CH 3.21

Posted by:nyanmaru12-14 minutes 15.07.2023

“What if they show force? What if they really start a war?”

Marie’s response to that question was quite unexpected. She said, “If that happens, we’ll just have to go to war.”

“……!”

“Our empire cannot continue to cater to their every whim forever. We have already made enough concessions. If they persist in persecuting our empire, we cannot remain passive.” Marie continued, “Most importantly, our empire is not weak. We’re only trying to avoid war to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, but when it comes to battles, we are fully capable of winning.”

Upon hearing that response, the Crown Prince inexplicably felt an urge to burst into laughter.

It was so amusing.

‘How pleasant it is to converse with her.’

Was it because they understood each other so well that he felt that way?

For the last time, the Crown Prince asked, “If we were to engage in war, what about the Western Empire? What course of action shall we take?”

It was a challenging question, considering that Johannes III of the Western Empire could cunningly strike from behind, much like a hyena.

Nevertheless, Marie answered without hesitation, “All we have to do is dispatch a letter enlisting crusaders against the Eastern religion.”

“……!”

“The moment we enlist crusaders, the conflict between our empire and the Eastern Kingdom will transform into a holy war. Even if the Western Empire is our enemy, they will refrain from attacking us if we’re in a holy war.”

As Marie finished her explanation, something unexpected occurred, causing her eyes to widen.

It was the sound of the Crown Prince’s laughter.

‘Is the Crown Prince of blood laughing?’

Not to mention, it was a laughter that sounded genuinely happy.

Marie, who had never heard the Crown Prince laugh like that in her entire life, gaped at him in surprise.

After his laughter subsided, the Crown Prince turned to Marie and said, “Marie, I heard your words loud and clear. Each and every one of them was impeccable—none of them missed the mark.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness.”

“How could you come up with all of these?” The Crown Prince asked with genuine curiosity.

Rael, in fact, was a genius in various disciplines.

Be it swordsmanship, music, various forms of art, military strategy, or politics, he exhibited a prodigious skill in every sphere.

One might even say that he was a reincarnation of Saint Hildegard, a genius who left a mark in history.

During his childhood, Rael encountered countless life-threatening situations at the hands of his brothers due to his exceptional brilliance, yet he triumphed over them all.

However, she seemed to surpass even someone like him.

‘Could she possibly be a reincarnation of the legendary genius Saint Hildegard?’

Hildegard was a revered saint hailing from the region of Bingen in Germany, known for her remarkable accomplishments in various fields such as art, linguistics, medicine, prophecy, natural science, philosophy, herbalism, and composition.

Her achievements were so extraordinary and wide-ranging that it was hard to believe that they were accomplished by a single person nor did they genuinely exist in history.

‘…What should I say?’

As Marie sensed the Crown Prince’s awe-struck gaze upon her, she couldn’t help but feel troubled.

She didn’t want to draw any more attention to herself, but it seemed that it was already far too late.

Trying to act inconspicuous now would only make things appear more strange. She had no choice but to answer honestly.

“I learned it from books.”

“From books?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Marie lowered her head and said, “When I was a maid in the Cloyan Palace, I had free access to the library. Thanks to that, I was able to read a lot of books.”

What she had said was not a lie.

During her time in the palace, all she could do was read books as she lived in seclusion. She spent the whole day immersed in reading, allowing her to consume an enormous amount of literature. While she was lacking in other areas, her breadth of knowledge was exceptional, thanks to her extensive reading.

The Crown Prince nodded wordlessly at her answer.

“Reading, I see.”

Fortunately, it seemed that the libraries in the palaces were typically open to the maids as well, so he didn’t have any particular doubts.

“Anyway, Marie, I’ve heard all of your suggestions, and I find them all to be excellent.”

“Thank you.”

Rising from his seat, he said with a grave tone, “I will propose that solution to the Eastern Kingdom delegation. If the negotiations go well, I shall reward you for it.”

Marie was slightly taken aback when the Crown Prince mentioned giving her a reward. “A reward, Your Highness?”

“Yes, if this matter is resolved successfully, your contribution to the empire will be significant. It is only fitting that you receive a reward. Is there any specific reward you have in mind?”

In that moment, Marie realized an unexpected opportunity had presented itself.

‘Can I ask him for that?’

What she earnestly desired was to be freed from the status of a prisoner of war—to become a free man.

If she were to become a free man, she could relinquish her role as a maid at the Lion Palace. In other words, she could escape the threat of getting discovered.

However, one reason gave her pause.

’Marie, you belong to me.’

Those were the words he had said to her in the past. For some reason, the Crown Prince seemed to harbor both affection and possessiveness towards her.

Would he simply let her go?

Despite her reservations, Marie mustered the courage to voice her request. “….I want to become a free man.”

“A free man?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Marie anxiously watched his reaction, but his response took her by surprise. Without a moment’s hesitation, he nonchalantly replied, “That’s not much.”

“……!”

Marie’s eyes widened in surprise, uncertain if he truly meant it.

The Crown Prince went on, “That alone is not enough to compensate for your contributions. Therefore, I will grant you a reward greater than that.”

