This Bastard is Too Competent Chapter 132 - Won’t Let It Slip Away

 

The sudden appearance of Lady Fionia left Ian genuinely perplexed.

 

‘Why is she here?’

 

The royal palace where he resided strictly prohibited outsiders from entering. 

This was a measure taken by King Eloin for Ian’s safety.

 

‘How did she manage to pass through when the knights wouldn’t even let the First Princess through?’

 

It was then.

 

“Lady Fionia, you may not enter!”

 

The Blood Lion Knights hurriedly ran behind her.

Ian smiled wryly.

 

‘I thought she got permission.’

 

It seemed she hadn’t received permission to enter after all.

 

“Stop right there!”

 

The Blood Lion Knights soon blocked her path.

 

“His Majesty has ordered not to let anyone in.”

 

Despite the knight’s stern expression, Lady Fionia remained unfazed. 

Instead, she glanced past the knight to where Ian was.

 

“I’m glad to see you unharmed.”

 

“!”

 

Everyone, including Ian, flinched at Fionia’s words.

In particular, Duke Lavaltor, who was unable to tell his only daughter whether her would-be fiancé was alive or not, was visibly shaken.

 

‘This girl. No wonder the way she looked at the Seventh Prince in Labadom was unusual.’

 

The duke looked as if he had no idea she would come this far.

But that wasn’t what mattered now.

Even though she was Duke Lavaltor’s daughter, disobeying the king’s order to come here was a sin.

As the duke was wondering what to do.

 

“It’s alright. Return to your post.”

 

Everyone’s eyes turned to Ian at his words.

The knight then spoke up, confusion apparent on his face.

 

“Your Highness Prince Ian, His Majesty has ordered that nobody should…”

 

“She is not just anybody. She may become my betrothed.”

 

“!”

 

The knight was momentarily stunned. 

Unlike when it was with the First Princess, it was ambiguous whether they could stop her as she was here because her betrothed was injured.

 

“Surely His Majesty didn’t order you to chase away my pitiful betrothed, did he?”

 

“Uhh…”

 

It was the knight who let Lady Fionia pass in the first place.

Sensing the meaning behind Ian’s gaze, the knight had no choice but to return with a helpless expression.

After the door was closed, Ian turned to Fionia.

 

“So, what are you doing here?”

 

Fionia opened her mouth as if nothing had happened.

 

“I came here because I was worried.”

 

“!”

 

Ian paused for a moment. 

He felt a slight pang of guilt for not letting Fionia know that he wasn’t hurt. 

After all, she had brought all sorts of goods for him. 

However, Fionia, who had been worried about Ian, soon spoke up.

 

“Now that I know you’re okay, I should hear the answer.”

 

“The answer?”

 

Ian tilted his head in confusion, but disregarding his reaction, Fionia took a step forward toward him.

 

“I’ve heard that you haven’t given a proper answer, even after summoning my father.”

 

She cast a questioning glance at Duke Lavaltor standing beside her, demanding an answer as to why she hadn’t received a response yet. 

The duke turned his head, uncharacteristically clearing his throat.

 

“That’s right. With the sudden turmoil in the country, I haven’t been able to…”

 

The usually stern duke seemed weak in front of his daughter, and this sight surprised the other knights, including Ian. 

But Fionia didn’t want to hear any more excuses from her father. 

Instead, she turned to Ian and made a request.

 

“Please give me a clear answer.”

 

Ian could sense it in her earnest gaze.

 

‘If you plan to use Duke Lavaltor’s name like the Second Prince did, I won’t stay silent anymore.’

 

Her eyes conveyed her determination not to be used again. 

Seeing her gaze, Ian decided to test her.

 

“What will you do if I refuse the betrothal?”

 

“I will return to the Lavaltor territory.”

 

Her words greatly took Fiosen by surprise.

 

“Fionia!”

 

Fiosen shouted in desperation, his face pale with concern. 

It didn’t matter before because the Second Prince was the one betrothed, but now the situation was different.

 

“Most girls your age have already been betrothed. If you go back now, you will…”

 

She might be ridiculed by others. 

In this country, being unmarried at her age was seen as a flaw. 

But Duke Lavaltor stopped Fiosen from speaking further.

 

“Be quiet.”

 

“Father!”

 

Duke Lavaltor looked at Fionia with a serious gaze, questioning her intentions to return to their territory. 

But Fionia responded calmly, the determination in her eyes unshaken.

 

“I am also a Lavaltor, just like my brother.”

 

She wouldn’t cling to marriage. 

She believed she could protect herself with the swordsmanship she had learned from Duke Lavaltor.

Ian could clearly see her determination. 

No, he read more than that in her eyes.

 

‘If I reject her, does she intend to abandon the life of a lady and live as a knight?’

 

The duke nodded calmly at her serious gaze.

