Chapter 119: The Imperial Princess’s Visit
gxwThe news of the Imperial Princess’s visit arrived suddenly in Hestia Village.SbGK
AkqWhen the day finally came, people stopped whatever they were doing and gathered in the streets.MAzrQjx
HZslQe“Isn’t this a chance to see the Flower of the Empire?”X2ACeng
kGT2X“Do you think someone like her would let people like us see her? I live nearby and I’ve never seen her.”8eoi7
9GqL“Even so, when will we ever get another chance like this?”x9kwo
4DSRSYMost praised her beauty, but very few had seen her true face.ywODWv
oNQnEven within the Empire, most people had never seen Olivia with their own eyes.LvN9
qEZRmRQThat was why they gathered there, thinking that this might be their first and last opportunity.hpfKIU0
WQx6kWhile the streets overflowed with excitement, Ruri was more tense than usual.hKVwf2N
jBuqWkVIt was the result of all the preparations she had made to receive such an important guest.mTb5A
HfdMS‘No, that’s not it.’H8O
GYcJTIf she wanted to, she could break through the Empire’s defensive barrier and enter without any trouble.q9k
KqElnShe was not someone who would become nervous over something like that.Zn5U
4PRZAThose sharp eyes were directed toward Perda once again.ekF
o2qeARmPerda more or less understood the reason.tsmIOKF
JiVliDuThat was why he said to her.PEV
Z2BoS“There is only one person I like. And that is Lady Valdrova.”rHFXG
8Z1Ma“Who said anything about that?”cBm
aL9After answering that way, Ruri turned her head and left.GV0i27U
FC4gJ4JPerda was left wondering what the hell had just happened.vYU
8Zfq2fOShortly afterward, a pair of guards riding white horses appeared from the forest.2YZMYP
wr7qXj2Behind them stretched a long procession.eFX
FQF5wt2Nearly four minutes passed before an enormous carriage appeared.EmE
IvkWithout a doubt, Olivia Arken was traveling inside that luxurious vehicle.Nt0SM3
WhCJust when Perda thought it would be enough to wait quietly, something unexpected happened.ZxRSXO
NH49RThe carriage stopped in front of the outer wall, which had not yet been completed.FG54Jd
lXR6G4“Why have they suddenly stopped?”Miq
csVUC“I don’t know.”Pdxehah
078DhIt was a situation Perda had not anticipated.kCbVE0
DokAt the same time, the soldiers began rolling out a long red carpet from the outer gate.R7FGf
yP3w2M5Imperial guards took positions at regular intervals along both sides of the carpet, controlling the residents.mhWyv
ZpWA7hThe scene felt familiar to him.E5iu8
e4fUavq‘Are they planning a parade?’vyJQP
KOoGBHis assumption was correct.Y8M
a2tjOlivia Arken had no intention of remaining inside the enclosed carriage that concealed her appearance.BziQBzM
3Qv4iShe planned to transfer into a ceremonial carriage used during victory parades.CgZrt
H2SPY7Seeing this, Perda frowned.LBo
E8bRL“What a troublesome way to do things…”2KCHzB
okX50FThen he turned to Ruri.lO6M
cG4“Ruri, we’ll have to change the plans.”6Dqvx
CGBFm0“What do you mean?”74Ke
shAk“Can you take me to the outer gate?”Wtlchf
aXgU“Are you planning to rush over to the Imperial Princess in such a hurry?”Os2
2kDCT“I don’t want any problems occurring in Hestia Village.”7nA
qECgERuri shot him an irritated glare.JXsHcL
MJVpBBut in the end, she granted his request.8X4pIii
OUrcfZDFrom a certain height, Perda descended using Heaven Stair and landed beside Olivia.2bJKGu
E5IBq“My respects to the Imperial Princess.”W7qvTc
J0IjiqS“My greetings to the Regent of the Dragon Duchess’s territory. Have you come for me?”fcsE
XOCHSL“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”7pbC
