Chapter 308: The Princess Who Doubts Herself

As a princess of the royal family, Blanche's birth was naturally noble.

It is just a pity that after the two grandsons of the Grand Duke Waerjisi, to whom she was betrothed, both died of illness, rumors spread outside that "whoever marries Blanche will die," which put her in a very awkward position.

Especially later, after His Majesty Bruno's attempt to have her betrothed to the Grand Duke's third grandson was politely declined by the Grand Duke, Blanche faintly became a laughingstock among the high nobility.

So much so that when she turned eighteen last year, let alone getting married, there wasn't even a family interested in a betrothal with her, which made the royal family lose some face.

Under such circumstances, there are still many people coming to celebrate Blanche's birthday?

"Nobles, you know, they all like excitement, especially banquets held by the royal family; they like attending them even more."

Joli explained: "However, many of them are here to see His Majesty the King's embarrassment. After all, Her Highness the Princess will be nineteen after this birthday, yet she still has no marriage prospect, which is not a good thing for the royal family."

Luoning asked in surprise: "Even you all know about Her Highness the Princess not being able to get married?"

"Hahaha..."

Joli couldn't help but laugh, "Count, you might not understand, but discussing the royal family and the high nobility is something we people do often in our daily lives."

No matter where you go, there are always onlookers, especially when it comes to the gossip of big shots, which very likely becomes the talk of the town after tea and meals.

It is estimated that in the streets, Blanche's situation is likely similar to Weijinsi, who still has his legs; both are laughingstocks.

It is just that she is a bit wronged.

Joli couldn't help but sigh: "I once observed Her Highness the Princess from afar; she has a very outstanding appearance. It is just a pity that she brings disaster to her fiancés. The two grandsons of Grand Duke Waerjisi both died at her hands, and even their father, who presided over the betrothal, did not escape the misfortune. Such a person, I fear no one dares to marry."

Lisi couldn't help but glance at Luoning.

Luoning came to Jinyu City this time, outwardly saying it was to return the favor for Her Highness the Princess attending Lulansi's birthday last year, but as the heir of the Dennis Family, Lisi knew the truth of the matter.

Facing this "are you afraid?" expression from Lisi, Luoning spread his hands, indicating he was not afraid in the slightest.

He explained for Blanche: "Actually, there are quite a few misunderstandings about this matter; the two grandsons of Grand Duke Waerjisi were likely frail and sickly to begin with."

"Marquis Qiongsen was no invalid, and it is said that the Grand Duke's third grandson, Jianuo, fell severely ill immediately after learning he was to be betrothed to Her Highness the Princess, and only gradually recovered after the Grand Duke politely declined."

This... should be from being scared, right?

Joli clearly did not know the purpose of Luoning's trip, so he opened up like a chatterbox, saying whatever came to mind.

"If it were just losing some wealth to be betrothed to Princess Blanche, that would be fine; the Duke is not short of money. But it costs lives after the betrothal; who can stand that? Now some are saying that if His Majesty the King dislikes any family, he just needs to marry Princess Blanche off to them."

Luoning couldn't help but sigh; it seems that accepting this betrothal really does require immense courage.

However, when Lulansi presided over the betrothal, it was for the sake of Luoning's future path. If it were now, the old man might also have such taboos and not agree to this matter.

But regardless, since both sides have already reached an agreement, the betrothal must proceed. Moreover, in Luoning's view, being able to marry into the royal family will be helpful for his future.

As for rumors like misfortune and curses, Luoning does not believe them.

Hmm...

Although he has indeed encountered several dangers since meeting Blanche, he has turned them into safety every time.

The key is still personal strength.

Jinyu Palace, the base of the Auduin Family.

It is not a single palace, but an architectural complex composed of dozens of palaces and thousands of courtyards and houses.

Such an architectural scale is not only the most prosperous and noble area in Jinyu City, but looking at the entire Kingdom, no noble's castle can compare to it.

As a princess of the Kingdom, her residence is located in a lush garden, surrounded by high city walls and sturdy towers, protecting her safety and privacy.

