“Extra! Extra!”
A boy selling newspapers darted through the streets, tossing out flyers.
“Extra edition!”
He scattered the papers to anyone within reach, but the streets of Hwangseong never got littered. Passersby eagerly snatched up the sheets to read the news.
The daily extras in Hwangseong were always brief and to the point—just a single image and a few lines.
“The Third Prince of Briole, Yuri Briole, reveals the truth behind last night.”
“A childhood friendship filled with tears and a fate that diverged.”
“The devastating effects of drugs spreading even into Hwangseong.”
“The Third Prince’s charming smile as he vows to save those lost in darkness.”
“For full details and the complete interview, see tomorrow’s issue!”
The flyer fluttered about until it landed atop the head of a woman walking through the city.
She snatched it up and unfolded it.
“Hmm…”
Her delicate brows furrowed.
“Why is he here?”
Not many people would refer to the Third Prince of Briole as “he” so casually. She was one of the few who could.
Sybilla Arsaint, princess of the Holy Kingdom and commander of the Allied Forces, invited to the Empire.
“This is ridiculous…”
She had been walking when the flyer suddenly landed on her head. Seeing Yuri’s face on it made her chuckle bitterly.
Especially the picture—it was a sight to behold.
Yuri sat at a table, smiling gently as if he were some celebrated artist giving an interview.
It was a far cry from the real Yuri Briole’s usual demeanor.
“What on earth is he up to?”
Though there were a few keywords, the flyer alone didn’t reveal much.
It was more of an advertisement to promote tomorrow’s newspaper than a factual report.
Sigh.
This wasn’t the time to get distracted. Sybilla shook her head to clear her thoughts and headed toward her appointment.
“Ah, Your Highness.”
Waiting for her outside the teahouse was a man dressed stylishly in the Empire’s latest fashion. Yet, he was a priest—a high-ranking official wielding influence over the entire temple network in the Empire.
“Long time no see.”
“How have you been, Vlad?”
“Very well. I apologize for the sudden summons.”
“What’s this about?”
“I’m in need of assistance, and since I heard you were coming, I thought to reach out.”
“Not your brother?”
“No, no. Ha ha ha.”
The Holy Kingdom’s delegation was currently in Hwangseong, led not by Sybilla but by her older brother, Larson.
When Sybilla was invited by the Emperor to the Empire, Larson insisted on accompanying her. As a result, the paladin order, including Fennec, was busy attending to him. He was so demanding they had to rent out an entire hotel.
Vlad took a sip of tea.
“Your Highness, would you like some tea—?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Sybilla wasn’t planning to stay long, so she didn’t bother ordering a drink.
“Let’s get to the point.”
“Shall we?”
“That’s easier.”
Vlad clasped his hands together and leaned forward.
“To be frank, I hope you can help bring me together with the Third Prince of Briole.”
Sybilla had expected this kind of request. For a princess without any background, the help she could get was usually limited to introductions.
“Sorry, but I probably won’t be much help.”
“You’re lovers, aren’t you?”
“It’s just a front.”
Sybilla spoke honestly. Vlad didn’t seem surprised—in fact, he smiled knowingly.
“Even if it’s an act, don’t you think feelings might develop over time?”
“You’re not surprised?”
“I already knew.”
“How?”
“Prince Ragna got drunk and let it slip. Everyone who needs to know already does.”
“I see.”
Ragna had tried to arrange a meeting between his niece, Yekaterina, and Yuri, but Yuri used Sybilla as an excuse to refuse.
But Ragna had seen through Yuri’s excuse from the start.
When Yuri wasn’t around, he even joked with Sybilla as if he knew everything.
Most likely, Ragna had prepared everything and was eagerly awaiting the meeting between Yuri and Yekaterina.
Sybilla shrugged.
“Well, I figured as much. But why does Yuri want to meet?”
“He wants to expand his business.”
“What kind of business?”
The temple operated under the guise of charity, but in reality, it was driven by financial interests more than any other organization.
What kind of business could there be between the temple and Yuri?
“Recently, drugs have been circulating in the Empire.”
“I’ve heard.”
“These aren’t the usual drugs. It’s uncomfortable to say, but the quality is high. That’s why they’re actually popular among the nobility.”
“So it’s profitable.”
“Yes. And last night, the Third Prince personally admitted an addict into the temple. That caused quite a stir in Hwangseong. Thanks to that, the temple’s rehabilitation clinic has become a hot topic.”
“You want to capitalize on this momentum?”
“Yes.”
Vlad smiled gently.
“We want to partner with the Third Prince to promote the drug rehabilitation clinic in earnest.”
“Ah…”
Is this what life in the Empire was like? The idea of using a prince as a promotional tool was bold, to say the least.
Yet, for some reason, Sybilla had a strange feeling Yuri would accept the offer.
Thinking of his mischievous face, she couldn’t help but smile.
“What’s in it for me?”
“I can recommend you a position in the temple’s knight order.”
Sybilla raised an eyebrow at Vlad’s offer.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“You think I’d join the temple knights?”
“Do you have any other options?”
The Holy Kingdom’s knight forces were divided mainly into the paladin order and the temple knight order.
The paladins were loyal to the royal family, while the temple knights protected the temple.
With Larson’s strong claim to the throne and his jealousy of Sybilla, it was nearly impossible for her to rise within the paladin order.
