Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Translation: godsn
Medeia suddenly recalled the stories about how his mother had once been a renowned beauty who set high society abuzz.
Though he appeared exhausted, irritable, and overly sensitive, one had to admit that Siseo was indeed a handsome man.
And that he was one of the few loyal subjects who had remained devoted to Pelleus until the very end.
Medeia knew Siseo currently doubted her.
Since he was unaware of the events Medeia had endured in her past life, she could understand his skepticism.
In any case, their goals aligned.
To properly establish this kingdom of Valdina ruled by Pelleus.
If that was the case, then even this troublesome effort to alleviate his concerns and reassure him held sufficient meaning.
"The Valdina I wish to protect belongs solely to Pelleus."
Medeia spoke calmly. It didn't matter if this sincerity didn't reach him.
She had a duty to properly restore this kingdom and return it to Pelleus.
That was an atonement and repentance she had to accomplish, even if it cost her entire life.
An unfathomably deep regret flickered across her delicate face.
"You don't have to trust me, Lord Siseo. You'll understand soon enough."
Her emerald eyes, filled with resolve, gleamed with an icy light. Siseo swallowed his tea, concealing his bewilderment.
"......"
Not a single word was exchanged until the entire cup of tea had been emptied.
"I understand Your Highness's intentions. However, Minister Etienne is a hereditary noble who has built his family's prestige over three generations and oversees the affairs of the Inner Palace. He is not an easy opponent who would fall into Your Highness's trap like Cuisine did."
"......"
"Moreover, the Regent is Minister Etienne's powerful ally. If even he were to fall, the Regent would lose all control over the Inner Palace—he would never allow that to happen."
That was precisely why Siseo had struggled so much in dealing with the Regent thus far.
With the Regent alone being a formidable opponent, Etienne's involvement meant they had to defend against attacks from all directions.
Despite Siseo's dissuasion, the princess's expression remained unchanged.
"What if we could drive a wedge between them? Would you still say the same?"
Drive a rift between the Regent and Count Etienne, the Minister? Siseo shook his head briefly.
"Do you think I haven't tried to sow discord between them? Their alliance is unshakable. It's not a coalition that would collapse in a single day."
Given the current circumstances, the best they could do was to hold their ground to prevent their own faction from crumbling further—let alone breaking the enemy's alliance.
"Sometimes, a single drop of water can divide rivers and seas. So, my lord, instead of worrying, consider how we can discredit the Minister after separating him from my uncle."
The opportunity would come soon. The princess added.
"I had thought Your Highness did not wish for the downfall of Duke Claudio's house."
"As long as they do not covet our Valdina, I have no objections."
Her tone carried a weight of implication.
It seemed the recent fall from grace had brought about a significant shift in her mindset.
Where had the timid and fragile princess gone? There was no trace of her former self left.
"Those who harbor disloyal thoughts toward this kingdom must be weeded out. Even if my uncle is among them."
Medeia curled the corner of her lips.
"What a pity that would be."
Nowhere in her words was there any intention to spare her uncle.
"It would be better for you to come this way next time. There's no advantage in them knowing about our meetings."
Medeia handed him a piece of parchment with a small map drawn on it.
Siseo blinked blankly without realizing it.
Was the princess truly intent on driving out the Claudios? Could he trust her?
"Your Excellency, I've brought hot water."
"Come in."
As Siseo removed his monocle and steadied his startled heart, the handmaiden entered.
It was the same handmaiden who had brought the tea earlier.
With composed steps, she carefully set down the refreshments on the table.
Drip, drip. The hot water spread over the tea leaves, releasing a rich fragrance.
The handmaiden's movements were natural.
Siseo was reminded of how Medeia hadn't even touched her tea earlier.
"Shall I have them bring a different brew?"
This tea had been roasted by the handmaiden herself to suit his own preference for light, astringent flavors—it was unlikely to appeal to the young princess's palate.
Normally, he wouldn't have cared whether it suited the princess's taste or not, but now, for some reason, it bothered him a little.
"No, it's just... the scent is fascinating. I think this is the first time I've smelled something like this."
