Chapter 173

Chapter 173

173th Episode: Trick And Treat / The Killkard royal family, the Lyenin family, has three princes and two princesses. Although the law does not specify that only princes can inherit the throne, one of the two princesses, excluding Shellina, is already engaged. Therefore, in practice, the three princes are forming their own factions and opposing each other. And it was the eldest of these princes who was in charge of the distribution of Etheric Herbs. “Jersian is in charge of the distribution of Etheric Herbs. He’s my eldest brother, and currently the most likely candidate for the throne.” The Killkard royal family does not follow the principle of primogeniture but chooses the most outstanding person as the candidate for the throne. The best way to prove one’s ability is to show achievements and produce definite results. Whether politically or militarily, achievements are proof of ability and a step towards inheriting the throne. And sometimes, those results are achieved by stealing the talents of others. “I made a deal with that guy.” “A deal, you say…” When Elle asked cautiously, Shellina took a sip of the tea on the table, frowned, and continued. “I subtly taught him alchemy and simple Qi circulation techniques in exchange for receiving Etheric Herbs.” Isn’t that too cheap a price? I thought so for a moment, but soon corrected my thinking. Alchemy and Qi circulation techniques. Although they seem impressive at first glance, their value is not that great. For Shellina, who only has access to her privy purse, her simple knowledge would have been a useful bargaining chip. “Everyone in the royal family knows I’m strong.” “I suppose so. Considering your knights haven’t shown their faces yet.” “And Jersian knew that and approached me.” In summary, Shellina sold some of her knowledge and power in exchange for receiving elixirs. “…Isn’t that a losing deal for you?” “I thought it was okay at the time. I don’t have any great ambitions anyway, and I thought it would be a good deal if I could just practice martial arts comfortably.” At first glance, what she said wasn’t exactly wrong. If she were to walk the path of a martial artist rather than a politician, it might be better to choose an easy way without having to use her brain in a complicated manner. A princess who has no precedent would not be an attractive position to nobles who are blinded by the great power of the throne, and it would be difficult to achieve anything alone without a supporting force. “….” But it is questionable whether that promise was kept. If it had been kept, she wouldn’t have agreed to the plan to steal the herbs from Reikers. After pondering for a moment, I quietly said to Shellina. “The prince didn’t keep his promise.” “…That’s right.” At my words, Shellina nodded with a bitter smile. “I was short-sighted. Once the herbs started to show some effect, Jersian tried to tighten the noose around my neck.” It’s an obvious story. If the source of her strength is Etheric Herbs, then controlling them would allow him to control Shellina. It’s an idea anyone could have, and a method that could be put into practice if one had the power. “Why is he trying to keep you in check?” “Well, I don’t know.” The scales of the world do not tilt to one side only. If there is unmotivated goodwill, there is also unmotivated malice. “…Maybe he’s trying to prevent you from seizing military power?” “Maybe. It’s not a very likely story, though.” After finishing the story, the four of us sat side by side and sipped our tea. Now that we had grasped the current situation, it was time to find a solution. Similar to Rutricia’s problem, Shellina’s situation was just as challenging. The weight and urgency of the matter were different, but it was certainly a big problem. Unlike the common problems we face in life, these are quite important and heavy. However, every problem has a solution. After organizing my thoughts to some extent, a clue seemed to appear. “I think I have a rough idea of what to do.” “Huh?” “…How?” I looked at the two questioning girls and one woman and came to a simple conclusion. “First, we go to Reikers and steal the herbs.” Stealing is simple. Well, it won’t be simple, but it won’t be difficult either. Because we are superhuman in this world. “…If we get caught, it’s the death penalty. Are you sure you’re okay with that?” “It’s okay. There aren’t many swords that can reach my neck.” “What do you mean?” Shellina tilted her head, as if she didn’t understand what I was saying, but Elle, who was sitting next to her, whispered in her ear in a small voice. “Ironclad.” “…Ah.” Then Shellina nodded as if she understood. I smiled slightly at Shellina and continued. “And Rutricia’s problem…” I was about to transform without thinking, but I suddenly realized. Shellina has never seen my true form. It would be troublesome if she screamed, so I should warn her in advance. “Don’t be surprised, even if you see it.” “Don’t be surpriiiised!?” I told her not to be surprised. I smiled bitterly and examined my body after releasing the disguise. After enjoying the refreshing feeling and the purple skin that came with it for a moment, I regained my composure and changed my appearance again. “….Ah.” Even though it wasn’t the first time seeing my appearance, Rutricia, who was looking at me from the front, opened her mouth in shock. I smiled at Rutricia, who was making a surprised expression, and shrugged my shoulders. “How is it? Wouldn’t this be okay?” “….” She doesn’t answer readily. Was the disguise done properly? After checking the pale white skin and reddish-brown hair hanging over my shoulders, I looked at the mirror in Rutricia’s room. “Hmm, it’s okay.” My reflection in the mirror was perfectly