episode_0076

“And Sir Hector. If it’s okay, please leave for a moment. I have a serious story to discuss with Princess Aishangior.”

That royal guard’s name was Hector.

The driver closed the door with his head down and immediately left.

The sound of footsteps moving away echoed across the hallway.

Are you saying you want to have a private meeting with me?

Although I guessed it from the moment I took Nigel away from him.

“Even though you are probably still tired, you accepted my invitation like this. Thank you again.”

“No. Should a person who lives within the walls of the empire shamelessly refuse the invitation of His Highness the Prince?”

So there is no need to pretend to care. You and Ernst called me even though you clearly knew I was sick.

He must have known that I cannot refuse the royal family’s invitation at this point.

Anyway, it would have been easier for me to just settle my position and move on, so I don’t have any major complaints.

“Hmm…there was no need to feel so burdened. Now, please sit comfortably over here.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Leopold pointed to the sofa in front of the office.

It was similar furniture to the one in the drawing room.

As I sat down on the sofa, Leopold also sat down on the sofa across from me.

Only then did I really see its appearance.

Bright blonde hair reminiscent of lemon. Clear eyes.

He was an impressive man with a sharp jawline that seemed to be clean-shaven and without any fine hairs.

His gentle-looking eyes had a strange elegance, and it seemed as if his eyes alone proved his identity.

Leopold turned twenty-eight this year.

If you look at it in person, it looks like this. She looks young and five years younger than her age.

Leopold, who was sitting down, looked at me and smiled lightly.

The eyes that curved into arcs were full of deep interest.

“Certainly, the rumors in the street cannot be trusted. Rather, the Academy is more accurate.”

“…What are you talking about?”

rumor? That’s not what I think, is it?

Anyway, that nickname probably didn’t trickle down to the imperial palace.

But that’s the only rumor from the Academy…

You’ll have to choose your words carefully, Leopold.

” Daffodil Princess… I guess the time has come for it to bloom. ”

Okay, let’s go to Ernst.

—-

Of course I didn’t mean it.

No matter what, if you blatantly leave the place in front of the prince, it would be no different from a hostile act.

“Please call me a beast predator instead. I don’t like compliments on my appearance.”

“Hmm…? Ah, I see! After all, a true knight wants to prove himself with his skills, not his appearance. Princess Aishangior must be like that too.”

It wasn’t really my intention, it was just that I felt rejected.

Since you interpret it so well that what is good is good, I guess I can just agree.

“I made a big mistake. I sincerely apologize.”

“Well…you don’t have to worry about it. I am so saddened that His Majesty the Prince would bow down to a mere princess. ”

“You can speak comfortably without having to try so hard. Although it hasn’t been made public, I already know the princess’s true identity because I revealed it to the Margrave.”

Speak comfortably?

It’s probably just a polite thing to say. Who would believe something like that?

“This is too much for me.”

“I’m serious. It’s okay if you don’t even use honorifics if you want. It’s not a private place anyway.”

okay? Where can we check if it is really sincere?

That’s good. Whether you cooperate with Leopold or not, you will need to understand his personality.

“In that case, I am comfortable. I felt like hives would break out in my mouth.”

I was being polite by gathering all the knowledge I didn’t have.

“Wow, that… the majestic spirit that clearly shows the boldness of a warrior, it’s truly impressive.”

“That’s my strength.”

The prince looked slightly embarrassed by my sudden change in tone.

No way, now it’s time to say, ‘Bring this rude woman out right away!’ You won’t say anything like that, right?

If you say something like that, you might be disappointed.

Because it means that the vessel is so small that it cannot even keep the words it says.

“…I think the princess surprises me in many ways.”

Hmm. As expected, when I actually heard him speak informally, he seemed quite embarrassed.

Well, seeing as he didn’t show any displeasure… I guess we can say he passed in terms of basic personality.

not bad.

It’s much better than an authoritarian who says one thing after another.

“…Anyway, can we say that this has brought us a little closer?”

“Well, maybe not?”

Anyway, as you said, the status itself is similar.

A prince who fell by the wayside, or a descendant of the twelve knights who became the successor to the elector.

—-

“So, I’d like to hear why you invited me today. I guess I really didn’t mean to hear about the battle.”

“To be honest, I would like to hear about it later… But that is definitely not the reason why I asked the princess to be alone with me today. I sent an invitation to talk about this ceremony and its aftermath.”

“After that?”

Now is the point?

“First of all, the princess will be awarded the title of knight of the empire, the first-class medal of honor, and the title of master. In addition, the title of Baron Median will also be granted.”

In the empires of this world, knighthood was a title rather than a title.

Proof that you have sufficient skills and are ready to dedicate yourself to the empire and humanity.

“Baron of Median. I heard that it has completely collapsed.”

“That’s right. There was no property or territory left. Therefore, the existing Median territory will probably not be granted as a fief for the time being.”

“A noble title without any fiefdom, isn’t it a very ambiguous award?”

The fact that the Median family is the twelve knights is information that only a few people, including the imperial family, know.

In the end, it’s a title that doesn’t mean much, but it’s a bit subtle for an award.

“It’s not wrong. It can’t be anything more than an opportunity to prove that half of the princess’s bloodline belongs to the empire. Not yet.”

“Hmm…”

“Originally, I was going to announce that the princess was a descendant of the twelve knights and propose an arranged marriage. In that case, the princess would one day become the empress of the empire, so I thought it would be of sufficient benefit to both sides.”

