Baby Princess Through the Status Window - Chapter 128
Translator and Editor: Nana and Tea
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Chapter 128
‘He already noticed!’
The warning from the Justice Guild Master came to mind. He had been investigating the intruder in a haphazard manner, but it seemed that he had finally found a lead. It was just a hint that someone had been inquiring about Harmin allergy, but given the current situation, it could only make him think of her.
The situation was not good.
After all, he has such a grudge that he even instigated her assassination. The reason Siervian dug into this case was not related to the assassination attempt, but the Duke thought otherwise.
[Hannibel Pacour]
Thoughts: There’s no way they realized we were behind the assassination attempt.
“Report,” the Emperor ordered.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Even though he had ominous thoughts in his mind, the Duke obediently began his report with the face of a loyal subject. It was odd that the princess was present in this meeting, but no one questioned it.
“The Navafal Kingdom maintains a strong position, saying the violation of the remaining ten-year grain agreement is unacceptable.”
“How amusing.”
“…They have been continuously claiming that the evidence presented by us was fabricated. According to them, it would be a violation of the Empire’s agreement from a legal standpoint…”
“That’s enough,” the Emperor interrupted the Duke’s calm explanation with a low voice. “I didn’t bring you here to have you take the side of Navafal.”
“…Your Majesty, if you consider the long-term consequences, completely abandoning the grain agreement with Navafal is risky.”
“If the Empire had no other place to import grain from immediately, that would be the case.”
“Currently, our relations with the Mosae Kingdom are amicable, but King Mosae has always claimed neutrality even during the last Great Continent War. It would be insufficient to consider him a strong ally of the Empire.”
The Duke began a full-fledged defense and seemed to displease the Emperor, who started tapping the table lightly with his fingers. After a quick glance at Siervian, he raised his eyebrows as if suppressing his anger.
“You speak of Navafal as if they were once our trusted comrades, Duke.”
“I am not suggesting that we should favor Navafal as we did in the past. I am simply suggesting that we should maintain the grain agreement itself so that it can be utilized in case of an incident. Relying on a single source carries great risks, doesn’t it?”
The Duke’s argument seemed reasonable at first glance. Depending on a single source for grain imports would increase vulnerability and potentially create a precarious situation for the Empire.
However, there was a major flaw in this argument, and Siervian found herself involuntarily tilting her head in confusion.
“Even the Princess, who is still inexperienced, knows this, but it seems that only the Duke remains unaware.”
“…Your Majesty.”
“The situation that the Duke mentioned did not just happen recently. Navafal’s intentions went beyond mere price increases for grain; they even staged their own drama called ‘The Regional War.’ This is not something that will end with a simple rise in grain prices.”
“….”
In her previous life, the price of grain skyrocketed to five times its original value. Additionally, the demands of Navafal increased as well. This was because the Empire had become excessively dependent on grain imports from Navafal. The mastermind behind that cunning manipulation was the Duke.
[Hannibal Pacour]
Thoughts: Those damn useless assassins…!
‘Does he have connections with the southern region?’
As Siervian continued to observe the Duke’s inner thoughts, she subtly changed her initial assumption. Regardless of whether he received bribes from the Navafal Kingdom or not, it was reasonable to assume that the Duke’s concern in this situation was his relationship with the West. So, perhaps he dispatched assassins with the intention of destroying the West’s prized granary.
‘Could it be that he wanted to sabotage that region in opposition? Even if the assassination attempt failed, it would only result in the loss of grain imports from Mosae Kingdom as well.’
In this complex situation, Siervian found herself pondering the matter deeply.
For some reason, the Duke did not desire a grain agreement with Mosae Kingdom.
“I hope you bring proper results next time, Duke.”
Despite the prolonged debate, the Emperor remained resolute. This time, they didn’t completely cut off grain imports from Navafal. They simply terminated the periodic grain agreement and decided to import grain irregularly. Naturally, not only would the grain supply from the south decrease, but Navafal would also have to make various efforts to win over the Empire.
“Leave now that it’s over.” The Emperor, dissatisfied with the unsatisfactory outcome, ordered the Duke to withdraw without concealing his displeasure.
Then, unexpectedly, the Duke spoke up, “Your Highness, it has been a long time since I last met the Princess. It is also an opportunity for us to have a conversation.”
Surprised by the unexpected remark, the Emperor raised an eyebrow and scrutinized the Duke. However, the Duke, wearing a mask resembling the Empress, continued to show the innocent face of a loyal servant.
The Emperor responded graciously, “You may have a conversation as long as you keep your attitude in check.”
The Duke bowed slightly and spoke, secretly gritting his teeth.
“…I will be careful with my attitude.”
The Emperor’s response indicated that he would send him away if the Duke made his daughter uncomfortable. But the topic the Duke brought up was unexpectedly intriguing.
“Have you experienced any allergic reactions recently, Your Highness?”
[Hannibal Pacour]
Thoughts: Since I’m here, I might as well find out.
Siervian finally understood the situation while observing the Duke’s strange behavior. Just as she observed him out of curiosity, the Duke was observing her. It was evident that someone was spreading rumors about Harmin allergy, making her highly suspicious, although there was no evidence.
“I’m fine because I don’t drink Harmin tea. The necklace His Majesty gave me has been effective.”
Of course, Siervian had been exceptionally healthy all this time, even more so than in her previous life. And now with her magic studies, there was no chance of her dying easily.
“Our family’s physician recently developed a treatment for allergies that works well. If you permit, I will do my best to treat the Princess.”
After making the offer, the Duke seemed visibly concerned. His expression conveyed genuine worry for her well-being.
[Hannibal Pacour]
Thoughts: If only I could break that necklace, she would become dependent on Harmin tea. What a pity.
Despite this terrifying notion, the Duke’s goal seemed to be maintaining power through Harmin tea. Harmin tea had an influence even on the royal families. It was the power guaranteed by the authority of the former Emperor, who had made the tea essential for every child.
‘Could it be that the Duke’s goal is to maintain power through Harmin tea?’
‘This Duke only has the Crown Prince to control, but he doesn’t know what will happen next. Was that why?’
“You don’t have to worry about the princess. Unless the Duke doubts her abilities.”
“…I don’t doubt it, Your Majesty.”
[Hannibal Pacour]
Mood: Anxiety
Thoughts: Secrets must be kept at all costs.
‘A secret?’
“Siervy, don’t worry about it and finish eating. The purple flowers you like have bloomed today.”
“Yes!”
After the Duke disappeared, her father spoke to her as if there was nothing to worry about. However, lingering thoughts of the Duke troubled her.
‘A secret, you say?’
The Duke already knew that the secret of his murders of those allergic to Harmin had leaked out. What kind of ‘secret’ still exists?
‘Could it be referring to the assassination incident?’
At this point, that would be the most plausible notion. Attempting to assassinate a royal would be considered a significant secret even compared to the Harmin allergy incident. However, Siervian couldn’t shake off the uncomfortable feeling creeping over her.
Some time later, a strange atmosphere swept through the palace. It was because the Emperor suddenly issued an order to thoroughly investigate the ‘suspicious deaths of Harmin allergy sufferers.’
Although it was an abrupt command, everyone could see that it was aimed at the Duke.
‘What should I do?’
It was widely known that the Emperor and the Duke were engaged in a power struggle. The constant conflicts were due to the grain imports from Navafal. However, the Emperor’s direct attack on the Duke was something no one had expected.
It marked the beginning of a full-scale conflict.
‘It’s because of me.’
Amid the turmoil, Siervian struggled to suppress her self-blame. She felt she knew the reason why her father suddenly took such action.
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