similar to Rutricia. // In retrospect, it’s a simple story. Steal the Etheric Herbs to narrow the position of the 1st Prince Jersian, hand over the herbs to Aiden and Shellina, and I will enter Perzanta in place of Rutricia. Shellina gets the herbs and can make a fool of the prince, and Rutricia doesn’t have to feel threatened by her chastity. Furthermore, I will be able to learn the knowledge of the academy without going through a complicated recommendation process or paying expensive tuition fees. “Isn’t it okay?” “…Well, it’s certainly the kind of idea you’d come up with.” I turned my gaze away from Elle, who was uttering words that I couldn’t tell whether they were praise or insults, and looked at Rutricia. She had a complicated expression on her face and didn’t seem to be just happy. Rather than disliking it, she seemed anxious. “…Are you sure you’re okay with this?” “About what?” “Instead of me, with that person…” Rutricia hesitated, trailing off, and then smiled bitterly. It must have been because she realized that what she was about to say was meaningless. “With that person, what?” “No, it’s okay. You know what I mean, right?” “I’m asking because I want to hear it from your mouth.” “That’s sexual harassment.” I gave her a playful smile as I watched her make a sulky face. After smiling at her for a moment, Rutricia gave me some serious advice. “Think carefully. The enrollment period at Perzanta is five years. If you have something important to do, I appreciate your heart, but…” “I don’t really have anything to do. I’m unemployed right now.” It wasn’t an empty word, it was true. What important things could I have to do when I’m wandering around? Besides, five years doesn’t feel that long. I’ve already undergone a metamorphosis anyway. I have no idea how long I’ll live in the future, so I can invest five years. Moreover, Perzanta, one of the two academies in the Killkard Kingdom, is worth investing time in. Besides, entering Perzanta is not just for Rutricia. “Shellina.” “…Why?” “What’s your goal?” The second princess of the royal family. In reality, most princesses are used as materials to improve relations between families and strengthen bonds, but Shellina will not accept that fate willingly. Because she is Kim Nam-geun. As much as her name in her previous life, she will not simply conform to her life. At my question, Shellina smiled sharply as if she understood and answered. “Grand General.” “….” “….” “….” …I didn’t think of that. “Why are you silent? Is it strange?” “Yes, it’s strange. You’re a princess.” “There’s no guarantee that I’ll be a princess in the future. I like Grand General.” Shellina firmly stated without giving in to Elle’s nagging. I smiled at the sight, thinking that it was like her. I thought she would say queen, but Grand General wouldn’t be bad either. “If you’re a Grand General…it must be one of the north or south.” Grand General means the person who commands the border defense forces. The eastern part of the kingdom has no border defense forces. It’s not like goblins can threaten the kingdom, and it’s not like monsters will come in droves. The environment of the Mesheen Great Forest, full of monsters, is enough for adventurers and hunters. The Astaltine Empire in the north, the Nekar Kingdom Union in the west, and the barbarian tribes and Aein Union in the south are the main enemies of the current Killkard Kingdom. Among them, the empire and the southern barbarians are the ones with frequent conflicts. The role of the Grand General is to lead the army that confronts them. “By the way, why are you asking about my goal?” “I think you need to establish a position. Among the kids we’ve found so far, you have the highest status.” “…Ah.” No matter how we were born into this land without any particular purpose, we cannot float around like duckweed forever. We are bound by school ties, regional ties, and blood ties, so we are destined to gather in the end. For us, we need someone to be the center. And Shellina has the most power among the friends she has met so far. She will grow the power she has and create an environment where we can gather. That was the new purpose I had in my heart. “And if I enter Perzanta, I might be able to help you.” “It’ll be difficult with the power of a baronet’s daughter.” “…It will be difficult.” Looking at Shellina with a serious expression, Rutricia nodded as if she agreed. Maybe, that’s right. Even if I enter Perzanta in Rutricia’s appearance, I will only be at the bottom with my wealth or power. But Perzanta is not just a social gathering place for nobles. I’ve heard a lot about the physiology of Ilmashion and Perzanta, the two magic academies of the Killkard Kingdom, and I know it to some extent. Mien and Quirjev often told stories about them with slander and praise. “Sia, what were your grades like last semester?” “…Ah, that’s…” “You can talk comfortably. I’m not your parent.” “…They weren’t very good.” I nodded as I watched Rutricia blush. “Then, that’s enough.” “….?” The original purpose of establishing Perzanta was to teach magic. More precisely, it is to extort research funds from the kingdom’s magicians to the nobles in a legal and efficient way, but that is Mien and Quirjev’s malicious opinion. Anyway, the academy aims to teach magic to the nobles. Therefore, regardless of the power of the parents, the students’ grades can only be obtained through their own efforts. Even though I look like this, I’m confident in my studies. If I take the top spot among the children of nobles and wealthy people, I might be able to exert some influence, even if I’m the daughter of a powerless baronet. // ———= Author’s Note ———= I don’t know what to write in the afterword. I will try to write it in an interesting way.