Before the official coronation ceremony began, Veronica, who was observing the situation from the waiting room, noticed something strange.
Among the nobles entering in order, she saw one or two figures she had never invited.
As soon as she detected the anomaly, she sent a subordinate to find out what was going on.
‘I clearly told them not to let anyone in without an invitation.’
She suppressed her impatient feelings and waited for her subordinate to return quickly.
Meanwhile, the number of uninvited figures continued to increase.
“……”
By the time her subordinate finally returned, many uninvited guests had already entered.
“Your Highness, it seems… all those who entered had invitations bearing Your Highness’s seal, and their names matched the new guest list received last night, so they were allowed in.”
“A new guest list?”
“Yes… Apparently, it was received urgently last night through Your Highness’s attendant.”
Veronica’s expression hardened in an instant. She had never given a new list to anyone.
Thinking she was angry, the subordinate hesitated nervously.
Meanwhile, Veronica had no time to worry about this.
‘There’s only one person who would do such a thing…’
Siegfried. It seemed that devil of a prince had somehow managed to distribute invitations in her name and switch out the guest list.
Realizing the truth behind the incident, she quickly rose from her seat.
Siegfried forcibly inviting nobles was not a good sign.
But as she hurried away, Trian stopped her.
“Your Highness.”
“I’m sorry, but now is not the time to talk. I have something urgent to do.”
“Just a moment. I have something to tell you.”
“I said this isn’t the time…”
Veronica raised her voice, unable to contain her frustration at Trian’s persistent interruption.
Why was he suddenly stopping her at such a crucial moment when he usually didn’t do such things?
However, Veronica soon understood. The reason for his insistence.
“A report has come in from the investigation team. It seems all the portals across the country have disappeared at once.”
Trian’s tone was resolute as he whispered quietly so others couldn’t hear.
“…What did you just say?”
Veronica’s expression turned pale in an instant.
There was only one meaning to Trian’s statement.
Veronica recalled a conversation she had with Vivian before.
The way to increase the concentration of magical energy in the human world was through portals. To artificially introduce magical energy into the human world, the only option was to connect holes linking the two dimensions.
There was tension in Vivian’s eyes as she spoke.
She couldn’t clearly recall Vivian’s expression as she uttered those final words, but it was probably similar to her own right now.
Veronica urgently changed direction and headed for the platform.
The unexpected uninvited guests and the suddenly vanished portals.
There was no need to think deeply about what this meant.
Today, right here, Siegfried intended to cause a massive incident.
She had mobilized several times the usual number of troops and even people who could combat demons, but that was only in preparation for Siegfried attempting some trickery with a small number of people while weakened.
Until now, the entire empire had been swept up in his plans, and if she rashly acted now and lost key personnel, she might lose the chance to plan for the future.
She had to stop the coronation ceremony.
Without regard for appearances, she needed to immediately evacuate the nobles who had entered.
The people gathered in the hall were mostly feudal lords.
If such important figures were to die here all at once, it would be difficult to respond when their territories were invaded later.
Even if that weren’t the case…
‘If a large number of high-ranking nobles die at the coronation ceremony, the imperial citizens will fall into despair.’
That must not happen. In this situation, they had to avoid breaking people’s morale.
The thought of stopping the coronation ceremony dominated Veronica’s mind.
So when she was just a few steps away from the platform, someone appeared like a ghost, blocking her path without making a sound.
“Move aside…”
Veronica was about to ask them to clear the way, but her words caught in her throat the moment she realized who it was.
“I’m afraid that would be inconvenient.”
Siegfried looked down at her with an elegant smile.
“……”
Trian, who had been following her, swallowed dryly and discreetly moved his hand towards the sword hilt at his waist.
“Why don’t you stop? You know well that you can’t even check me with just that sword.”
A statement subtly revealing his identity.
The fact that he was saying such things despite others being around suggested that Siegfried was also acting with determination.
It didn’t matter if his identity was exposed.
After all, today, everyone would clearly know who he was.
However, Trian had no intention of removing his hand from the sword. He had a duty to protect Veronica in any situation.
“Trian, let go.”
“I cannot do that, Your Highness.”
“Now.”
But at Veronica’s continued urging, he finally removed his hand with a frustrated expression.
That was the right choice.
Now that the portals were gone, Siegfried had become incomparably stronger than him.
The intense pressure felt just from facing him was proof of that.
Cold sweat ran down his back.
Siegfried was hiding it so others wouldn’t feel uncomfortable, but Trian instinctively sensed it through his long-trained experienced senses.
If the previous Siegfried had been just an eerie murderer, now he was practically a monster wearing human skin.
It was hard to believe he had been in the same castle with such a being all this time.
At this moment, he was more powerless than anyone.
Siegfried, seeing Trian back down, wore a satisfied expression before opening his mouth.
“Now you’re ready to talk. Hmm? Judging by your expression, you seem curious about what I’m going to do…”
He leaned his face towards Veronica and whispered softly in her ear.
“I don’t think our sister needs to know that far. However, we are blood siblings after all, aren’t we? So I’ll give you a choice.”
“……”
Siegfried spoke in a seductive voice that seemed like it could bewitch people.
Veronica tried to maintain her composure, reminding herself of the artifact around her neck.
“If you go up on that platform now and stop the event, I’ll kill everyone in an instant. Including the soldiers hidden downstairs.”
“You…!”
Veronica reflexively glared at him at the threat that treated human lives like toys.
