Sword of Salvation-Chapter 98: - A Successful Failure

FOR LINEA MOSKVALLHA, nothing mattered more than money. Money could buy many things, including someone’s life and dignity. Since she realized that her body could be used to earn a large sum of money, Linea no longer cared about the norms.

She sold her first experience to the former prime minister for 70 million escal. Initially, the middle-aged man refused, but his lust immediately overpowered his rationality when she undressed in front of him. The next day, the man went bankrupt. A month later, he committed suicide due to the pressure from his family and debt collectors.

From that moment, Linea’s desire for immense wealth burned even stronger. She approached wealthy nobles and offered herself to them at a high price.

If Linea were not a princess, they would not have been willing to pay such a high price, despite her beauty and alluring body. However, her status as a princess added value to her. Who wouldn’t pay a fortune to fulfill their desires with a princess?

In just three months of selling her body, Linea had already amassed over 500 million escal. She became richer than Viertino and even Viola. Moreover, her name became famous, earning her the title "Queen of the Night".

Besides money and the fleeting pleasure she gained, there was one more thing she obtained from selling her body. Though different from the other two, it held even greater value in a way. Linea realized that controlling men was as easy as flipping her hand. As long as they were satisfied, they would be like puppies that could be easily manipulated.

It was no surprise that history repeatedly showed that men’s greatest weakness was women.

Therefore, when Athenia expressed her opinion before the emperor and others yesterday, Linea had no reason to oppose it. She immediately nodded when the emperor asked if she agreed. She would become the queen of Denland Kingdom and drain the kingdom’s wealth. Denland would slowly crumble and become part of Moskvallha.

After all, Stewart zen Allegria was not an old, fat man who usually rented her body. From what she had heard, the man was even more handsome than Viertino. So, it wouldn’t make her want to vomit if she had to sleep beside Stewart every night. Bearing his child wouldn’t disgust her either.

More importantly, going to Denland Kingdom would give Linea new targets. With the title of queen attached to her, she could raise her price drastically. Especially for the men who hated Stewart. They would surely be willing to pay a high price to touch her.

There was no loss for Linea — she had no reason to reject Athenia’s suggestion. Of course, she knew it was Athenia’s attempt to keep her away from the throne. However, Linea didn’t mind. If she wanted, she could make herself the supreme ruler of Denland.

Therefore, Linea now stood before the palace gate.

Flanked by her two loyal guards, she stood beside Athenia and her escort. They welcomed the arrival of those who had just stepped out of the luxurious carriage. The moment Linea’s eyes caught sight of Stewart, she immediately knew she had made the right decision.

The rumors about the prince were true. Viertino couldn’t compare to Stewart. The same went for Athenia’s guard. He had a better face than Viertino, but compared to Stewart, Mariel Allvar was average. Linea had never seen a man as handsome as Stewart zen Allegria.

If she could have that man, Linea thought about stopping her habit of letting disgusting, depraved men enjoy her body. That was how handsome Stewart was. At least, in Linea’s eyes. After all, when she glanced at Athenia, the girl didn’t seem mesmerized by the prince.

"Prince Stewart zen Allegria and Princess Julia zen Allegria, welcome to Moskvallha Palace. I am Athenia Moskvallha, and this is my sister, Linea Moskvallha. We have been expecting your arrival."

Athenia’s voice snapped Linea out of her daze. She couldn’t let a man’s charm captivate her. Linea was known as the Queen of the Night. She had made many men kneel before her charm. Linea couldn’t allow herself to be in the same position as those disgusting men.

Linea steeled herself and shook the prince’s outstretched hand. "You are just as the rumors say, Prince Stewart. And you are also stunning, Princess Julia."

"Nice to meet you, Princess Linea."

"You are also mesmerizing, Princess Linea."

Athenia immediately led them inside after the brief introduction. No one objected. In no time, they were already in the palace’s main living room.

Linea sat a few inches to Athenia’s left. Stewart sat next to his sister. A glass table with ornate designs separated them. The guards stood behind each of the four individuals. No one else sat with them, except for the lifeless cushions.

"We have discussed the contents of your king’s letter with the emperor," Athenia began. "He has also made his decision. But to avoid misunderstandings, we are tasked with hearing it directly from you. We will discuss the details. After this conversation, we will report to the emperor. Tomorrow morning, the emperor will meet with you to finalize everything. So, please begin, Prince Stewart."

Stewart thanked her for the agreement. "As stated in the letter that preceded us," he continued, "Denland requests that Moskvallha Empire abandon its plans to invade us. We do not wish for war. Denland wants to maintain good relations with Moskvallha. To show Denland’s sincerity, we offer a marriage between the imperial family and the royal family. Denland offers either me or my sister."

Upon hearing those words, Linea instinctively focused her gaze on Julia zen Allegria. The girl did not possess curves as prominent as Linea’s. However, she couldn’t deny that the brown-haired girl was more beautiful than her. If Vincent were here, he would undoubtedly volunteer to marry her.

"How did Denland learn about Moskvallha’s invasion plan?" Athenia asked.

"That is no longer a secret. Most of the empire’s population has known about it for one or two months. It’s no surprise that the information reached us."

"Denland and Great Kingdom of Camelot are allies. Won’t they mind your decision? Moskvallha Empire and the Great Kingdom of Camelot have no relationship. Won’t they act?"

