Chapter 26: Cracks in the council

Anastasia’s Office.

After that day’s state council meeting, Prime Minister Esman, along with several working-level officials, came to this place every day without fail to diligently assist Anastasia with her duties.

Now that the Emperor had declared he would entrust state affairs to the Crown Princess, it was imperative to quickly stabilize the new system with her help and resolve the numerous pending issues.

‘Hmph… truly remarkable…’

Esman, even while processing a mountain of documents, couldn’t help but be continually impressed.

It wasn’t particularly surprising in the case of Crown Princess Anastasia, as she had naturally shown an unparalleled intelligence different from others since she was young.

Everyone was well aware of her brilliance.

The reason he was so impressed was not her, but Logan, who silently protected her side, generously offered advice, and worked alongside her.

“Your Highness… for this part, it would be best to request cooperation from the Dwarven Kingdom for construction. It’s a section that requires a high level of difficulty and many sophisticated techniques, so if we try to work on it rashly, an accident could occur…”

“As for the timber needed for the reconstruction project, if you request support from the Elven Kingdom… ah, of course, they might show reluctance as they cherish forests and nature, but if you ask for timber that has reached the end of its lifespan or is old, they will provide it.”

“From our perspective, that too is very high-quality and excellent material, so it will be of great help. Therefore, I request that you…”

He had heard many times that Logan was a member of the hero’s party who had contributed significantly to the Demon Lord’s subjugation, but for him to have such excellent political sense as well.

Logan’s origin was that of a commoner, and at best, an adventurer, was he not?

For such a person to draw the grand blueprint for the empire’s reconstruction and even display diplomatic insight in coordinating the interests of various nations, it was impossible not to be amazed.

‘No, no. If I think like that, I’m no different from that d*mn Lindemarck. I mustn’t be prejudiced…’

Esman shook his head to rid himself of the arrogance of trying to hold prejudice against Logan and began to focus on his work again.

Even so, he felt a faint hope blooming within him.

‘Your Majesty, you did very well. I think you can now rest easy and comfortably.’

He felt a sense of relief, recalling Valerius, who had suffered for a long time, agonizing between corrupt nobles and the greedy church.

Because he now believed that Anastasia, with a reliable supporter, would lead the empire correctly.

---

Anastasia, too, shared Esman’s thoughts and greatly admired Logan’s versatility.

‘Ah, Logan… you’re so amazing…’

Not only handsome, but also skilled in combat and clever enough to devise excellent strategies, as if that weren’t enough.

To possess such political acumen and extensive knowledge for undertaking a national project like this!

‘Logan, how can you be so perfect?’

While admiring his abilities, she also worried if he was carrying too much of a burden.

For Anastasia, it was enough for Logan to simply stay by her side like Renate.

Just being able to see him every day, to feel his warmth, made her happy enough to endure any arduous task.

Even if it meant having to take sole responsibility for all state affairs immediately after finishing the Demon Lord subjugation.

But she wasn’t shouldering it alone.

He was there, steadfastly helping her.

Therefore, Anastasia was desperately trying to focus on her work, barely restraining her expression from foolishly softening.

She couldn’t show him an unsightly appearance, and in this office, several people, including Prime Minister Esman, were diligently working.

Just then.

“This part should be done like this…”

“Ah…!”

While discussing work matters, Anastasia let out an involuntary soft moan as Logan’s finger, pointing to a document, brushed hers ever so slightly.

At this, Logan looked at her with worried eyes.

“Your Highness…?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. So, what’s next?”

Anastasia’s heart nearly stopped for a moment, but she tried her best to maintain her composure, pretending nothing had happened.

However, she couldn’t hide the fact that her face had turned red due to her already flushed cheeks.

At this, Logan, despite noticing Anastasia’s change, pretended not to, so as not to embarrass or burden her, and continued his explanation naturally.

“Yes, next is…”

“Ah, yes! Yes!”

Thanks to his considerate gesture, the others working in the office did not notice Anastasia’s change in expression and continued to focus on their work.

However, only one person sighed inwardly, watching Anastasia flustered.

‘Haa… Your Highness…’

Renate felt like she was watching an immature daughter.

But she soon gave a wry smile, thinking it couldn’t be helped.

Because, considering Anastasia’s age, it was natural for her to be flustered like that.

Not only her, but Logan too, were young people who should be dating and whispering sweet nothings, not spending their time on such rigid work.

‘If we can just get through this difficult time… only good things will remain in the future. Hang in there, Your Highness.’

Thus, though it was another busy day in the imperial palace with many tasks as usual, everyone was diligently preparing for the future with excitement and anticipation.

Renate wished that such daily life would continue, and the empire would become peaceful and prosperous.

However.

Her wish began to crack during the state council meeting that afternoon.

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Imperial Palace State Council Chamber.

