Book 2: Chapter Ep

Book 2: Chapter Ep

With the short autumn season at its end, the Kingdom of Natra was in the dead of winter.

Ninym looked out the window in the hallway, able to make out the mountain range in the distance buried under the snow. In time, even the flatter lands of the urban areas farther away from the mountains would be blanketed under its whiteness.

In fact, her breath was already white as it fogged up the windowpane. She was about to wipe it away with her fingers when someone called out to her.

Oh, its the aide, said one of the officials, sauntering toward her from the other side of the hallway.

Ninym turned her gaze away from the window.

Perfect timing. Our emergency supplies for the winter were just delivered. And here are the reports.

Ah. Thank you. She took the reports from the official and scanned them. I see. With the visit from the envoys, I was worried how things would turn out when we had to delay our preparations. But this will be just fine.

Agreed. We should be able to make it through winter I guess our only regret is about how the potential marriage between the Imperial Princess and His Highness panned out. The official sighed. To think an emergency in the Empire would cause them to shelve it.

Though a series of unexpected incidents had cropped up, the envoys managed to make a safe trip back to the Empire. Around the same time, news of a revolt in the making had spread across the Empire, triggering turmoil in each territory under its rule. The chaos was ongoing, making it an unsuitable time for the Imperial Princess to talk about marriage. All discussion was to be suspended until the affairs of state were in order. And many subjects in Natra found this terribly disappointing.

Absolutely, Ninym replied mildly, but her mind replayed the events that had happened before then.

Farewellfor the time being.

Going back to the time before the delegation made their journey home.

Ninym and Lowellmina were sitting across from each other, circling a small table. Wein was absent at this private tea party for the two of them.

I was saved by you and Wein, through all the complications. Thank you.

No need. I did what I had to do.

As coolheaded as ever. But thats just another reason why I like you, Ninym.

Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Ninym responded curtly. By the way, Lowa, is it true?

Is what true?

That youve put the discussion about marriage on hold.

Oh. Lowellmina understood. Well, to expand my influence within the Empire, its more beneficial for me to remain single than marry foreign royalty. Plus, if I say its suspended because of the impending revolt, no one will find it suspicious, she reasoned with no trouble at all.

Herm Ninym groaned back. But you like Wein, right?

The cup in Lowellminas hand tumbled onto the desk with a loud clang.

Lowa picked it up as if nothing had happened. W-well, sure. As a friend.

I mean, as a woman.

The hand trembled slightly, clutching the teacup. Wh-

whaaaaaaaat? Oh, come on! Why would I? Why do I have to like that weirdo? Who did you hear that from?!

All right, put the cup down. Your clothes will get dirty, Ninym suggested.

Lowellmina obliged. After a long silence between them, she asked timidly, terrified of the answer. SSince when?

Since we were in school.

WAS I AN OPEN BOOK?!

Pretty much.

Lowellmina buried her face in her hands and looked down. Her ears were bright red.

To get her envoys and lead them to Natra, Lowellmina had a few supposed grounds for her visit.

In the public eye, she was a member of the delegation. Behind closed doors, she was here to discuss marriage. Beyond that faade, shed come to solicit Weins help to become Empress. And that was a bluff to save the Empire from distress by making herself bait.

But in the end, that wasnt the truth. In her heart of hearts, shed wanted to be an envoy to learn more about Natra, thought that it might be nice if she could marry Wein, and wanted his help in becoming Empress. Which meant every last reason for her visit turned out to be her true intentions all along.

Well, not that we realized until much later, Ninym admitted.

Lowellminas face finally regained its composure. I admit it. I do feel that way. But I dont mind this outcome.

As the Imperial Princess?

Thats a part of it. Hmm, how should I phrase this? I like Wein, but I like you just as much.

This was nothing more than conjecture. Shed tried to sound out Ninym at their farewell tea party, but Ninym didnt give off any hints that she knew what Wein was up to.

But it was certainly possible for Wein to do something about it.

He would put together a plan to slaughter the fearsome beast lurking on the continentall for one girl. All so she could live her life undeterred by anyone.

Lets say thats true. If I get wrapped up in this somehow

She would oppose that beast alongside him. Just as he had done for her.

In order to do that, she first had to concentrate on the fight before her.

Fyshe, whats next on my schedule?

You have a meeting with the minister in the afternoon

It had been half a year since the Emperor of Earthworld passed away from illness.

Princess Lowellmina had spread the word of the plans for an uprising against the Empire.

When the factions had discovered that she had successfully laid the groundwork to prevent itand the three princes had fallen into its trap, too preoccupied with their own little dispute to noticethey were swamped with tension and political purging. As a result, their factions became less unified as some left to join Lowellmina.

Lowellmina Earthworld became the head of her own faction and made her debut in Imperial politics, taking center stage.

Ugh Im pooped. Wein huffed out a long sigh as he released all strength, propped up by his office desk. I cant believe this all started with a potential marriage proposal and ended with a trip to the Gairan State

Lowa had you at her mercy, Ninym commented with a wry smile.

If there was a winner in all this chaos, it was Lowellminawithout a doubt. The road had been a long one, but she had achieved exactly what she set out to do.

Well, its not so bad. Everything worked out in the end.

You say that, but I was working for free! All those hours, unpaid! The Empire might be covering the cost of the military exercises, but hosting their envoys? Weve gotta be in the RED! RED! RED!

But Nanaki stole important documents from the Antgadull mansionin addition to the other evidence. Well be able to use those to leverage a deal with the marquis to sell us mirror-dyed textiles wholesale.

And? Well break even at best! Besides, Lowas camp has taken over Antgadulls territory, which means trading with them will only make it look like were siding with her faction

You say, as though its not already far too late.

Its not! Were neutral! No relation to Empire infighting! Weins stubbornness took the reins on this one.

Ninym spoke with nonchalance. What if you married Lowellmina and dove into their politics headfirst? If you win the factional war, I bet youll be able to live the slow, easy life of your dreams.

Lowa already called the marriage off.

Thats what she wants. What about you?

Wein shrugged. Think about it. We have no idea how good her odds are of winning this thing. But lets say she does. Do you honestly think shell let me retire?

Yeahno.

Right? Theres no question Id get wrapped up in one problem after another. Id end up busier than ever before! Im gonna do everything I can to avoid that.

Itll be a struggle to stand on equal footing with him, Lowa, Ninym muttered, letting out a quiet sigh.

Next to her, Wein started up again. At any rate, well steer back to where things were, now that the delegation is gone. And keep an eye out for any changes in the Empire, too, of course.

Agreed. In that case Ninym deposited a mountain of papers in front of Wein with a thud.

Whats this?

Documents awaiting your approvalpiling up ever since your trip to the Gairan State.

And petitions from each department put on hold during the delegations stay. And Ive booked your next two weeks to meet with prominent figures. We have plenty ahead of us.

Oh, and because your marriage with Lowa fell through, Im sure there will be aristocrats getting all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, pushing their daughters on you to take as your consorts. If you dont want to be married, I advise doing your best to avoid them. Ninym grinned. Well, lets get to work as usual.

I JUST WANNA SELL THIS COUNTRY OFF AND GET THE HELL OUTTA HEEEEEERE!

His lamenting whines echoed far and wideon and on and on.