episode_0402

“Will this lead to receiving more favor from the upper ranks again?”

Lately, he found himself entertaining doubts about whether he could have become the successor if he hadn’t encountered Suhan.

Despite his current success, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was merely playing in Suhan’s hands rather than achieving everything solely through his own efforts.

“I never thought I would entertain such useless thoughts. Is my heart swaying because the summit is right in front of me?”

He had no intention of becoming a foolish ruler who suppresses the talents of his subordinates and devours loyal hunting dogs.

“It seems better for me to inquire with the upper ranks rather than you stepping forward. I will ask about the progress and inform them.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

“I was worried that directly asking the upper ranks might lead to misunderstandings, but I’m relieved.”

“But are you all interested in the rewards offered by the upper ranks more than other rewards?”

“Well… If we can receive other rewards as well, that would be great. However, if we had to choose one, we would probably choose the items from the upper ranks.”

The honest confession of the student left him dumbfounded as if he had been hit on the back of the head.

Perhaps he failed to control his expression, as a friend nudged the student who gave an honest answer in the ribs.

“Hey, be more discreet.”

“Gasp! Did I speak too honestly?”

“No. I appreciate your honesty. Let’s try to maximize our rewards by informing His Majesty. We should also try to increase our rewards as much as possible.”

“Ah! No! It’s really okay, Your Highness!”

Even so, could it be that the allure of rewards from the palace is not as appealing as those offered by a mere upper rank?

“Did all these kids come here solely for the bait items offered by the upper ranks?”

He couldn’t believe that they had embarked on the expeditionary force solely for the lure items from the upper ranks, setting aside numerous reasons.

His pride was slightly hurt.

“Did they come to build rapport with me, or did they come to gain experience in real combat and improve their skills?”

He distinctly remembered that Suhan had often accomplished remarkable feats in the past.

Starting from the ‘gift’ used to summon Princess Haehwa back to the empire, the items were quite intriguing.

Although he hadn’t paid attention at the time, he was curious to see nobles who had grown up without deficiencies yearning so fervently for them.

“Where did they get such items to use as bait?”

Suhan was a man who continued to reveal new facets even when peeled layer by layer.

Deciding to ask if he had items that could appeal to others like these students upon his return, he greeted each student individually and engaged in conversation before calling the upper-ranking person.

“You called for me, Your Highness.”

The personnel responsible for supplies from the upper ranks were busiest after the battle ended.

The fatigue was evident on the face of the employee who had come in the midst of such a busy situation.

“Is it very busy right now?”

“Not really. There are many aspects to consider, so it may seem that way, but it’s not particularly busy.”

It seemed they had sent a rather intelligent employee from the upper ranks.

“I called you because I have some questions about the rewards.”

“The rewards? What exactly do you mean…?”

“I’m inquiring out of personal curiosity. How are the evaluations being conducted?”

Since the rewards were entirely assets from the upper ranks, he had no intention of interfering excessively.

“We don’t plan to scrutinize the conditions too harshly. In fact, the rewards prepared by the upper ranks were meant as a means to recruit students into the expeditionary force, weren’t they? That’s why we’ve already prepared the items according to the number of students.”

“All of them? All of the students, not just a few?”

Preparing items of the same quality for everyone was challenging, and if the items weren’t satisfactory, problems could arise.

Actually, it was said that each student had their own desired equipment.

“At first, when Lord Sangdan said he would give everything, I thought it was a bit regrettable. But in the end, I think I was wrong. It seems like a worthwhile investment.”

It was an undeniable statement as they had seen their performances with their own eyes.

“That’s right.”

By rewarding everyone, Sangdan would be able to win favor with promising students for the future.

With such abundant talent, there was no reason not to establish good relationships in advance.

“There are rumors that Lord Sangdan reads the future well, and it seems to be true. Oh! By the way, just in case, if we only give it to the students, won’t problems arise?”

“That’s right.”

While students had made significant contributions, others had not been entirely unhelpful.

“So, we are considering rewarding some of the ordinary Awakened individuals as well. They will be selected as those who can establish good relationships with our Lord.”

The Sangdan staff laid out the situation without hiding anything.

“Why didn’t you mention this earlier?”

“Pardon?”

“We almost missed the fact that you were willing to give everything without us knowing about it. I thought you would only select one or two people to reward, but you started with the intention of giving everything. I should mention this when I meet Lord Sangdan later.”