 

“Do as you wish.”

 

“Father!”

 

“You stay quiet. This is not your engagement; it’s Fionia’s.”

 

“But, no matter what, this is…”

 

Fiosen seemed unable to readily accept Duke Lavaltor’s permission.

While the three people were having a staredown.

Ian couldn’t help but look at Fionia in curiosity.

She appeared totally different from his previous life.

 

‘Fionia Lavaltor.’

 

During his previous life, all he saw was her standing next to the Second Prince at the wedding. He distinctly remembered that she didn’t show any emotions like a doll. 

But now, it was different.

 

‘The eyes are different.’

 

Ian couldn’t tell if she gained something from her experience in Labadom Village. 

Her intense gaze seemed like she was ready to gallop on the Blue King and leave at any second. Unconsciously, Ian smiled.

 

‘I don’t want to let her slip through my fingers.’

 

It wasn’t just because of her looks. 

Her confident demeanor as she faced the Blood Lion Knights, her figure as she rode alongside the Red Wolf in Labadom. 

All those, coupled with her outstanding skills, proved that she deserved to be called the daughter of Duke Lavaltor.

He was even tempted to make her his fifth knight. 

Ian locked his eyes on Young Lady Lavaltor.

 

“Very well. I will send a messenger to give you an official response.”

 

“No. Please reply now.”

 

“!”

 

This time, Ian couldn’t hide his surprise. 

But Fionia’s gaze was firm as if she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

 

“You always try to slip away like this.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t you remember? You promised to tell me in Labadom and immediately left for the royal palace.”

 

“!”

 

Ian broke into a cold sweat as he realized his oversight. 

It was only then did he remember the private conversation he had with her in Labadom.

 

“Let’s talk about the engagement after the battle is over. I have more urgent work to do right now.”

 

“I’ll be waiting.”

 

But Fionia stared at him, unwilling to accept any more delays.

 

“I want to hear a definite answer right here, right now.”

 

‘Oho?’

 

Ian’s eyes gleamed with amusement. 

He could feel her unwavering determination. 

However, he flashed a troubled smile.

 

“It’s a bit difficult right now.”

 

“Why is that?”

 

“I haven’t been officially recognized as the successor of Kaistein yet.”

 

Ian’s words were not a lie. 

His status as the successor of Kaistein was still under review by the royal elders. 

If things continued like this, Fionia would have to leave Kaistein at once as the queen of Bahara.

He looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

 

‘You wouldn’t want that, would you?’

 

Unlike the splendid Kaistein, Bahara was a barbaric kingdom through and through.

Even if the answer was delayed, it would be better for her to stay here rather than go there. 

Of course, now was indeed a difficult time for Ian.

 

‘The matter with Haverion is not yet resolved.’

 

It wasn’t Haverion himself that Ian was apprehensive about. 

It was the organization to which Haverion belonged.

 

‘If I were them, I would try to exploit my weaknesses.’

 

He had none at the moment. 

However, once he had a wife and children, they would become his weaknesses. 

That was what Ian was worried about. 

As if sensing his concern, Fionia casually replied. 

 

“Do not worry.”

 

Straightening her back, she continued.

 

“I, too, bear the name of Lavaltor. Do not take lightly the name of the guardian knight family who has been protecting this country.”

 

She was confident that she could protect herself, even if she had children.

 

‘I just reminded you not to be ashamed of that name.’

 

Her eyes were burning with such resolute light.

Moreover, Fionia’s words did not end there.

 

“If Cardinal Haverion gets caught, may I help you?”

 

“?”

 

Everyone looked puzzled at her question. 

Ian looked at her, prompting her to elaborate.

 

“How do you plan to help?”

 

“If you promise to be engaged with me, I will step forward.”

 

Everyone was stunned into silence.

Of course, it was true that Ian was in a difficult situation now.

They seemed unable to imagine how she could be of help. 

No, perhaps it went beyond that.

 

“Are you sure you can do it?”

 

“Even a lady has things she can and cannot say. Please do not judge prematurely.”

 

They all found it hard to believe her words, but not Ian.

 

“Very well. I will formally accept the engagement.”

 

At Ian’s reply, a bright smile she had never shown to anyone before bloomed on Fionia’s face.

But the other knights reacted differently.

 

“Prince!”

 

“Are you serious?”

 

The other knights exclaimed in surprise at Ian’s firm response. 

They couldn’t help doubting if he truly believed what she said.

Nonetheless, Ian spoke to Fionia with a smile as brightly.

 

“You decide the date of the engagement ceremony.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“And regardless of the engagement agreement decided between our families before our generation, I will formally send a marriage proposal.”

 

“!”

 

At Ian’s words, everyone’s faces stiffened. 

This was essentially a declaration of war against Garcia. 

