Chapter 143: The Duty of a Princess
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 143: The Duty of a Princess
“This is a problem. There are so many goods that need to arrive from the East.”
“Mm.”
The East was the heart of trade.
Of course, items produced within the Empire could serve as substitutes, but the social circles of the capital were particularly sensitive to trends.
Even individual nobles would bring in all sorts of exotic goods when hosting parties; if the Imperial Family failed to do the same, it would be talked about for ages.
Furthermore, many envoys from other countries visit during the ball season. If the ballroom lacked the items currently in vogue, they might feel alienated or slighted. Such a thing would inevitably damage diplomacy.
“His Majesty said he would dispatch the Imperial Knight Order,” Vanessa, the head maid, informed us.
“But it will be difficult even for the Imperial Knights to fight at sea,” my mother murmured worriedly.
An idea struck me, and I stepped forward.
“What if we ask the Magic Tower for help?”
“The Magic Tower?”
“Yes. Magic would be more than enough help at sea.”
I had learned magic from Melissa, the pinnacle of water magic. Water magic was incredibly versatile, and a skilled mage would certainly be able to assist the Imperial Knight Order.
Mother began to consider my words. Eventually, she nodded.
“Let’s go speak with His Majesty.”
“Yes!”
Answering energetically, I headed to the Emperor’s Palace with my mother. Since we had been preparing for the ball at the Empress’s Palace, we had gone to find Dantalion immediately after hearing the news about the East from the head maid.
“I have actually just contacted the Magic Tower.”
“I see.”
Dantalion had already reached out to the Magic Tower, just as I had thought. He was quick on his feet.
Mother looked relieved, and I felt a sense of satisfaction seeing that Dantalion was as sharp as ever.
At that moment, the crystal ball sitting in front of Dantalion began to glow.
“It’s a communication from the Master of the Magic Tower.”
“Oh.”
Dantalion spoke to my curious mother. I let out a small exclamation at his words.
How unusual for the Master of the Magic Tower to respond so quickly. The Master I knew was a relaxed, easygoing person. I had expected the reply to be delayed.
However, since the appearance of a Kraken was no ordinary matter, it seemed he was being prompt this time.
I watched the conversation between Dantalion and the Master of the Magic Tower with great interest.
“It is I, Master.”
[Your Majesty.]
The Master’s low voice flowed from the crystal ball. I had heard that the development of magical tools was moving fast these days, but seeing it in action was still fascinating.
[I have heard the news that a Kraken has appeared in the Eastern Sea.]
“Yes. Can the Magic Tower provide assistance?”
Dantalion asked in a polite tone. Perhaps because the Master was such a great mage and the representative of the Magic Tower, even Dantalion, the Emperor of the Empire, did not speak to him carelessly.
[Well, I would love to help, but the Magic Tower is currently short-staffed.]
“That is…”
The Magic Tower had been persecuted by the Temple for a long time. Now that they had finally begun to interact with the Empire, I thought the Master would naturally offer help to gain some other benefit.
I was more dumbfounded than Dantalion, who looked dejected.
I had lived at the Magic Tower for several months. Everyone was busy with research, but there was no way there wasn't a single water mage available.
Besides, with the advancement of Warp Portals, they could reach the East in an instant if they put their minds to it. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.
“Is there no other way?”
[By any chance, is the Princess with you right now?]
“Pardon?”
At the Master’s question, Dantalion looked at me in surprise. Mother also turned her head, her eyes wide. Even I was puzzled and tilted my head.
[The Princess is also an excellent water mage. She would be of great help.]
“Are you saying… the Princess should go to the East?”
[Yes. Wouldn't it be fine for the Princess to lead the knights? As a member of the Imperial Family, she has more than enough justification.]
The Master replied in a relaxed tone. At first glance, it sounded like he was shifting responsibility onto me, but I quickly realized his true intent.
‘He’s looking out for my standing.’
I had never once lamented my situation while at the Magic Tower, but it seemed my reluctance to stay in the Imperial Palace had been obvious.
