Chapter 329 - 288: The Princess’s Invitation, Phantom in the Mountains

Chapter 329: Chapter 288: The Princess’s Invitation, Phantom in the Mountains

However, to everyone’s surprise, Belina didn’t seem fazed by Reya’s refusal. She even stared at Reya with keen interest and asked,

"Oh? And may I ask why?"

A flicker passed through Reya’s eyes as she shook her head again.

"I’m sorry, Your Highness. This is a private matter. Please forgive me, but I am unable to answer that question."

The smile on Belina’s lips widened. She let out a long, meaningful "Ohh..." then paused briefly before uttering a slightly teasing remark, one that seemed at odds with her typically serious demeanor.

"I imagine the reason you’re refusing me is because of the master of the Giant God Workshop, isn’t it?"

The moment she spoke, the heavy, frozen silence was shattered.

The socialites and ladies let out a collective, soft gasp. Countless gazes, all filled with the same thought—’So that’s why’—pricked at Reya like needles.

He was the most frequent topic of their private discussions lately—Prince Jon Apollonia, who had appeared as suddenly as a comet. His story was so legendary it was like one of the heroic epics sung by the minstrels.

And naturally, Reya’s relationship with him was part of those discussions.

After all, everyone knew that the story of the mysterious and powerful Lost Prince had begun at the Golden Maple Leaf Trading House, where Reya was.

But faced with this question, Reya showed no intention of evading it.

She straightened her back, her flame-red hair, coiled atop her head, unmoving in the light. Her emerald eyes were perfectly candid.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I love Mr. Jon. Therefore, wherever he is, I will be."

Such a direct and bold public declaration of love naturally drew another wave of gasps from the surrounding ladies, their gazes toward Reya now tinged with envy and jealousy.

What woman hadn’t had such a dream?

To stand with the one she loved, under the watchful eyes of all, and loudly proclaim their love, receiving the blessing of Lady Tina, the goddess of romance?

Alas, not everyone had the courage and fortitude to cast everything aside and pursue their love.

This was especially true for them. As women of noble birth, they appeared to lead glamorous lives, but in reality, they were bound by heavy shackles and had even less freedom than ordinary women. That was why they had so little resistance to stories like this.

Belina, however, chuckled softly in admiration.

"So it is true... Bravely pursuing love? Reya Xavier... your devotion is truly moving..."

As she spoke, she placed a hand over her chest in an elegant gesture, her etiquette impeccable.

"My earlier test was impolite of me. Please accept my apology."

"However—"

Her tone shifted, and the smile faded from her face.

"May I ask why the man you love did not attend the banquet today?"

"It is a shame that he is not present on such an important occasion."

Reya’s throat tightened slightly.

Belina’s question seemed casual, but it was a veiled test. The third princess’s methods were just as sharp as the rumors claimed; her overt and covert attacks came one after another, almost leaving one breathless.

’But I’m not the naive little girl I once was...’

The red-haired woman lifted her head slightly, her gaze as clear as ever.

"Princess Belina, Mr. Jon is indeed worthy of such an honor."

"But... he is not in Birch Town at the moment. Before his departure, he informed me that he had some urgent business that he must attend to in person."

"Oh? Urgent business?"

Belina raised an eyebrow slightly, a perfectly measured look of surprise crossing her features.

"So he’s not here..."

She sighed softly, a touch of disappointment in the sound. It was nearly inaudible, yet just loud enough for the attentive listeners nearby to catch her note of regret.

"It seems I won’t be able to meet this legendary figure who works miracle after miracle anytime soon... What a true pity."

"However—"

Her tone shifted again, taking on a subtle, almost admiring quality.

"Getting to meet you, to hear your story firsthand, and to witness your decisiveness and honesty has made my trip here worthwhile."

Her gaze swept over the other noblewomen, who were cowering like quails, before finally returning to Reya, where it lingered for a moment.

The air seemed to freeze once more, as if some important turning point was about to arrive.

"Reya Xavier—"

The grey-haired princess’s voice grew a fraction deeper, each word striking the silent air with the clarity of clashing steel.

"You are quite impressive, far exceeding my expectations for the daughter of a provincial Noble Merchant Association."

A genuine gleam, free of any other emotion, finally appeared in her dark red eyes.

"The chaos in Heta County is like a shattered mirror."

"Its shards lie scattered everywhere, reflecting nothing but chaos, panic, and... incompetence."

"And you, amidst this chaos, have demonstrated a rare talent."

She took half a step forward, the distance between them still hovering ambiguously between intimate and invasive. The aura of an Imperial Princess radiated from her like a tangible barrier, making the very air feel heavier.

"Maintaining the logistics system, managing the vast supply chains, organizing and disseminating intelligence... In the days after Lord Yed’s fall, when all those men were tearing their hair out, at a complete loss, you—with your own two young hands—single-handedly erected a bulwark upon this teetering land."

"That isn’t luck, nor is it something that can be built on wealth alone. That is—"

The corners of Belina’s lips curled into a smile of affirmation.

"Control."

Reya could feel her heart beating, steady and strong in her chest, as if in response to the profound weight of the princess’s words.

She did not lower her head, only clasped her folded hands a little tighter.