Chapter 149: The Shy Princess (Two in One) - Stop Hypnotizing Me, Villainous Princess!

Up until now, despite some minor setbacks, the general course of events has been within expectations. Inside the carriage, Lynn silently contemplated as he watched the swiftly retreating scenery outside the window. After leaving the venue of the Royal Extraordinary Academy banquet, the unidentified knights had separated him, Eunice, the Fourth Prince, and others into three different carriages, then sped toward the royal district without uttering a word. At this moment, Eleanor was clinging tightly to his arm, her petite body pressing firmly against him, holding onto him like a clingy octopus. Not only that, she had her face pressed against his chest, inhaling his scent with audible breaths. It seemed as if she was trying to make up for the familial affection she had missed over the past year. But why did this familial affection feel a bit... warped? It was unclear whether the girl was severely lacking security or what, but she acted as if she wanted to meld herself into his body. Furthermore, she kept stroking his chest, as if verifying whether her brother was truly here in the world. After extricating Eleanor's cold, delicate hand from under his shirt for what felt like the umpteenth time, Lynn spoke helplessly, "Eleanor, your brother is right here, don't be afraid." Hearing this, Eleanor lifted her small head, her reddened eyes gazing at the boy before her. "Brother seems... so much changed." After a long silence, she spoke softly, "Do you remember the things from our past?" Lynn's heart tightened upon hearing her question. Of course, he possessed memories. Upon his return, he had dealt with those matters swiftly and efficiently without altering the original character too much. Yet, despite his efforts, Eleanor somehow sensed something was amiss. Naturally, he couldn’t be swayed by such matters. He lightly ruffled Eleanor's hair, "What do you mean?" "For example, a certain little mischief-maker always liked to secretly wet her pants, then pretended to cry to call Brother for help to change underwear?" Though the carriage was dimly lit, Eleanor's face was visibly turning a shade of bright red. She let out a soft "whimper," then gently pressed her face against Lynn's shoulder. After a while, a sound emerged from the carriage, uncertain if it conveyed embarrassment or relief. "Brother... pervert." Compared to Orne City, the Imperial Capital was indisputably much larger and far more prosperous. In general, the entire Glosteen was divided into three regions: the Palace District, the Upper City, and the Lower City. Class lines were distinctly drawn, and even the geographical division of the city starkly reflected this. Each region was further divided into four quadrants: Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest, all interconnected and encircling the Emperor's Palace at the center, along with the sacred landmark unique to the Saint Roland Empire. Gazing through the carriage window, one could see a slender yet soaring tree at the distant center of the city, standing tall at the world's edge, visible only by looking up. Its entire trunk was bronze, while its branches and leaves, under the moonlight, appeared a sacred and noble golden hue. This faint glow illuminated the night, infusing the Imperial Capital of Glosteen with a hint of mystery. The Sacred Tree, also known as the Holy Oak Tree, of unknown origin, was planted by the first emperor of the Saint Roland Empire and purportedly possessed mystical powers that safeguarded the capital. The Saint Roland Empire was dubbed the Kingdom of the Sacred Tree because of this spectacle. Aside from the Saint Roland Empire, neighboring empires also boasted their own unique grand marvels. For example, the "Land of Sand and Dust," Tutekamon, known for its massive triangular tombs, was famed for supposedly housing the remains of a deity within one of its sarcophagi. Watching that seemingly golden tree that reached the heavens and earth, Lynn squinted slightly. Having read the original work, he knew well what value lay in the monumental marvels possessed by these nations. If the card of Bynes in his possession represented one fifty-fourth of a path to godhood, then the Sacred Tree before him symbolized another. Though equally fragmented and flawed, its completeness was far greater than that of the card. He was quite keen to observe this tree up close. However, it bore the characteristics of a large seal object and did not abide by principles of transparency. Only those chosen by it could approach this tree. Otherwise, no matter how much effort was exerted, traversing the entire capital would still leave one unable to get near it, always seeing it standing at the endless horizon, neither far nor near. Just as Lynn was lost in thought, the carriage slowed to a stop. He instinctively raised his head and saw an old and solemn-looking massive edifice before him. With a domed roof, the structure was arch-shaped, topped with carvings of various family crests surrounding the sole emblem belonging to the Saint Roland royal family at the center, symbolizing the construction of the nation's power structure. Lynn even spotted the Snow Eagle crest of the Mossgrow family and the Bull crest of the Bartlaeon family. This was the Empire's Council Hall, and the imperial skyscraper behind it was the nerve center of national power, as well as the headquarters of the administrative council. Moments later, several armored knights opened the carriage door slowly. "Get off immediately!" Their tone was somewhat rough. Clearly, this