That means my thoughts have changed now. I’m so glad.

To you and to me too.

by the way.

“Empress? It’s as if he’s saying that he will definitely be able to become emperor. Something a little different from what I’m used to?”

“Originally it would have been difficult. However, my position is changing little by little due to this incident.”

Leopold sighed and continued his further explanation.

Originally, the power difference between the 1st and 3rd princes was said to be about 2:8.

In general, the gap is such that it is safe to say that victory or defeat has already been decided.

However, it is said that the structure has changed a lot due to this prisoner attack.

While Isabella’s side strongly insisted on defending the imperial palace, Leopold protested that the priority was to stop the riots by dispatching knights throughout the islands.

As Leopold’s influence was so minimal, he was ignored in favor of Isabella’s request.

As a result, it was revealed that Leopold was right, thanks to the conclusion that the assault on the imperial palace was nothing more than a diversionary operation.

Those who were caught up in the riots and suffered damage also came to support Leopold, who tried to save them.

Now, the power gap has decreased significantly and is said to be around 4:6.

They say that if they make me a hero and get me on their side, they might be able to turn the situation around.

“It’s ironic that the great tragedy that hit the system actually saved me…but that’s what happened in the end.”

“I’ll tell you in advance, I’m not going to get married. With anyone.”

I crossed my arms and leaned against the backrest. As if to clearly reveal one’s displeasure and firm intentions.

It’s a bit rude, but I guess it doesn’t matter since I’ve already given up on manners even in my tone of voice.

“I know too. I heard from Marquis Ludwig that he strongly refuses to marry. So I decided to drop that offer. Since he has decided to take over as elector of the empire, the story about the twelve knights will also not be made public.”

It was a natural story.

Unless one becomes a member of the imperial family, the status of the Twelve Knights only poses a threat to the authority of the imperial family.

Even if he expresses loyalty and support to the imperial family. I don’t know if it’s true or if it’s just a pretense and there’s another intention behind it.

“However, there will be many hills that the princess must overcome in order to be recognized as the successor to the elector without much opposition. Although this is a great feat, there is also the issue of the princess’s ethnicity…and the prestige shown by Dane.”

“…I guess that’s right.”

“So now, let’s get to the point. Say it bluntly. I’ll help you with that, can you support me? If you do so, later, when you are announced as the successor to the Elector, I will also actively express my consent. Not just me, but my entire force.”

It’s not a bad story, but…

If you fight anyway, your reputation will continue to accumulate, so it’s not really a huge advantage.

“When you say support, to what extent do you specifically mean it?”

“It would be best to declare official support…”

“That will be difficult. First of all, as a princess of another country, it is a bit dangerous to speak officially on the issue of imperial succession rights.”

In some ways, that’s interference in internal affairs, right?

If she were to make such an official statement as a princess, it would have significant diplomatic significance.

If we are not careful, it will end up as if Ka’har is interfering with the power of the empire.

Actually, the Ka’har are not people who care about diplomacy.

In any case, sharp criticism will pour in, and if the news reaches Ka`har, Orhan will also react to it.

If the daughter, who said she would return in three years, hears about what she is doing in the empire, she might even realize her true intention that she has no intention of returning.

“Didn’t you come into exile anyway? I understand that once it becomes known, her status as a princess will not have much meaning.”

“Because it’s not something to reveal right now. If Orhan finds out that I drew a line with Ka’har, I don’t know how he will come out right away.”

Once you’re convinced that I’ve betrayed Ka’har… you’ll realize that this isn’t the time to be on an eastern expedition, right?

What happens then?

I’ve only met Orhan once, so I’m not sure of his reaction…

Either get angry and attack the empire or strengthen your defense posture in preparation for the empire’s attack, neither of which is what I want.

“Orhan…Marquis Ludwig told me to be careful of him. Hmm… Then what about changing the order and becoming the successor to the elector? In any case, there will still be a lot of time left until the throne election ceremony, so if the princess becomes the successor to the elector in the meantime, her ties with her mother country will automatically be severed. It doesn’t matter after that, right?”

The successor to the elector. My guess is that it will take at least two years.

I need to stabilize the empire and increase my reputation. Because there is a long way to go.

That would be fine.

“It’s not wrong. At that time…it probably wouldn’t matter. Then, in return for helping me become the successor to the elector, I would also like to support that person as heir. ”

It’s complete sexism itself.

I wonder if this level is appropriate. I was planning on supporting Leopold anyway.

It’s a deal where I’m a bit out of luck, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea to create a bit of debt to the prince.

“I can do that, but can I add a condition instead?”

“Tell me as much as you want. If there is anything I can help you with, I will respond positively.”

“In the future, if a nobleman dares to make an unpleasant move towards me… I plan on provoking him and challenging him to a duel. But wouldn’t it be difficult if it was a noble force under your command? So, I want you to talk to the people below in advance. I’m telling you, don’t manipulate me. Then at least those guys will be reduced by half.”

“It’s that simple. I will do as much as I can.”

Perhaps because the conditions were not difficult, Prince Leopold nodded with a smile.

“However, in that case, in order to convince the nobles, we will need proof that the princess is on our side… so you will have to show yourself close to me at least a few times at official events. Is that okay? Even if it’s not overt support or social relations between men and women, it should at least show a friendly attitude.”

“Unless you’re saying we should at least wear a dress and dance.”

“Do you know how to dance?”

What is this kid saying all of a sudden?

…although I don’t know how to run.