6fyx3cPerda got straight to the point without allowing himself to be drawn into Olivia’s atmosphere.wlxo
MmhC1ROWhile checking her reflection in a mirror, she answered.GBdW7jY
goheYej“What else could I be doing? I’m trying to help you.”ebfitU
D02“And how exactly is this supposed to help?”GAB1kLo
KOrD“I’m trying to create rumors about Hestia Village.”cXR
wBu5Mo“What kind of rumors?”u1nS
X1Dtj34“That the Flower of the Empire made a magnificent entrance into Castle Valdrova. Isn’t that enough to get people talking?”Yrl
XKR33lxShe slightly shifted her sapphire-colored eyes and smiled.D2ldB
lvr“If your goal is to destroy Hestia Village, then it’s an excellent idea. I thought you understood perfectly why you normally don’t show yourself before crowds.”UGikyx
aXJ7FOs“Of course I understand. If news spread that the Imperial Princess was struck by a stone or a tomato thrown by a spectator, the entire responsible family would be exterminated.”CFK
plDFMAAIn fact, something similar had happened during a visit by the First Prince.r4hYIx
NRGThat noble family disappeared without a trace.W1J
JOpAnd in Olivia’s case, whose beauty was admired by all, the consequences would be even worse.1sgybI
YZW3“Don’t worry. This is a decision made entirely by me. I will hold the knights responsible if they fail to stop it. Isn’t that enough?”pSYQ
TRGxUS0“If things worked as perfectly as you claim, there would be no problem.”GBoE
4kFw2DR“It seems you don’t believe me.”OLq0
7qN“No.”oZA9x7f
l9oJX“What a refreshingly honest man.”5UOvq
uYUBYRUOlivia covered her mouth and let out an elegant laugh.TVZ
sDeh9U“Then I propose an agreement. Would you like to come up?”wyEWl
h7W1UE4“…What?”6LRRBS
X4iPhb“Come with me. If someone throws a stone or a tomato, you’ll stop it. Wouldn’t that solve the problem?”YRe
sde“……”mAXK
T8SOlivia brushed her gleaming lips with the fan she was holding.fcl2bT
oSS“The Regent of Valdrova risked his life to protect the Imperial Princess. A knight who still preserves the spirit of chivalry in service to the Princess. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful reputation?”Dj19
PHJPerda wanted to tell her to stop talking nonsense and return immediately to the enclosed carriage.cVZW
t4xhixMBut she did not seem to have any intention of backing down.nAc3k6
K5KjWHe did not like her stubborn attitude.No8ptU
qkXRVHowever, Perda could not afford to be stubborn either.x3P1lo
snqpM1LAfter all, as he had already said, even a beautiful but tasteless fruit was still something he needed to make use of.weff
lkVc“Understood.”YOM
RVj6ND“Hehe. Then come aboard.”hOSDkP
J6fwSAAnd so, Perda ended up climbing into the Imperial Princess’s carriage.pj9
97RuXThe guards and knights watched the scene with obvious surprise, but no one said anything.gBV
UfxThus the parade began.Im6TA
f0qhThe procession advanced down the wide avenue and entered Hestia Village.FViXZy
vTOvDgC“Ah!”sbD
g9OcP“It’s the Imperial Princess!”nnXbFs
fb6y“The Flower of the Empire!”Jb4Y
OjumziThe residents were stunned.vVGs
1yQaEpwThey had never imagined that a public parade would be held.GLKa
2vnGasps of amazement and exclamations could be heard everywhere.urp
Sf3Not only from the men.Gm5
E62TEven the women looked at her with admiration.WZMkZKR
3uXPr“Your hand.”mYQRcwF
4FN6YB7“Pardon?”WPZf
7c0PSdL“Wave. Even if you can’t smile, you should at least do that.”9Fhl
5Y0IaOlivia waved naturally.aXn
kJyqPAnd whenever she saw children looking at her with shining eyes, she gave them even brighter smiles.OA7W
fSu5x‘It’s incredible.’9LemjO
rilJ7xwSeeing her up close, she truly seemed to shine.AIjC5