"It's a medicinal tea the maid prepared herself. She hand-roasted each ingredient with such devotion that I couldn't help but drink it."
"Since when were you the type to appreciate such thoughtfulness?"
"Are you just looking for an excuse to scold me now?"
Medeia let out a soft laugh. The way her delicate lips curved into such a lighthearted smile startled Siseo.
Had the princess always been capable of such a fresh, vibrant smile?
"I'd like to keep drinking this tea."
"I'll have some prepared specially for you."
"My own maids are still inexperienced—they wouldn't be able to brew it this skillfully. I'll borrow your maid for a while."
Seeing the princess gesture toward the maid holding the teapot, Siseo replied,
"Actually, there's another girl who's even better at brewing tea. To save you the trouble, I could just give her to Your Highness outright."
"No, I prefer this one."
The princess insisted expressionlessly on keeping the maid by her side.
Siseo studied her silently for a moment, gauging her intentions, then said,
"She's someone I cherish."
"And? It's just a cup of tea, Minister."
Her retort made it clear she wouldn't tolerate any overreaction.
As expected, this arrogant princess's temperament was utterly incompatible with his. Siseo rubbed his temples.
"...Will you return her unharmed?"
Medeia lifted her chin.
Her haughty gaze seemed to ask whether he truly thought she would stoop to harming a mere maid.
Only then did Siseo nod.
"Very well, as you wish."
Several days later, the chancellor's maid arrived at the princess's palace with tea.
"Look up."
The atmosphere was as peaceful as ever.
The sweet scent of flowers brushed against her nose, mingling with the plush carpets and pastel hues. A small round table held a complete tea set, ready for brewing.
Medeia's pale, delicate fingers pinched a handful of tea leaves. A modest scoop of leaves settled onto the tea strainer.
"Is this enough? Or too much?"
"......"
Beside her, Mariyu poured hot water over the leaves Medeia had transferred.
Steam curled upward in wisps.
The fragrant aroma of the tea leaves filled the room—almost excessively strong.
"How long must I wait?"
"......"
The maid couldn't answer.
Tilting the teapot slightly, slender hands poured steadily.
Golden-hued tea pooled perfectly into the exquisite teacup.
The maid Siseo had sent darted a glance at the liquid. The brew was so dark the bottom of the cup was invisible—an ominous sign.
"I-It's... ready."
"Is it?"
When the maid offered the cup, Medeia shook her head.
"You drink first."
"Wh-what? How could I possibly dare to—"
"Drink."
The princess was firm.
"Just so we're clear, that wasn't a request. It was an order."
"......"
"Drink."
Her high-handed tone left no room for refusal, and the maid couldn't hide her displeasure.
"I don't understand why Your Highness is persecuting me like this. I've served His Excellency the Chancellor for years—I'm his person. If he knew how you were tormenting me—"
"Honestly, I don't get why everyone feels the need to flaunt their loyalty in front of me."
Medeia cut her off, lifting her gaze with disinterest.
Then she stared down at Siseo's maid impassively. Her hand suddenly knocked over the container of tea leaves.
The spilled leaves released an overpoweringly sweet fragrance that saturated the air.
'Halus.'
A jolt—memories from her past life superimposed over the maid's panicked face.
It had been near the end of Pelleus's war against the nomads.
Valdina's young chancellor, Siseo, had succumbed to madness.
At the critical juncture when only the war's final outcome remained.
He'd secluded himself in a tower, struggling to conceal his condition while managing state affairs.
Then, one day—
"Your Majesty, the Chancellor—!"
Siseo, unable to overcome his madness, had taken his own life.
He'd been so young.
His death sent shockwaves through the kingdom.
Even Pelleus's foundation had trembled. Siseo had been one of the few loyalists who supported the king.
Even Medeia, who'd known nothing back then, had felt the void he left.
'Siseo was far too young to succumb to madness. He had no other illnesses either.'
Madness typically afflicted only veteran mages or swordsmen after decades of training.
How had Siseo, still in the prime of his youth, fallen victim to it? She'd wondered back then.
'Now I know why.'