Chapter 44: Schemes and Confrontations

Imperial Palace, Anastasia’s office meeting room.

“Your Highness, is it alright to leave things as they are?”

“They are inciting the populace by spreading false information.”

Prime Minister Esman asked Anastasia, his voice filled with concern.

Narcissus had released an enormous amount of wealth, instantly capturing the public’s attention.

And in the process, he had not hesitated to make remarks disparaging the good governance and efforts Anastasia’s party had shown.

To this, Anastasia replied in a composed tone, as if she had somewhat expected it.

“Yes, it’s alright.”

She thought that compared to how Narcissus had insulted her in the past, this was rather mild.

He had said that since she was born from a lowly mother, even the title of a half-baked princess was too good for her.

He had declared he would take responsibility, so they should never treat her as royalty and could handle her as they pleased.

Going further, he had hurled all sorts of unspeakable insults and contempt.

‘…Compared to that, hearing that I’m blinded by the desire for imperial power and plotting evil deeds is really no big deal now.’

However, contrary to her composed expression, Esman’s face grew even more serious.

“Your Highness, this is truly not good if left as is.”

“If the church gets involved, there will surely be even more negative talk about Your Highness…”

“You need not worry about that.”

“Duke Barenhoff?”

“What do you mean by…”

“I mean there is no need to worry so much.”

The head of the neutral faction nobles, no, Duke Lionel Barenhoff, who had now become part of the Crown Princess’s faction, cut off Esman, who was continuously voicing his concerns.

“Unlike the Prince, who only wags his glib tongue and distributes goods, Her Highness the Crown Princess has sincerely cared for and cherished each and every citizen.”

“But Your Grace, as you know, people are…”

“It’s only natural for their hearts to go to those who offer better and more things.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Therefore, your statement that there is no need to worry is not entirely accurate.”

In reality, not only were many people praising Narcissus.

Some even appeared, denying what Anastasia had done and expressing anger.

At this moment, Logan, who was standing behind Anastasia, interjected in a calm voice.

“No, I also agree with Duke Barenhoff’s words.”

“Sir Logan, what are you saying? Haven’t you seen the situation with your own two eyes?”

“Yes, that is why I am saying this.”

“What do you mean by…?”

“Most of them are shills.”

“Shills?”

“Yes, I may not remember the faces of everyone in the slums over these past few days, but I can assure you that at least half of them are not ordinary citizens.”

Logan wasn’t saying this merely because they were unfamiliar faces.

While their attire was shabby, like that of the slum dwellers.

A closer look at their complexions, physical conditions, and so on, did not give the impression that they were people who had lived in the slums for a long time.

“So you’re saying they are hired individuals for incitement… Doesn’t that make things even more serious?”

“Do not worry.”

“We have also deployed our people.”

“Ah…”

Esman nodded at Lionel’s words.

He thought that if the Barenhoff family, led by Lionel, one of only two ducal houses in the Empire, deployed their personnel, they could somewhat counter the situation.

“…Actually, I do not like engaging in this kind of public opinion war, but I accepted the Duke’s proposal because we could not simply stand by and be defeated.”

Anastasia, who was presiding over the meeting, had a displeased expression.

It was a situation where all funds and manpower should be concentrated on the Empire’s reconstruction efforts, yet it was not enough.

And now, they had ended up deploying them to such unnecessary and wasteful endeavors.

“Your Highness, you must speak correctly.”

“You did not accept my proposal, but rather Sir Logan’s proposal, did you not?”

“Pardon?”

“No, that’s…”

Anastasia blushed at Lionel’s sudden remark.

Seeing her flustered appearance, Lionel smiled faintly and apologized.

“My apologies, Your Highness.”

“The atmosphere in the meeting room seemed too somber, so this old man dared to make a jest.”

“Ah, yes… That’s unexpected.”

“I didn’t think Your Grace was someone who knew how to joke.”

“The same goes for me.”

“Your Highness, who used to look at men as if they were stones…”

Anastasia, anticipating what Lionel might say next, quickly cleared her throat to cut him off and change the subject.

“Ahem!”

“Anyway, Prime Minister, you don’t need to worry too much.”

“Rather, I am thinking positively about it.”

“Whatever their intentions, thanks to them, it’s helping to improve the lives of the people, even if just a little.”

“Now, we just need to focus on the reconstruction efforts.”