9ulUGolden hair.lEfM6V
dnBjzy7Blue eyes.mr0K
QujIJVZA dress that emphasized a dazzling and sensual figure.Efja3
wRpUnder normal circumstances, anyone would be captivated by desire.0fkucnq
ixTA7XBut the smile she wore on her face created a different atmosphere.4Nd
aTNJBAnd that atmosphere dominated everything.Er6ohZ5
chigQShe was a beautiful rose protected inside a glass case.V8xUGtd
2v2yEA goddess of beauty.NaK1x
oH1ybEveryone loved her.VKpj
84XfThey adored her.J5uh
5nRgfqAnd they showered her with praise without reservation.2azm
obRp6EIt was impossible not to notice how much love she received.K0kyd
XQkehWhile he was absorbed in those thoughts, their gazes met.F33w
tO5Olivia smiled.SnO
GWaKPerhaps it was only his imagination, but the artificial radiance she gave off seemed even brighter than before.7HzoXYu
V2IuATo the point that, for an instant, it gave him the absurd illusion that she was in love with him.LzeiN
xuH‘So that’s how you’re supposed to smile.’shUb1g
0CHjKPerda was aware that it was something he might never be able to do.DM9
A3tNzqHe turned his gaze away again, keeping watch for any troublemakers who might appear.LMSiAUN
P6rlL8IAnd, just as he expected, there was no one showing hostility toward her.js4Q7F
FW7w60The procession reached the inner castle without incident.KBw3
nyOtp“Show the proper respect!”kWwBZ
YYmTvdInside the inner castle, the knights sent by Count Consilus for the ceremony knelt before the Imperial Princess.NH3ozC
ZcJkIPerda stepped down from the carriage first.DLs
yGoThen he extended a hand toward Olivia to observe proper etiquette.IsEGo6
OuBW“Allow me to escort you.”fgVBSzo
ky9Cq“My apologies, Regent. Her Imperial Highness does not take the hand of men outside her family—”9Emk
uUhdnThe explanation was cut short.Cgs
9VPrFiHBecause Olivia took Perda’s hand before he could finish.KPkE
ziMGShe had always avoided men who tried to escort her, using the preservation of her virtue as an excuse.VCLNX
RzcKThat was why everyone assumed she would do the same this time.EmfU0
Z6ofBut she took his hand naturally and spoke in a friendly tone.w6WqWJ
wpCgS“Could you introduce me to the people of the castle?”536IS
qqL3Xo“Of course.”OeFN
24MPerda introduced both the knights and the people closest to him.veNKpm
TtMCGkAmong them was Vernell.negh
S1ybEven Vernell, who normally remained shut away in his laboratory, had abandoned everything to attend.as6FT
tpKd1AAs a researcher who had never held a woman’s hand, he turned red as a tomato the moment he saw Olivia.sAH
Vmse3Olivia recognized him with an admiring look.WAf
F8jT7“Vernell Marquis. I have heard of you. They say you achieved extraordinary accomplishments in Hallim.”3OeSd9
3dpTe“Y-Yes. T-That is correct.”6nxK9
kctv2EJ“The Empire is watching you closely. I would like to request close cooperation regarding security matters, although I suppose protecting the Far East remains the priority.”J7W
aZs“Of course! But when the time comes, it will also be of great help to the Empire.”OhV
O2pFmEL“Hehe, I look forward to it.”y83
VKZGw‘What a way to manipulate people.’UkI
uHbysVernell was completely captivated by her smile.LbA3uR
dqH1xJAnd he was not the only one.rZH9Mc
JcikThe Golden Rose of the Empire.C7kY4
rTmtcThe woman every man had wanted to see in person at least once.mMTkg
wmfWho would not become excited standing before her?g1DVmh
ICiPerhaps that was why Perda suddenly remembered a certain individual obsessed with women.kBSLRUX
k2pZLBbHe discreetly leaned toward Zed and whispered.cRnIIw
0tTs“Where is Penelope?”LTc4aw
