How to Tame My Beastly Husband - Chapter 197

“What’s wrong? Is there another problem?”

“Not yet, but soon.”

“Is it a political matter?”

“Something like that,” said Arjen. “But it’s not about the Empire. It’s about my family.”

A bitter smile touched his lips. The Bavarias were the most prosperous family in the kingdom, but they were teetering now on the edge of a precipice. However ancient the Bavaria’s bloodline, it could not compare to the power of the royals.

If King Selgratis wanted to push the Bavaria family out of their position, it would not be easy to stop him. The situation might have been a little less dire if Arjen had remained at home, but then he would never have met Claire. Arjen had always chosen to work hard rather than complain about his situation.

“…it’s nothing to do with Raphael becoming Master of Swords, is it?” Claire asked, her eyes narrowing as she voiced the suspicion. “His talent exceeded the King’s expectations, didn’t it? And he is the King’s firstborn, even if he is a bastard. If he wanted to claim the throne, it could be justified.”

Claire had always been quicker with her fists than her wits, but regular exposure to her genius husband had sharpened both. Arjen produced a letter, his expression grim.

“I’ve received a formal invitation from the King. He plans to hold a grand banquet to celebrate Raphael’s achievement.”

“That’s not strange. In the Empire, there’s always a grand event when a new Master of Swords appears. Isn’t it only natural to honor such an outstanding talent?”

“That’s not what’s strange. Usually, nobles outside the kingdom would receive their invitations at least two months in advance. But this one came late, as if the King does not want us to attend.”

Arjen’s expression was serious as he looked at the invitation again, and Claire sombered.

“King Selgratis has never been on our side,” he explained. “I think there is a deeper plan behind this banquet. A hunt before the feast, with the arrows seeking the blood of the Bavarias.”

They did not call Arjen a genius without cause. All the way from the Chapelle Empire, he could read the situation in Deltium with great clarity. As sadness filled his face, Claire jumped in, as impetuous as ever.

“Don’t worry, Arjen. I can go to your place.”

“Thank you.” Arjen smiled warmly at the offer. “I can always count on you.”

He did want to go, but there was no way he could leave the Empire now. His position of Prime Minister was like shackles on his ankles, especially since it would be dangerous for him personally to go. But perhaps the situation would change if Claire were there. Posted only on NovelUtopia

Now that she had become Knight Commander of Chapelle, the King of Deltium could not lightly touch her. If anything were to happen to her, the Empire would immediately consider it a threat. Selgratis would have to let her return home safely. A kingdom could not match the might of an Empire.

Claire frowned as she spotted the date on the invitation.

“There’s not much time,” she said. “Even if I leave today, I’ll be a little late.”

“Don’t exaggerate, you just finished training. You can leave early in the morning.”

“I just want to see Annette,” Claire fretted. “I would never forgive myself if something happened to her. She is like a sister to me.”

And Claire had long regretted that she had been unable to do anything when Annette had been falsely accused. This time, she would protect her. Which meant she would refuse Arjen’s request and pack now, since she meant to leave before nightfall. Kissing her husband, Claire left the office.

She left Arjen blushing. He really had been lucky to marry such a lovely woman, but unfortunately now was not the time to appreciate her for it. Claire was an important woman in the Empire, but she was not familiar with the nuances of the conflicts in the much smaller Deltium.

It would be best to gather that information to guide her.

The sharp purple eyes of Arjen, the genius of the century, gleamed as he went to work.