A Peacock Husband of Five Princesses by day, a Noble Assassin by Night-Chapter 51: Lunch with a Foreign princess (2/2)

Artemis burst into delighted laughter. "I had no idea! Everyone was talking about the weddings, but I never knew they were all to the same person." She gave him an appraising look. "You must be indeed capable for Queen Remia to trust you with five of her daughters."

"Thanks," Kael became embarrassed by her praise, the blush on his cheeks becoming more evident.

"Your Highness, you know nothing. My husband managed to form a contract with a spectral wolf, without any help or so whatever," Laura chimed in, proudly speaking of her husband’s achievement. She wanted to brag more but nothing significant came to her mind that she could brag it to Artemis.

But Artemis wasn’t listening anymore. Her mind was racing with possibilities. The Moonstone House here might lack territories and nobility titles, but five princesses as wives meant multiple potential female heirs. Meanwhile, her Empire’s branch of the family held vast territories and prestigious titles – everything except a future.

A plan began forming in her mind. Her grandfather needed female descendants to continue the line. Here was a branch of the family that could soon have plenty.

Her eyes gleamed with calculation as she looked at Kael. "Lord Moonstone," she said, leaning forward, "If you don’t mind, can we exchange our mana signatures? My grandfather would love to meet the descendant of Moonstone House like yourself. I’m not sure you are aware, but Moonstone House mystical seals can track each other. You said your sister is missing, right? Perhaps my grandfather could help you track her down. Unfortunately, that knowledge hasn’t been passed down to me because I’m a member of Phoenix House, not Moonstone House."

"Eh? You can track down each other using tattoos?" Kael’s voice rose all of a sudden. "I apologize," He apologized and calmed down himself, although inwardly, he couldn’t help but remember when his tattoo flared up when Serestia needed help.

According to his father, the tattoos call each other for help when they are nearby, and one of them was truly hoping for some help from the bottom of their heart.

But, he didn’t know that the tattoos can actually be used to track down each other, too.

So, was it only exclusive to Moonstone House’s mystical seals? Or does that also apply to Raiden House’s tattoo?

As thoughts filled up in his head, Laura, ever the protective wife, spoke up instead. "While we were thankful for your help, it’s highly inappropriate for a foreign princess to seek such a personal exchange with a Prince Consort without considering the consequences. Mana signatures are private, and we cannot afford to make such decisions lightly, especially with Her Majesty’s strict rules regarding foreign relations. You have to understand that Kael isn’t just my husband. He is the husband of my eldest sister—the Prime Minister of the state, and my younger sister—the future Queen."

Artemis nodded, not offended in the slightest by Laura’s words. "I understand your caution, Princess Laura." She glanced toward Kael who furrowed his brows in displeasure at his wife’s intervention, her tone shifting to one of professionalism. "I was only trying to offer the help. If it is inappropriate, I won’t press further on the matter."

It was then Laura shook her head with a smile. "I’m actually not done, Your Highness. My husband cannot exchange his mana signature with you, but I can’t. Unlike the Nymira Empire, not all members of royalty are tied to the throne here. I don’t belong in politics and neither did I have relations with any of the state secrets. So, it is perfectly fine with the rules if we exchange our mana signatures."

Kael was surprised, glancing at his wife. Earlier, he merely thought that his wife was trying to keep him away from Artemis. While he understands her concerns and respects her opinions, when it comes to his sister, he wouldn’t let it be. He planned on going against his wife’s wishes and exchanging his mana signature with Artemis in order to form a communication channel through their respective communication scrolls. But then he heard his words and he couldn’t help but smile, feeling guilty of his thoughts. The smile returned to his face as he grabbed her hand under the table and slightly squeezed it as a form of appreciation.

Soon, Laura and Artemis exchanged their mana signatures, and the group settled into a comfortable rhythm as the exquisite dishes continued to fill the table. While they dined, Laura couldn’t help but probe into her affairs. "So, uhhh… Your Highness, what made you come all over to the other side of the world to meet my mother? Surely, the Nymira Empire wouldn’t send a princess to talk about simple things like trade relations. If it is a state secret, you don’t have to say and I don’t want to hear it either. It is just that I’m curious…"

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While Dragamir, who was listening to their conversation from the start, frowned at her question, Artemis, however, played it cool and answered honestly. "It can be considered a state secret but at the same time, it is not. I’ve come to speak with the Queen regarding the Tower of Zurin," she said, her tone quiet yet urgent.

Kael’s brows furrowed, though he quickly masked his reaction. Artemis studied Kael for a moment, narrowing her eyes, but explained calmly to Laura, who seemed confused. "The Tower of Zurin is a mysterious and powerful structure that appears across different lands at irregular intervals, sometimes every five years, and sometimes it would take five decades too. This time, after three decades, it is going to emerge here, right in the heart of Elyria. Not many are aware of it yet, but soon, they will do when the tower emerges, and adventurers from all corners of the world will flock to it, seeking the power and secrets it holds."

Kael’s curiosity piqued. The Tower of Zurin was something linked to his quest given by a mysterious stranger who was aware of his sister’s whereabouts as well as his family secret. Laura, equally intrigued, looked at Artemis intently.

Artemis leaned forward, her eyes flickering with determination. "I’ve come to warn the Queen about the Tower’s imminent appearance and to request a priority pass for myself and my party to enter once it manifests. The race to claim its treasures will be fierce, and I intend to be among the first."

Kael and Laura exchanged glances.

As the conversation continued, Laura’s eyes sparkled with recognition as she recalled the legends surrounding the Tower of Zurin. "I’ve read about it, actually," she said, her voice tinged with fascination. "According to the historical records, it was created by a legendary blacksmith and archmage, Zurin. The Tower is like a pavilion of weapons, filled with deadly traps and treasures beyond imagination. Weapons of all kinds can be found at any level. The higher you go, the better the weapon, but it’s not just about strength. Sometimes the traps can teleport you to even higher levels, while others might throw you back out entirely. It seems like luck plays a much bigger role than skill as it is said that people would randomly teleport when they go into the tower. The fated and lucky ones would find themselves in the higher flowers while the unlucky have to climb it from the bottom."

Kael glanced at his wife from the corner. He wasn’t aware that Laura knew so much about the Tower of Zurin. But when he thought about it, she was the head of the state library. It is obvious that she had wide knowledge.

Meanwhile, Artemis nodded in acknowledgment, her expression serious as she absorbed Laura’s words. "Yes," she confirmed, "over the centuries, many have ventured into the tower, each hoping to claim its legendary weapons. Some succeeded, others... not so much."

She paused before continuing, her eyes shining with purpose. "There are seven treasured weapons of Zurin, located at the highest levels of the Tower. The Sword of Zurin, The Bow of Zurin, The Shield of Zurin, The Spear of Zurin, The Staff of Zurin, The Pendant of Zurin, and the Crown of Zurin. Six of these weapons have already been claimed by worthy adventurers, but the Sword... the Sword is still out there, waiting to be taken."

Kael remained silent, his gaze fixed on Artemis as she spoke. He was intrigued, but he also couldn’t help but think, "If she’s here to claim the Sword of Zurin, then she’s my competition. After I go inside, I would have to swiftly change my identity to K and start climbing until the top without any hesitation." The thought lingered in his mind, but he kept his face neutral, not wanting to show any sign of rivalry.

Artemis’s expression was one of quiet determination. "As a swordmaster, the Sword of Zurin is the one weapon I must claim. It would also make me the favorite to succeed my mother."

"Well, the competition would be tough, I guess." Laura passed off a comment. Inwardly, she knew that her mother wouldn’t let this chance slip away from her.