C2 A Mission That Cannot be Avoided

The Oberiske Empire's capital, Onis Reiter, was dominated by the sprawling imperial palace, which claimed nearly half the city's area, signifying the zenith of imperial authority. The palace itself was split into two grand sections: Queen Marguerite III's "Jade Palace" and Emperor Augustus VIII's "Palace of the Sun," each occupying an equal share of the regal expanse.

Within the political landscape of the Oberiske Empire, those privy to insider knowledge were well aware that power was not solely vested in Emperor Augustus VIII. Queen Marguerite III herself wielded considerable influence, enough to stand toe-to-toe with her husband.

The noble powers within the Imperial City were essentially split into three factions: the Emperor's faction led by Emperor Augustus VIII, the Empress's faction led by Queen Marguerite III, and the neutral Primal faction. The Primal faction represented the empire's original power base, with both the current Emperor and Empress being, in essence, outsiders.

Prince Ostar, having donned a resplendent outfit, breezed through breakfast with his maid Chris at his side. He then proceeded to the "Jade Palace" for an audience with Queen Marguerite. The palace was like a second home to Ostar, who had spent over a decade living within its walls and knew it like the back of his hand.

The Jade Palace's guards and maids all recognized Prince Ostar, and upon encountering the Third Prince, they greeted him with the utmost respect. As the Queen's sole offspring, Ostar was fiercely sheltered by her. Within the Jade Palace, his status was second only to Queen Marguerite herself, granting him an almost unbridled freedom.

However, the Prince Ostar of present was a Transmigrator, having taken the place of the original prince. As such, he remained unswayed by the potentially corrupting luxuries of his unique position.

"Mother, did you want to see me?"

"Yes, my child. You've been holed up in the palace all day; you should get out more, enjoy some sunshine. I was beginning to think you and Chris were inseparable, always together," the Queen remarked. "I've asked Chris several times, and she insists you have no such intentions."

"Mother, I've been staying in the palace to keep you company! Father is far too preoccupied with state affairs to spare the time," Ostar replied.

"You really have a way with words. As for your father, let's not even go there—he's hardly ever been here. Come on over, Chris, you too. No need to just stand there."

Within the grand hall of the Emerald Palace, Prince Ostia was greeted by his most significant ally in the palace, Empress Marguerite III. Marguerite III exuded a timeless beauty, her charm undiminished by age. Her golden hair was swept up in an elegant bun, and her eyes sparkled like emeralds, a captivating sight to behold.

Empress Marguerite, known for her flowing locks that cascaded down to her waist, had transformed her look entirely by styling her hair into an updo. This new hairstyle lent her an air of sharp sophistication typically associated with a shorter cut. The empress's figure was strikingly voluptuous, her ample curves and the pronounced swell of her chest commanding a presence that was unmistakably the hallmark of a mature, noble woman—an allure that the inexperienced Chris couldn't hope to match.

While Chris might surpass Empress Marguerite in youthful beauty, when it came to the choice of a companion for a romantic evening, most men would likely opt for the seasoned allure of a mature and stunning noblewoman like Marguerite. In terms of experience and sensuality, a green beauty like Chris simply couldn't compete.

Since his transmigration and subsequent assumption of his new role, Prince Ostia had been baffled by Emperor Augustus VIII's apparent disinterest in his wife. He suspected that perhaps the emperor lacked the capability in certain areas; otherwise, it made no sense to neglect such a gorgeous spouse. Beyond their wedding night, the emperor had not sought out Empress Marguerite's company in years, maintaining a relationship that was cordial yet distant, without a hint of impropriety.

However, Ostia's assumptions were baseless. If Emperor Augustus VIII were truly lacking in virility, the Oberiske Empire would not boast its current abundance of princes and princesses—unless, of course, the emperor's crown was a shade of green, indicating cuckoldry.

Empress Marguerite had never voiced any grievances against Emperor Augustus VIII over the years, nor had she engaged in any affairs. She carried herself with the innate authority of a queen. Had she not married into the imperial family, Marguerite III could have easily stood as a sovereign in her own right. Indeed, she was a formidable woman, endowed with the innate talent to rule as an empress.

Marguerite III, clad in a stunning snow-white court gown, typically exuded a commanding presence, her demeanor and aura unmistakably dominant. Yet, it was only in the presence of her son, Prince Ostia, that a rare warmth would flicker in her eyes, her face softening with a tenderness she reserved solely for him. She could never bring herself to be stern with her only child. Unconcerned with whispers of overprotectiveness from outsiders, Marguerite remained steadfast in her ways.

Prince Ostia had long mastered the art of the dutiful son before Empress Marguerite. Towering in stature, her 172 cm height was just shy of her son's. At her behest, Ostar and Chris approached the Empress's table to sit. The table was lavishly adorned with an array of exquisite dishes, as well as a variety of cakes and sweet treats.