She was filled with such great anger towards him that she even forgot the fear that he was the king of demons, but Siegfried acted as if even this was laughable.
“But if you keep your mouth shut and stay quiet… Well, I’ll kill only one person with my own hands.”
“You’re not even making sense.”
Siegfried smiled faintly. Malice could be felt from his upturned lips.
“No need to thank me. I look forward to seeing what choice our clever sister will make.”
Veronica bit the inside of her lip hard in frustration.
It was a statement that was more like coercion than a choice.
She didn’t know if that demon would keep his promise, but there was only one choice she could make.
As Veronica stepped back, Siegfried nodded with satisfaction, as if he had expected it.
Meanwhile, all the nobles lined up in front of the imperial palace had entered.
They were looking towards the platform, waiting for the coronation ceremony to begin.
Soon, the sound of wind instruments signaling the start rang out. As per custom, the emperor was the first to ascend the platform.
“I welcome all the distinguished guests gathered here today…”
The emperor also noticed that something was going wrong, seeing unexpectedly many people gathered, but he calmly and composedly delivered his prepared speech.
Next, today’s protagonist, Veronica, was called and she ascended the platform.
The gathered nobles, unable to even imagine what was about to unfold, applauded to welcome her.
As she came up, the formal coronation proceeded.
Veronica worried that Siegfried might cause a disturbance, but he simply stood still as if waiting for the right moment.
Finally, as all the procedures were safely completed and Veronica was about to conclude the coronation ceremony.
“…I promise here to strive as the Crown Princess of the Agrian Empire and care for the empire from this day forward.”
However, Siegfried was not about to let this pass quietly.
He suddenly appeared from behind and rushed onto the platform, pushing Veronica aside.
Without sparing a glance at her as she was shoved away, he simply went on to say what he had to say.
“I apologize to the distinguished guests for my sudden action. The reason I have come forward is because I have something to tell you.”
The nobles murmured in confusion, but Siegfried simply looked down at them composedly.
“Please raise a toast for my sister who has been appointed Crown Princess. From today, a new wind will blow in the empire. And the beginning of that…”
Siegfried smiled an elegant, beautiful smile. People seemed captivated, their gazes stolen.
But only Veronica sensed an ominous energy.
Finding where Siegfried’s gaze was directed, she shouted before she could even stand up.
“Trian! Protect His Majesty!”
At that moment, the chandelier on the ceiling fell at a terrifying speed, aiming for the emperor’s head.
Crash!
Along with an ear-splitting sharp sound, glass shattered in all directions.
“Kyaah!”
The nobles screamed in confusion.
The spot crushed by the heavy chandelier was clearly where the emperor had been.
However, contrary to the nobles’ concerns, the emperor was not dead.
Thanks to Trian, who had rushed in immediately at Veronica’s signal.
Siegfried snorted derisively at the sight of the emperor, who had only suffered bruises, and Trian protecting him.
He bent down low and spoke to Veronica, who was sitting on the ground, as if doing her a favor.
“I thought you were just smart, but you’re quite perceptive too? Since your effort is admirable… Alright, I’ll spare the emperor and you for now. It would make for a beautiful story to have the imperial family witness the empire’s downfall firsthand.”
After finishing his words, he stood up and once again faced the people.
“I have prepared guests to celebrate today. Please welcome them with applause.”
At that moment, black horns grew on top of Siegfried’s, no, Belial’s beautiful golden hair.
His black pupils turned white, and six wings sprouted from his back.
Simultaneously, an alien-like hole appeared in the middle of the gathered nobles.
It was so large that it reached the ceiling, emitting a strange energy.
Though it was a sight never seen before, people soon had to realize what that hole was.
Because demons began pouring out from the center of the hole.
It was a portal. Moreover, one vastly surpassing the previous portals in size.
“H-Help me!”
The nobles scattered in panic. Some clung to their escorts, crying.
Meanwhile, several people rushed towards Belial, cutting through the chaotic hall. They were the guards Veronica had deployed in advance.
The demon king quietly watched them rushing towards him, then curved his lips wickedly and spoke to Veronica.
“Come to think of it, I promised to take one life. Since I failed with the emperor, shall I go with that one?”
Belial immediately pointed his finger at the guard at the front.
And then… Splat! The body of the guard who had been charging boldly crumpled and burst in an instant.
It was like watching clay being crushed by hand.
Veronica couldn’t close her mouth as she witnessed the scene.
She was aware that Belial had grown stronger. But… even so, to do that to someone far away.
Veronica wasn’t the only one who thought so.
All those who had been pointing swords at him stopped in their tracks, terrified.
He was not someone they could possibly face and fight.
Belial shrugged as if he had expected this, then opened the doors of the hall with light steps.
Opening those doors led to stairs going to the highest floor of the castle.
Meanwhile, amidst the nobles busy fleeing, there were those who maintained their composure.
Dietrich and Ludovica, who had been dealing with the demons pouring out of the portal, tried to pursue Siegfried.
However, someone grabbed their shoulders.
“Dietrich and Lubi, please take care of this place. I’ll handle Belial.”
Vivian, who had come up from downstairs after hearing the commotion, spoke with a determined expression.
Her eyes were shining golden.
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
_____
Please help me, I want to bring you the best possible things.
If you find any chapter or novel with poor translation and editing quality, let me know by commenting directly under that novel or chapter. I will retranslate it as soon as possible.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