uOfj“We tied her up and locked her away.”XfkHg
xteRHwe“Why?”uOmd
z87s“The moment she saw the Princess, she said, ‘Just one bite.’ What else were we supposed to do?”gbv
sm8QgPerda silently paid tribute to Zed’s judgment.NkjD
NVrMHl2Then he returned to Olivia’s side.97LxQwM
bJ4yIn that way, while continuing to build a favorable public image, they entered without trouble.7EUEJ7
mZulRuri’s gaze was sharper than ever.r918JE
qftHer expression clearly said, “I dislike this more than usual.”pXatT
sCuoHHHostility that was impossible to hide.byNH
jYQQAn ordinary person would have been intimidated by that pressure.Hjc
yVPT6NBut Olivia did not show the slightest trace of nervousness.Ytx9
Z0g“You are Ruri Silverwind, correct?”pdr
zjGE“That is correct.”zME0u
aSF“Sometimes I find it difficult to believe. To hear that a descendant of the Silverwinds serves Lady Valdrova with such loyalty.”JVvZ90
ZxEOlivia smiled brightly.55oa
8JkBlMRuri replied with her usual bluntness.5rcadZ
D0H“Thank you for your words. But I already know exactly what the Empire thinks of my lady. I have ears.”Yzt7uQ
5gx“Yes, it is a complicated situation. I promise, in the name of the Arken family, to work toward improving it.”nSBXWV
WVJzKnYA promise made by an Imperial Princess.JWkXw
92KORuri scoffed internally.Z1MQ0
yLRAH“I have wanted to give this to you for some time. It is a small gift.”puCcB
TiAviOOlivia gestured behind her.TIID7fr
kemrOne of the knights accompanying her brought out a box.98yTlp
1lMPInside were wagashi.dm1iaQ
cOqPbSweets made by the finest confectioner in the Empire.RaMeNkQ
FMgykVJThey were sweets, but they did not look cheap.9abR
Auxp7gVThey possessed a mature and refined elegance.db0
Z2vp5“Oh.”DkE7I
e7gRuri’s eyes began to sparkle.o5L
dAQDYThe caution she had shown until then vanished completely.H2r1
JQwW5“I thought it would be rude to bring only one box, so I prepared three.”DKyJqD9
HLQCx4“Hmm. I appreciate the gesture. It would not be proper to keep them all for myself, so I shall serve them when I have guests.”kRD
s4Ag5“A very thoughtful decision, worthy of Lady Valdrova’s loyal attendant.”xABNb
Zwzht8ARuri responded skillfully.7asVWss
jrbbXmAnd Olivia possessed extraordinary talent when it came to handling conversations.4aE
byDBut Perda, who knew Ruri well, thought something entirely different.AYMEcC
oYOo0Z‘All she wants is to try them as soon as possible.’k826B
ggMLXJShe was probably not planning to wait until the end of the day.VkJDv
7m0jZ2What she wanted was to open the box and eat them immediately.hbRe
E4oMHEGBesides, there were still two more boxes remaining.jTj
u3oU8HvShe could eat more later.lvGnOj
liCj‘She truly is an impressive woman.’gujauo
iALShe even knew how to win over a girl using food.TUZYNjy
wyttAtPerda could not help admiring her as he escorted her to the reception room.9jF
w7A8Qq***1vI4
ijJwYW“It is called Hestia Village, correct?”VPJon
pfdoBxIn the middle of a calm atmosphere, Olivia picked up a wagashi and took a sip of tea before beginning the conversation.Q5nbtS5
OHHM5“Hestia, if I am not mistaken, was the name of the woman who protected the home.”xz9U
TuLJLu“That is correct. It is not an easy name to come across. I see you know it.”ndTDa8
GWk7“I heard it from someone. I am always surprised by the breadth of your knowledge.”g0mA
hBL“I would not have known it either if I had not happened to hear it by chance.”7WH
UXHNR7l“Most people would forget even something they heard by chance. Because of that, I ended up becoming interested in books about ancient mythology. What have you been reading lately, Regent?”t2VWwUo