Anastasia, presiding over the meeting today as well, couldn’t help but frown as she saw faces other than those scheduled to attend.

Despite her openly expressing her displeasure.

“Good day, Your Highness. The Goddess will surely recognize your tireless efforts for the well-being of the empire.”

Sera, deliberately feigning ignorance, greeted her with an elegant smile.

At this, Anastasia, whose mood had worsened even further, curtly acknowledged Sera’s greeting and snapped.

“Yes, Saintess-nim, you too are working hard. However, this place is where matters of national importance are discussed. I believe it is inappropriate for the Saintess-nim to attend without any prior notice.”

“Oh my, are you saying it’s inappropriate for me, who conveys the Goddess’s words, to attend a place where matters of national importance are discussed?”

Sera, despite Anastasia’s aggressive words, replied with an even gentler smile.

Her appearance was that of a clergywoman devoted to the empire above all else.

This made those attending the meeting, even while agreeing with Anastasia that Sera’s presence was inappropriate, instinctively feel that the Crown Princess’s attitude was a bit excessive.

‘Tsk… what is her scheme?’

Anastasia inwardly clicked her tongue.

She knew better than anyone that the church, despite its outwardly benevolent and holy appearance, was a place where people with the blackest hearts gathered.

Even that Sera, hailed as the Saintess, was the prime example.

However, she hadn’t expected Sera to personally step forward to throw cold water on their efforts to rebuild the empire as quickly as possible.

‘This is Duke Lindemarck’s doing.’

Anastasia’s gaze fell upon Kardo, who was sitting in a corner of the meeting hall, smiling.

As if to prove her thoughts correct, Kardo immediately came to Sera’s defense.

“I do not think it is inappropriate for the Saintess-nim to attend the meeting. Is not the Saintess-nim also someone who dedicates herself more than anyone to the future of the empire?”

“Oh my… Thank you, Duke Lindemarck.”

‘Ha… What a farce.’

Anastasia was dumbfounded by the sight of them patting each other on the back.

(TL note: “북 치고 장구 치는” literally means “playing the drum and playing the hourglass drum,” referring to a situation where people are putting on a show for their own benefit, often in a self-congratulatory or collusive manner.)

But it didn’t end there.

“That’s right, Your Highness! Anyone who has a heart for the empire should be able to attend the meeting!”

Not only Sera, but also the hero Lian, who had attended the meeting with her, passionately interjected.

Furthermore, he went on to make outrageous remarks without hesitation.

“Please stop acting autocratically, excluding others to consolidate your throne!”

“Ha… What did you just say?”

At Lian’s remarks, which completely crossed the line, Anastasia’s red eyes flashed.

That alone instantly turned the atmosphere in the meeting hall as cold as ice.

However, Lian, oblivious to this, continued to speak confidently without backing down.

“Isn’t that the reality!? Trying to forcibly launch projects to build up justification… Ugh!”

Lian tried to assert his will and voice his opinion further by shouting, but he was interrupted and silenced.

“Huhu… Hero-nim, please exercise some restraint.”

Sera pinched his side to stop him.

She immediately bowed respectfully to Anastasia and apologized.

“I apologize, Your Highness. The Hero-nim, having witnessed the various devastated regions of the empire due to the Demon Lord’s army’s attack, is burning with a sense of justice, and his expression seems to have become somewhat excessive.”

“Somewhat excessive, you say… Look here, even if you are the hero, there is a limit to how much I can generously overlook.”

Anastasia warned in a chilling voice.

“It’s not just the Hero-nim. All members of the hero’s party, including the Saintess-nim, are subject to this. The Demon Lord has already been subjugated, so do not try to continue enjoying special privileges. Haven’t you already received sufficient compensation for it?”

Her gaze swept over Sera, then Lian, and finally landed coldly on Irene, who was with them.

“I am the Crown Princess of the empire, and I have been entrusted with state affairs by His Majesty. Do not cross the line any further.”

At this, Irene wanted to retort immediately like Lian, but she barely managed to hold back.

‘What a detestable wench…!’

If she had her way, she wanted to plant a fireball right in that woman’s face.

How could she be so arrogant and haughty?

And.

‘Logan…!’

When Logan entered the meeting hall, their eyes had definitely met, yet he had immediately turned his head and was now silently looking only at Anastasia.

Because of that, Irene’s insides felt like they were twisting in agony from anger, resentment, and various inexplicable emotions.

Thus, while the meeting hall was frozen in a chilling silence.

“First, we mustn’t waste any more time, so we will proceed with the meeting. Considering the trouble the Saintess-nim and the hero’s party have taken to come all this way, I will not force you to leave, but please refrain from unnecessary remarks.”

The meeting began with Anastasia’s declaration.

However, contrary to her intention to stabilize the empire as quickly as possible without unnecessary political strife.

The already revealed cracks in the meeting hall were silently, yet surely, spreading.