Super Righteous Player
Chapter 803 - 342 Kafney’s Growth

Chapter 803: Chapter 342 Kafney’s Growth

Compared to the grand entourage that Annan had followed with Dmitry on a diplomatic mission to Noah when he was eight years old,

This time, having become the true Duke of Winter, he brought only a dozen people; one could say his protective force was reduced rather than increased.

But this was not a sign of contempt.

Reducing the guard force—at least in appearance, simply decreasing the number of guards—was actually a representation of a friendly attitude in diplomacy.

Conversely, the large number of guards Dmitry had brought with him back then had, in reality, been unnecessary.

After entering Noah, their entire process had been planned out, including the designated route. Barriers had been set up outside the route, and the Noah court guards were stationed a street away, enforcing martial law; it was out of the question to allow any serious incident befall these distinguished guests from abroad.

Moreover, once inside the Royal Palace, the other guards would be assigned to fixed locations—the people of Noah would not be foolish enough to let dozens of the most elite Transcendents from foreign lands just stand brazenly beside the King of Noah.

Those who could enter the Royal Palace were strictly controlled.

This was constrained by the name of the "Silver Baron," whose holy number was "five"—hence, to pass through the pool of Holy Water blessed by the Silver Baron and to show respect to him, a foreign delegation could at most choose four people at a time to enter the Noah Royal Palace.

This implied that four was less than five. It also expressed a humble attitude... After all, it was Noah’s territory, and it would be problematic if the guests were more domineering than the hosts.

Given that these guards could not be brought in anyway, they were essentially useless.

The Hand of Silver they brought at that time served a dual purpose: to be seen by the people of Noah, and to be seen by the people of Winter.

The goal was to convince the citizens that the members of the Winter family were well-protected.

To make the people of Noah believe, and thus treat Winter with greater respect and not with a dismissive attitude; to make the people of Winter believe, to assure them that this was not a "humble state visit."

On the other hand, the grand show put on by Noah—blocking off streets and setting up barriers—also intentionally and unintentionally projected their "home-field" status. While reassuring the people of Noah, it was also a friendly gesture of "I care about you" to Winter.

It belonged to the unspoken realm of face-saving projects.

And the real reception for Annan consisted of only four people.

Crown Princess Elizabeth, Prince Philip. And the daughter of the fourth prince, Princess Kafney.

Plus the "Hand of Silver Knights Consultant, Pope’s Knights Commander, Head Knight of Silver," His Excellency Alexander.

"It’s been a long time, Your Majesty Annan."

Standing at the forefront and the first to speak was Crown Princess Elizabeth herself.

She reached out and gently touched her heart—showing respect to the new Duke of Winter with Winter’s etiquette.

She was dressed in a grayish-white winter robe dotted with black and white spots that reminded one of a "moth." Her pure black waist-length hair reflected a faint blue halo under the pale sunlight, and her dark red pupils made her seem both enchanting and dangerous.

She appeared to be in her twenties or thirties, and just by looking at her, it was hard to imagine her being Kafney’s aunt.

But Annan knew... that time had indeed left clear marks on Elizabeth.

Seven years ago, her face bore only a graceful light makeup, so light that at first glance it seemed she wore none.

Some might have believed her to be barely twenty years old.

However, seven years had passed.

The Annan who once only came up to her thigh was now just half a head shorter than her.

But the makeup on Crown Princess Elizabeth’s face, compared to before, was noticeably heavier. At least the dark green, cat-like eye shadow and the lips where makeup traces were clearly visible, that concept of "barely over twenty" had been completely left behind.

"Indeed, it’s been a long time, Princess Elizabeth."

With thoughts racing, Annan wore a warm smile on his face.

He nodded and replied softly, "This is my sister, Maria."

"Hello, Princess Maria."

Crown Princess Elizabeth walked forward and shook hands with Maria.

Maria’s expression was cool; she merely extended her hand and lightly shook Elizabeth’s, "Hello, Your Highness."