uOTzpl8“I…”lz6geZ
10yThe conversation continued smoothly under Olivia’s guidance.QBl
xcyI3As they talked, Perda felt something strange.VZyeco
AChvL‘It feels different from before.’1kSyjC
bP33Whenever he had spoken with Olivia in the past, he always felt as though he were talking to someone behind a mask.mO1PP
Lm5zBut now that mask was barely noticeable.HXkWPlp
2spahr‘Has her acting improved that much?’wZguso
d8DnRUAfter a long conversation filled with trivial topics, Olivia steered the discussion toward something more important.6bwbCi
ENCYA“I would like to talk about Vernell Marquis.”lIHTS
XunaOf course.k4J8RUP
BtEwxgShe had finally revealed her true intentions.CVr4
CqvVxP“Go ahead.”lJ32UVD
pcP3Gq“I will be direct. I would like to recruit him as an Imperial technician. I guarantee appropriate compensation. Would that be possible?”R9UG
qZL0‘Is she playing games with me?’gbBuhOM
Ok3Perda almost became angry.ICO
PF6xJBut after glancing at the knights present, he responded politely.8ysei
Krkse“He is a valuable asset of the Dragon Duchess’s territory.”G25Ny6Y
she“I expected that answer…”pHel
dwUSOlivia nodded while maintaining her smile.LIvzn
IZxzTZThen she turned her head.hE7SE
b8nvHd“Commander.”OwamIIS
gHW“Yes, Your Highness.”yGiVb
E6Jh8“Could you leave us alone for a moment? I need to speak with the Regent in private.”698n
OQhnuDQ“…Understood.”KyLsmj
xDDzwaThat made it clear that an important conversation was approaching.5VYagnn
NL9eJThe commander withdrew.UFv1ss
oBqQLTHowever, once they were alone, Olivia continued drinking tea calmly.ObLo
4ghMShe did not seem eager to address any serious matter.T8bSk
YyvaEventually, Perda was the one who asked.Z5pM
K1C“What would you like to discuss?”RpC
fz6“Discuss?”XaAboYi
T005eOlivia blinked naturally.aOqd
ujyvgmO“Ah, you mean the atmosphere I created? I only needed an excuse to make the commander leave.”GKTM8
nIFCJD9“Why?”xy1xdS
mJL5MP“Because he tries to monitor all of my movements. If I said we were going to discuss important matters between high-ranking figures, he would understand that he should withdraw.”CnO
y2KX“Then what you said earlier was…”xw7
LOwRS8I“An act, of course.”u4eF6u
aZd1jyrShe savored the aroma of the tea before continuing.C3H9U
YvdybAQ“At this very moment, in the Imperial Capital, they are discussing how to slow the growth of the Dragon Duchess’s territory.”9RmeLIS
WsvW“I have already been informed a little about the situation.”z1drI6T
BZc1“Then don’t you think it would be beneficial to create the impression that an Imperial Princess attempted to recruit the territory’s chief technician?”1ddz1R
Pi8The impression would certainly be beneficial.bqsf82E
Uk3KBut Perda did not fully trust Olivia.kQFrlj0
VjR“Are you sure you are not acting in the Empire’s interests?”vLV
ubeLAnE“Of course. What reason would I have to do something that benefits those idiots?”fxd
wqdlq52A flame of ambition burned in her eyes.vnL
rqCW9She no longer looked like the Flower of the Empire.YIdnUO8
vGODNor a jewel displayed at an auction.bR2H19
tNxdlNor a free butterfly.1oQ
qhEJAt that moment, she had the face of a genuine politician.1ZdTxm
qgk2“After all, we agreed to turn Hestia Village into a capital capable of rivaling the Empire, didn’t we?”JSH
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Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationI’m amazed that Olivia make up with ruri.
Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationI also think the same.
Joel575
VIP MortalRuri will eat all the sweets