The study room exuded an air of grandeur and luxury, lined with dark mahogany bookshelves that added to its imposing charm.
Duke Callissto paced back and forth in the study, his polished boots echoing loudly against the wooden floor, the sound carrying far beyond the room.
He stopped abruptly at the edge of his desk, gripping its corners tightly with both hands as he glared down at a piece of paper lying before him. His anger was palpable.
The paper contained a report detailing the failed ambush on the Princess and her independent committee.
Instead of achieving the mission's goal—eliminating the Princess—an unknown individual had interfered, ensuring her survival.
Fortunately, none of the attackers had been seriously injured, allowing them to escape and avoid being captured. Otherwise, their master's identity might have been revealed.
"How could this happen?" he growled in a low but menacing tone. "I ordered the best assassins, yet they were defeated by some unknown vagabond?"
His allies, seated on the sofas within the room, exchanged nervous glances.
They remained silent, unsure of how to respond, knowing all too well about the Duke's notorious temper.
Their silence only fueled the Duke's rage further. He abruptly turned, pointing a sharp finger at Marquis Tobias.
"You assured me this would work, Tobias. The Princess should have been dealt with before she became even more dangerous!" Duke Callissto roared, slamming his fist onto the desk. The action startled everyone in the room.
Marquis Tobias, pale-faced, responded hesitantly but tried to keep his voice steady. "Duke, the plan was solid. The mercenaries nearly succeeded, but it was the intervention of that unknown figure that ruined everything."
Duke Callissto turned back to the desk, his face visibly red with anger, and asked in a hiss filled with frustration, "Who is he, and why was he there?"
Marquis Tobias swallowed hard before answering, "His name is Joel. He's known as 'The Mercenary King.' Now, he's staying at the palace as a guest because he saved the Princess."
Hearing this, the Duke sat heavily in his chair, his expression growing even darker as he leaned forward, clasping his hands tightly together in thought.
His mind raced as he tried to formulate a plan to salvage the failure.
"Spread rumors among the court and nobility," he said finally in a cold, decisive tone, narrowing his eyes at his allies.
"Let it be known that the Princess's reckless bravery endangered the lives of her committee. Plant doubts about her competence and her suitability as Crown Princess."
His allies nodded silently, understanding the order without question. The gossip campaign began that very night.
***
Meanwhile, at the Elysia Kingdom's palace, Princess Viana stood beside her father, King Clive Yanis, who sat regally on his throne.
Before them knelt Joel, his demeanor respectful yet casual.
"Greetings to His Majesty, King Clive Yanis of Elysia," Joel said in an easy tone.
The King, who had already heard about the attack on the independent committee and his daughter, spoke, "Joel, my gratitude to you for saving my daughter."
Joel remained bowed and replied humbly, "It was nothing, Your Majesty. I was merely passing by."
The King offered a faint smile, then glanced at his daughter. She returned his gaze with a soft smile of her own.
Turning back to Joel, who was still kneeling, the King spoke again. "You bear the title 'The Mercenary King,' do you not?"
Joel kept his eyes on the ground and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
He was well aware that the Elysia Kingdom, renowned for its knights, wouldn't overlook his identity.
But for Princess Viana, who hadn't known this about him, her reaction was one of surprise. She gasped softly, covering her mouth with her hand, but said nothing further.
Her eyes remained fixed on Joel, still bowed before her father.
Her mind raced as she considered how to keep Joel close to her, knowing that mercenaries were often elusive and difficult to track down.
She leaned toward her father and whispered something in his ear. The King listened intently, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
Once she finished, he laughed heartily and addressed Joel, who watched them with mild curiosity.
"Haha! Very well, Joel. Since my daughter herself has requested it, I will ask you this," he said, smiling warmly. "Would you agree to be employed by the kingdom to assist the Royal Guard in protecting the Crown Princess?"
Joel paused as though considering the offer, then nodded solemnly. "I will accept this request, Your Majesty."
The King laughed once more, and Viana beamed in delight.
Reyes, standing at a respectful distance behind the Princess, was far less enthusiastic. His pride as her personal Royal Guard felt slightly undermined.
His thoughts betrayed his feelings, as a subtle display appeared above his head, reading: Love Percentage - 13%.
Viana, however, didn't notice this.
***
Without Viana's knowledge, Duke Callisto's campaign of spreading malicious gossip was running smoothly.
Over the next few days, rumors circulated widely among the general public and the noble class.
The gossip accused the Princess of recklessly trying to uncover the slave trade, claiming her actions were an irresponsible grab for attention that endangered others' lives for the sake of ambition.
Eventually, the rumors reached Viana. Instead of feeling sad or discouraged, she became angry.
While sitting in her chambers, accompanied by Reyes and Sina, Viana listened carefully to a report from one of her maidservants. The maid, now acting as one of her informants inside the palace, delivered the latest updates.
When the maid left, Viana let out a sigh.
Soon after, there was a knock on the door, and Joel entered, now dressed in more formal attire.
"Your Highness," he greeted. "I've been investigating, and it's true. Rumors about you are spreading, and they're far from pleasant."
Viana stared silently at her teacup, lost in thought for a moment, before taking a deliberate sip.
"Have you discovered who is behind all this?" she asked in a calm tone, though her hands trembled slightly.
Sina and Reyes, who were accustomed to being by her side every day, noticed the subtle shake of her hands. Yet, they stayed silent, offering her only sympathetic glances.