forebode that what he would soon face was no gentle social gathering, but a feasting trap harboring concealed threats. Lynn narrowed his eyes but did not retort, helping Eleanor down from the carriage. The girl had fully transformed into an adhesive companion to her brother, clinging tightly to his waist, her little face hidden behind him. Eunice and the Fourth Prince Joshua had already gone in earlier, likely filing complaints first. However, Lynn was not alarmed; this was precisely the effect he desired. As the door slowly swung open, pale golden light streamed onto Lynn's face. And drew countless gazes upon him. When the grand sculpted doors of the Council Hall swung open, Evester instinctively turned her head to look. When that familiar figure entered her view, a hint of delight appeared in her eyes. Though it had only been a few hours since they'd last met, to her, it felt like an eternity. She wished she could instantly plunge into Lynn’s embrace, greedily indulging in the delightful aura that belonged solely to her puppy... huh? In the next moment, her expression froze on her face. The boy before her was indeed her adorable puppy, yet he somehow seemed quite different. At this very moment, a slender and petite girl's figure was tightly hugging his waist, timidly hiding behind him, with an innocent demeanor that elicited sympathy. Gazing at the small figure clasping Lynn tightly, a wave of fury and jealousy surged in her heart, as if her exclusive right had been stolen. How long had he been back in the capital? To think she had already been displeased by the future woman, and now, not even satisfied, he'd found another in just a few hours? So, he liked this delicate and docile type? Apparently, it was the Emperor's daughter who was at fault, failing to become the way he liked. Very well, very well. Evester clenched her silver teeth, a shadowy expression never before seen flaring in her crimson eyes. In an instant, intense homicidal intent seemed to blanket the entire scene. Everyone felt as though the temperature around had dropped significantly, instinctively hugging themselves, shivering from the chill. And including the Silverwing Knights, as well as other formidable and vigilant experts such as Xiya, all looked cautiously in Evester's direction. Evidently, everyone harbored intense apprehension toward the Emperor's daughter, whose might was as formidable as that of a monster. Though a sixth-rank demigod was insufficient to dominate the Saint Roland Empire, the thought of swiftly wiping out the lively underlings present was trivial to the extreme. No one understood what catastrophic event had unfolded that could make this monstrous royal express such terrifying intent to kill. Sensing the Princess's nearly explosive mental state, Lynn took a deep breath. Not far behind Evester, Greya cast a solemn, helpless glance at him. Even Affia turned her gaze his way. However, upon seeing Eleanor's figure, Evester couldn't help but roll her eyes, letting out a soft snort before averting her gaze. Clearly, these women displayed an unprecedented level of rejection towards this unexpected intruder with a close relationship to Lynn. Eleanor’s trembling became even more pronounced. At this moment, from the distant podium, Saint Roland VI cast a lofty gaze down at them. His look was a mix of authority and scrutiny, one that could make an ordinary person buckle and kneel with just a glance. Moments later, the court's count responsible for the announcements loudly declared, "His Majesty summons Lynn Bartlaeon to step forward!" Upon hearing this, Lynn gently patted Eleanor's small hand. However, this intimate gesture again drew a sharp glance from Evester. The surrounding temperature plummeted several degrees once more. Sensing the panic emanating from the girl behind him, Lynn whispered, "Don't be afraid, Eleanor, remember what I told you in the carriage." "As long as you gain that Highness's approval, no one will be able to touch you." He hadn't mentioned his family matters to the royal princess. The reason was simple. Eleanor was a girl. While Lynn believed that since they were blood-related nothing untoward would happen, Evester's personality would undoubtedly lead her to overthink. Thus, this was the first time Eleanor appeared before Evester and the others. But Lynn didn't consider it a significant matter, as the meeting between both sides was inevitable. Feeling Eleanor's relentless grip, Lynn couldn't help but sigh. "Be good, His Majesty is calling me, so I'll go first." With that, he gently extricated himself from Eleanor’s embrace and, ignoring the familiar and unfamiliar faces around him, walked forward with composure. At this point, the Fourth Prince Joshua was already alongside the Grand Princess Silina and others, appearing nonchalant as he observed Lynn with a hint of mockery in his eyes. Eunice, on the other hand, stood beside an elderly man in military uniform, her eyes red as she quietly sobbed. Feeling the man's hawk-like sharp gaze, Lynn understood. This man was none other than Fred Mossgrow, the current head of the Mossgrow family and temporarily acting as Minister of Military and Political Affairs. Once his father's close friend, in a critical moment, he had stabbed them in the back to usurp power. As a prominent noble recently in the capital, Fred was also invited to the conferment ceremony and was now staring at Lynn with a grim expression. Clearly, he had already heard about the incident at the Royal Extraordinary Academy. To Fred, it was unexpected that the son of the Bartlaeon family, who had long been in