"Denland made this decision because Camelot is in no position to do much. They lost the war and even lost King Arthur IV. Camelot is in a weakened state. They don’t have the time to worry about their allies when Celtekhna could attack at any moment. Denland has no other choice. This is the only way to avoid war."

Linea was somewhat surprised to hear that a kingdom as large and powerful as Camelot had fallen. She had never seriously thought about politics and other nations, so she was unaware of the situation outside Moskvallha. Therefore, what she heard felt shocking. But considering their opponent was also a great and powerful nation, it wasn’t surprising.

Linea brushed the matter aside and refocused on the conversation. Whatever happened in other lands was none of her business. She didn’t want to be bothered by it.

"Moskvallha understands Denland’s situation," Athenia said. "And we, too, are reluctant to wage war. So, when we received the letter from Denland’s king, we fully supported the idea. A marriage between the two kingdoms will guarantee that Denland will never become Moskvallha’s enemy."

Previously, Linea didn’t think highly of Athenia. The girl was just a naïve child with foolish thoughts. However, after what happened to Vincent, she realized that Athenia was more cunning than all her sisters. And remembering how she convinced the emperor, and now hearing the words from her mouth... Linea regretted not taking advantage of the girl earlier.

"Emperor Zalestino agreed to the political marriage," Athenia continued. "The emperor has also chosen who he will offer from his sons and daughters. But, Prince Stewart, we also want to hear your wishes. We want equality in this agreement. If we accept you, who will you choose? If we accept your younger sister, who will you choose?"

"If my younger sister is chosen, we want the Prime Minister."

It wasn’t a surprising response. Among all his brothers, only Viertino had integrity. Among all the emperor’s sons, only the Prime Minister had the qualities of a husband. If Linea had to choose, she would’ve chosen Viertino as well.

"...Are you okay with letting your younger sister be bound to someone she doesn’t know? Do you have no problem forcing your sister to live with a stranger?"

Linea reflexively glanced at Athenia. She didn’t understand what the girl wanted. She shouldn’t have asked that. Linea could see Stewart’s eyes narrow slightly. He was clearly displeased with such a question.

However, before Linea could tell Stewart to ignore the question, a gentle voice came from Julia’s mouth.

"No matter what we personally feel, we have a responsibility to the kingdom. If ignoring our feelings can prevent an unnecessary war, we will do it."

Athenia’s lips curved at that response. "I agree, Princess Julia," she emphasized. "We have no choice but to do what we can for the good of the nation. So, who will you choose if the emperor accepts you, Prince Stewart?"

"I choose you, Princess Athenia."

Something inside Linea stirred upon hearing that answer.

"May I know why?"

"There’s no special reason. When I saw the painting of the princesses of Moskvallha Empire, I knew I would choose you."

Linea felt something crack inside her, and a feeling of annoyance began to bloom.

"I appreciate that you would choose me, and I also thank you for your answer." Athenia smiled softly, but then her expression turned serious. "Emperor Zalestino has decided to accept you, Prince Stewart. Unfortunately, I cannot fulfill your wish. The emperor has decreed that my sister, Linea Moskvallha, will be your partner."

"Can’t I convince Emperor Zalestino to replace your sister with you, Princess A—"

"What do you mean by that, Prince Stewart?" Linea interrupted, her expression filled with displeasure. "Are you implying that I’m not beautiful enough for you?"

Stewart’s gaze immediately shifted to Linea. "That’s not what I meant," he denied. "You are beautiful, Princess Linea. Many men would compete for you. I just—"

"Then why do you object to have me as your partner in marriage?"

"How about this," Athenia intervened before the argument escalated. "How about Prince Stewart spends time exploring the city with Linea? You can judge my sister while enjoying your time together. We’ll meet again here this afternoon. If by then you’re still unwilling, we will discuss it again with the emperor. How does that sound?"

"That’s a brilliant idea, Athenia!" Linea quickly exclaimed. "You don’t mind such a fair idea, do you, Stewart?"

Linea still disliked Athenia. However, just for today, she would like the girl. The idea she proposed was brilliant. By spending time together, she could make the man fall for her. She would make Stewart intoxicated with her charm.

"Alright, I don’t mind. But, will it be just the two of us? I want my younger sister to come along. And I think you should bring your guards as well, Princess Linea."

"I think it’s better if it’s just the two of you," Athenia replied. "Your guards can watch from a distance. And as for Princess Julia, I’ll accompany her. We will also explore the city. What do you think, Princess Julia? Do you mind spending time with me?"

"That’s a great idea, Princess Athenia. I agree. What do you think, Brother Stewart? I think it’s fine. It’s better if you go alone with Princess Linea."

With Julia’s agreement, the deal was sealed.

Linea immediately invited Stewart to leave. Their two guards followed closely behind. Initially, Stewart wanted to leave one of his guards to accompany Julia, but Julia refused; she wanted Stewart to take both guards to ensure nothing bad would happen.

Not long after, Athenia also invited Julia to leave the palace and explore the city. Julia and her entourage had arrived in the city the night before — they had rested enough. So, it was fine to take them around the city. Besides, to fulfill their plan, Athenia needed to take Julia away.

Athenia didn’t understand how Mariel was so confident that Stewart would reject Linea. But that didn’t matter. What mattered now was finding the right moment to separate Julia from her guard. Mariel had a plan to make Stewart change his decision and declare war on Moskvallha.

Athenia wasn’t sure what Mariel would say, but she knew the young man wouldn’t fail — Athenia believed Mariel would succeed.