His Breeding Obsession Chapter 68

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The whispers of the Emperor’s royal physician, Alice Everizen, came to an abrupt halt. Mirania followed the gaze of the people.

 

From the direction where the Crown Prince and Alice had descended, the Emperor walked, accompanied by a dozen attendants.

 

An elderly man with a long white beard was tightly by the Emperor’s side, his lips moving rapidly.

 

“He seems like a magician, doesn’t he?”

 

Snap–

 

As soon as the finger snapped, the whispers were heard as if right next to them.

 

“… I just sensed a wave of energy. It feels like someone other than a human has mixed in.”

 

“Can’t you identify who it is?”

 

“There are too many people here, making it difficult to activate detection magic. Right now, I can’t sense anything anymore.”

 

“If it’s not a person of the empire…”

 

“They must have come from elsewhere.”

 

The ones they were referring to were Mirania.

 

At that moment of excitement upon meeting Alice, her presence was exposed.

 

However, to detect it in such a short time, the old man was no ordinary practitioner.

 

Mirania hummed and looked at the old man with penetrating eyes.

 

“The Emperor’s personal court magician, I see,” Mirania whispered.

 

Since magicians could wield an uncontrollable power, it was not difficult for Mirania to detect the scent of mana filling his body.

 

Of course, it would be difficult for magic practitioners relying on detection magic to perceive her presence.

 

The magician, prompted by the Emperor’s gaze, stood in front of the second-floor staircase railing and looked down.

 

Those who recognized him as a quite famous magician in this place wore bewildered expressions.

 

The magician scanned the people with sharp eyes. His gaze also reached Mirania but quickly moved elsewhere.

 

A smile formed on Mirania’s lips as she gazed at the magician fearlessly.

 

In the end, the magician, unable to find any suspicious individuals, sighed.

 

“Who is that person?”

 

Suddenly, Grecan was looking up at Mirania from the stairs.

 

“It’s the Emperor and his personal court magician. You probably don’t know him since it’s your first time seeing him…”

 

“I know. A powerless flesh.”

 

“A powerless what?”

 

[Even though humans know, they still don’t understand. Even at an age where it wouldn’t be strange to die, they want to wield power as powerless flesh they are.]

 

Mirania subtly furrowed her eyebrows.

 

That’s why one must be careful with their words in front of young individuals.

 

“I didn’t know you still remembered that. Forget about it.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Oh well.”

 

Mirania remained silent, merely taking a deep breath. Seeing her dissatisfied expression, Grecan closed his mouth.

 

“To Leanna, a drink for joy, happiness, and obedience.”

 

The Emperor raised his glass, wearing a warm smile, and proposed a toast.

 

Those who confirmed that the formal party had begun raised their glasses.

 

Grecan, who had been closely observing the Emperor, murmured to himself.

 

“He does seem powerless.”

 

Mirania wore an expression at his remarks.

 

“This guy, even if I try to forget him…”

 

Malandor, who had emptied his glass, shook his fingers as if he knew nothing.

 

“Well, that’s enough for his age, Wolf Boy.”

 

“Don’t call me that kind of nickname ever again. Pervert,” growled Grecan.

 

“Fair enough, Wolf…”

 

“Grrr…”

 

Sipping the sweet pink liquor, Cosa agreed with Malandor.

 

“That’s right. Our Emperor is more refined than his age suggests. In his younger days, he was famous for making all the women in the kingdom swoon! Now he’s a bit older, but he still has great style and manners.”

 

Mirania’s expression turned sour at Cosa’s overly favorable words towards the Emperor. Grecan raised an eyebrow.

 

“Well, even if…”

 

Mirania quickly interjected, sensing what he was about to say.

 

“That’s enough, Grecan.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Don’t say what you were about to say.”

 

It would be troublesome if she ended up being accused of insulting the Emperor after complaining about the emperor’s powerless body in front of Cosa.

 

Grecan, who had a bewildered expression, obediently nodded his head.

 

“Your Majesty, may I say a few words before the first dance?”

 

When someone raised their hand amidst the rising excitement, all eyes turned to them.

 

It was a person with navy blue hair swept back naturally.

 

Just by standing there, the dignified man was none other than the Crown Prince.

 

“Prince, remember that this gathering is for promoting harmony.”

 

Upon the Emperor’s solemn words, the Crown Prince casually nodded and walked up the stairs, looking down at the people.

 

With hopeful eyes upon him, the Crown Prince smiled brightly.

 

“It seems like everyone is ready to enjoy. It wouldn’t be wise to speak too long in a situation like this, as it could lead to trouble.”

 

Laughter erupted after his words.

 

“So, I don’t plan on dragging out the time. However, there have been constant inquiries from friends and acquaintances, so I thought it would be appropriate to make an announcement here and take a moment.”