After Elizabeth finished her greeting, it was finally Philip’s turn to step forward.

He stood at a respectful distance from Annan, smiling as he lightly touched his left chest and then bowed to Annan, "Congratulations on your succession, Your Majesty... You truly are fortunate, much stronger than I am."

... Are you here to pick a fight?

Very well, if you can speak, say more.

Annan raised his eyebrows, showing no particular response, but simply nodded indifferently, pausing on the tricolor scepter that symbolized the Grand Duke’s power.

As the atmosphere stiffened in an instant, Alexander standing nearby immediately knew it was his cue to step in.

He cleared his throat and stepped forward to interrupt the previous conversation, "I shall first escort His Majesty to the Silver Baron’s sanctuary... Although it has not been long since we parted, the Silver Baron does miss His Majesty Annan as well.

"After the Silver Baron has seen His Majesty Annan, I will accompany the Grand Duke to the royal palace, without failing to attend to official matters."

"That would be good,"

the Eldest Princess readily responded.

In this way, the meeting between either Philip or Kafney and Grand Duke Annan was interrupted, and the only one who had successfully completed the conversation was the Eldest Princess herself. And this was entirely due to Prince Philip’s failure to speak appropriately; it had nothing to do with her.

Tomorrow’s newspapers would mention only "the meeting between the Crown Princess and Grand Duke Annan." It was an excellent opportunity for publicity.

Meanwhile, Kafney, who had been standing silently behind the crowd, quietly winked at Annan.

...Was she suggesting a private meeting later?

Annan raised his eyebrows and winked back at her lightly.

The gesture was not overly deliberate, but Kafney immediately beamed with a genuine smile of joy.

Indeed, that was the meaning—and Kafney understood it as well.

...It had only been a few months.

Yet Kafney really had grown up.

He had thought that after Kafney had been battling alone in the Royal Capital for so long... upon seeing him again, she would either rush to embrace him or impulsively insist on leaving with him.

If she did such a thing in public, it would cause trouble for Kafney.

Apart from the true high-ranking officials at the meeting, there were still many onlookers...

If Kafney truly showed her closeness to him,

her accession would face significant opposition.

On the way there, Annan had even contemplated how he should respond if Kafney couldn’t control her longing and grievance. After all, he had heard from his senior that the situation on Kafney’s end wasn’t too optimistic.

But unexpectedly, after struggling under such oppressive conditions and at a profound disadvantage for so long... Kafney had quickly grown.

Unlike the Crown Princess, who held a considerable advantage and needed to drum up support.

Being the younger one and quite young at that, it was not appropriate for her to steal the spotlight from the Crown Princess in such a solemn diplomatic setting. Doing so would not make her appear capable but rather indiscreet.

After all, the public was not and should not be aware of her close private relationship with Annan.

Kafney did well to remain quiet and not make any mistakes while following behind the Crown Princess.

...On the other hand,

Annan couldn’t help but take another look at Prince Philip.

For someone with his intelligence, he shouldn’t have said such things.

Did he completely give up, no longer caring about the public opinion?

Such disrespectful comments would undoubtedly be recorded by the journalists.

Or perhaps...

Lost in thought, Annan noticed Alexander, dressed in splendid knightly armor suitable for ceremonies, approaching like a moving mountain range, causing Victor and Maria, following behind Annan, to tense up subconsciously.

"Then Your Majesty, please follow me,"

Alexander bowed his head and spoke in a low, grave voice, reaching out his massive hand to Annan.

His voice was deep and soothing, offering comfort.

Annan snapped out of his reverie and nodded lightly.

He revealed a smile and reached out with his left hand, not holding the scepter, to gently grip the tips of Alexander’s fingers.

"Please lead the way, Lord Alexander,"

Annan said with a polite nod, emitting a gentle voice, "I too have some matters to discuss with the Church of the Silver Baron."

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