Cerulean Waves | Duke Ergi

Chapter 21

The sun had completely set, making way for the moon to shine among the numerous stars that shimmered in the night sky. Just from observing the surroundings, she knew that there was still a long journey ahead before they'd reach home.

Looking out of the carriage's window, she recalled what had happened before she went to the Academy.

"I know about your plan."

Words cannot describe how much the Western Prince was taken aback by what the Lady had just said as soon as she sat in front of him.

He flew back to the Eastern Empire the moment he heard about Navier's trip to Wilwol, due to a letter sent by Aria. Although, along with it was a message that she had wanted to discuss something that is better to be done personally instead of through letters.

"Plan?"

Despite feeling nervous, he maintained a calm composure and waited for her answer.

"Your plan..." Aria trailed off, carefully choosing her next few words as she observed his reaction. "To marry Her Majesty."

With this, Heinrey couldn't help but lightly chuckle from bewilderment. He had completely underestimated her quick wit. Perhaps, she might even already knows about his long-term scheme to invade the nation. But from her expression, he can see that she has no clue.

Or she simply has no intention of joining that into the conversation.

"And I have no plans on stopping you." Aria smiled before continuing. "I only wish for your success, it's high time that my close friend is rid of any more heartache that she is experiencing."

"Also, why I wanted to talk with you is unrelated about that issue."

"Oh? Please do tell." Heinrey leaned forward on his seat, interested to know what she has in store.

Luckily, she booked a table located at a VIP room. This made it easy to utter the next few words she was about to say, not having to worry about any unwanted ears hearing their confidential discussion.

"I would like to make a deal with your country, not as a daughter of a duke, but a member of a royal family."

"Pardon?"

Once again, his eyes widened from surprise. He could not believe what he just heard. Attempting to open his mouth, he only ended up closing it back when he found out that there was simply no words that could form that would be an appropriate response.

'Is she and Duke Ergi already married? When?'

Aria let him register and sink in all the information she had unexpectedly poured into his mind before continuing. "I apologize, let me start over again."

"In the Wol continent, I am known as Lady Aria Valea, a daughter of a powerful Duke from the Eastern Empire."

"But in the Hwa continent, however, I am known in a different title." Heinrey's jaw dropped even more.

Observing his reaction, she carefully proceeded.

"As the First Princess of the Aqir Empire, it has been my duty to search for the perfect nation to establish diplomatic relations with. One that is powerful and suitable to form trades with, from one continent to another."

After one silent moment, the Western King queried."And you chose my nation instead of your homeland? Why?"

"From the moment that I realized how much more capable and willing your nation is compared to the Eastern Empire, of course." Aria easily answered. "Just from what happened to Luipt, it is clear to me that this nation is not capable enough to receive my offer."