"Mother, could you possibly intervene on my behalf regarding Father's summons to the palace?" Ostia asked.

"You rascal, always expecting me to bail you out? Not this time. This is unlike any previous campaign. It's an imperial tradition for a prince to earn his stripes as a lord through trial. Your grandparents agree with me; we all want you to embrace this challenge and grow from it," Marguerite replied.

"Is there really no way around it? Without me, you'll be left with no one to keep you company," he pleaded.

"No... It's time for you to stand on your own. What's more, if you return without any political accomplishments, your betrothed will hardly think highly of you," she said, her voice wavering slightly before she made her resolve clear.

A chill settled in Prince Ostia's heart. In the past, this tactic had never failed; Empress Marguerite had scarcely denied any of his requests, no matter how capricious or impudent, as long as they were within her power to grant. But now, if his plea fell on deaf ears, it truly spelled the end of his clemency. Truth be told, Ostia was deeply reluctant to undertake the trial mission bestowed by Emperor Augustus VIII. Unlike his brothers, who were eager and bright-eyed at the prospect of earning their own fiefdoms, ready to prove their mettle and earn their father's esteem, Ostia harbored no such enthusiasm.

Ostar lacked grand ambitions. Before his otherworldly journey, he was the epitome of a homebody, never dreaming he'd one day emulate the heroes of web novels—embarking on adventures, vanquishing demons, and playing the role of a savior.

The Middle Continent, also known as the Sudimant Continent, boasted abundant resources but was a land of extreme chaos with no established countries. To be a lord there meant facing constant peril, making it a region of exceedingly high risk.

From a young age, Prince Ostia was betrothed to three Empire Princesses from different continents. These political engagements were to beautiful girls, ensuring his future brides would be of high aesthetic caliber. While they might not rival the exceptional beauty of Chris, who exceeded the Human Clan's average, they were certainly well above the norm.

Due to his intricate heritage, Ostar's unseen fiancées were of notable origin. One was an Empire Princess from the Northern Continent, selected by Empress Marguerite III. Another was the choice of his maternal grandparents, Gramat IV and Maria II, from the Eastern Continent, who had painstakingly chosen her for their sole grandson. The last was from his father's side—his grandfather Orlando VI and grandmother Elizabeth III had picked out an Empire Princess from the Southern Continent, originally intended for a political marriage to any prince of the Oberiske Empire's royal family.

The initial plan was for this princess to wed Ostar's older brother, Eldest Prince Oswald, the heir apparent. Oswald, the son of the former Empress, had been groomed by Emperor Augustus VIII from childhood as his designated successor. However, in a surprising turn of events, Emperor Augustus VIII shifted the betrothal to his third son, Ostar.

This switch wasn't due to a sudden pang of conscience or Empress intervention. It was a strategic move by Emperor Augustus VIII to ensure his eldest son's smooth ascension to the throne and to solidify his influence in the West Continent. For political expediency, the First Prince's initial marriage needed to be with a princess from a prominent empire of the West Continent, thus conveniently benefiting the Third Prince, Ostar.

Prince Ostia, though a transmigrator, did not oppose the idea of a prearranged political marriage. After all, when in Rome, one must do as the Romans do, and he was willing to adapt to the customs and environment of the Strange World Continent. If his fiancée was reluctant, he resolved to emulate his parents' example and live a life of mutual respect. After all, love cannot be forced.

His standing among the Oberiske Empire's royal family was not particularly notable, lacking any laudable achievements. His unseen fiancées likely harbored a poor opinion of him, assuming he was nothing more than a sheltered flower, coddled by Empress Marguerite III, and unlikely to accomplish much politically.

"Lord Ostar, don't lose heart. No matter where you go, I'll be right there with you," Chris reassured him.

"See? Chris knows what's up. A true man has ambitions that know no bounds!"

"Mother, wouldn't my Royal Brothers be better suited for this? Can't Father make an exception, like he did the last few times with the imperial physician's note?"

"Let's not trouble the imperial physician any further; she can't find a suitable condition to cite anymore. This time, I've arranged for someone to accompany you, someone who will ensure your safety alongside Chris. Even in the Middle Continent, you won't have to worry about a thing."

Empress Marguerite III's face remained tenderly smiling, yet this marked the first time in many years she had denied her son's request. Despite her deep protectiveness and affection for him, she, like most mothers, harbored hopes that her son would distinguish himself and forge his own path. She firmly believed that Prince Ostia, blessed with her own excellent lineage and genes, was far from incapable.

At the time, Prince Ostia didn't ponder too deeply on the matter. However, upon learning that his mother intended to assign him a guard with combat skills comparable to Chris, his expression turned peculiar, betraying a hint of intrigue. In the entire palace, it seemed Chris was the only one whose strength matched the guard in question.