Marie couldn’t wrap her mind around it. How could he easily grant her free status so easily?

The Crown Prince looked at Marie and said, “Now that I know what you want, I shall grant you a reward beyond your expectations.”

Once the meeting between Marie and the Crown Prince concluded, he immediately began negotiating with the Eastern Kingdom delegation.

The result was a great success.

Just as Marie and the Crown Prince had planned, the eastern kingdom accepted their proposal. In exchange of providing food rations, the eastern kingdom would supply sugarcane seeds for sugar production.

“You’re amazing, Your Highness!”

“Sugar! It will bring immeasurable wealth to the empire!”

Everyone applauded the Crown Prince for his ingenious plan. However, the Crown Prince shook his head and said, “I merely adopted someone’s suggestion—it was not my own idea.”

“Then who came up with such a clever scheme?”

“It’s Marie, the maid.”

“……What?!”

They were all in shock.

Marie?

Who was she?

A maid?

The Crown Prince reiterated, “Yes, it was her idea, not mine.”

His response sent them into a frenzy. How could a mere maid conceived such a clever scheme?

Meanwhile, those who were already familiar with Marie were even more astounded.

“Is it the same Marie? The one who used to serve at the Lily Palace?”

“It appears so. She was recently transferred to the palace where His Highness resides.”

“Did Marie really come up with that ingenious plan?”

“Wasn’t she appointed as His Highness’ personal maid not too long ago?”

Everyone buzzed with excitement.

They were already aware of her remarkable abilities, but this incident brought their admiration to an entirely new level.

The solution that Marie came up with brought three significant benefits to the empire.

First, it brilliantly avoided conflict with the neighboring kingdom. Second, it would yield immense profits through sugar production. And third, it would revitalize the impoverished southwestern region.

To think that such an incredible scheme was conceived by a mere maid. Suddenly, everyone became curious about who Marie was.

Meanwhile, Marie, the heroine of this incident…

‘…..Oh no. It’s spreading like wildfire.’

“How did it come to this?” She muttered, her face filled with despair.

She had never expected the Crown Prince to openly mention her name like that.

‘I should’ve taken the Crown Prince’s personality into account,’ Marie lamented in hindsight.

The Crown Prince always had a clear sense of rewards and punishments, never overlooking the accomplishments of his subordinates. Especially when someone achieved something noteworthy, it would not go unnoticed. Their name would be elevated with honor.

That’s how the Crown Prince typically operated.

Of course, in most cases, one would be delighted to have their name esteemed in such a manner.

But Marie let out a sigh. ‘Well it’s different for me.’

She didn’t like people’s attention at all.

Until now, despite accomplishing many things within the palace, only a handful of people were aware of it. Since she had never sought attention, she had remained unnoticed.

However, the sudden spotlight on her left her feeling flustered.

‘Regardless, I’m glad that I will soon leave the palace. Once I receive the reward and attain my freedom, I’ll leave immediately. I can’t put it off any longer,’ Marie concluded.

As soon as she became a free man, liberating herself from the constraints of being a prisoner of war, she would leave the palace without hesitation. Although she was worried about not having saved any money, she possessed a range of skills, believing that she would find a way to make it work.

‘Once I leave the palace, my worries will be over soon. Until then, I must hold on a little longer.’

Marie clenched her fist as if to solidify her determination.

However, she suddenly thought of the Crown Prince.

‘He genuinely cared for me…’

Once she receive the reward, she would leave his side. But she had no choice.

‘I should at least leave a letter of thanks.’

And then, another precious person crossed her mind: Kierhan.

Since she had planned to visit his estate once she leave the palace, it didn’t seem like a big deal.

Some time had passed since then.

Time passed by, with the ministers occupied in discussing the finer details with the Eastern Kingdom delegation. As things began to settle, Marie received a summons from Count Gilbert, the palace manager.

‘He must be summoning me to present the reward as promised.’

Marie’s heart raced with anticipation. Finally, the time had come for her to shed the status of war captive and consequently leave the palace. She had longed for this moment, yet receiving it so easily left her feeling bewildered.

Before long, Count Gilbert, with his stern countenance, spoke up.

“I shall deliver His Highness’s message to you now, Marie.”

Marie bowed her head and replied, “Yes, please go ahead.”

“Congratulations. In recognition of your invaluable contribution to the recent affairs involving the Eastern Kingdom, His Highness has chosen to bestow upon you a reward.”

At last!

Marie’s heart raced with excitement.

“First and foremost, His Highness has determined to absolve you from the status of being a war captive,” Count Gilbert declared.

Marie’s voice quivered as she asked, “So… does that mean I am free now?”

Freedom! It was the very thing she had yearned for more than anything else.

However, Count Gilbert’s reaction was strange.

“Huh, free? No.”

“…Pardon?” Marie asked, wondering if she had misheard it.

She was no longer a prisoner of war, so she should be free now, shouldn’t she?

Count Gilbert bursted into laughter. “What’s the matter? Have you not heard His Highness’ proclamation?”

Although his voice bore a congratulatory tone, Marie couldn’t shake the unsettling chill that ran down her spine as she repeated, “Pardon?”

t/n: i underestimated rael’s obsession with marie…