Students showing interest in the items must have had genuine reasons.

Given the high value of the items, Sangdan had invested significantly, so it wouldn’t make sense not to acknowledge that.

“You’re not someone who brags about what you do to others. Haha!”

The Sangdan staff shrugged proudly for their affiliation.

“Oh, if there is anyone you wish to take care of, please let me know.”

She shook her head at the Sangdan staff’s words.

“It’s fine. They are your belongings; why should I interfere? Keep it a secret from all the students.”

“Yes, Your Highness. It should help the process go smoothly. Thank you for your consideration.”

As the staff left, she pondered about Lord Sangdan.

Soon, she let out her concerns.

“I guess it’s finally over, wondering what they will demand.”

Many people were eagerly awaiting the moment they officially became the successor.

When they became the successor, there would be those who wanted to be rewarded for their past efforts.

It wouldn’t be any different due to their status.

Soon, she would clearly understand the reasons why they actively supported her.

“Becoming an imperial successor carries great responsibilities.”

Becoming the empire’s successor meant rising above the desires of many.

Having reached a high position, it was her duty to lead those with aspirations well.

The problem was accumulating power too quickly to the point where even being raised to a Marquis would suffice.

Establishing the title as a foundation and meeting the demands from that side were necessary.

“Just by the way they have presented themselves so far, they will probably demand something quite remarkable.”

Their lack of greed indicated a clear presence of desires.

From now on, her tasks would involve properly distributing rewards to the nobles who had supported and helped her become the successor.

It was essential to organize things clearly for the future.

※ ※ ※

As news of the success of the Monah Princess Expeditionary Force reached the capital and spread rapidly to other regions, I could relax happily knowing that the school year was about to start soon after completely shutting down the first-floor gate for rest.

Although there was no need to consider even the slightest possibility, it would have been troublesome if the process had not gone well, but the news that had spread did not indicate significant damage.

“The emperor is so pleased that he is preparing a grand welcoming ceremony…”

Finally, all the conditions for Mona Princess to become the successor have been met.

Since the emperor is very satisfied, there will be no need to change anything.

“The fruit has completely ripened.”

It’s finally time to pick the fruit and put it in my mouth.

I took out Mona Princess’s unique equipment and once again gently wiped its sparkling surface with a soft handkerchief.

“I can’t just give this to students.”

Handing over appropriate equipment befitting her future as a princess, I intended to secure an unwavering maximum level of favorability.

After that, even if I ask for something hard to accept, she would have to agree.

“I wish she would return quickly.”

Thinking that the summit is near, I feel anxious.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Hey.”

I was feeling good after hearing some good news, but something happened that ruined my mood.

Someone appeared knocking on the first-floor door.

“I hope they just go back. Don’t ruin my mood.”

Thud! Thud! Thud!

“It’s going to break the door. Ugh…”

Eventually, I got up from my seat.

I thought they would just leave if I didn’t show any response.

However, the visitor kept knocking on the door persistently, as if they knew I was inside.

What kind of trouble is this now?

After opening the door and stepping out, I couldn’t hide my surprise.

“Friend!!!”

The person in front of the door was not a troublemaker.

“How did you…?”

Someone connected to me.

So, it would be appropriate to use the word ‘friend’ to describe the relationship between her and me.

It was the appearance of Princess Haehwa.

“I’ve come to enroll in the academy.”

She explained why she was here with a bright smile.

“You kept your promise.”

“Yes! I said I would come. I had a hard time convincing my dad.”

Even though she said she would come to study abroad, persuading her father in that situation wouldn’t have been easy.

“Please come in.”

I let her in to welcome Princess Haehwa.

It was still cold outside.

“It’s still the same here! Huh? Has it changed a bit?”

Princess Haehwa came into the general store, looked around, and tilted her head in confusion.

“We expanded the building, so it might look a bit different.”

“What’s ‘expanded’?”

“It means making something small bigger.”

“Oh, expanded!”

“Expansion.”

“Ex-panded! Ex-panded!”

As I taught her unfamiliar words, she mastered the pronunciation perfectly.

Princess Haehwa’s ability to learn languages was remarkable.

“Did you memorize it?”

“Yes, I memorized it. I’m good at Imperial language, right? I’ll study more.”

“You’re already good at it.”

“Hehe. Thank you! But, friend, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“Why aren’t you doing business?”

Princess Haehwa asked curiously, perhaps noticing the paper stuck to the door.