Vlad pointed this out.
He knew Sybilla wanted to succeed as a knight.
“You could secure a commander position under the temple knights. After that, it depends on your abilities.”
Sybilla pondered.
On reflection, it was the best option. With rumors already spreading, there was a limit to how long she could use Yuri as a shield.
She needed a plan before Larson, now king, forced her into marriage.
After some thought, Sybilla nodded.
“Alright.”
“Good decision.”
“But I’ll hold off on joining the temple knights for now. For now, I’ll just owe you a favor.”
“Of course. Take your time.”
“When do you want to meet Yuri?”
“Anytime is fine, but the sooner the better. Just tell the Third Prince it’s about the friend admitted to the clinic.”
“No need for that.”
Sybilla chuckled.
“Just ask him if he wants to help advertise the clinic with you.”
“Is that alright?”
“Sure.”
The Yuri she knew didn’t care about appearances or formalities. He was practical above all else.
All she had to do was prepare a fair deal to make the arrangement work.
“But I don’t know what he’ll want. You’ll have to talk to him.”
“Negotiations are about give and take.”
Sybilla nodded. The meeting had been more satisfying than she expected.
Vlad, a high-ranking temple official, had suddenly requested the meeting, and she had braced for the worst. Instead, it was a comfortable conversation that led to a mutually beneficial agreement.
Sybilla suddenly extended her hand. Vlad tilted his head in surprise.
“This is—”
“A handshake.”
She said, then immediately felt embarrassed.
This was something Yuri Briole always did—no matter who he was talking to, he would offer a handshake when the discussion ended well.
Had she unconsciously picked up the habit?
Vlad hesitated briefly, then smiled and took her hand.
“Your Highness, you’ve changed.”
“Me?”
“For the better.”
“Well…”
Though not personally close to Vlad, she knew he had done his best when her mother was suffering from illness.
Despite pressure from Larson’s maternal family, Vlad had remained focused on treatment.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Vlad held her hand a moment longer, then slowly released it.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Hm?”
“The Third Prince of Briole.”
“He’s a strange one.”
“You’re the first person I’ve heard speak so casually about him.”
After finishing an interview with a reporter named Ale, Yuri gathered his group before leaving the hotel.
“We’re heading to the palace in a few days, and the tournament is after that. Until then, you’re free to do as you please.”
“Yes!”
“However…”
While in Hwangseong, they were allowed to roam freely when there were no official duties.
But Yuri felt uneasy about young Simon and Guiness.
“Just a heads-up—don’t get into any trouble.”
“Trouble?”
Yuri’s gaze fixed on Simon and Guiness.
“Especially you two.”
“Huh?”
“You’ve been acting distracted on the streets lately.”
“What do you mean?”
“I get that you’re excited to be in Hwangseong, but this isn’t something I can force. Still, I want you to remember one thing.”
“What is it?”
“Love is something you do sincerely.”
“Huh?”
“If you’re just going to mess around and date anyone, I won’t let it slide. Protect the honor of Briole. When you meet someone, be prepared to take full responsibility.”
Simon and Guiness stared blankly at Yuri for a moment.
“Yes…”
The Third Prince was royalty and a monster far beyond them in strength.
But he wasn’t even of age yet.
He was younger than them.
Compared to the third prince, who had grown up solely within the palace walls, these knights had rolled around in the world, gaining far more experience through their travels and trials.
Yet, strangely, there was an undeniable dignity in his expression and voice—an aura that couldn’t be dismissed lightly.
His eyes held a wistful melancholy, as if he could write an entire book about love.
“Ah, understood.”
“We’ll keep that in mind.”
Both answered, trying to hide their surprise.
Laurent nodded in admiration, while Jose, standing beside him, burst out laughing heartily.
“As expected, Your Highness, you have a deep mind.”
“Wow, Prince Yuri. I never thought you’d be so well-versed in matters of the heart. Ha ha ha!”
For the record, Jose had agreed to stay with Bursen’s group until they reached the capital, but since Bursen’s arrival was delayed, he had been relying on them for quite some time.
Jared, who had been standing sullenly, finally spoke up.
“All the while, you’re the one faking a relationship…”
Most of their close circle already knew that Yuri and Sibylla’s relationship was just a façade.
Yuri looked at Jared and said, “I did it to avoid unwanted encounters.”
“That reminds me, Your Highness, I’ve been curious about something for a while.”
“What is it?”
“Do you have someone you like?”
It was an unexpected question.
Everyone except Yuri nodded knowingly, their eyes fixed on him.
If anything, Yuri was currently one of the most popular young men on the continent.
His exploits with the allied forces had become widely known, and countless admirers had sprung up. Appearance, skill, status, reputation—he lacked nothing.
Yet, strangely enough, Yuri showed no interest in the opposite sex.
Not even Sibylla, whose relationship with him was a sham, nor beautiful women like Marie Rose who openly expressed their feelings—he had even turned them down.
Meeting everyone’s gaze, Yuri sighed deeply.
“You all make me say it twice. I’ve told you before.”
“Pardon?”
“I…”
He paused, fingers absently tracing the handle of his sword, lost in thought.
A painful regret from his past life had led him to a firm decision.
Recalling the days when he had thrown away his umbrella to let the rain wash over him, blurring his vision and forcing him to collapse, Yuri spoke in a soft, distant voice.
“I don’t love anyone…”