It was his way of stating that he sincerely intended to marry Fionia, not just as an obligatory engagement. 

But only one person showed a different response.

 

“Please take care of me.”

 

Fionia Lavaltor said with her eyes twinkling.

 

 

***

 

 

Duke Lavaltor and Fiosen stepped out to have a conversation with Fionia for a while. 

Meanwhile, Nathan playfully grinned at Ian.

 

“Are you sure you want to get married? Who ever thought our prince would marry before us~”

 

It was obvious that he was trying to tease Ian.

He even mentioned, with a mocking face, that marriage was hell.

Ian smiled back at him.

 

“Shall I send Sir Nathan as well?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I heard there’s a lady who has taken a liking to you.”

 

“!”

 

Nathan’s face turned pale at Ian’s words.

He intuitively realized that Ian was talking about the First Princess.

He quickly bowed his head.

 

“I… I was wrong!”

 

It was his plea to stop throwing such remarks. 

Galon shook his head, dumbfounded at his antics.

Then he asked Ian.

 

“But are you sure you will be okay?”

 

“Why won’t I?”

 

“Your situation now…”

 

In addition to Garcia of Gold, he made too many enemies.

Even if they had Duke Lavaltor in charge of their side’s military power, whether they could stop their enemies with their own alliance remained a question.

But Ian smiled.

 

“Sometimes, a single spear is stronger than tens of thousands of small soldiers.”

 

Duke Lavaltor’s family was no exception. 

After conquering Bahara and seizing the Garcia family’s wealth, money was no longer an issue. 

Duke Lavaltor’s power was deemed more necessary than theirs. 

Additionally, there was another factor at play.

 

“A talented woman from a good house wants to marry me. There is no reason to refuse.”

 

Ian remarked smilingly that his situation now was much better than during his serf days when he would have men lunging at him.

Yet, it seemed like Galon still hadn’t given up dissuading Ian.

 

“But there’s no love in this marriage…”

 

“Love… The only person I loved in this world has already died.”

 

“!”

 

Galon hurriedly shut his mouth.

He could tell at once who Ian referred to.

That was Ian’s mother.

Ian was referring to that poor woman who was once a royal maid but died as a slave.

But Ian really meant it.

 

‘My mother died a miserable death as a slave.’

 

And that image was still clearly etched in Ian’s memory.

Galon couldn’t say anything after seeing Ian’s sharp gaze.

 

It was then.

 

“Prince, you have a letter from His Majesty.”

 

A letter addressed to Ian arrived.

Promptly opening the letter, Ian’s lips curved into a smirk. 

Galon asked, question marks filling his head.

 

“What’s going on?”

 

“It seems like Haverion is very anxious.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

Ian shrugged his shoulders.

 

“They are petitioning His Majesty to let him heal me.”

 

“That cardinal?”

 

“Currently, he has the best divine power in Kaistein. They seem to think there is no other way. Of course, they believe His Majesty will allow it.”

 

But was Haverion really the best?

Patience of the Seven Virtues was a power that resembled divine power.

In that case, there was no one who could surpass Ian in the current Kaistein.

But that wasn’t the problem.

 

‘What should I do? I’m not injured.’

 

Haverion’s intentions were as clear as day.

But he had no intention of granting Haverion exoneration.

Rather, the present situation was in his favor.

Public opinion toward Haverion and the Holy Empire was becoming extremely negative.

The rage of the people as well as the nobles had already shot through the roof.

And if his engagement with Fionia was widely publicized…

 

‘They will show themselves because a guilty conscience needs no accuser.’

 

It was clear that they were going to do something.

And when that time came.

 

‘I will step up and root them all out.’

 

But there was something to take care of before that.

 

“And I will refuse his treatment.”

 

“What?!”

 

“The Holy Empire is, in fact, threatening Kaistein.”

 

“!”

 

“So, unless he bows his head first, and unless the Holy Empire apologizes to this country, it’s out of the question.”

 

“But, if that happens, he might suspect that the prince is up and well.”

 

“It doesn’t matter. Because a more important person is coming.”

 

“What?”

 

Ian silently pointed to the bottom of the letter.

 

[Saintess’s departure from the Holy Empire]

 

The saintess, one of the most prominent figures in the Holy Empire, said to be on equal standing to the pope, was coming to Kaistein.

 

‘Is it to save Haverion?’

 

Ian tugged the corners of his mouth.

Of course, that might not be the case.

However, the important thing was that through the saintess’s reaction, he would be able to find out the connection between this organization and the Holy Empire.

Ian wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

Moreover, there were scattered noble forces that followed Haverion and hindered him from becoming king.

 

“Sir Nathan, what about the thing I asked for?”

 

“Here is a list of those who followed Prince Haverion.”

 

He took the list from Nathan.

 

“Great. Then, start working right away.”

 

Ian’s lips curled up into a smile.