Realizing the Master’s intention, I gave a bitter smile. I also realized that my position as a member of the Imperial Family appeared unstable even to outsiders.
“The Princess going to war? That is out of the question.”
Mother, who had been listening, stepped forward and spoke in a firm tone. Her hands were trembling.
“Hmm, I also object to that. Regardless, I will take this to mean the Magic Tower cannot provide aid.”
Dantalion cut off the communication quickly. His displeasure was evident in his voice.
I worried that this might cause a rift between the Magic Tower and the Empire. I glanced back and forth between the two of them.
“Just what is wrong with that Master of the Magic Tower? How dare he suggest the Princess go to such a dangerous place.”
“Indeed. He is a most unpleasant man, now that I see it.”
For once, Dantalion and Mother were in agreement. They had disagreed about sending me to the Magic Tower before, but it seemed Dantalion also disliked the idea of me going somewhere dangerous.
However, this time, I thought differently. I spoke up calmly.
“I want to go to the East.”
“What?”
Mother reacted sensitively to my words. Her beautiful face crumpled into a deep frown.
“What are you saying? You’re saying you’ll go to a dangerous place where a Kraken is?”
“Yes.”
“Dia!”
Mother rushed over and gripped my shoulders tightly. Her face had turned pale. Beyond anger, she looked as though she were feeling pure terror.
“Even if you are a princess, there is no need for you to go to such a dangerous place!”
“Why? Because I’m just a princess in name only?”
“What does that…”
It was only after hearing the Master’s words that I finally realized my current situation.
I, who did not share the blood of the Imperial Family, was merely a half-princess. The only way for someone like me to maintain a position in the Imperial Palace was to win the hearts of the people.
I didn't have divine power like Marianne, but I had a talent for magic. Furthermore, the demons would protect me in dangerous situations.
When I was younger, I couldn't have stepped forward boldly like this, but I was no longer a child.
“The Master is right. Please let me go and resolve this matter.”
“But…”
“I’m not that weak. Please trust me.”
I smiled brightly at Mother. Her eyes wavered for a moment.
“I didn't want you to feel burdened by the position of a princess.”
“You know that’s impossible.”
If I had remained the Little Lady of Winston, it might have been different, but being a Princess of the Empire was a heavy burden. It was something I could no longer ignore.
“You could just establish yourself in social circles.”
“Haha, it’s already too late for that.”
Mother had been the flower of high society since she was a Ducal Lady. Because of that, there were countless noblewomen and ladies who followed her.
So, even though she became Empress through remarriage, she was able to solidify her position with the full support of the nobility.
On the other hand, I had been asleep for ten years due to sorcery. Using social circles to build my standing like Mother did was already out of the question.
However, if I helped the Imperial Knight Order defeat the Kraken and gained the support of the Empire’s citizens, my life in the Imperial Palace might become a bit easier.
‘It’s time I started earning some fame.’
Right now, I was nothing more than a pitiful princess who had been put to sleep by the Empress Dowager’s wicked sorcery. People pitied me, but that was all.
This was an opportunity to show the whole world my magical talent. The more I thought about it, the more confident I became.
[We are by your side, so go wild to your heart's content!]
[That's right! A mere Kraken is nothing!]
‘Thanks, that’s reassuring.’
Even the demons shouted excitedly. Their support made me feel even more triumphant.
*
“I’m going too.”
“What?”
While I was preparing for the expedition, Nathaniel came to see me.
He already knew that I was going to the East with the knights. How on earth did he find out?
“Did you plant a spy in the Imperial Palace?”
“Something like that.”
“You’re saying that so boldly?”
“Everyone does it anyway.”
“I-I see.”
Even if everyone else did it, hearing such words come from Nathaniel’s mouth was a shock.
Regardless of what I thought, Nathaniel didn't even bat an eye as he spoke.
“I’m going too.”
“…”
I stared blankly at the resolute Nathaniel.