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Ryan Tepez (3)
As an unexpected answer came out,
The 1st Prince, momentarily taken aback, blinked his eyes and looked at his sister who was sitting nearby.
Seeing the astonishment on her face, it was clear she had received a similar shock.
It was like a mere rabbit daring to show its ridiculous teeth in front of a predator while nibbling on a carrot.
The 1st Prince, too dumbfounded, closed his mouth for a moment, unsure where to begin.
However, that silence did not last long.
"Now, if I didn't hear it wrong, you seem to have outright rejected my proposal."
Rockefeller, as if he had been waiting, caught his words.
"Yes, you heard it right. I outright rejected it."
"Ha ha..."
The 1st Prince couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity.
What should he even call this situation?
But that was only for a moment.
The 1st Prince's expression turned fierce as his anger grew.
"Are you crazy right now?"
Since the other party was rude, the 1st Prince decided not to hold back any longer.
"How dare you!"
On the other hand, his sister, who had momentarily lost her senses like the 1st Prince, found it fascinating that he dared to reveal his intentions so fearlessly.
What kind of courage did he have to say such a thing?
Did he have two lives?
Or...
'Does he have something to rely on?'
Even in this situation.
Rockefeller showed no intention of changing his attitude.
'I have nothing to fear.'
"Did you just ask me if I'm crazy? I'd rather ask you, what were you thinking when you said that to me? Our Lyon Guild has maintained a deep relationship with the Sinclair family for a long time. And you're asking us to sever ties with the Sinclair family."
Rockefeller burst into outright laughter.
"I really can't believe it."
The 1st Prince, who had been glaring at Rockefeller, finally smirked.
'He must be crazy.'
"You don't seem to have grasped the situation properly."
At those words, Rockefeller reacted sarcastically.
"What situation are you talking about?"
Where should he even start explaining?
The 1st Prince, without much thought, reminded him of the first thing that came to mind.
"I'm not unaware of your and the guild's position."
While speaking, the 1st Prince couldn't help but let out an absurd laugh in between.
"But do you know what's outside this city?"
"Are you talking about your army outside the city?"
"Yes, you seem to know it well. Yet you dare to wag your arrogant tongue in front of me. If this isn't crazy, what is it?"
Rockefeller immediately countered.
"Then let me ask you, do you come to me with such absurd threats knowing that the Sinclair family and the 3rd Prince, who have a deep relationship with them, are behind us?"
Now, the 1st Prince was sure.
He seemed to be crazy from the beginning.
"I can't believe it."
"It's not that the words don't make sense, it's that your highness is making demands that are beyond common sense. And yet you argue about common sense with me?"
The 1st Prince, with a murderous expression, looked at his sister who was sitting nearby.
"Just kill him?"
At that, Trinity shook her head calmly.
It meant not to cause trouble by stepping forward unnecessarily.
Then, Rockefeller, who had been watching, secretly grabbed the pendant he had received from Ihana and steeled his resolve.
Since he was going to disappear in the Crown War anyway, he decided to confront him more boldly.
'How dare you.'
"Your Highness, what did you just say? You're going to kill me?"
What's wrong with him? Can't he understand the situation?
The 1st Prince, at a loss for words, stared intensely at Rockefeller, and his expression showed an anger that was not there before.
"It's very unpleasant even if you're as high as the sky, Your Highness. I said that I couldn't help you because I have various interests, but I didn't expect you to discuss killing me or sparing me in this place. How ridiculous must I and the Lyon Guild look for you to be able to say that?"
Seeing this, the 1st Prince became even more bewildered, and Trinity, who had been with him, became curious about the background behind Rockefeller's bold stance.
In the end, Ricardo, who had been mingling with them unknowingly, felt incredibly proud of him for not bending his will and speaking his mind in front of the royal family.
Of course, he knew that there was a reason to believe him, but even so, acting like Rockefeller was incredibly difficult.
Could he dare to say such a thing, knowing who would win the Crown War?
'It's more than amazing, it's even admirable. Being able to speak so unwaveringly in such a situation.'
When everyone was thinking that way, Rockefeller continued to speak more boldly.
"Your Highness seems to be greatly mistaken. Who do you think should truly bow their head at this moment? Do you see yourself, who will soon participate in the Crown War and aim for the throne? Or do you see me, who can help or hinder such a person?"
"Your arrogance pierces the sky."
Unable to hold back his anger any longer, the 1st Prince's hand reached for the hilt of his sword, but Rockefeller, who noticed it first, clutched the pendant he had received from Lee Han tightly.
'I knew it would come to this. There's no way Ryan Tepez would stay still in this situation.'
Instant execution.
It was a story that occasionally came up in episodes related to the 1st Prince.
The 1st Prince would use his status to kill those who displeased him on the spot.
"The crime of insulting the royal family is not light. Only death can repay it."
As the Prince finished speaking and tried to draw his sword, an uninvited guest appeared between them.
Lee Han.
He had appeared at Rockefeller's call.
"I was wondering when you'd call."
As the uninvited guest suddenly appeared, the two royals who had not expected it were surprised.
On the other hand, Rockefeller, who had summoned him, spoke to Lee Han with a faint smile.
"You don't have to stand between His Highness and me, just come to where I am."
Lee Han, who had arrived, glanced briefly at those seated and chuckled.
"I get it. Why you called me."
The sudden appearance of Lee Han caused the 1st Prince to react.
"Why have you... come here?"
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