Chapter 76
Angry Mia in a Carriage
In the Tearmoon Empire, there exists an exclusive group of knights called the “Princess Guard.” They were created through Ludwig’s request to respond to the whims of Princess Mia at any time. Protected by these loyal knights, the carriage carrying Mia headed to the territory of Viscount Berman.
“My… my… It hasn’t been half an hour since I gave the instructions, and we are already on the road. Very impressive, Ludwig.”
“Not at all, Your Highness. I learned from the past experiences, especially from your visit to the slums the other day.”
Ludwig’s face looked stern, but he wasn’t in a bad mood. Ludwig has a certain degree of confidence that Mia’s actions are basically error-free and that they are based on wisdom and virtue.
As a talented official, Ludwig had a good grasp of the problems that were occurring in Viscount Berman’s territory. So, when the Viscount came to visit Mia, he expected something to happen and was prepared in advance.
This time, I had some information, so I managed to prepare something beforehand. But, if possible, it would be better if Her Highness would share her intentions beforehand as well… No, it is my duty as her vassal to be able to accurately interpret Her Highness intentions.
Ludwig noticed that sometimes Mia’s logic takes a big leap that he had trouble keeping up. The speed of the way she thinks always leaves others unable to follow. She was always thinking one or two moves ahead of others. And to think that she is still young…
She will surely grow up to be the wisest monarch. Ludwig’s expectations and loyalty grew unchecked.
“Well then, Ludwig, could you tell me about Viscount Berman and his domain?”
Mia said with a smile.
Hmmm… This is Her Highness speaking… Surely, she already knows about what is happening in Viscount Berman’s territory. And yet she is still asking me…
Mia gave him an innocent smile. It was a smile with a child-like innocence. And one could be forgiven thinking it was nothing more than that. But Ludwig knew that behind that innocent smile is a fully functioning sharp brain that he could not fathom.
Ludwig tries to read Mia’s intention for asking such an obvious question so as to be able to act accordingly. But the sad truth is that he could not understand half of what she was thinking.
Maybe she wants a summary so that she can check the accuracy of her information against mine. Or maybe she wants me to talk about it so she can think about a solution in greater details.
“Then allow me to explain. The Viscount Berman is now …”
While listening to Ludwig’s story, Mia felt a cold sweat dripping down her spine.
“That’s all the information I have …”
After listening to all his explanations, Mia
Ah! That was f…ing close!
Involuntarily, she muttered an inappropriate word in her heart. However, her reaction is not unreasonable. What Ludwig described was something that would bring her closer to the guillotine. Ludwig explained that Viscount Berman planned to carve out a portion of the Sealence Forest; eliminate the ethnic minority Lulu tribe for that purpose. And he was planning to do this all with the explicit approval of Princess Mia. The Lulu tribe happened to live besides the territory of the Count of Rudolvon, on the other side of the forest.
Mia read the passages in her diary many times, over and over again. Yet, she can’t remember such an event happening. To think that this had been happening and she had not a single idea.
I see. If this is true, then this might be the reason why my relationship with Tiona turned sour.
Regardless of the previous timeline where she was never friends with Tiona. According to the diary which foretells the current timeline, her relationship with Tiona was broken. Mia had always wondered what caused it. After all, there were no signs of it during their time at school.
The mystery has been solved! Viscount Berman, it is all your fault!
Anger rises from within Mia. Ludwig noticed this and started praising Mia for such a righteous anger. Ludwig assumes that Mia is angry because of this blatant injustice by a noble. However, he didn’t know that Mia is just angry because Viscount Berman is the cause for her getting closer to the guillotine.
“That’s all I know. At this stage, I’m sure the fault lies with Viscount Berman…”
Ludwig cut his words there without finishing his sentence. Knowing what the problem is, is one thing. Finding a solution to the problem is another one. In fact, finding a solution is where the difficulty begins. What Viscount Berman was trying to do was more of a gray zone than wrong.
Clearing the forest to gain more land is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as it was in his territory, then nobody can complain.
The border with Count Rudolvon is certainly ambiguous, so it’s hard to say where the border is. The only opposing voices is the minority tribe of Lulu, and it is certain that the central Government will support him against them. In fact, they have already dispatched forces to do this. Furthermore, this military force is another problem. Since they have already been dispatched, they cannot just withdraw without a reason of without achieving their goal that peace has been restored.
Ludwig couldn’t think of a way to solve all these problems. And so…
“So, Your Highness, what are you going to do?”
“What do you mean, what am I going to do? Of course, I have decided. I’m going to teach them a lesson!”
Mia declared while flaring in anger.