Extra 05: Nadine 01

Extra 05: Nadine 01

Richter du van Warung. His mother, Olivia, was Crown Prince Jeans nanny. For Richter, who grew up with him from a young age, Jean was his best friend and irreplaceable master.

When he was killed in battle (or so Richter had thought), Richter had lost one of his eyes in a previous battle and was being treated in the rear. He still regrets that he was not on the same battlefield as Jean at that time and that he wasnt able to rush to the scene.

Crown Prince Jean had actually won many battles and many generals revered him. Many of Jeans direct retainers have taken refuge with Lord Warung.

They also have high expectations for Jeans son, Emperor Carmine, so they felt disappointed and anxious whenever they heard rumours about Carmine from the capital.

Lord Warung distanced himself from the palace since he knew he wasnt good at politics. The imperial fiefs, which used to be adjacent to Lord Warungs fief to the east and west, have been ceded to other nations during the peace negotiations after the death of the Crown Prince Jean. In order to solidify the defences of his own fief, Lord Warung couldnt get involved with the toxic central government.

As a result, the Young Emperor Carmine was not given satisfactory education.

Lord Warung has been depressed these days because he has dishonoured his masters family in every way.

Nadine, who had seen her father like this, concluded that Carmine was the one who made her father sad. Nadine admired and respected her fathers imposing aura, so when she saw that her father was depressed, she thought:

If only Carmine was more decent If he becomes a good Emperor, then Father will be pleased.

Father, Im going to the Imperial Capital! I will study with His Majesty and make sure that he becomes a decent person!

Lord Warung was opposed to Nadine going to the capital at first. He told her that he couldnt send his precious daughter to a palace full of treacherous retainers.

But Lord Warung decided to send his daughter to the capital when he received a report stating that most of the aristocrats from both factions hadhave left the capital to suppress the Theanabe Union.

He also found it intolerable that Carmine refused to go to battle because he didnt want to die. He felt apologetic towards his former master since he had fought together with him on the battlefield.

He would have gone to the capital himself if it were possible. However, when he heard that the Aplada Kingdom was making a move, he had no choice but to go and deal with them. Therefore, he reluctantly entrusted Carmine to his daughter.

Incidentally, the Aplada Kingdom had acted because the Chancellor wanted to keep Lord Warung in check. The Chancellor feared that Lord Warung would win wars and increase his influence Although there is a merchant association that took advantage of this.

He sent Nadine to the capital because of these reasons without realising that he was manipulated by someone else

Nadine didnt have a good impression of Carmine before she came to the capital, but that impression has grown much stronger now that she has seen him up close.

From Nadines perspective, Carmine was nothing short of pathetic. He skips classes and sleeps all day. It was pathetic of him to act like this when he is still young.

Nadines expectations of Carmine are too high, partly because she didnt know any other boys her age and because she was comparing him to Lord Warung, but she didnt realise this.

Im going to turn you into a good person at all costs!

Nadine is stubborn and competitive by nature, so leaving isnt an option.

One day, Nadine spotted Carmine leaving class.

Where are you going?!

He clicked his tongue when Nadine shouted at him and spoke to the attendant next to him.

Nadine, who couldnt ride a horse, answered briefly. Carmine sensed this and said mockingly, Oh, whats this? You cant ride a horse?

Whatever! I dont want to ride it anyway!

Nadine shouted. Her face was turning red.

There was one thing that Carmine could do that she couldnt. It was as if this was an unforgivable disgrace. She needed to be better than Carmine to rehabilitate him. She wouldnt be able to do what her beloved father had asked of her if she were inferior to Carmine.

Well, how about this? Get on that platform and extend your arm.

It was then that Carmine reached out his hand to Nadine.

What?

Dont you want to ride? This horse can carry two adults, so itll be fine for you to ride with me.

Nadine hesitated for a while. She was curious about the expression on Carmines face as he petted the horse. He seemed calm, and almost looked as if he was talking to the horse.

She took the Emperors hand after pondering about it for a while.

Make sure to hold on tightly. I wont be able to help you if you fall.

There was almost no difference in their height since they were both children. So, Nadine was riding behind Carmine. Even though the guards were pulling the reins of Carmines horse, it was still dangerous for him to not be able to see in front of him.

Its dangerous, so come closer. Put more strength into your arms and hold onto me.

Nadine had never been this close to a boy of her age before, but she was so nervous about riding on a horse that she didnt care. She squeezed her eyes shut and did as she was told.

Then, Carmine made the horse trot faster.

The breeze brushed against their cheeks. Nadine opened her eyes little by little when she finally got used to it.

How is it? Are you comfortable?

Carmine asked Nadine, but she was so anxious that she didnt have time to think about his question, but she put on a brave face and nodded silently.

I see. But you wont be able to see whats in front of you like that. Youll have to practice horse riding yourself if you want to see the scenery.

Then, Carmine continued.

Youre Lord Warungs daughter. You should be able to ride a horse. Im sure he would be delighted to hear that youve learnt how to ride one.

What do you know about Father?

Youre always worrying him, Nadine grumbled in her mind.

Oh, youre finally getting used to it. I thought you were cowering because you thought holding onto me was disrespectful.

Nadine held onto him tighter in protest to his laughter, but strangely enough, it wasnt as strong as before.

Their appearance on the horse looked like that of a close brother and sister.