Chapter 555: The Princess’s Speculation

"I've never met any brother or sister of mine who would make a mere merchant dare to ignore me. It's your presence that's emboldening him," Gladys said, looking directly into Muria's eyes. She couldn't recall any sibling with such dazzling golden eyes.

"Why not take off your mask and introduce yourself?" Gladys smiled warmly, a flawless smile, but to Muria, it seemed insincere—a smile perfected through countless practice sessions in front of a mirror, no doubt a standard noble's facade.

"There's no need for that." Muria touched the faceplate of his mask, which was part of the Sacred Radiance Royal Abyss armor. He had put it on when he saw the high-ranking legendary mage and had not taken it off since.

"You've mistaken me. I'm not of the royal family," Muria shook his head, denying her assumption outright. He had no interest in role-playing nor any desire to impersonate royalty.

"Coward!" Upon hearing Muria's denial, and momentarily stunned by his golden eyes, Katharina stepped forward, reaching for Muria's face. "Let me take off your mask and see what you really look like."

"Katharina, stop!" Gladys urgently called out as her friend and follower moved. Despite Muria concealing his aura, Gladys could sense his strength due to their shared bloodline, a power far beyond Katharina's ability to handle.

"You should show basic respect to those stronger than you, even if they deny being royalty," Muria said as he saw Katharina's hand reaching for him. Without dodging, he extended a finger and, with a quick flick, tapped the tall girl's smooth, fair forehead.

"Show mercy!"

"Clang!"

Amid the princess's anxious cry, the valiant young general was sent flying backwards, crashing into two black-armored guards at the door. The force of impact dented their armor where it contacted Katharina.

The guards struggled to their feet, maintaining their original stance without moving, displaying extraordinary discipline. The cause of this, Katharina, now sat on the ground with her legs splayed in an awkward V, clutching her forehead that throbbed with a deep, searing pain. Despite the situation, her demeanor had an oddly cute and slightly amusing contrast.

"Thank you," Gladys breathed a sigh of relief, seeing her friend unharmed. Katharina had risked everything for her, purely out of loyalty and concern. She knew the sight of Muria's pure bloodline was a threat to Gladys's claim to the throne.

Given Andrew's recent behavior, it was clear he was already leaning towards this unknown member of royalty. Any effort on Gladys's part to win him over was now a futile endeavor, a waste of time.

"Remember, you should maintain basic respect for those stronger than you, rather than acting rashly and disrespectfully," Muria reprimanded the young woman as she slowly rose, still holding her forehead.

"Legendary!" Katharina stared at Muria in shock. Her heart sank with worry for the seventh princess she followed. This suddenly appearing royal figure seemed far more likely to inherit the throne than Gladys.

No young member of the current royal family had eyes as brilliant as Muria's, nor had she heard of anyone among the younger generation reaching legendary status. Muria was far ahead in every aspect. With the Blue Sky Trading Company now backing him, he had both the wealth and the stature to build considerable influence.

"Do you have any other business?" Muria looked at the princess before him. "If not, please leave. If you feel Andrew has offended you, I apologize on his behalf."

"You still haven't answered my question. Who exactly are you?" Gladys frowned, her elegant golden brows furrowing, evoking a sense of pity. "Why do you deny being of the royal family? The aura around you can't be faked."

To Gladys, Muria seemed like one of her kin. She was speculating about his origins, perhaps a lost member of the Uranos royal family, possibly a secret child of one of her elder relatives, or even a clandestine offspring of her father, the Emperor.

However, such things would not affect the succession to the throne. Legitimacy was secondary as long as one had royal blood. There had been emperors in the past who had risen from being illegitimate children. Muria's situation seemed similar.

In the Uranos Empire, the next emperor was chosen not only from the current emperor's offspring but from the entire royal lineage. Any member with royal blood had a claim to the throne, making the succession battles fierce and ruthless.

"This world doesn't belong solely to the Uranos royal family, you know," Muria said with a hint of meaning. No one could understand the frustration he felt. He had intended to keep a low profile.

Given the current situation, maintaining a low profile seemed impossible. First, he encountered a high-ranking legendary mage, and now he ran into a member of the royal family. It was only a matter of time before his identity was exposed.

Hearing Muria's words, Gladys's eyes widened in realization. As the seventh princess, she wasn't just the emperor's seventh daughter; she was seventh in line to the throne. She also had an elder brother and an elder sister. Her current status was achieved not solely by her birthright but through her own efforts.

Given a few simple clues, she quickly deduced Muria's likely identity. He wasn't a member of the royal family but had an aura that resonated deeply with her bloodline. The answer was now quite apparent.

"Andrew, introduce this esteemed personage," Gladys commanded, looking towards the plump merchant. She wanted to confirm her suspicions.

"Your Highness!" Andrew looked towards Muria for guidance, his eyes pleading. He remembered Muria's desire to keep his identity hidden.

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