The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 299: blind Confidence

Prince Lucan’s Residence

Princess Karen had been worried ever since the decree was released. She and her husband were packing, preparing to leave the royal city. Although her plan had always been to stay close, monitor the activities of the royal family, and send back timely reports, going to the Fourth Region did not seem so bad—especially since it was the heart of the kingdom’s wealth. She felt that if she and her husband were able to gain a foothold there, it would be easier to plan a rebellion in the future, when her son took the throne.

In truth, the young child’s condition was not as bad as she had made it seem. First, it was meant to push public opinion against the king, and second, to assure the king that the child was no longer a threat. As long as he was properly cared for, he would gradually regain his health.

"What is the matter?" Prince Lucan asked. He had noticed that his wife had been frowning for days.

"I am just worried. You have only just recovered, and this journey may affect your health," Karen said.

Prince Lucan smiled. He was truly happy to have a wife and live a peaceful life with her, especially given his poor health.

"There is nothing to worry about. Once we leave the royal city, we can travel slowly. There is no need to be in haste," Prince Lucan said, trying to comfort her.

Princess Karen shook her head. She understood his point, but what she truly feared was the unrest in the kingdom. Prince Lucan’s identity threatened too many people with vested interests. What if one of them took the opportunity to hurt him?

"Are you worried about our safety during the journey?" Prince Lucan asked. He was not ignorant of the current situation.

His brother, Edward, could kill him and place the blame on the Third Prince or Lord Aureline. Either of those two could also kill him and shift the blame to Edward, giving themselves a reason to rebel.

Princess Karen did not need to answer; her worry was written plainly on her face.

"My brother would not dare harm me," Prince Lucan said confidently, but his words only made Princess Karen worry more. Although the king seemed to regret his actions, she believed anyone could put on an act.

People spoke of the best actors in opera and drama theatres, but she believed the finest actors were found among the nobles and the royal family. From a very young age, one was taught to practice a perfect smile. All emotions were carefully controlled, allowing others to see only what one wished them to see.

"I am not saying this because I blindly trust my brother. The person I trust is Mother. Do you know why she is going to the Fourth Region with us?" Prince Lucan asked.

Princess Karen thought about it. She had assumed Mary’s decision to accompany them was to show goodwill toward her husband, but now she began to doubt that.

"The Fourth Region is the heart of our kingdom. Its riches are second only to the royal city, as most of its goods are controlled by the royal family. My brother already has doubts about me; he would never send me to such a place. He would rather grant me the highest honor possible within the royal city. So Mother must follow us to reassure him. My brother does not doubt my loyalty..." Prince Lucan looked at Princess Karen. Though he said nothing more, she understood. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"He fears that I will not be loyal?" Princess Karen asked.

In her heart, she had done her best to act within acceptable limits. Although the king had every reason not to trust her, he was being overly cautious.

"Yes. My mother’s presence reassures my brother that there will be no movement from us. As long as Mother lives, my brother will not act against us. From childhood until now, Mother has always made sure I understood that my brother would be king and that I would be his greatest support. That has not changed in my heart, and my brother knows this. That is why he did not attack me—but my son is also my life. He should have known that," Prince Lucan said, shaking his head.

He could never bring himself to forgive Edward. He had compromised for the sake of the entire kingdom and because of his own weakness. If he started a rebellion, he knew he could not win given his condition, so he chose the path that best protected his family.

For the first time, Princess Karen saw fire burning in her husband’s eyes. She suddenly realized she had made a fatal mistake. Prince Lucan was not a love-struck fool. He was a prince who understood everything. His weak body was the only reason he appeared ignorant.

"Even if your brother would not hurt you, the rebels might," she voiced her next concern.

"I know. My brother has already sent men ahead to ensure the path we travel is safe. Lord Aureline or the Third Prince would not dare harm me openly, as public support is their greatest strength. As long as Edward does not give them an opportunity to frame him, our journey will be smooth," Prince Lucan explained.

Princess Karen finally understood. Given the kingdom’s current situation, the one most worried about their safety was the king himself.

Time moved quickly. On the day Prince Lucan’s family left the royal city, the city woke early.

As the sun rose, the palace gates were opened wide, and the main road leading out of the city was cleared. Royal banners hung from pillars and walls, moving gently in the morning breeze. Bells rang from the towers, their heavy sounds spreading across the city and drawing people from their homes.

King Edward and his wife came to bid them a safe journey. Their presence showed everyone that the brothers were at peace and erased any doubts raised by the poisoning incident. Many began to suspect the Third Prince instead.

The procession began slowly. Royal guards rode at the front, their armor clean and bright, their spears held straight. Behind them came the carriages, large and finely made, pulled by strong horses. The sound of hooves echoed against the stone road as the group moved forward at a calm, steady pace.

Princess Karen sat beside Prince Lucan in the first carriage. She wore a deep blue gown, simple but clearly royal. Her face was calm, but her eyes quietly observed the crowd. Her son was held in her arms. Since the poisoning incident, she did not like to be separated from him for long.

Nobles stood in neat lines, bowing as the carriages passed. Ordinary citizens gathered farther back, whispering to one another as they watched. Some looked concerned, others curious, and a few hid their true thoughts behind polite expressions.

Prince Lucan was dressed plainly, with a cloak bearing the royal symbol resting on his shoulders. He lifted his hand slightly in greeting, and soft murmurs rose from the crowd.

More carriages followed, carrying servants, guards, and physicians. Wagons filled with supplies rolled behind them. At the rear of the procession sat Lady Mary. She was calm and dignified, her presence impossible to ignore. Mary could not help but look back at the palace that had been her home for decades. She would surely miss it, but she reminded herself that the royal city had once been a strange land to her when she first married the late king. If she could make a home there, she could also make one in the Fourth Region.

When the great gates of the royal city finally closed behind them, a long trumpet call sounded. Princess Karen felt a quiet heaviness in her chest as the familiar walls faded from sight.

Prince Lucan gently placed his hand over hers, steady and reassuring. "We can live out our days in comfort. Besides, my brother can handle everyone else easily," he said.

Princess Karen smiled. The Second Prince had indeed been kind to her. His words also reminded her of the benefits of going north. Although she would not be able to act for her kingdom for the time being, there was no urgency for rebellion. Her kingdom could rest and grow during this time.

Because of their large group and Lady Mary’s health, they traveled very slowly. It took them more than six days to reach the Second Region, instead of the usual two days if they had traveled quickly.

"It is time," someone reminded the prince from outside the carriage.

"What?" Princess Karen asked.

"We must cross the borders of the region in disguise. Although Lord Aureline would not kill us, it would not be wise to risk becoming his hostages," Prince Lucan explained.

"You have thought of everything carefully," Princess Karen said. She had overlooked this point.

Prince Lucan smiled.

The two stepped out of the carriage and changed into another. This time, they would be traveling as merchants returning from trade.

They would travel ahead of the main royal group, accompanied by skilled guards disguised as servants. The royal procession would follow an hour behind. This distance would provide them with enough protection.