Chapter 87
“Pierne” is a small village in the Empire that Count Tolkié tracked down at my request, through no less than sixteen different leads. He said it’s on the outskirts of some marquisate… and now! Even beyond the outskirts of that Pierne is where I’ll be living in the future.
Even while I wasn’t paying attention, the “Three-Year Vanishing Plan” had been steadily moving forward. All thanks to the ever-competent Count Tolkié.
“There’s a lot of buildings going up, huh?”
My eyes stayed fixed on the site map Count Tolkié handed me.
“Yes, as you can see, the house is in its final stages. Just the roof and interior remain. Does it meet your expectations?”
“There’s not much to expect or not expect. A house is a house. What about the dormitory and training hall?”
“They just finished transporting the materials, so I hear construction can begin soon. It took longer than expected… I’m sorry, Your Highness.”
“No need to apologize. It’s not your fault, Count. Naturally, it’s a much larger structure than the house, so it’ll take longer. Just make sure they take their time, do it right, and build it strong.”
“Yes, Your Highness. We’ve selected only the most diligent and discreet workers, so there’s nothing to worry about on that front.”
It couldn’t have been easy to keep such a large construction project secret… But the Count had put more effort into this than I even asked for.
“I trust you completely, Count.”
I meant it. The Count was working hard on my behalf, and I didn’t take that for granted. He laughed heartily.
“But if I may, Your Highness… Pierne is much smaller than you might think. Are you really sure about this? Location is everything—whether it’s for business or otherwise.”
Spoken like a true businessman.
Of course, since the Count didn’t know what I was planning to do there, he couldn’t help but worry—but for me, it was perfect. Ideal for hiding, don’t you think?
“I get what you’re worried about… but it’s fine. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. So what if it’s a small village? You said it’s near some marquisate or something, right?”
“Oh! Yes. The Donovan Marquisate.”
“Do…novan? That sounds familiar…”
I’ve definitely heard that name before. Where was it? As I rolled my fingers along the table, the Count finally spoke.
“Marquis Donovan is Your Highness’s gra—uh! Ahem. Ahem.”
Count Tolkié started coughing awkwardly, mid-sentence.
“What? My gra-what? What were you going to say?”
“Well, that is…”
His darting eyes were suspicious.
“What is it? Out with it. Now.”
As I narrowed my eyes and pressed him, the Count muttered in a tiny voice, hesitating if he should even say it.
“Well… Marquis Donovan is your gra… I mean, your grandfather…”
“Correct! My grandfather’s retainer, right? That’s it, isn’t it? He must be pretty old, huh?”
At my words, the Count lowered his head and shut his eyes tightly before opening them again.
“Y-yes, that’s true. Haha…”
That wasn’t quite what he meant, but it wasn’t entirely wrong either. Haha…
The Count scratched his temple, clearly regretting saying anything. I decided to reassure him.
“The whole noble hierarchy thing really is weird in cases like this, huh? But don’t worry—I don’t treat elderly retainers harshly or anything. I’m not even planning to make my identity public.”
“Haha… Of course, Your Highness.”
The Count wiped sweat from his temple.
With that slightly awkward exchange behind us, I turned back to the documents and said:
“Anyway, the fact that I’m building something in Pierne has to stay a secret, so if anyone starts sniffing around or shows too much interest, let me know immediately.”
“Yes, understood, Your Highness.”
Whew… The Count let out a breath.
I clapped my hands sharply to lighten the mood. Nothing boosts the energy like talking about money, right?
“So, how are salt crystal sales going lately?”
Sure enough, the Count’s face brightened the moment I mentioned it.
“Ah! The salt crystals, Your Highness. Haha. People are using them not just as seasoning, but as medicine too. I’ve been considering diversifying the grain size based on use. What are your thoughts?”
“Sounds like a good idea. As long as it doesn’t take too much extra effort, go for it. How are sales numbers?”
“Steadily increasing, no doubt about it. Despite the high price, word-of-mouth is strong, and some customers insist on only our salt. Oh, and! A few foreign trade guilds have reached out, wanting to buy some.”
“Oho! Export?”
