[Vol. 7] Chapter 155: The Holy Empire, the Human United Kingdom, and the Austre Empire
"An angel of the Holy Empire? You... No, wait, I recognize you."
Even under the overwhelming pressure of her aura, one that had clearly surpassed the limits of ordinary power, Prince Xiluo didn’t completely lose his composure. Unlike Shutak, the man beside him, who was visibly trembling in fear, Xiluo quickly regained his calm after his initial shock. His sharp gaze studied the angelic girl’s striking and valiant face, deep in thought.
"We’ve met twice before. You were always following that woman, Violet. Back then, you were just an ordinary White-Winged One. This face of yours… Hah! Don’t think that just because you’ve grown another pair of wings, changed your presence, and gotten stronger, I wouldn’t recognize you!"
The angel girl remained unfazed. With a graceful twirl, she spun her spear in the air, drawing a perfect arc before aiming it directly at Xiluo, completely unbothered by any consequences.
"So what if you recognize me? Whether I am an angel or a winged one makes no difference. This spear remains unchanged, anyone who dares offend Lady Violet is an enemy of both me, Leila, and the Holy Temple. Prince of the Austre Empire, do you truly think I’m just bluffing?"
Xiluo’s face darkened. Clearly, the angel’s unexpected arrival had disrupted his plans. But if he backed down now, it would be a humiliating blow to his status as a prince.
"Are you saying you wish to represent the Holy Empire and declare war against Austre? You’re just an angel. Do you think you’re the Goddess herself?"
"You—"
Before Leila could respond, another voice suddenly cut in.
"Sister, why are you running so fast?! You don’t have to rush just to watch the show—huh?!"
A second four-winged girl with short, snow-white hair came dashing through the crowd, seemingly in a hurry. She had been about to complain when she suddenly froze in place, as if she had just witnessed something unbelievable.
Then, with a face full of excitement, she lunged straight at a certain black-haired girl.
"Lady Violet!!!"
"Oof!"
With a soft yet oddly elastic thump, the young priestess barely managed to catch the angel girl who had pounced on her. Though Violet looked smaller and more delicate compared to the excited newcomer, she held her with the composure of a mother soothing her overenthusiastic child.
Smiling warmly, she gently stroked the girl’s head and the base of her soft wings, as if calming an overly eager fledgling.
"Alright, alright... You’ve grown into such an important figure now, but you’re still as clingy as ever. Didn’t we already see each other back in the Angel City? Come on, we’re in public, mind your image a little!"
"Hehe... But being next to Lady Violet just feels so safe! You left in such a hurry last time, and it’s already been two or three months... Uh, wait—what’s going on here again?"
Burying her face into the priestess’s rather modest chest, the angel girl, Rene Kulk, took in a deep breath as if savoring a long-missed comfort. She only reluctantly let go when she noticed some of the surrounding gazes starting to turn a little... odd. Finally realizing the situation, she took a moment to glance around and take in her surroundings.
But while she was still figuring things out, the others already understood the implications.
The arrival of yet another angel made Prince Xiluo’s already dark expression even more grim. Moments ago, he had tried to use the tense relations between the Austre Empire and the Holy Empire to threaten Leila. But in reality, that same tension was a double-edged sword, even for him.
The truth was, Austre wasn’t prepared to go to full-scale war with the Holy Empire. The World Academy Joint Exchange Conference existed precisely to maintain a fragile balance. If Xiluo’s actions triggered a premature shift in that balance, leading to a diplomatic loss, the consequences would be far more than he could afford to bear.
Now that Leila and Rene, two angels representing the Holy Empire, had openly sided with Violet, his chances of seizing the girl were slipping away fast.
However, the fact remained: the [Lion’s Ring], a royal heirloom, had been found in Lenka’s possession. Whether for the sake of honor or political maneuvering, Xiluo had to come up with a proper explanation. Otherwise, even if he wanted to back down, he was already riding a tiger, there was no easy way out.
While the prince was caught up in his dilemma, the priestess subtly scanned the area, her gaze shifting toward the direction Rene had just come from. There, standing quietly in the corner, was a green-haired girl in an elegant dress, accompanied by a small, seemingly harmless young girl.
Noticing Violet’s eyes on her, Eudora, who had never met her in this identity before, quickly lowered her head, looking a bit shy. Meanwhile, Theresa, who had shed her awkward past and now carried an air of refined elegance, blushed slightly and smiled, giving Violet a playful wink in silent greeting.
At the same time, another woman made her entrance. She had short black hair, sharp features, and a strong, commanding aura. With a group of subordinates in tow, she confidently pushed through the crowd and stepped forward, inserting herself into the tense standoff.
She first gave a respectful yet composed bow to the red-haired prince before speaking in a firm voice that carried across the gathered crowd.
"Greetings, Prince Xiluo. I am Felina Trollope, Vice Captain of the Royal Capital Knights of the Human United Kingdom and a second-rank Countess. By the decree of Her Majesty the Queen, I am leading the delegation of the Royal Academy of Human United Kingdom to this event. As per Her Majesty’s orders, you may consider my words as the official stance of the Human United Kingdom."
"Lady Violet is a trusted and esteemed friend of our Queen, Her Majesty Lilya Melchior. Regarding Your Highness’s earlier accusation, I am here to vouch for her on behalf of our Kingdom. Given her character, she would never instruct someone to steal your [Lion’s Ring]. There is likely some misunderstanding or hidden circumstances in this matter."
"How about this? Let Miss Lenka return the ring to you, and in return, representatives from our nation, the Holy Empire, your Austre Empire, and the event hosts from Sainz can conduct a joint investigation. During this period, Academy City will assign personnel to monitor Miss Lenka’s movements to ensure no further complications. Once the full truth is uncovered, we can determine the proper course of action. Would that be acceptable to you?"
Prince Xiluo’s expression darkened as he turned to glare at the knightess, whose demeanor remained polite yet unwavering.
"The Human United Kingdom... You intend to get involved in this mess too?"
A sharp glint flashed in Felina’s eyes as she met his challenge head-on.
"Prince Xiluo Frederick, I suggest you mind your words and tone. I am currently speaking to you as a representative of the Human United Kingdom. Is this how the Austre Empire chooses to respond?"
"You—!"
The hot-tempered prince, unable to bear the humiliation any longer, reached for his sword. With a sharp clang, he drew it halfway from its sheath, prompting his guards to follow suit, weapons flashing as they rushed to his side.
But they were not the only ones ready for battle. The warriors of the Human United Kingdom instantly unsheathed their own blades without hesitation. At the same time, Leila and Rene swiftly took up their combat stances, prepared to fight at a moment’s notice.
Did Prince Xiluo really think he could intimidate this group? These warriors had faced down abyssal horrors and demons without flinching, what was a mere imperial prince to them? If he truly provoked the angel sisters, they wouldn’t hesitate to cut him down without so much as a second thought.
But just as the tension was about to explode into open conflict, a calm yet exasperated female voice rang out from beyond the crowd.
"Enough. That’s enough… Brother, you’ve gone too far."