I’ll investigate further. How many of them are there, where is the queen usually located, and how big she is? The more information I have, the better.”

Once again, Evangeline grabbed hold of him. But Caelion shook his head and stood up from his seat. “When I return, I will definitely repay the debt.”

“At least keep the promise. Inquire with Her Majesty before you go.” Evangeline added a word behind him. Caelion turned around to leave but looked back at her. Her leopard-like eyes seemed troubled, as if worried. Such a sight reminded him more of a cat than a fierce beast.

Where is my sister?”

Evangeline closed her mouth with a frustrated expression.

Caelion sighed.

“She’s with Uriel.”

“As her escort, that’s natural. Since you’ll be back soon, then…”

Caelion glanced at Evangeline’s expression and paused for a moment. Then he smiled gently and said.