240: [Bonus chapter]The Princess and the outsider

[Bonus chapter]The Princess and the outsider

It was a late night in Lanark when an unexpected encounter took place between Princess Sasha of Kolhis and Leopold von Conradie.1

The man bore a striking resemblance to the people of Kolhis, catching her attention not just through his appearance but with an unmistakable rebellion in his dark, wounded gaze. It was as if he regarded her as his natural-born enemy—a feeling she was all too familiar with on the battlefield.

Unlike others, he didn't bow in her presence or attempt to lay a kiss on her hand; instead, he stood there, holding his head high with an air of inherited nobility, and his facial expression was the epitome of seriousness.

In her thoughts, Sasha played with the idea of seeing his handsome face transformed by a radiant smile.

The Archduke finally shifted his disapproving gaze from his wife to fix it on the Princess of Kolhis.

"My sincerest apologies for the delay, Sasha. Allow me to introduce you to Leopold von Conradie," Kaiser began the introduction.

Her smirk grew wider as she replied, "Well, it's not every day I encounter someone who bears such a striking resemblance to my people while in Emoria. I'm sure I would have remembered if I had met him before."

"We did happen to cross paths once at the fortieth. But I understand if the Princess doesn't remember me," Leopold countered. knowing all too well that it was a crowded event, and she might not have had the chance to notice him among the throng of people.

Leopold's eyes briefly drifted to where Larissa and Grace were, exchanging polite nods with both of them, before focusing his attention on Adela.

"How do you do, My Lord?" Adela curtsied respectfully to the descendant of a fallen noble family that outranked House de Lanark. For the second time around since the fortieth, deep inside of her, her instincts as a Healer detected none of his old desperation, and for that, she was truly thankful.

"I don't do quite well," came his curt answer as he gave the smiling Princess across from him a cold stare.

Leopold von Conradie had been discreetly summoned by Kaiser, and he had a bone to pick with the Kolhisan Princess, who was diligently investigating the murder of Emanuel de Lanark.

"Indeed, it is just as you mentioned," Leopold continued, his gaze fixed on Sasha. "The blood ties between my family and Kolhis run deep. It is why we have chosen to live there for all of those years. It is why I will be very direct with you—what is the true purpose of your investigation?"

Sasha's smile was unaffected by the man's hostility. "Ah, I see you don't shy away from the heart of the matter. As a royal detective, it is my duty to uncover the truth and seek justice for the fallen. I also represent a committee that is jointly supported by the Kingdoms of the West and East. They want to ensure your family's safety."

"By pushing you to the forefront while making no appearance of their own? Chivalrous as ever, I see," Leopold mocked. To which the Princess nodded vigorously with enlarged eyes.

"These are my very exact thoughts! That said, we fear not for any of your safety while my friend Kaiser is in charge of the matters in Emoria."

Such words from a foreign royal would have been treated as traitorous only two months ago, what with the existence of a Crown Prince and whatnot. However, nobody around Sasha seemed to mind it. And the clever woman caught those winds of change.

She quite liked them. Just as she quite liked what she had seen from Leopold so far. His eyes drifted to the jacket Sasha held.

"My nephew's situation during the time of the murder is crucial for his defense. But I need other answers."

"Right! Egon was a first-degree suspect before Lady Adelaide shed light on his whereabouts during the time of the murder. As for your questions, it would be quite well if we met separately whenever the time suits you. How about that?"

While Adela and everybody around Leopold had picked up on the Princess's interest in him, he seemed quite oblivious to it, that, or he was feigning ignorance.

"Now is quite a good time for me. It seems you hold the belief that Arkin's position as a Commander grants him certain liberties?" The accusation was heard clearly in his tone.

Sasha contemplated that for a moment before responding. Unbeknownst to anyone, her apparent suspicions about Arkin were merely a façade. She needed to let everyone believe she was focused on him now while secretly pursuing her own theories.

"I assure you, my investigation is thorough and unbiased. As for your heir, Commander Arkin, I follow the evidence where it leads, and I won't divulge all my findings just yet."

"He is not only my heir, but my son."

Sasha had read in the background report her grandfather provided her, all about how Arkin saved Leopold von Conradie in the forest and how he was adopted afterwards. But somehow, it seemed as if Leopold was communicating something else entirely to her.

"Secrets and truths often dance in tandem. But let us not be adversaries. Perhaps we can collaborate, sharing information to bring justice to the late King while protecting House von Conradie," she suggested.

Leopold gave a curt nod. "Perhaps an alliance between us could prove beneficial. I will visit you in the morning then."

Sasha's face lit up, her eyes danced with mirth. "Fantastic!"

Kaiser cleared his throat. "I heard that you were waiting for my meeting to conclude, Sasha. Is there something I can help you with?"

She looked as if she suddenly remembered something crucial. "Oh yes. The Crown Prince of Emoria. I can't seem to reach him anywhere."

Kaiser looked unfazed. "His Highness is still grieving his loss. But I shall make sure he contacts you without further delay. I do appreciate your patience."

There it was again. That strange feeling swirling inside of Adela. Her father seemed to have taken Claude under his wing. But that would have made sense if Claude had been his old self, the helpless boy who had no means to defend himself in that cold palace of Destan. Not the Claude that she had come to know as of late.

"Leopold."

When Grace called out that name, all heads swiveled in her direction.

"Please ensure that Sir Egon visits me in the morning. I would like to have my morning tea with him." She said.

As Leopold's gaze locked onto Grace de Lanark, Sasha's keen brown eyes flickered back and forth between their faces. The Princess made a mental note to conduct a more extensive background check on Leopold and his connections. However, her scrutiny didn't end there; she also turned her gaze to Kaiser de Lanark, and his displeased expression didn't escape her notice.

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