decline, still had the capability to strike fiercely at the Mossgrow family. Yet, he could hardly see any hope for Lynn to turn the tables. The next moment, a solemn and deep voice came from above, and an invisible force swept through the Council Hall, instilling awe from deep within everyone's hearts. "Lynn Bartlaeon, do you know your crime?" What to do, what to do, what to do?! So terrifying, so terrifying, so terrifying!!! Left alone, as most eyes followed her brother, only a few remained on her. Eleanor trembled, her head hung low, concealing her appearance and expression from anyone. At this moment, simply standing in place took all her strength. She feared that in the next second, the murderous gaze not far away would tear her apart. However, recalling the words her brother spoke in the carriage and his determined gaze when he left, she took a deep breath. Trusting her brother, he would never deceive her. As long as she gained the favor and approval of that Highness, she would have fulfilled the task her brother gave her. But how could she win her favor? Her brother hadn’t shared specific details and had even looked somewhat awkward when mentioning the topic, as if recalling something embarrassing. Although confused, Eleanor saw it as a test given to her. Her heart pounded. However, at this point, the Bartlaeon girl gradually calmed down. "Come over here." Suddenly, a cold voice resonated near her ear. Eleanor shivered but ultimately obeyed the command, taking slow steps toward the princess. Thinking it over, why did this scene feel like a mistress being caught by the main wife? Eleanor felt unspeakably troubled. Yet her thoughts continued to race. Despite it being their first meeting, for some reason, she had an extremely low initial favorability in this princess's eyes. Her brother was deeply trusted by the Highness, yet she, his sister, faced disdain? Why? Eleanor seemed to have an inkling. In that moment, her clever mind, honed by countless romance novels, went into overdrive. If Lynn knew what was going on in her mind, he’d probably break out in a cold sweat and lament how all the women around him were such overthinkers. In fact, to gain the Highness's favor, Eleanor simply needed to reveal that she was Lynn’s sister. Upon knowing this, the royal princess would naturally consider her one of her own. Sadly, Eleanor's thoughts had already spiraled out of control. The only possible reason for a woman to hate another without cause was a misunderstanding involving a man! Instantly, Eleanor felt she had found the crux of the issue. Meanwhile, shock briefly flashed in her eyes. Could it be that this esteemed Highness secretly harbored feelings for her brother?! Due to unfulfilled love and the vast disparity in their standings, the princess, proud and noble, could only bury her feelings deep within her heart, unable to express them. Seeing him from afar brought her immense joy. But there was nothing she could do about it. For her brother was simply too outstanding. If there were no blood relation, even Eleanor might have—wait, she was getting off track! Think, think quickly, what could garner the princess's recognition and admiration? Besides her striking resemblance to her brother, there was one thing left. Her identity. As she reached Evester, an idea struck Eleanor. Feeling the various expressions and gazes from those around the princess, her heartbeat quickened. But by this point, there was no turning back. In the next moment, under every eye, Eleanor slowly raised her head, revealing her face for the first time to those present. Simultaneously, her lips parted, and she shyly whispered in a small voice. "Sis—Sister-in-law?" This unexpected address left Greya and Morris momentarily dumbfounded. And if Lynn were present, he likely would have been knocked unconscious from shock. He'd asked her to gain approval, not accidentally pile on with extra acknowledgment! Already troubled by the princess’s overwhelming affection, the situation was spiraling out of control. Truly, this was the caliber of a Bartlaeon woman. An expert at throwing her brother under the bus. Unfortunately, Eleanor was unaware of her brother's potential reaction upon learning about this. She believed she had made the correct choice. And from Evester's perspective, that was indeed the case. Seeing the girl’s tearful, pitiable look and her striking resemblance to Lynn, Evester suddenly found her previous agitation and murderous intent dissipating. She—did she call me sister-in-law? At this moment, the thought echoed endlessly in Evester’s mind. Though she had often publicly declared Lynn as her future prince consort, everyone knew it wasn’t officially recognized. Even if her heart harbored such wishes, Evester was well aware Lynn didn't accept that identity. After all, in his heart, there still lingered the presence of the End Witch. As long as that wicked woman stood between them, it would be challenging for Evester to turn her wish into reality. Thus, what she had often done was merely a little tactic to assert her claim and declare sovereignty publicly. However, Eleanor's initiative in using such a term of address carried a different significance. Being Lynn’s biological sister meant their blood ties were unbreakable. With a family member's acknowledgment, the solidity of their relationship was reinforced further. Moreover, this was the first time she received recognition from one of Lynn's family members. The atmosphere suddenly descended into a strange silence. Moments later, a subtle blush appeared across Evester’s fair, delicate face. It was quite striking.