 

Whenever there were inquiries about the Crown Prince these days, they were mostly related to the Crown Prince’s marriage.

 

People, especially young women and their families, sparkled with anticipation.

 

No matter what the Crown Prince said or did, whether the atmosphere in the hall was tumultuous or calm, Mirania observed Alice consistently.

 

Alice stood two steps below the Crown Prince, holding hands. Her gaze was fixed on the floor, not on the Crown Prince.

 

Her complexion was still pale as if her body had not fully recovered.

 

“She looks different from how I remember her,” Mirania mumbled.

 

It had been about one or two years since Mirania last saw her in her previous life. Back then, she was cute, despite her illness, but now she exuded a strong, resilient energy like a small but sturdy tree in a weathering storm.

 

‘Something must have happened.’

 

Unlike before, when she was adopted into a noble family, meeting her in a place like this was an unexpected turn of events.

 

“I’ve only changed by accepting the position of the Minister of State, nothing more.”

 

Even the slightest change, such as drinking water in the morning, could alter the future.

 

‘What effect did the medicine I made for the Emperor have on Alice?’

 

Mirania’s thoughts reached Alice as she pondered the lingering suspicion that Alice’s curiosity was directed towards her.

 

It was a baseless speculation, so she shook her head.

 

“Well, it looks like everyone already knows what I’m going to say. What would happen if I said something different?” 

 

The Crown Prince’s teasing remark elicited another small burst of laughter.

 

“Now, let’s stop waiting for the Prince Consort.”

 

A murmur of excitement arose at the prince’s declaration.

 

Some sighed in disappointment, while a few had expected it.

 

Most people were taken aback, their mouths agape.

 

Alice’s eyes widened.

 

Finally, with curiosity sparked, Mirania shifted her gaze to the prince.

 

The prince scanned the audience and smiled as if he had painted a picture.

 

“Receiving my bride is not only a matter of securing the future. It is better to announce and proceed quickly rather than lingering on standards. That is my belief.”

 

The murmurs subsided. As the surroundings grew quiet, the prince spoke again.

 

“The woman I will share my future with is none other than the beautiful lady who accompanied me as an escort today… Ah, just saying this much, everyone has caught on. There seems to be no need to prolong the time any further.”

 

The prince turned his head towards Alice. She was the direction of his gaze.

 

Despite Alice’s lack of joy, the prince didn’t retract his hand. He embraced Alice, whose dry gray eyes had become rigid.

 

His authoritative lips moved decisively as if to assert his dominance.

 

“The woman who will be my wife is Alice Everizen, the daughter of Marquis Everizen and a renowned practitioner of astonishing sorcery.”

 

Mirania observed the contrasting expressions of the prince and Alice, then turned her head to look at the Emperor and Empress.

 

The Emperor’s face displayed a complex expression, while the Empress had a subtle smile.

 

Many who sought to understand the situation keenly observed the Empress’s expression.

 

Prince Consort from the unclear lineage. Will the Empress willingly accept the situation? Doubts arose.

 

The Empress’s gaze subtly shifted towards the Emperor.

 

A hint of displeasure passed fleetingly over his cold face.

 

“What is it?”

 

Grecan stared fixedly at Mirania.

 

Since the moment Alice appeared, Grecan’s gaze hadn’t wavered from Mirania.

 

Mirania furrowed her brow, unable to understand his perplexing expression.

 

“You’re making an incomprehensible expression.”

 

“Who?” 

 

“Both Alice and the Empress.”

 

“I don’t know what’s so strange in this situation.”

 

“That’s because you’re not interested.”

 

Grecan didn’t deny it. Mirania stroked her chin.

 

“It seems there are hidden circumstances.”

 

As she rolled her eyes, Mirania sighed, “Humans are complicated and bothersome.”

 

Grecan seized the opportunity to speak,  “But I’m not complicated.”

 

“Sure, you are.”

 

When Mirania gave a casual response, Grecan’s expression became dissatisfied. Malandor chuckled mockingly.

 

Whether Grecan growled or spoke, Mirania contemplated the changes that might occur in the current situation.

 

“If Alice accepts the proposal and becomes the Prince Consort, what exactly is she aiming for?”

 

At that moment, the sound of people’s murmurs reached their ears.

 

When Mirania looked up, she could see Alice refusing the prince’s hand.

 

“I don’t want to. I, I…” Alice mumbled.

 

Alice bit her lip and stared directly at the prince. Her green eyes glistened with tears.

 

Taking a deep breath, Alice spoke, “I cannot spend my life with Your Highness, as the Prince Consort.”

 

At the moment she made this declaration, everyone sensed that no matter what happened afterward, there would be no more dramatic moment than this.

 

A situation where the daughter of a lower noble refuses the prince’s proposal.

 

How would the prince, who faced this shameful situation, react?