In Jinyu Palace, apart from the servants who wait on her, she does not have many friends. This might also be the trouble caused by the rumors; when she was at the Royal Magic Academy, many classmates avoided contact with her as much as possible.

Finally, at her request, the King agreed to hire a tutor for her, allowing her to study in her own palace.

This environment is lonely, but at least it is more comfortable than seeing people deliberately avoid her or inadvertently hearing people talk about her anytime, anywhere.

Cultivating, reading, and strolling through the manor to admire various beautiful flowers and trees are her main daily activities; it is very peaceful.

However, with her nineteenth birthday approaching, this peaceful life of hers is about to be broken.

At the same time, her mood has also become anxious. She has already learned from her father that Luoning will attend this birthday banquet.

Thinking of Luoning's handsome appearance and the kiss she stole when they parted, a blush couldn't help but rise on her face.

Although she is a princess, that initiative was too abrupt, but she truly wants to escape the fate of being seen as a misfortune; this can also be considered the effort she has made for her own life.

It is just that she does not know if this betrothal can go to the end.

"Your Highness, your friend Knight Mixi has arrived," a maid walked in from outside to report.

"Oh?"

Blanche, who was painting in the garden, showed a look of joy, immediately put down the brush in her hand, and without letting the servant go to pass the message, she ran out to greet her personally.

This is not only because Mixi is her good friend, but also because the other party might bring the news she wants.

Today, Mixi was not wearing armor or a helmet, revealing her short golden hair; compared to Blanche's gentle beauty, she looked like a tomboy.

Blanche ran over and took the other's hand, asking expectantly: "How is it, Mixi, has he arrived?"

"Look at how anxious you are!" Mixi also laughed, "The news just came from Horn Bay Port; he has already arrived."

Blanche's hanging heart finally settled down, "How is Luoning? Was the journey smooth?"

Hearing this, Mixi frowned slightly and shook her head: "I heard they encountered an attack by the White Whale Pirate Group on the sea."

"Ah?"

Blanche was stunned, a look of panic flashing in her eyes, "How could this happen? Was he injured?"

"He is fine. But I heard the Dennis Family's ship was destroyed, and the accompanying guards and crew suffered significant casualties."

Blanche let out a sigh of relief; although the panicked look on her face eased a little, she was still very sorrowful, and her mood was very low.

She pulled Mixi inside, "Tell me, will I really bring misfortune to others?"

The rumors from the outside have spread for years; let alone others, even she herself sometimes doubts herself like this.

If the answer is no, then why do those who are betrothed to her all die?

"Why would you think that?"

Mixi wore a sincere smile and comforted her: "I know you are a kind girl; how could those misfortunes and the Curse have anything to do with you?"

"But Luoning has been nearly killed twice since he met me."

Blanche shook her head with lingering fear; she dared not imagine what kind of life she would face after Luoning died.

"These were just accidents, my Princess!"

"Are they really just accidents?"

Blanche traced her jade fingers through the void, drawing a Spell Pattern.

The moment the Spell Pattern was completed, a dark light surged, forming a summoning array.

Immediately after, a skull wearing a simple Helmet slowly rose from within the array.

"This is the Level 3 Magic, Skeleton Summoning!"

Mixi's eyes flickered, "You are an Advanced Mage now?"

Blanche nodded and reached out to push the skull back down, her face devoid of any joy from her advancement in strength.

She was wondering if her proficiency in dark elemental Magic was what caused her to bring misfortune to others.

As a friend of the Princess, Mixi knew what the latter was thinking at this moment.

"You are not the only dark Magician; others do not bring misfortune, and neither do you."

She gazed sincerely at Blanche and said with a smile: "Instead of doubting yourself, why not have His Majesty send troops to wipe out that White Whale Pirate Group and vent Luoning's anger!"

These words allowed Blanche to temporarily emerge from her self-doubt, and she nodded: "You are right, I will go find my father the King now!" (End of this chapter)