Chapter 119: The Imperial Princess's Visit
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 119: The Imperial Princess's Visit
Hestia Village was in an uproar at the sudden news of the Imperial Princess’s visit.
When the day finally arrived, the villagers dropped everything and swarmed the streets.
“Is this really our chance to see the Flower of the Empire?”
“Would someone like her even show her face to people like us? I’ve lived right under her nose my whole life and never caught a glimpse.”
“Still, when else are we going to get a chance like this?”
While everyone praised her beauty, very few had actually seen her in person. Since the vast majority of the Empire’s citizens had never laid eyes on Olivia Arken, they gathered with the mindset that this would be their first and last opportunity.
As the streets buzzed with excitement, Ruri was more on edge than usual. It seemed like the result of her meticulous preparations for such a distinguished guest.
No, that’s not it.
She was someone capable of breaking through the Empire’s defensive barriers at will; there was no reason for her to be this nervous. Her sharp gaze was, as expected, directed squarely at Ferda.
Ferda had a rough idea why. He leaned in and spoke to her quietly.
“The only one who holds a place in my heart is Her Highness Valdrova.”
“Who said anything about that?”
Ruri snapped her head away and marched off, leaving Ferda wondering what had brought that on.
A moment later, a pair of lead guards on white horses emerged from the forest. A long procession followed in their wake, and it was only after several minutes that a massive, opulent carriage appeared. Olivia Arken was inside that extravagant vessel.
Just as Ferda was preparing to receive her, an unexpected situation occurred. The carriage came to a halt at the outer castle wall, which was still under construction.
“Why on earth are they stopping all of a sudden?”
“I haven’t a clue.”
It was a situation Ferda hadn’t anticipated. Simultaneously, starting from the outer gate, soldiers began unfurling a long red carpet that stretched out in a straight line. At the same time, the Imperial Guards stationed themselves at regular intervals along both sides of the carpet to manage the crowds.
Ferda found the sight familiar.
Is she planning a procession?
Ferda’s hunch was correct. Olivia Arken was preparing to switch from the enclosed carriage to an open one used for victory parades.
Ferda scowled at the sight.
“She’s making things difficult...”
Muttering to himself, Ferda turned to Ruri.
“Ruri. We need to change the plan slightly.”
“What do you mean?”
“Can you take me to the outer gate?”
“Are you planning to go rushing to the Imperial Princess’s side?”
“I just don't want any trouble breaking out in Hestia Village.”
Though she glared at him with a pout, she didn't really have a choice. Ruri eventually granted Ferda’s request. From a great height, Ferda descended via Heaven Stair and landed right beside Olivia.
“I greet the Imperial Princess.”
“And I greet the Regent of the Archduchy. Did you come all this way just for me?”
“What is the meaning of this?” Ferda asked bluntly, refusing to be swept up in Olivia’s pace.
Olivia checked her reflection in a small mirror as she replied.
“What do you mean? I’m simply trying to help you, Regent.”
“How is this helping?”
“I’m just trying to stir up some rumors about Hestia Village.”
“What rumors?”
“‘The Flower of the Empire entered Valdrova Castle in all her radiant beauty’... Isn’t that enough to get people talking?”
She cast a sidelong glance with her sapphire eyes and smiled.
“If your goal is to see Hestia Village destroyed, then it’s a wonderful idea. I thought you understood well enough why you shouldn’t show yourself to the masses.”
“I do. If an Imperial Princess were to be hit by a stone or a tomato thrown by a commoner, that person’s entire family would be executed.”
In fact, such an incident had occurred during the First Prince’s visit, and that noble family had vanished without a trace. It would undoubtedly be even worse for Olivia, whom everyone adored for her beauty.
“Don’t worry. I’m doing this on my own initiative, and I’ll hold the knights responsible for failing to stop it. Wouldn’t that settle it?”
“If the world were truly that simple, I wouldn’t care.”
“You don’t seem to trust me.”
“I don’t.”
“You really are too honest.”
Olivia let out a light laugh, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Then let’s propose a compromise. Why don’t you ride with me?”
“...Pardon?”
“If someone throws a stone or a tomato, you can block it, Regent. Wouldn’t that solve everything?”
“...”
Olivia tapped her glossy lips with her folding fan.
“‘The Regent of Valdrova threw himself in harm’s way for the Imperial Princess.’ ‘The spirit of chivalry lives on.’ Wouldn’t that be a wonderful reputation to have?”
