Chapter 168: He Is Mine! (35)

First, the Mist Monastery is independent of the Frost Crystal Kingdom; its strength is so great it needs no recognition.

Moreover, they have dwelled there longer than the history of the Frost Crystal Kingdom—in fact, it is the royal family who are the newcomers.

Second, the Mist Mountains cover one-third of the entire Frost Crystal territory and contain a natural harbor, yet that region is a barren wasteland ravaged by demonic creatures and teeming with danger.

The kingdom once attempted to develop that area, but after three or four rounds of wilderness expansion spanning over fifty years, they only managed to push their settlements a few dozen kilometers into the wilds—still far from the core of the Mist Mountains.

Since it was entirely unclaimed wilderness with no actual control, handing it over would have no impact whatsoever.

It would be better to go with the flow and do them a favor.

Leonhart smiled at Herbert's stunned expression, patted his shoulder, and emphasized: "But pay attention—this land is not being given to the Mist Monastery, but to… you!"

Herbert:?

Huh?

How do you know I even wanted it?

Herbert didn't voice it, but his thoughts were written plainly across his face.

Old man, are you reading my mind?

"Hahaha!"

Leonhart burst into laughter:

"Do you think you can fool me? Don't you know who raised you?"

"Besides, I've dealt with those old-fashioned monks for years—I know they have zero interest in that land."

"But since you asked for it, I'll give it to you!"

Leonhart did not ask Herbert what he intended to do with the land.

No need.

If you want it, I give it to you.

"How's that? Am I not wonderful? Hahaha! Cough… cough… cough…"

After laughing until he coughed, Leonhart took a long breath and continued: "Then your fiefdom will be set there."

Herbert hesitated, raising his hand weakly: "But I don't want to inherit the Silver Wing title…"

I don't want it!

The king waved his hand dismissively: "Don't inherit it then—do you think I can't grant you another title?"

"Uh… alright."

Herbert had nothing more to say.

What kind of forced affection is this… forced doting from an elder?

Here, take it, kid!

Once the matter was settled, their conversation became more relaxed.

Herbert recounted some of his experiences at the monastery and what had transpired during the king's coma.

At the end of their talk, Leonhart hesitated, cleared his throat, and asked: "By the way, you and Philia…?"

Leonhart probed gently, but seeing Herbert's calm eyes, he stopped mid-sentence, smiling wryly and shaking his head.

"Fine, fine, don't look at me like that—I won't interfere anymore, alright?"

Soon after waking, Leonhart noticed the problem.

These two former childhood friends had never appeared together before him, and whenever either was mentioned, they remained unnervingly calm—even cold.

"I won't meddle in your affairs. Decide for yourselves—lest you urinate on my tombstone later, hahaha! Cough… cough… cough…"

He laughed, waved his hand, then picked up the wine cup beside the bed.

"Friend, stranger, even enemy—it's all your own life."

"As a father, all I can say is, she must have her reasons."

Herbert smiled too, raised his own wine cup, tapped it lightly against Leonhart's, shook his head, and said nothing.

He whispered inwardly:

"Who in this world doesn't have their reasons?"

"But what's gone is gone."

While Herbert and the king conversed in the royal chamber, another conversation unfolded outside.

Deep within the palace garden, Valentina gazed triumphantly at Philia, occasionally emitting mocking snorts.

"Hm-hm~ hm~"

The little princess, meanwhile, was filled with confusion.

Philia:?

What's wrong with her?

Philia frowned at Valentina, turned away, and ignored her, continuing to gaze at the last remaining flowerbeds in the garden.

Though it was late November, the entire realm had cooled, and several layers of snow had fallen, the Frost Crystal Kingdom possessed a special flower.

Frost Crystal Flower—the national flower of the Frost Crystal Kingdom.

Legend says it evolved from a wild rose bathed in the blood of the Frost Snow Dragon, blooming even in the harshest winter, with unique medicinal properties that replenish a wounded person's vital essence.

She waited in the garden now to pluck the flower the moment it bloomed and freeze it for preservation… but that was merely an excuse.

The true reason, perhaps, only she understood.

Yet the moment Philia turned her head, the annoying dragon followed her gaze and turned as well.

Tap-tap-tap…

Beneath her long nun's robe, tiny steps moved swiftly, her upper body still, yet she darted forward in a flash, appearing right before Philia.

"Hm-hm~"

"???"

Philia's eyes widened, utterly baffled by the other's actions.

What are you doing?

Don't you realize what you're doing?!

"…"

She took a deep breath, suppressed her emotions, and turned her head to the side.

Turn left.

Tap-tap-tap.

"Hm-hm!"

"…"

Turn right.

Tap-tap-tap.

"Hm↑ hm↓"

"…Tch."

Philia truly did not wish to meet Valentina's gaze, yet this irritating creature clung to her like a fly, constantly appearing before her.

Finally, after spending half the day playing this "two-person dance" in the garden, Philia sighed and spoke: "... What do you want?"

She surrendered.

She knew Valentina's identity—if she could fight back, she'd freeze this nuisance into ice!

Seeing Philia finally speak, Valentina smirked triumphantly.

Hm-hm!

My victory!

I won!

Then she stepped before Philia, towering over her with the pride of a victor, and declared:

"He is mine!"

She lowered her head, fixing her burning, slit-pupiled gaze upon Philia's cold eyes, and spoke slowly, each word deliberate:

"He… is… mine!"

Boom!

An invisible wave of heat erupted from her pupils, instantly melting all frost crystals clinging to the Frost Crystal Flowers across the garden.

Philia, crushed by the terrifying pressure, tried to retreat—but iron-like hands clamped onto her shoulders, forcing her to face the horror head-on.

Valentina stared at Philia, revealing a fierce, alluring smile, and declared again:

"He is MINE!!!"

(End of Chapter)