episode_0401

“It seems like this is the monster’s territory.”

“Yes, it looks like the contamination is too strong beyond this point to be purified.”

“Consider this the boundary and use all the purification liquid brought here to cleanse as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Leading the subjugation force and actively participating on-site, I learned for the first time that monsters have territories.

Furthermore, I discovered that killing the leader monster guarding the contaminated area prevents further monster attacks.

If the leader monster isn’t defeated, even using purification liquid will result in the land becoming contaminated again.

Conversely, if the leader monster is slain, purifying a wide radius of land poses no issues.

“The boundary seems so distinct that it might be easier than expected.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Purifying the land is the most crucial task.”

“Leave it to me, Your Highness. I will do my best.”

We succeeded in defeating the leader monster.

This means we have reclaimed a section of the contaminated area.

Monsters kept pushing forward until the leader was killed, but now, there were no monsters to be found.

The attacks had abruptly ceased.

“The First Prince was destined to fail.”

They were the only ones unaware.

The failure of the First Prince’s subjugation force was inevitable.

On the other hand, those who prepared thoroughly could succeed.

“We will completely purify this place and build structures. It will become a land teeming with life where people can thrive.”

Seeing Chechen approaching, I subtly revealed my desire.

He smiled in understanding.

“Do you like this place?”

“Isn’t it meaningful? This location itself is akin to a museum. We can’t simply leave such a place as just purified land.”

Historically, this place will become the land of beginnings.

The land where humanity, pushed back by contamination, achieved its first victory!

It marks the beginning of a counterattack.

“Congratulations, Your Highness.”

“Congratulations!!”

Congratulations poured in wherever I went.

Hearing congratulations in a moment of victory lifted my spirits.

“You all worked hard too.”

I gladly returned compliments to those around me.

“I will build a villa here. I will visit from time to time to reminisce about this moment.”

“Is that to remind yourself of your original intentions?”

“Yes. I won’t make the absurd claim that I will remain unchanged because I am special. I have no reason to stay the same.”

Transitioning from a princess to an empress.

Walking the path to becoming the empire’s supreme authority requires becoming firmer in one’s position.

“No one knows how far I can rise or, conversely, how far I can fall.”

“Once you officially become the successor, all that remains is to rise.”

“I won’t relax until I inherit the throne.”

One cannot afford to be complacent and foolishly fall.

“You are wise. Honestly, I felt a bit tense without realizing it; my mind feels clearer now.”

“You’re fine now. Just don’t let your guard down from the moment you enter the capital.”

Though slightly regretful about being far from the capital, it seemed ideal to build a villa and rest here during breaks.

The feeling of receiving a museum as a gift in childhood and cherishing it resonated with me now.

Having a new place to cherish is a joyous occasion.

Moreover, knowing that this place holds significant meaning for me adds to my satisfaction.

After spending a day in the joy of victory, there will likely be challenging tasks awaiting tomorrow.

However, I wasn’t afraid of what tomorrow held.

“Where are the students?”

“Are you planning to visit them separately for commendation?”

“Naturally.”

Without them, we would have failed like the First Prince.

His Majesty would be disappointed, distancing himself from the succession, while the Crown Prince would seize the opportunity to rise again using his own downfall as a stepping stone.

The reason such a situation could be avoided was all thanks to the students’ active participation.

“I understand that they are resting in their barracks after receiving treatment.”

Seeing Chechen respond immediately indicated that he had anticipated and researched such questions in advance.

After confirming their talents with his own eyes, he couldn’t understand why he hadn’t built a closer relationship with them in the past.

Nevertheless, what was fortunate was that there was still a year left to spend with them.

“Are we going together?”

“No. I have a lot to do.”

“Take it easy. You can start the real work tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

Parting ways with Chechen, he moved towards where the students were.

Even in this moment, congratulatory messages kept reaching his ears.

“The Talia Commander’s direct subordinates were impressive, but this year’s graduates are no less skilled.”

Having succeeded in purifying the contaminated zones, the Empire would now focus on cleansing the land.

Not having to deal with contaminated zones anymore was a significant achievement in the Empire’s history.

