Fairy Tale: With Sin Of Pride

"A spoiled second generation? Why does this feel like a plot I've seen before?" Rhodes mused with a wry smile. "But no matter. It's insignificant."

As his thoughts drifted, he barely noticed the young man standing beside him, nervously awaiting instructions.

"Sir? What should we do now?"

Rhodes pondered briefly before shaking his head. "Ignore him. Let them know that slaves brought here have only two outcomes—they either join our federation as free citizens, or they aren't allowed entry at all."

"Yes, sir! Should we arrange any activities or formalities for their visit?"

"We are the hosts," Rhodes replied nonchalantly. "Traditionally, arrangements should be our responsibility. But I don't feel like it. Pass this task to the Dwarf King. Let him decide."

"Understood!"

---

Kenyal, the crown prince of Kendias, was filled with unease. He had visited many nations before, but the Allies of Rhodes Federation felt different—alien, even.

In other kingdoms, his title would have been met with lavish receptions and carefully curated displays of respect. Yet here, they had been left to their own devices.

"This is outrageous!" Kenyal fumed. "Don't they know that Kendias is one of the most populous and powerful nations on the continent? How dare they treat us like this?"

Beside him, his younger brother Kenyaji sneered, his arrogance unchecked. "Brother, we should leave! Return to Father and demand he sends troops. I can't endure this insult any longer!"

Kenyal's face darkened, and in a flash of fury, he slapped his brother across the face.

The sharp crack echoed through the room, leaving Kenyaji stunned.

"You fool!" Kenyal snapped. "Do you even understand what war entails? Do you know how many lives would be lost? Worse, do you realize what would happen if anyone overheard your reckless words? You'd doom us all!"

Kenyal's voice carried both scorn and a subtle warning to any eavesdroppers outside. He wasn't just scolding his brother—he was speaking for the benefit of unseen ears.

---

As the night fell, no envoy came to greet Kenyal or his delegation. This lack of communication left him restless and wary. Hunger gnawed at him, so he decided to step out alone, leaving his entourage behind.

Walking the dimly lit streets, he overheard snippets of conversation from locals.

"Did you hear? Kendias's mission is here to communicate with us."

"Communicate? Ha! They're probably just testing our strength, using diplomacy as an excuse."

Kenyal froze, his mind racing. Their silence wasn't negligence—it was a strategy. They're assessing us too!

Returning to his delegation, Kenyal proposed a bold idea. "We'll challenge them to a friendly exchange—combat, under the guise of diplomacy. If we observe their guards' strength, we can gauge their overall power."

The delegation agreed, confident that such an exchange would provide valuable insights. Little did they know, their plans had already been overheard.

---

In the council chamber, Rhodes sat with the Dwarf King. A figure emerged from the shadows—a spy, reporting on the delegation's every word.

"So, they want a friendly match to test us?" Rhodes asked with a smirk.

"Yes, sir. Shall we proceed with their request?"

"Of course," Rhodes replied. "But first, reward those who brought us this information. Give them some copper coins and send them away."

As the spy departed, a different figure entered the room. It was Kelor Li, one of Rhodes' trusted informants.

"Sir, I bring urgent news," Kelor Li began. "The kingdom of Weishon is mobilizing troops. Their position suggests they're heading toward us."

Rhodes leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Weishon, declaring war on a nation of peace? How absurd."

"What are your orders, sir?" Kelor Li asked cautiously.

Rhodes chuckled darkly. "Spread a rumor. Let them believe that the leader of the Federal Allies is nothing more than a powerless clown. Make them think this alliance is fragile, easily crushed. Let their arrogance lead them into our grasp."

Kelor Li nodded, though he shivered at the implications. He knew all too well the devastating power Rhodes wielded.

---

The next day, the proposed exchange competition was announced. For the Federal Allies, this marked their first diplomatic event with another nation.

The host of the event, a young diplomat named Delry, addressed the participants.

"This exchange competition will consist of four rounds. Each country will select its strongest contenders, excluding elite champions, to ensure fairness.

"The competition will be divided into melee and magic duels, conducted separately. Remember: safety comes first, friendship comes first, and victory is secondary. Our goal is to embrace peace, friendship, and mutual respect."

As Delry spoke, Kenyal scanned the crowd, his eyes searching for the elusive figure he believed to be the master of this extraordinary federation.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

Support the Translation! 🌐✨

20 Advanced Chapters are currently available in Patreon, make sure to visit and support our team.

patreon.com/Immortal_author

https://ko-fi.com/immortalauthor

https://discord.gg/KscfBegBPT