Brand furrowed his brow, also speculating about the Prince’s intentions. He pondered on what kind of person Levin Oneson Sifah was historically, with all sorts of rumors surrounding him, yet there were few direct accounts of the Prince. At least until now, Brand had no idea that the Prince was actually blind, and it didn’t seem like a recent affliction.
And what kind of personality does such a Prince possess? Is he obstinate or does he possess grand ambitions? The legends of history make it hard to say for sure. At least from his current demeanor, the Prince is clearly not a simple character. Additionally, it’s difficult to determine if he was involved in Duke Xifah’s and the Queen’s conspiracy.
However, regardless, his identity is very sensitive at this time. As the only child of the Queen and Oberg the Seventh, and the only qualified heir of the Sifah Family, he must understand this significance.
So what is his purpose, besides trade? But the key lies in the content of this trade; what exactly does this Crown Prince want?
If he desires to reclaim the inheritance of the Sifah Family, that thought would be quite naive. Yet, since the Crown Prince mentioned he does not expect forgiveness, he probably won’t make such a childish demand.
Brand raised his head. At this moment, the maid beside Levin whispered something to the Prince, and he saw the Crown Prince turn his head, facing him with a smile: "So this is Mr. Brand? I’ve heard about your deeds, your acts during the battle at Ambeser are nothing short of heroic, even comparable to our Former King Ai Ke."
Brand glanced at Princess Griffine, only to see that the Half-Elf Girl did not show any displeasure, but rather a look of approval. He turned back and replied calmly: "The Prince flatters me, the hero of Ambeser is not just one person, and it wasn’t that exaggerated. Everyone was merely acting in self-preservation."
"I completely agree, it’s because we understand self-preservation and struggle that civilization has continued until now. The history of humans and other intelligent races is itself a heavy epic; the emergence of countless heroes is not by chance, but out of necessity." Levin nodded with a smile, causing Brand to inadvertently notice that the Prince had a head of shimmering deep black long hair, cascading down his shoulders like a waterfall. Such hair color was rare in Erune, with a hint of deep purple flowing through the strands.
"Brother." Princess Griffine interrupted the mutual compliments; it wasn’t what she wanted to hear: "The Wood Main Priest said you have a way to resolve the unrest in the North. Are you planning to use that as a trade with me?"
The Crown Prince paused, then earnestly nodded.
"Precisely."
"You must understand, that’s impossible—" Princess Griffine furrowed her brow, but her words were immediately interrupted. Prince Levin smiled mildly and said, "I understand, Griffine, but you’re mistaken. I’m not using this as a condition to exchange for something. I wish for you both to listen seriously to my thoughts, how about that?"
"Brother, your thoughts?" The Princess uttered slightly taken aback.
Levin nodded, yet turned to Eck and said, "Lord of Priest, may I have a moment alone with the Princess and Mr. Brand?"
Wood paused, holding a pair of scissors in his hand, glanced at the Crown Prince, then nodded, casually setting the scissors aside, and said to Griffine and Brand: "Princess, I know some of your brother’s thoughts, albeit somewhat extreme, but it’s a viable approach. At this moment, you might want to calm down and consider it carefully."
With those words, the former priest of Ambeser lightly tidied his robe and walked towards the courtyard’s exit.
The Princess listened with a slight frown, watched Wood leave, and then turned back.
"So, brother, what are your thoughts exactly?" she asked.
"Griffine, as the recent enemy, you must be very suspicious of my intentions, right?" Levin did not answer directly but asked instead. His tone seemed casual, like joking between friends.
But this question sounded somewhat foolish; suspicion is natural. Not just between enemies, even between strangers. Brand considered that this Prince was probably not a fool, and there must be a purpose behind his words, so he waited quietly for the reply.