“Hmm… I understand…”

As Esman’s expression remained troubled, Lionel spoke in a reassuring tone.

“Prime Minister, stop worrying.”

“Even if we consider the church, which will join later, do you think that Prince will be able to properly carry out relief activities continuously?”

“Ah…”

Only then could Esman clearly understand why Lionel, unlike himself, was not worried about Narcissus’s actions.

It was true that Narcissus, having inherited the noble blood of the imperial family, possessed a handsome appearance and a charming voice powerful enough to capture the attention of the populace at once.

Although he was evaluated as inferior in all abilities compared to Anastasia.

Still, as the First Prince, he knew how to read the situation to some extent and had some political acumen.

However.

‘As Duke Barenhoff says, he won’t last long…’

Despite committing the atrocity of raping the princess of an allied nation, which led Emperor Valerius to become enraged and confine him to a detached palace.

After pretending to reflect for a day or two, he didn’t think he would be released immediately.

He was a scoundrel who immediately and openly invited women to the detached palace and engaged in lewd acts.

How long could such a Narcissus possibly roam the slums and serve the people?

The answer was obvious without much thought.

Therefore, Esman, realizing how foolishly he had worried, smiled sheepishly and apologized.

“I suppose so.”

“I will no longer concern myself with this matter.”

“I apologize for wasting your valuable time because of me.”

“Not at all, Prime Minister.”

“You were concerned about the future of the Empire, so it is quite alright.”

Anastasia replied to Esman with a gentle smile.

Esman was one of the few people who, in the past when everyone in the imperial palace ignored her.

Did not treat her dismissively like them, but rather treated her as royalty.

Therefore, Anastasia, even now that she had been entrusted with state affairs by the Emperor.

Accepted his concerns with a generous heart, as he diligently assisted her without hesitation.

“Now, let us discuss the upcoming reconstruction project.”

Anastasia concluded the discussion about Narcissus at this point.

She brought up new agendas and continued the meeting.

---

After the long meeting where various agendas were discussed.

“Your Highness, we shall take our leave now.”

Key officials, including Esman, began to leave.

‘Haa… This is indeed tiring…’

Anastasia sighed inwardly as she watched the retreating figures of her retainers.

Relief activities in the morning.

In the afternoon, meetings like this or paperwork.

Because she continued such a murderous schedule every day.

Anastasia couldn’t help but feel exhausted.

Still, she could persevere.

The reason for that was, of course, thanks to one man.

‘Still, I should take a short break, right?’

Anastasia, not just for herself but also for Logan who was constantly working hard by her side.

Just as she was about to speak to him for a moment of rest and to satisfy her personal desire.

“Your Highness, I have something I wish to tell you separately.”

Lionel suddenly approached and spoke to her.

“Ah… Yes… Your Grace… What is it…?”

Anastasia’s expression inadvertently stiffened at the interruption by the sudden unwelcome visitor.

At this, Lionel gave a meaningful smile and whispered in a voice low enough for only her to hear.

“It concerns Sir Logan, so I would appreciate it if you didn’t show too much displeasure.”

“Pardon?”

“Your Grace, when did I ever show displeasure?”

“No, more importantly…”

A matter concerning Logan?

An uneasy premonition swept through Anastasia’s mind.

Come to think of it…

Since the last meeting, Lionel’s gaze towards Logan had been very unusual.

‘N-no way… It can’t be, right?’

‘They say nobles develop strange hobbies when they get old!?’

If it’s about Logan.

Could it be because she completely loses her self-control?

Whether he wanted to or not, Lionel couldn’t help but read from Anastasia’s expression that she was thinking something quite shameless about him.

“…Your Highness.”

“I am not that kind of person.”

“Ah, ah. Yes!”

For a moment, Anastasia realized how strangely she had misunderstood Lionel.

She cleared her throat to shake off the embarrassment.

“Ahem! Uhm, Logan, Renate?”

“I need to have a word with Duke Barenhoff… Could you please step out for a moment?”

“Pardon?”

“Just in case, I cannot leave my post…”

As Logan and Renate hesitated, concerned by Anastasia’s request.

Lionel spoke as if to reassure them.

“Do not worry.”

“If I were the type to cause you worry, I wouldn’t be here in the first place.”

“…Understood.”

“Logan, let’s go.”

“……”

“Logan?”

“Ah, understood, Sir Renate.”