Ferda wanted to tell her to stop talking nonsense and get back inside the enclosed carriage immediately, but she showed no sign of backing down. He didn't like her stubbornness, but he couldn't afford to be obstinate either. As he had thought before, he was in a position where he had to swallow even the most bitter of pills if they were sugar-coated for the public.
“Fine.”
“Hehe. Then, please, come up.”
And so, Ferda climbed into the Princess’s carriage. The guards and knights seemed unable to hide their shock at the situation, but no one dared say a word.
The procession began. They crossed the long, open space where only the road had been laid and entered the heart of Hestia Village.
“Gasp!”
“It’s the Princess!”
“The Flower of the Empire!”
The residents, who had never imagined a public procession, were stunned. They let out gasps and cheers of admiration. Not just the men, but the women as well, looked upon her with eyes full of longing.
“Your hand.”
“Pardon?”
“Wave your hand. Even if you can’t manage a smile, you should at least do that much, shouldn’t you?”
Olivia waved skillfully to the crowds. She greeted the children with especially bright smiles, their eyes sparkling as they watched her.
Impressive.
Watching her from the side, Olivia truly seemed to glow. With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she wore a dress that accentuated her voluptuous figure—a look that could easily incite lust—but the smile on her face created an aura of purity that overwhelmed everything else. She was a beautiful rose kept in a glass case, a goddess of beauty.
Everyone loved her, worshipped her, and showered her with unreserved praise. One could feel instantly that she was beloved by all.
While lost in these thoughts, Ferda’s eyes met Olivia’s. She smiled. It might have been his imagination, but that artificial light seemed somehow even brighter. For a moment, he even fell under the illusion that she was in love with him.
So that’s the level of acting required.
It was a feat Ferda could likely never achieve. He turned his gaze back to the crowd, checking for any 'pests' that might be lurking. Naturally, no one showed her anything but adoration, and the procession reached the inner castle without incident.
“Show your respect!”
Inside the inner castle, the knights from Count Consilus’s territory, who had been dispatched for the ceremony, knelt and paid their respects to the Princess.
Ferda stepped down from the carriage first. He reached out his hand to Olivia to maintain the formalities.
“Allow me to escort you.”
“I apologize, Regent. Her Highness does not take the hands of unrelated men—”
The guard’s words were cut short. Olivia had taken Ferda’s hand before the explanation could even be finished. Since she had always avoided the hands of men trying to escort her under the pretext of maintaining her chastity, everyone had assumed she would do the same this time.
She took his hand naturally and spoke in a friendly tone.
“Could you introduce me to the people of the castle?”
“Of course.”
Ferda introduced the knights, as well as those in his inner circle. Among them was Burnell. Even Burnell, who usually stayed cooped up in his laboratory, had abandoned everything to rush out. Like a researcher who had never even held a woman’s hand, his face turned beet-red the moment he saw Olivia.
Olivia acknowledged him with a look of admiration.
“Marquis Burnell. I know of you. I heard you achieved great feats in Halim?”
“Yes, yes! Th-that is correct!”
“The Empire is keeping a close eye on you. I would like to request close cooperation regarding security, but... I suppose finding peace in the Far East comes first, doesn't it?”
“Of course! But when the time comes, I will be of great help to the Empire as well!”
“Hehe, I shall look forward to it.”
This woman and her schemes.
Burnell was completely entranced by the Princess’s smile. It wasn't just Burnell. Every man had dreamed of seeing the Golden Rose of the Empire in person at least once. In the moment of finally meeting her, who wouldn't be excited?
Perhaps that was why Ferda suddenly thought of a certain 'being' who was obsessed with women and whispered into Jed’s ear.
“Where is Penelope?”
“I have her tied up and locked away.”
“Why?”
“The moment she saw the Princess, she started saying, ‘Just one bite.’ What else was I supposed to do?”
Paying a small silent tribute to Jed’s lightning-fast judgment, Ferda stood by Olivia’s side. Thus, with her public image perfectly crafted, they entered the castle smoothly.
Ruri’s gaze was sharper than ever. Her face expressed more hostility than usual, clearly saying, I don't like this. An ordinary person would have been crushed by her aura, but Olivia spoke to her without a hint of tension.
“You are Ruri... Silverwind, correct?”
“I am.”