“Yes. They want to sell it in their own countries, so in a way, yes. We’re thinking of branding it as a premium product for export—it might double our profits.”
Wow… even international trade now…
At this rate, I really will become a salt magnate.
But I couldn’t make decisions based on money alone. The DeArc salt crystals were more than just a business to me.
Like the child abuse penalty laws I proposed and enacted—it’s something I offer my people as the Crown Princess.
“What’s the current mining volume? Can we handle the export load?”
“The deposits are vast, so it should be possible… but if the demand gets too high, I can’t make guarantees. Though that’s no different from domestic supply either.”
After mulling over the Count’s response, I shared my honest thoughts.
“My priority is the people of our empire. We’ve made enough profit—I don’t want to get greedy. But I’ll leave this matter entirely in your hands.”
The Count clearly wanted to go ahead with exports.
As I paused with my teacup and dropped that line, the Count let out a sharp breath and replied:
“You say that and then throw the decision at me? How am I supposed to make a choice, haha. Truly, Your Highness is something else.”
…That sounded a little backhanded.
Can’t let that slide.
“As royalty, I’m duty-bound to care for our people. But you, Count, run the business side of things. It’s natural our priorities differ. I’ll respect your judgment. Even if you’ve been blinded by greed… hehe.”
I shrugged playfully and looked at him with a mischievous grin. The Count burst out laughing.
“Ahaha… You always leave me speechless, Your Highness.”
“Count… you really try, huh… Pretending to be a greedy merchant when you’re such a softie inside.”
At that, the Count smacked his forehead with a laugh.
“I understand, Your Highness. Goodness, I can never win with you.”
“If you ever do win against me, that’s the real problem. That would be treason.”
“Ah, I forgot my life hangs on Your Highness’s will.”
“Exactly.”
“I leave it in your hands, then.”
“Of course. Don’t worry.”
When I winked, the Count winked back.
After wrapping up business and chatting for a bit, our stomachs growled, reminding us to part ways.
“Have I taken up too much of Your Highness’s time?”
“What? I’m the one who kept the busy Count for too long.”
“Not at all. It’s always an honor.”
“The honor’s mine, truly.”
We shook hands warmly, and I left Achilles.
***
“Ugh… I’m so full…”
“Didn’t you eat a bit too fast, Your Highness?”
“Maybe. But I couldn’t help it. I was shaking from hunger.”
It’d been a while since I was this hungry.
“Did you buy a dress?”
“Nope. That was just a cover. I went to Achilles.”
“Oh my! It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah. I only brought Jerron to give Liz a break. Huh? Where is Jerron? He must be hungry too…”
“I’m not sure. He stepped out for a bit. I’ll let the kitchen know just in case, Your Highness.”
“Thanks. I’d appreciate it. I’m so sleepy after going out… Liz, I’m gonna take a quick nap.”
“Sleeping right after eating isn’t good for you.”
“I know… just this once.”
As I curled my shoulders like a child, Liz giggled softly.
“Yes, Your Highness. Rest well.”
“Thanks, Liz. You’re the best.”
“I’ll wake you up later. Sleep well.”
Liz tucked me in and carefully closed the curtains before leaving the room.
“It’s been a while… since I had this kind of peace…”
With a full stomach, I drifted off to sleep.
***
“Sir Jerron.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Who is your master?”
“My master is Her Highness, Crown Princess Celestia.”
“Did you not swear an oath as a knight of the Imperial Guard?”
“Once I was assigned to Her Highness’s protection, she became my master.”
Should he say that’s admirable—or foolish? Robis studied the knight before him, uncertain. He didn’t seem likely to answer if pressed further…
Still, Robis had no other choice. Liz had long since become Tia’s person, and Oz too… Jerron was the only one left.
“Sir Jerron.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I’ll praise your loyalty to Tia later, but for now, I have a question. I’d like you to answer it sincerely. This is for Tia, so I ask—no, beg—you to answer.”
A request… or perhaps an order.
At Robis’s words, Jerron nodded.
“Tia has been saying she wants to formally begin participating in social events since her debutante… Do you know why?”
Jerron looked up from the floor and met Robis’s gaze.