“They must be the heroes who will lead the purification of the contaminated zones. As much effort as they put in, powerful figures will emerge. If those kids band together to check the imperial power?”

It would become a headache, creating formidable foes.

If making them his own people was impossible, at least he needed to prevent them from uniting among themselves.

“What’s somewhat fortunate is that they volunteered for the punitive force, right?

Being part of the punitive force implies hoping for one’s success.

“Your Highness?”

“Your Highness is here! Everyone, get up.”

Upon arriving at the barracks, he could see students gathered outside chattering away.

As the students noticed him, they rushed over to offer their congratulations.

“Congratulations, Your Highness.”

“Now we should call you Princess Consort, shouldn’t we?”

“We knew you were remarkable, but you’re becoming even more so. Could studying in the same class turn into a glory for your family?”

Seeing the students welcoming him, it was clear they were all supportive.

Deciding to let the premature title of “Princess Consort” slide for now, given the enthusiastic response from the students.

“It’s too early for that title, let’s leave it aside. I’m worried unnecessary words might slip out.”

“Oh, come on, there’s no way that would happen.”

“Right. If not you as the Princess, then who else would ascend to that position?”

Even if His Majesty was capricious, he couldn’t arbitrarily decide the successor.

Becoming the Princess Consort was an unchangeable fact, but he didn’t want to unnecessarily stir up trouble by allowing himself to be elevated and doubted.

To avoid being lifted up with unreasonable praise, he decided to change the subject.

“Is there anything uncomfortable about resting here?”

“Thanks to your consideration, there’s nothing uncomfortable.”

“Yes, we are resting comfortably.”

“Our return destination is not the Academy but the capital. We managed to secure a week’s grace period for the participants of the punitive force before returning, more than the usual school reopening day.”

This was something he had arranged with the school authorities before leaving.

“Wow! Thank you.”

“I was already stressed about going back straight to classes upon our return. Thank you!”

“We will leave only the minimum number needed for purification here and return. The departure date is estimated to be two days from now. We have informed the palace, so His Majesty will surely welcome the heroes joyfully.”

Given the anger caused by the First Prince’s undermining of the aristocracy, His Majesty would be even more pleased with our success.

It meant that they would receive appropriate rewards for their hard work.

The students showed a positive response to the two-day timeframe.

In the contaminated zone, the desire to return as soon as possible was understood, but since the goal was not to kill monsters but to purify the land, time was needed.

“Your Highness, may I ask you a question?”

“Anytime.”

Even when she was just a princess, students found her intimidating, but now that she was the heir, it felt even more challenging.

For the sake of their future relationship, she needed to show that she could comfortably socialize with them.

“I’m talking about the reward promised if we achieve our goals.”

However, the student’s question was unexpected.

She didn’t anticipate them expecting rewards for their actions in the punitive force.

“Are you referring to the rewards His Majesty bestows?”

“Oh no! I meant the equipment shown by the higher-ups. The rewards you grant, Your Highness.”

If it was the equipment shown by the higher-ups…

“Oh~ You meant that equipment? That reward isn’t something I give; it’s a reward set by the higher-ups themselves.”

“Are you saying those items belong to the higher-ups? They seemed so precious that I assumed they were yours, Your Highness.”

It seemed like other students were also listening intently, unable to hide their surprise at my response.

But it wasn’t just one or two students showing interest.

“They’re this interested?”

Talented individuals would have easier access to good equipment.

There are nobles who push from their families and provide support, making it easy to obtain good items.

“Who receives the items given by the higher-ups is not under my jurisdiction. Of course, I was asked for my opinion.”

“So, should we inquire with the higher-ups about this matter?”

“It seems everyone is eager for the equipment provided by the higher-ups.”

“Yes, there was an item that caught my eye. It was something I was willing to purchase personally rather than receive as a gift.”

“Me too!”

“Each of us probably has equipment in mind that we desire. We just haven’t voiced it out loud.”

I was taken aback by how much influence the equipment shown by the higher-ups had on the students.

They were even monitoring each other to get the gear they wanted.

“If not careful, this equipment could strain relationships among them.”

Being wary of their unity was beneficial to me.