Chapter 333: Are you interested now? (2/2)

”I know you are harboring the Princess. I also know that Berengar has taken quite a liking to her. Tell me, is she pregnant yet?”

When Linde heard this, she was shocked to the core. After all, she and her Intelligence Agency had gone through great lengths to cover up any information regarding Honoria's identity. However, Linde was a professional, and as such, she maintained a calm facade as she responded, despite her heart beating rapidly.

”I have no idea what you are talking about...”

In response to this, Andronikos leaned back in his chair with a broad smile on his face. Though Linde was convincing, to the point that he almost believed it himself, he was on good authority that the Byzantine Princess was one of Berengar's lovers. As such, he demonstrated his knowledge thoroughly.

”White hair, pale skin, mint green eyes, gorgeous appearance. She's going by the name Valeria Zonara now. Or is it Valeria Melodia? After all, maintaining the appearance of a pirate queen and a Byzantine noblewoman is not something that can be done with a single identity.”

When Linde heard this, she knew that Andronikos was not simply bluffing; as such, she inquired about his source of knowledge.

”How did you know?”

Andronikos chuckled as he heard this before responding to Linde's question.

”You are not the only one with an extensive spy network, Sweetheart. I'll admit you covered your tracks well; I almost didn't believe it at first, if it weren't for the fact that Arethas had written me a letter about his regrets regarding the Princess, informing me of the conversation he had with her the last time he saw her, then I would have never suspected you, and Berengar to be involved.”

When Linde heard this, she sighed heavily before admitting defeat; as such, she inquired about Andronikos' intentions.

”So you intend to blackmail us into supporting your cause?”

When Andronikos heard this, he was genuinely offended; as such, he put down his coffee and sat up straight as he revealed his offer to Linde.

”The thought honestly never crossed my mind; I am not your enemy Linde, you should know that by now. What I offer you is something mutually beneficial to our two realms. There are men in the Empire, powerful men, who are not fond of either Decentius or his older brother Alexius.

Don't even get me started on the youngest of the Emperor's sons. In the simplest terms, he is a lustful drunk who is more interested in hedonism than ruling the Empire. He would turn the palace into his personal brothel and bring an era of decline upon Byzantium. With this in mind, my supporters seek an alternative option for the succession crisis we currently face. ”

When Linde heard this, she scoffed at Andronikos' statement.

”So what? They want to put Honoria on the throne?”

In response to this, Andronikos shook his head and revealed his true intentions.

”Not even close, but the son of the King of Austria and the only Byzantine Princess? That is an appealing concept to my new master. You may not realize it, but your so-called husband has caught the attention of the entire world.

Annexing the Swiss Confederation? Allying with Granada? Creating a bunch of proxy wars so that the Church has its hands full? Those are some bold moves. We have been watching the West's wars for some time now; the dominance Austria displays under Berengar's rule is unreal. If left unchecked, I would not be surprised if a new Empire forms in the West, rivaling that of Rome.

What your husband does in Europe is of no concern to our Empire, and my backers want to make a lasting alliance with your man. After all, we are sure that our two realms are better off as partners than as enemies. Of course, the faction backing the other two Candidates views Austria as a threat, especially now that it has a powerful navy; they will stop at nothing to prevent your rapid growth.

With the help of the men behind me, we can convince the Emperor to make Honoria one of Berengar's wives; after all, his intentions of legalizing Polygamy have become quite apparent. When she gives birth to a son, he will rule the East one day, while Berengar's heir will rule the West.

By helping us investigate Arethas' death, you also help your husband create a powerful ally. As for what you personally gain from this, isn't it obvious? You gain the upper hand in the war for your husband's affection. What do you say? Are you interested now?

Linde thought about it for several moments in silence as she gracefully sipped down the rest of her coffee. After careful consideration, she made ad decision, as such a pretty smile formed on her have as she declared her intentions.

”Alright, I'll play along...”

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