The Omega Princess and Her Two Leashes - Chapter 78

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Chapter 78

“I can’t hand your accomplishments over to such a petty man. Absolutely not.”

Dismay flickered across Camin’s face at Enrique’s resolute words. “Your Highness.”

“I’d rather publicly humiliate and punish Crescent through proper channels.”

“Then…”

“Yes. I’ll accept his initial complaint and proceed with the investigation and trial. Since we’re here, I’ll ensure a thorough investigation and a strict trial to prove your innocence.”

Camin spoke urgently at Enrique’s decisive tone. “Your Highness, wasn’t that the very thing you wanted to avoid due to the peace treaty?”

“It can’t be helped. The Crown Prince and the Imperial delegation will have to witness a somewhat unseemly spectacle.” Enrique offered a wry smile. “In any case, I came to tell you that the lawsuit will proceed. It will be an unpleasant ordeal, but perhaps it’s for the best. Your innocence will be clearly established.”

“Your Highness…” Lost in thought for a moment, Camin finally lifted his head. “No, Your Highness. Just let my brother handle the Demonas investigation. Give him my records.”

“Camin, but…!”

As Enrique raised his voice to object, Camin held up a hand to stop him. Enrique belatedly realized they were in the hallway outside the library and lowered his voice.

“Camin, you stubborn man. Are you going to let your brother steal your due again?”

“He’s not stealing it. I never sought accolades. I only wished to serve the kingdom. If my brother continues my investigation and apprehends Diabolus, I should rejoice.”

Enrique shook his head in frustration. “Then it would be better to give it to a complete stranger, anyone but him.”

“Your Highness, I don’t want to disrupt the peace treaty or damage the kingdom’s reputation because of me.”

“There’s no need to worry about that. I’m willing to accept the consequences.”

“With all due respect, I’m not. This involves not only the dignity of the Kingdom of Fleurose but also the honor of the Modreo Dukedom. I can’t allow a public spectacle of a feud between brothers.”

Camin’s piety made him seem more like a clergyman than a knight. Enrique, momentarily speechless, sighed. “Camin, do you truly not understand? Someone like Crescent becoming the next Duke of Modreo is precisely what would ruin the Dukedom’s honor.”

“Your Highness, even so, my brother wouldn’t go that far…”

“Wouldn’t he? It’s plain for all to see. Once he takes credit for your work, he’ll become the next Duke. You must establish yourself first and compete for the succession.”

“Your Highness, you know I have no interest in the title or the power.” Camin stepped back, his voice firm. “I’m content to serve as Her Highness’s knight for the rest of my life.”

“Camin…”

“I apologize, Your Highness.” Camin bowed his head respectfully. Enrique’s expression softened as he shook his head. “No, I’m the one who should apologize. I’m truly ashamed. I couldn’t protect you by barring him from the palace, and now I’ve forced you into this.”

“I’m fine, Your Highness. Your concern is enough.”

“If you truly feel that way, wouldn’t you consider extending that loyalty to me as well as Arlenrose?” Enrique asked jokingly.

Camin replied seriously. “Of course, I’m loyal to Your Highness and the entire kingdom. However, the Crown Prince has many vassals to serve him, while Her Highness does not.”

‘Why would that royal embarrassment need loyal vassals?’ Enrique thought but kept his mouth shut. He couldn’t reveal that his own sister was an embarrassment to the royal family. It seemed he couldn’t push the matter any further.

Feeling even more regretful, Enrique swallowed. Camin Modreo was truly too valuable a person to be left in his current position. He had to find a way to bring him under his wing or make him the next Duke of Modreo.

Resolving this internally, Enrique put on a brave smile. “If that is your wish, Camin, I’ll respect your decision and proceed accordingly.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. I appreciate it.”

“I’ll see you later then. Take care.”

“Yes. Please, be on your way, Your Highness.”

Camin’s eyes followed Enrique as he walked down the hall. Then his gaze shifted to the closed door behind him, before finally settling on some unseen point in the air.