It Doesn’t Matter If You’re Broken - Chapter 10

Vassenberg’s power referred to their formidable combat abilities. Their strength, flowing through their bloodline, set them apart from ordinary humans. From exceptional senses and powerful physical abilities to astonishing regenerative powers and overwhelming combat prowess, they were unmatched with any weapon in hand.

 

Simply put, the House of Oldenhilt obtained a stable reign at the cost of bowing its pride to Vassenberg. Now, with Cardale’s presence, the Emperor had exhausted the opportunity for a blood covenant given to him.

 

Therefore, from the perspective of the royal family, there was no choice but to rely solely on Cardale’s goodwill until a new successor from Vassenberg could take his place as the Duke.

 

That was why the Emperor needed to win the Duke’s favour, no matter what.

 

“Still, how can we belittle the Duke’s efforts with a mere contract?”

 

“Regardless of Your Majesty’s thoughts, it doesn’t matter. The fact that my obligations are fulfilled is what’s important.”

 

“Haha, even if you don’t act so rigidly….”

 

The Emperor laughed like a kind grandfather, but Cardale knew well that the Emperor concealed a viper-like intention beneath that amiable facade.

 

With an expressionless face, Cardale asked.

 

“Do you have anything else to say?”

 

Johann cleared his throat slightly, feeling defeated. He shifted his gaze to his beloved daughter, Theresia, who looked eagerly at her father.

 

After carefully choosing his words, Johann finally spoke up.

 

“Now that the war is over, wouldn’t the Duke also need a family?”

 

Cardale let out a laugh, seemingly astonished.

 

Although his behaviour in front of the Emperor seemed excessively arrogant, no one dared to point it out. It was more accurate to say that he was simply incapable.

 

The Duke questioned in a chilly voice.

 

“Are you considering playing the mediator?”

 

“There’s no harm in it. It’s for the sake of my one and only daughter.”

 

A blush appeared on Theresia’s face. She looked at the Duke beside her, her eyes filled with anticipation.

 

But Cardale only sent a cold, disdainful gaze towards the Emperor, who was trying to arrange a marriage for his daughter.

 

“You don’t even think about concealing it.”

 

“No matter how I go about it, the Duke wouldn’t be oblivious.”

 

“So, are you planning to reveal your proposal openly?”

 

“I’m merely accommodating the Duke’s preferences.”

 

Having gained much in his life, Johann did not easily trust people. He also believed that the Duke belonged to a similar category as himself.

 

The Emperor knew from experience that it was easier to deal with negotiations and trade with the Duke rather than trying to win his heart. However, there was one thing the Emperor overlooked: the conditions he offered were of no interest to Cardale.

 

“I have no intention of getting married. And even if I did, it wouldn’t be with Her Highness the Princess.”

 

At the face of the Duke’s blunt rejection, Theresia’s face turned red with embarrassment.

 

“As far as I know, the Duke has no fiancee or any separate romantic relationship. And as a princess, she would not be lacking as a Duke’s wife.”

 

The Emperor presented his case, citing various reasons, in an attempt to persuade Cardale.

 

“It would grant both of you the right to succeed to the throne if you marry Theresia. As a Duke, I believe it is not a bad offer.”

 

“It’s ridiculous.”

 

The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched.

 

“I have never understood why the Oldenhilts always pursue such insatiable ambitions when it comes to Vassenbergs.”

 

Cardale did not hide his mockery anymore.

 

“There have been countless attempts by previous Emperors to unite Vassenberg and Oldenhilt through marriage. How many of them do you think were successful?”

 

“….”

 

“How many of them resulted in success?”

 

Cardale no longer concealed his contemptuous laughter.

 

“None. Not a single one.”

 

Many Emperors had coveted Vassenberg’s power, attempting to subjugate them or bind them through blood ties. But none had succeeded.

 

“It will be the same this time.”

 

And in the future as well.

 

Cardale spoke in a cold tone, rising from his seat.

 

“In that case, calculations must be perfect, shouldn’t they, Duke Vassenberg?”

 

Upon Johann’s words, Cardale stopped in his tracks and turned to the Emperor.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Johann rose from his seat, following Cardale. Due to the height difference, he had to look up at the Duke.

 

“You must have heard about it too. Among the advanced weapons General Helmut used, some were smuggled out from Nodrat.”

 

“Didn’t we already identify and punish those involved?”

 

In the first place, the distribution of weapons was almost monopolised by the royal family. It was the responsibility of the royal family that it had not been properly managed.

