Capítulo 148: Crowns Demand Competence

The Monster Hunt Festival wrapped up without a hitch. One might expect the Haynes Empire to finally bask in some well-deserved peace. But peace was a fickle thing, especially when chaos was waiting in the wings, eager for an encore. 

Rather than ushering in tranquility, the universe—or like, a certain princess and a grand duke—collectively decided to bring a whole arrangement of chaos.

Princess Maria, the not-so-willing guest from the Haberland Empire, had somehow managed to slip through the ironclad grip of the imperial family. And just like that, Haynes lost its prized bargaining chip against Haberland. Oops.

There were two potential outcomes on this disastrous chessboard.

Scenario one: Maria successfully made it back to her homeland, and Haynes would have to kiss goodbye to its hopes of milking Haberland for economic perks. 

Scenario two: Maria didn't make it back, and both empires would soon be swimming in a pool of each other's blood.