Lionel chuckled as he watched the two reluctantly exit the door, or more precisely, as he watched Logan.

“It seems Your Highness is not the only one thinking of him so ardently.”

“Pardon?”

“That’s enough joking, Your Grace…!”

“Haha… Understood.”

“Then I shall get straight to the point.”

“Yes, please do.”

“A story concerning Logan, you say…”

“Yes, that is…”

Lionel paused for a moment, then carefully opened his mouth.

“I wish to……”

At Lionel’s completely unexpected words.

Anastasia’s red eyes widened in astonishment.

“What!? Are you serious about that!?”

---

Meanwhile.

The Church, the Saintess’s private prayer room.

“…What brings you here?”

“I thought you would never visit again.”

Sera, having completely wiped away her usual benevolent and gentle demeanor.

Stared daggers at the woman before her with a cold gaze.

At the sight of the venomous Saintess.

Irene, who was visiting the church after a long time, also let out an open sneer.

“You were so confident, yet you haven’t succeeded in a single thing according to your plan.”

“What right do you have to glare at me like that?”

“Wha-what did you say!?”

Sera’s face contorted hideously.

How dare this dimwit, who was good at nothing but magic, insult her!

At this, Irene twisted her lips further in mockery.

“Why?”

“Did I say something wrong?”

“You pointlessly dragged things out, letting that Anastasia b*tch start her relief efforts first.”

“I’m the one cleaning up your mess right now, aren’t I?”

“Ha…”

Sera was so dumbfounded that an incredulous laugh escaped her.

This b*tch, who until recently was whining about what to do.

Just because she got some praise from the people while hanging out with that scoundrel prince.

Her arrogance was truly a sight to behold.

However, continuing to engage with this idiot’s provocations would only be detrimental.

So, Sera decided to stop the unnecessary argument and get to the point.

“Alright.”

“You’re so great.”

“So, what business brings you here?”

“Hmph, you’re asking the obvious.”

“Pardon?”

“The obvious?”

“Ah, really… You pretend to be so smart.”

“You’re actually incredibly stupid, aren’t you?”

Twitch!

At Irene’s outrageous remark.

A vein throbbed visibly on Sera’s forehead.

Irene, as if to mock her further, crossed her arms and asked tauntingly.

“Your church needs to hurry up and do something too.”

“How long are you going to keep sitting around doing nothing?”

“Ha…”

Sera couldn’t help but let out another incredulous laugh.

Because, as this damn b*tch said, she couldn’t just sit idly by doing nothing.

But even now, she was busy remodeling that idiot Hero.

It wasn’t a situation where she could do anything else.

Because all her plans included Lian.

‘Because of that real idiot, not a single thing is going right!’

Just as Sera was cursing Lian inwardly.

Irene asked about him.

“Where’s Lian?”

“Why are you looking for the Hero?”

Sera retorted coldly to Irene’s question.

At this, Irene’s eyebrows twitched.

“You, what kind of trick are you pulling on Lian?”

“What are you talking about?”

Sera feigned innocence and questioned back.

Seeing this, Irene shouted with conviction.

“Just as I thought!”

“Quickly, guide me to where Lian is!”

“Ha… Why have you come back now, asking to see Lian?”

“What?”

“What do you mean, ‘now’?”

“It’s because you’re not doing your job properly, so I’ve been too busy to come see him until now.”

“Is that so?”

“It wasn’t because you were completely smitten with that scoundrel prince and forgot about him?”

“What did you say?”

“Don’t you dare insult Narcissus!”

“Just because you’re a Saintess, does that give you the right?”

“How dare you speak to royalty like that!”

“Ha…!”

How dare she speak to royalty…

Had this crazy b*tch forgotten everything she herself had done to Anastasia?

It was too absurd.

Therefore, Sera decided to bring out the decisive words.

“As if betraying Logan wasn’t enough…”

Betraying Lian as well.

She was about to ask why she was now shamelessly asking to meet him.

But even before that.

Slap!!!

Along with a sharp sound, a burning pain spread across her cheek.

She couldn’t finish her sentence.

“Kyaaak…!?”

Sera, who screamed loudly.

Could not comprehend what had just happened.

Starting from the fact that she, the Saintess, had been slapped by someone.

“Betrayal!?”

“What kind of bullsh*t is that!”

“You crazy b*tch!”

What kind of bullsh*t was this crazy b*tch spewing now?

She truly couldn’t understand.