118. A Job That Can Be Paid with One’s Body
As I entered the dining hall, the Emperor was already seated at the head of the table.
Next to him, instead of the Empress, Lady Shailo was sticking close as usual.
And one more person.
“Ah, we have an early guest.”
“Your Highness Perwin, I hope you have been well. And it seems the princess is with you today.”
The Marquis of Balton rose from his seat and bowed respectfully.
Though his hair had turned half-white, there was no sign of frailty—he was a middle-aged man exuding strength.
His upright posture and meticulous attire gave off an impression that was noble yet severe.
‘I’ve heard rumors that he frequents the imperial palace these days, but I never thought I’d meet him in person.’
It was at that moment that a notification appeared.
[SYSTEM: Part of the mission success reward has been granted!]
[Special Encounter Achieved.]
As soon as I exchanged greetings with the Marquis, the system window flashed, asserting its presence.
‘No way… the mission success reward is this guy? Isn’t there something more impressive?’
But the system notification quickly vanished from view.
It seemed the “special encounter” truly referred to meeting the Marquis of Balton.
“Alright, everyone, take your seats. I was about to have lunch with the Marquis, but I heard news that the princess has entered the palace. If it’s all right, let her join us.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you.”
No one had the courage to refuse the Emperor when he invited them to dine.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I’ll eat separately.”
To be precise, there was only one person who would say that.
“The Crown Prince.”
Perwin’s sharp refusal visibly annoyed the Emperor.
“Oh, my! Sometimes a father and son should enjoy some private time together. I know you’re busy, but don’t make me feel neglected.”
Just as the Emperor was about to scold him, Lady Shailo intervened.
‘Sit first.’
I whispered silently with my lips.
I couldn’t let this opportunity—the mission success reward—pass me by.
Rebellion could come later; for now, I needed to listen.
Reluctantly, Perwin sat down.
One by one, appetizers were served on the formal dining table.
As we nibbled on the starters, the Emperor spoke.
“I called you all here to share joyful news and to commend your accomplishments.”
He surveyed the room with a solemn gaze.
“I understand that recently, the Crown Prince and the princess worked together to resolve the incident in the Garrett Estate. As Emperor, I should be the one to offer praise, but given the repercussions of the matter, it’s not exactly a cause for carefree celebration.”
He continued.
“Magic is the foundation of a strong nation, yet the western mines—our empire’s largest magic stone producers—were temporarily closed, causing the entire empire to suffer. Even I could hardly sleep from worry.”
“Your Majesty…”
Shailo clutched the Emperor’s arm with exaggerated affection, as if pitying him. Her gesture was nothing short of coquettish.
The Emperor gently removed her hand.
“Fortunately, the Marquis of Balton devised a plan. Thanks to him, I am able to share good news, which brings me great satisfaction.”
“Good news?”
“We will be establishing diplomatic relations with Pylon starting next month.”
“…!”
“Eh?”
Perwin’s pupils dilated. It seemed he hadn’t expected the news either.
“Wasn’t our communication with Pylon previously cut off?”
“Yes. It was caused by their refusal of our alliance proposal. But for the sake of the Empire, we decided to extend a hand for reconciliation first as a major power.”
Though they called it an alliance proposal, it was essentially a one-sided demand for Pylon to submit as a vassal state.
“This time, we’ll establish diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Pylon to secure a stable supply of magic stones. The Marquis of Balton contributed greatly to this achievement.”
“Your Majesty, I merely did what was expected of me.”
Watching the Emperor and the Marquis exchange compliments left me with a strange feeling.
‘I was the one who resolved the incident at Garrett Estate, yet all the credit seems to be going to the Marquis?’
I hadn’t done it to be praised, but the Emperor seemed entirely focused on the Pylon diplomacy, treating me like an invisible presence.
“Now then…”
The Emperor directed his gaze toward me and Perwin.
“Let me be straightforward. I would like the Crown Prince to take full responsibility for managing the diplomatic establishment with Pylon, with the princess assisting him.”
“Gah.”
I nearly choked on my drink.