“I get confused sometimes. When I hear that an attendant so loyal to Lady Valdrova is of the Silverwind bloodline.”
Olivia smiled brightly while Ruri replied bluntly.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I already know what the Empire thinks of my master. I have ears to hear.”
“Yes, it is a difficult situation. On behalf of the Arken family, I promise to improve that point.”
A promise from the Imperial Princess herself. Ruri scoffed inwardly.
“I’ve wanted to give this to you for some time. It’s a small gift I brought along.”
As Olivia gestured behind her, an accompanying knight brought out a box. It was wagashi—confections made by the Empire’s finest pâtissier. They were sweet but sophisticated, with an elegant appearance.
“Oh.”
Ruri’s eyes sparkled, making her previous wariness seem like a lie.
“I thought it would be rude to bring only one, so I prepared three boxes.”
“Hmph. I shall accept your kindness. Since I cannot eat them all alone, I will serve them when we host you.”
“A considerate decision, truly befitting Lady Valdrova’s loyal attendant.”
Ruri responded skillfully, and Olivia’s ability to wrap her words was no ordinary feat. However, Ferda, who knew Ruri well, had a different thought.
She’s dying to taste them right now.
She probably just wanted to eat them right there while preparing, rather than waiting until her work was done. Since there were two more boxes, she could just eat more later.
She really is a terrifying woman.
To think she could charm even a 'child' like Ruri with food. Ferda marveled inwardly as he escorted her to the drawing room.
* * *
“You said the name was Hestia Village?”
In the quiet atmosphere, after a piece of wagashi and a cup of tea, Olivia brought up a topic of conversation.
“Hestia Village. Was that the name of the goddess who guarded the hearth?”
“Yes. It’s a name that’s hard to come by; I’m surprised you know it.”
“I only know because I was told. I’m simply impressed by your vast knowledge—how do you know such names?”
“I wouldn't have known either if I hadn't heard it by chance.”
“Most people don't even remember the things they hear by chance. Thanks to you, I’ve developed a taste for books on ancient mythology. What kind of books have you been reading lately, Regent?”
“I have been...”
Under Olivia’s lead, the conversation flowed incessantly. Ferda felt a sense of strangeness as he watched her.
She feels different than usual.
Before, whenever he spoke with Olivia, he had a strong sense that she was speaking through a mask. But now, he couldn't quite feel that mask.
Has her acting improved that much in the meantime?
After exchanging trivial stories, Olivia turned to a more constructive topic.
“I’d like to talk about Marquis Burnell.”
Here it comes.
Olivia was showing her true colors.
“Please, go ahead.”
“To be blunt, I want to recruit him as an Imperial engineer. I’ll make sure the compensation is substantial, so is there any way we can make it happen?”
Is this woman joking?
Ferda was about to get angry, but he caught a glimpse of the knights. Since there were ears listening, Ferda declined politely.
“He is a precious asset of the Archduchy.”
“I figured you would say that...”
Olivia maintained her smile as she nodded and then turned her head.
“Captain of the Guard.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Could you step out for a moment? I need to speak with the Regent privately.”
“...Understood.”
She signaled that a serious conversation was about to take place, and the Knight Commander left the room. Even after he left, Olivia simply sipped her tea and didn't start any grave discussion. Ferda had no choice but to ask her.
“What is it you want to talk about?”
“What do you mean?”
Olivia blinked her eyes innocently.
“Ah, are you talking about the atmosphere? I just needed an excuse to get rid of the Knight Commander.”
“Why?”
“Because he keeps trying to monitor my every move. If I say I’m having a discussion between high-ranking officials, he’ll understand and back off.”
“Then what you said just now was...”
“Acting. Of course.”
She spoke as she savored the aroma of the tea.
“The Imperial Capital is currently debating how to suppress the growth of the Archduchy.”
“I’ve heard roughly how things are.”
“In such a situation, wouldn't it look good if the Princess moved to scout your main engineer?”
It would certainly look good, but Ferda did not trust Olivia implicitly.
“Are you sure you have no ulterior motives for the Empire?”
“Of course. Why would I do anything those people would like?”
Olivia’s eyes burned with ambition. She didn't have the face of the Flower of the Empire, the jewel of the auction house, or a free butterfly. She had the face of a politician.
“We decided to make Hestia Village a capital grand enough to replace the Empire, didn't we?”