 

“Besides, weapon smuggling is not under my jurisdiction. This issue would be better addressed to His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

 

Cardale firmly drew the line, reminding the Emperor and the Crown Prince that they bore responsibility.

 

“That’s right.”

 

Emperor Johann casually nodded in agreement.

 

“But besides that, there have been statements about individuals who provided information to Helmut regarding Nodrat and engaged in treasonous acts. Although Helmut may have been defeated, the Empire’s traitors seem to have survived unscathed.”

 

Johann got to the real point, his expression filled with worry.

 

“Considering that these individuals might be lurking and plotting their next moves, I have been unable to sleep peacefully lately.”

 

Cardale noticed the Emperor’s attempts to restrain him, and his expression turned cold.

 

“As the Duke recalls, my condition for the covenant was to eliminate the threat of war originating from Helmut completely.”

 

Johann took out their covenant document. Cardale’s signature on the parchment still radiated a blue magical aura.

 

It was evidence that the covenant was still valid.

 

In a low voice, Cardale asked, “Should I erase Helmut from the map entirely then?”

 

“No, that’s not necessary. Occupying the barren territories of Helmut would serve no purpose. It would only complicate matters.”

 

The Emperor waved his hand, looking puzzled, and continued speaking.

 

“Instead, I request that you uncover the rebels who pose a threat to Nodrat’s security. Not a single one should be spared.”

 

It was not an entirely unreasonable demand. Even to conclude the covenant, any potential sparks of threat had to be eliminated.

 

However, that made Cardale trust the Emperor even less. After all, he was someone who harboured dozens of vipers within him.

 

Cardale asked straightforwardly, “Is that all you desire?”

 

“Hahaha! Of course.”

 

Johann laughed heartily and then added while studying Cardale’s expression.

 

“I suppose we will be able to see the Duke frequently at this year’s Imperial events. If you are to track down the rebels, you will have to stay in Inghel for a while.”

 

“Oh, how fortunate.”

 

Theresia chimed in quickly.

 

“While you’re in Inghel, you could also attend social events occasionally, couldn’t you?”

 

That’s what it came down to in the end.

 

Cardale chuckled inwardly. He was tempted to applaud the Emperor’s persistence in creating opportunities to entangle him with the Princess.

 

“By the way, you are aware that there will be an exhibition showcasing exotic fauna in a few days, right? How about you, Duke, taking charge of my escort then?”

 

“I will decline.”

 

Cardale flatly refused without any room for negotiation. Theresia’s face stiffened at his resolute rejection.

 

Cardale didn’t even spare her a glance and spoke to the Emperor.

 

“The execution of the covenant will proceed without any issues. As the investigation progresses, I will inform you. I will take my leave now.”

 

“Just a moment, Lord Cardale!”

 

Theresia hurriedly grabbed his arm, but he didn’t give her a second glance as he walked out of the room.

 

“Cardale!”

 

Theresia’s desperate voice echoed through the corridor as she followed him. Cardale disregarded her.

 

Theresia even tried to block his path by throwing her arms around him from behind, an action totally inappropriate for a Princess.

 

“Is it that difficult to serve as my escort? After all, you don’t have another partner, do you?”

 

She sent him a gaze filled with resentment as she grumbled.

 

“You can’t just draw a clear line like that. When we spend time together, our hearts may come to understand each other…”

 

“I’ve already said it.”

 

Cardale retorted in an indifferent tone.

 

“I have no intention of marrying Your Highness.”

 

“Why am I not good enough?”

 

Finally losing her composure, Theresia shouted at the emotionless man before her.

 

“I am a Princess! With my mother, the Empress, absent, I am the most noble woman in this Empire. Is there another woman who suits you better than me?”

 

“Enough.”

 

Cardale turned his head with a disgusted expression. However, Theresia didn’t back down.

 

She wrapped her arms around him from behind.

 

“You know it, too. I have loved you sincerely from the past until now. I truly-“

 

Cardale forcibly removed her arms from his body.

 

Theresia looked at him with a resentful gaze, wrapping her arms around herself.

 

“Your Highness.”

 

When Cardale’s low voice pierced her ears, Theresia flinched. It was an eerily chilling voice that sent shivers down her spine.

 

“If your intention was to anger me, you have succeeded. However, it would be best to stop at this point.”

 

His low voice carried an aura of danger.

 

“My patience is wearing thin. If I keep witnessing Your Highness’s conduct, who knows what I might do?”

***