The Eldest Daughter Walks Down The Flower Path - Chapter 195

※ Regarding the length of the chapters, you may refer to the translator's note at chapter 1.

Chapter 195

Translator: Yonnee

—

Marcel reached out towards the sack.

“Your Excellency, I will take care of these. I’ll simply set them ablaze!”

At that moment, Yves Russell’s long legs swiftly blocked his hand.

“…No.”

“Yes?”

“While it’s foolish to be swayed by sheep, sometimes we must look back and take care of even the foolish ones. Isn’t that a virtue of a leader?”

Yves Russell lifted the hefty sack and slammed it onto the desk.

“It seems that the Third Prince wants to expand his interactions with the southern nobility extensively! Can we, as his loyal subjects, simply stand idly by?”

Yves Russell revealed this with a sly smile.

* * *

The recent stay of the Third Prince of the Cardia Empire, Olivier Arpend, in Loire had created significant waves in the previously calm southern noble society, much like tossing a stone into a tranquil lake.

Unlike before, the third prince was staying in Loire for quite an extended period.

During that time, grand and small gatherings were held almost daily at the marquis’s estate, and the third prince made appearances at all of them, meeting the southern aristocrats.

The rugged southern nobles, while initially reserved, were rapidly enchanted by the third prince, who was both cold yet exuded such grace and nobility.

His aristocratic elegance and graceful social skills, combined with his ethereal beauty, played a significant role.

His hair, shining like pure silver, seemed like a divine sign from God. Even when he didn’t wear a crown, his features alone served as a proclamation of his extraordinary existence to the world.

His refined facial features, well-defined and high nose, and deep red lips that remained unchanged throughout the seasons, made those who gazed upon him take deep breaths to hide their inner fascination.

Even those who managed to control their breath and suppress coughs when in his presence found themselves blushing and sighing when their eyes met his.

The pupils in his profound eyes, tucked within his lovely features, were like amethysts set in a beautifully crafted bezel, as if a master had painstakingly carved them.

In the face of such surreal beauty, people once again realized that the royal bloodline was chosen by the gods, and they reaffirmed their loyalty to the imperial family and the empire.

Meanwhile, some of the high-ranking southern nobles had such comments when they looked at Olivier.

“Your Highness bears a striking resemblance to our late Empress.”

Most of those who made these comments were quite elderly, and they had been active in the social circles during the zenith of the current emperor’s reign.

The empress they were referring to was none other than the late Ziartine Pelletier.

Olivier’s beautiful appearance was an uncanny reflection of Ziartine, who had once been called the most precious gem in the Empire.

As these nobles, now in the twilight of their lives, gazed upon Olivier, they reminisced about their golden days.

“In those times, the tales of His Majesty the previous Emperor and the Crown Prince’s feats of valor resonated even in the southern regions.”

“Every knight spared no effort in battle to elevate their family’s name.”

“There were more heroes than stars in the sky!”

“When Cardia’s flag was seen, it sent shivers down the spines of people across the entire continent.”

The stories they drunkenly recounted about the past were so heavily embellished that it was almost comical.

However, Olivier didn’t point out the exaggerations deliberately. Instead, he spoke with an elegant voice.

“After the glorious war that followed, the North has achieved remarkable progress. However, it is true that the South experienced some isolation during that process. Despite their contributions to the Empire’s prosperity over hundreds of years, the loyalty of the southern nobility remains unshaken.”

Olivier continued, gazing out with his jewel-like violet eyes.

“Although the dark forest may divide the North and the South, the devotion of the southern nobility is the foundation of this Empire’s enduring prosperity. The Imperial Family and the northern nobles will never forget this fact.”

* * *

On the last day of the third prince’s stay in Loire, a small banquet was held, attended only by the high-ranking nobles of the South.

After dinner, led by Marquis Russell, the noble gentlemen moved to the men’s lounge to continue their conversations.

However, Olivier did not join the group.

“I shall take my leave now.”

The nobles expressed their regret and tried to keep him there.

“Your Highness, the night is still young.”

With a gentle gesture, Olivier brushed them off and rose from his seat.

He looked at Yves Russell, who had been sitting beside him, and spoke in a mild tone.

“Marquis Russell, I am grateful for your hospitality thus far.”

A faint smile appeared on Olivier’s lips.

“And I look forward to your continued kindness.”