The Princess' Harem
Chapter 156: The Guilt

Chapter 156: The Guilt

The hour grew late, the imperial palace hushed, only the distant Royal Guard patrols broke the quiet. Viana lingered in her study, the map still lay open on the desk.

Her gaze, however , rested not on its etched lines, but on the heavy, carved door. She had sent a messenger. Rayne was coming.

One final person needed to understand. He had to grasp the full depth of her plan. His cooperation, his silence, felt paramount.

The door creaked softly and Rayne stepped inside. His nightclothes seemed a bit rumpled, as if he’d just gotten out of bed. But his blue eyes were sharp, fully awake.

"Princess Viana," he greeted. His voice was low, a polite question in his tone. "You wished to speak?"

Viana rose from her chair, and walked around the desk, then stood before him. A prickle of nerves ran through her.

This was different. Her close friends already knew. Rayne was a powerful ally. Their bond, though, was still new, still forming. He had agreed to her public terms. The full truth felt like a heavy weight. She had to lay it on him.

"Prince Rayne," she began, her voice held steady. Her hands clasped behind her back, trembling slightly.

"Thank you for coming." She paused. "I... there is something more. I must explain it to you. Something I could not speak of it in the dining hall. Not with so many ears listening."

Rayne’s face stayed calm, but she saw his eyes tighten. A subtle tilt of his head, a sign that he was listening.

"I suspected as much, Princess," he said, his voice low. He sounded thoughtful. "Your words were agreeable. Still, they carried a deeper current."

Viana took a deep breath, and squared her shoulders. She began her explanation.

"Indeed. My proposal to delay our formal engagement was not simply for Elysia’s recovery. It was... a strategic move. A deception. It is aimed directly at Lazarus."

Rayne’s eyes flickered with surprise. His eyebrows arched for a brief moment, but quickly controlled his face. He made no sound. He just waited her to continue.

"Lazarus thrives in secrecy," Viana explained, her voice low and determined. Her hands clenched in her side. "He manipulates from the shadows."

"He believed Elysia was weak. Isolated. Ripe for further exploitation. The sudden, public announcement of our engagement, even with its delay, will shatter his illusion. He will believe Elysia is quickly consolidating power with Valendale. He will see a strong, united front, one he did not expect. He will feel his opportunity closing. He will think he is losing control."

She stepped closer to him. Her gaze locked with his.

"And when Lazarus believes he is losing, he will act. He will step out from the shadows. He will try to break this union. To create chaos, to strike at us openly. He will think it is his last chance. This engagement, Prince Rayne, is a trap. A lure, that will draw him into the light. Then, we can finally hunt him down. And we will end his insidious influence."

Silence hung between them. It was thick with the weight of Viana’s confession. Rayne’s initial surprise softened. It transformed into a deep, thoughtful stare.

His eyes held hers, searching for lies, but he found none. Only a fierce will burned within her.

The tension grew, becoming almost unbearable. Then, a shimmering bar appeared, just above Rayne’s head.

Viana’s eyes widened. She read the words: Love Percentage: 90%.

The high number surprised her. It was an unexpected jolt which came in the middle of their serious talk.

At that same moment, a familiar chime sounded in her mind. A blue, transparent screen flashed before her.

[System Notification: Candidate Love Percentage Reached 90%.]

[New Feature Unlocked: You can now view all candidate Love Percentage Bars at will.]

Another notification followed after.

[System Notification: Remaining Time to Primary Objective Event: Until your birthday next year.]

Viana barely held back a gasp. The system, her quiet guide, had just revealed a bombshell.

Her birthday next year. That was not just a few months. It was a firm limit, unsettling her mission. Urgency tightened its grip and squeezed her heart.

Rayne, unaware of the shimmering bar, or heard the system messages, broke the quiet. A slow, grim smile touched his face. His lips curled upward. It was a mix of admiration and deep respect.

The smile spoke of appreciation. It was for Viana’s bold strategy. Not simple joy, or amusement.

"A truly audacious plan, Princess Viana," he murmured, his voice low, husky. "To use one’s own proposed marriage as bait... a level of cunning. I would not have dared to think anyone possessed it. Let alone a Princess of Elysia."

As he spoke, a low, rumbling chuckle left his throat. The sound vibrated deep within his chest. His eyes crinkled at the corners. For a moment, the tension between them eased. Mutual respect took its place.

"You truly are full of surprises," he said, his voice still held admiration.

Then, Viana did something unexpected. She bowed her head. It was a deep, formal bow. Her hair fell around her shoulders.

"And for that, Prince Rayne," she said. "I offer my deepest apologies. To involve you. To involve your kingdom. In such an elaborate pretense. Without your prior knowledge. Or consent... It was not ideal. It was a decision made in haste, driven by desperation, and the need to act swiftly. I put you in a difficult position."

Rayne reached out. He placed a hand on her shoulder, to stopped her bow. His touch was warm, reassuring.

"Raise your head, Princess," he said softly. "There is no need for apologies. I’ve sensed a deeper purpose, and now I understand it. I see the brilliance, and it is a necessary deception. Lazarus is a viper. He deserves nothing less. He should be caught in his own snare."

His blue eyes held hers. A new, profound understanding shone there. His voice was low and smooth. His words dripped with conviction.

Then he outlined the plan again.

"So, our engagement will be publicly declared. A long, celebrated period of preparation. In truth, it serves as a beacon. To draw out a monster."

He paused. His eyes locked onto Viana’s, a hint of a smile played on his lips. "And Valendale, Princess, will play its part flawlessly. My people. My resources. My influence... All are at your disposal in this grand deception. Consider me your most dedicated co-conspirator."

He rested his hands on the armrests of his chair. His fingers splayed wide. It was a gesture of openness, and commitment.

Viana felt a wave of relief. It was so profound, almost buckled her knees. She had not dared to hope, for such immediate understanding, for such enthusiastic support.

Rayne truly was a remarkable ally. Intelligen, perceptive, and utterly committed to justice.

"Thank you, Prince Rayne," she whispered. Her voice was thick with genuine emotion. "This means... everything."

He smiled. A true, open smile, that reached his eyes. "Then let us hunt, Princess. Let Lazarus make his move. We shall be waiting."

He paused, a mischievous glint entered his eyes. "And perhaps, when this is all over. When Lazarus is finally brought to justice... perhaps then. A true engagement might not be so unthinkable. After all, you are a compelling woman, Princess Viana."

"You’re a bold one, aren’t you?" she said. Her voice was barely a whisper. A hint of a smile stayed on her lips, and her cheeks flushed deep pink.