“Your Majesty, what do you mean by leaving the diplomacy to someone else?”
The ever-cheerful Marquis’ expression turned grim.
“I will, of course, generously commend your achievements, so do not take offense,” the Emperor added.
“But Your Majesty—”
“Marquis,”
The Emperor cut off the Marquis’ protest with a stern tone.
“The Crown Prince should not only attend government meetings; it’s about time he takes on substantial responsibilities himself. This is the perfect opportunity for him to gain experience.”
“….”
“This particular diplomatic establishment will attract considerable public attention. Successfully carrying it out will earn recognition both abroad and among our people.”
The Emperor’s gaze shifted from Perwin to me.
“I heard that the princess played a significant role last time. I hope you assist the Crown Prince well this time to ensure a successful outcome.”
His words sounded like praise for me, but in reality, he meant that I should support Perwin.
‘Hmm.’
The Pylon diplomatic mission was progressing faster than I had expected. Initially, I thought it was just following the original story, but it turned out the Marquis of Balton had been involved.
The Emperor delegated the task to the Marquis, but now that it seemed to be succeeding, he wanted to give the credit to his son, Perwin.
‘Including me in this, however, is unexpected.’
“Your Majesty,”
The quietly observant Marquis finally spoke.
“The King of Pylon granted permission to establish diplomatic ties after seeing my sister, but this is only the first step. Past conflicts have not been fully resolved.”
“I see. Then?”
“If the person in charge changes midstream, it could create unnecessary confusion in diplomatic relations. It would be better to maintain consistency in leadership throughout.”
“In that case, the Marquis can assist the Crown Prince. If the Pylon King sees him actively supporting, he won’t object, no matter who he is.”
“….”
The Marquis clenched his jaw.
“It’s not difficult, is it?”
“No, Your Majesty. It is an honor to assist the Crown Prince.”
The Emperor smiled in satisfaction.
“Good. With such a competent and loyal subject, even seemingly impossible tasks can proceed smoothly. How reassuring.”
“I am deeply honored, Your Majesty,” the Marquis said, bowing.
A dark shadow passed over his face.
After the meal, the Marquis went straight to the Crystal House.
He claimed he wanted to see his daughter, who had joined as Lady Shailo’s maid.
“Shall we see Miss Evelyn later?”
But Shailo dismissed the other maids and even the knights, ushering the Marquis inside.
Once they were alone, the Marquis erupted in frustration.
“That old fool dares to give my credit to the Crown Prince!”
“I knew this would happen. He loves his son so much, I expected this reaction.”
“Damn it!”
He threw his cane aside.
“Still, I didn’t expect the princess to be involved in this matter.”
The Marquis glared at Shailo, still fuming.
“You haven’t forgotten, right? We’re on the same side. As long as I support you, you won’t just stand idly by, will you?”
“Don’t worry. I have no intention of letting it slip away.”
She smoothed her perfectly manicured nails.
I was equally flustered by the Emperor’s statement.
After some time to collect my thoughts, I went to meet Seraphine.
Normally, I would discuss such matters with Icart or the administrator, but Icart had recently left for the Academy.
And the administrator…
[Unknown: (๑^⩊^๑)]
No matter what I said, he just gave me that sly smile.
When I explained the situation, Seraphine’s eyes widened.
“Wow. That happened? Congratulations! Diplomatic relations—that’s a huge responsibility!”
“Thanks. But honestly, it’s not something I really want to take on.”
“Why? If you’re being entrusted with something so important, doesn’t that mean the Emperor trusts you greatly?”
“Well… yes.”
I couldn’t exactly deny it.
It was more than just trust—it was an open recognition of me as Crown Princess, a signal of support.
But, as predicted in the original story, the trade project with Pylon was likely to end in disastrous failure.
“I’m more interested in another matter. My lady, would you consider investing in my business?”
“Invest…? I don’t have that kind of money…”
Seraphine wisely tried to back out quickly. But I wasn’t going to let her off that easily.
“You can pay with your body.”
I grinned.
Oh no. >_<
She's going to be way too excited by that phrasing, isn't she