BXBX NOVEL Chapter 88
“Speed is the essence of war, huh? It seems that not only soldiers but also sages value time. Princes Mia, ever the tactician.”
Dion remarked while giving an admiring sigh.
She showed up here; started her game; showed her cards; set the stage; and is now leaving the table. She was able to identify that her work here is done and now her fight lays elsewhere. Her actions were guided by that wise perception of where she was most needed and what was most required of her. That is what Dion thought.
“It’s all according to her calculation, huh. But for a mastermind, she sure is squeamish. Well, I suppose it is all part of the acting as well.”
The child that she rescued in the slums “just happened” to be the chieftain’s grandson. Was that really just a coincidence? Sure, the meeting between Mia and that child might have been a coincidence, but by the time she was heading to this place, she perfectly knew everything already. She played not just the Lulu tribe, but everyone, on the palm of her hands.
“So that is the Wisdom of the Empire…”
Suddenly, Ludwig’s words came back to him.
“I really don’t want you to get involved in politics or promotions… but if it is for that princess… it might be worth trying.”
Sadly, his motivation for joining Mia’s cause all came from a wrong interpretation of Mia’s actions. After all, Mia don’t even know what “speed is the essence of war” is. Her current actions are all motivated by one thing: safety. She wanted to get away from the danger zone: that forest with the Lulu tribe, and her executioner, Dion. So she was doing her escape as quickly as she can.
I need to get away from here! With that Lulu conflict and that Dion, this place can kill me a hundred times over!
Upon reaching the capital, Mia’s first order of business was to have that child from the New Moon District orphanage be sent home to Sealence Forest. She chose the best of her men as escorts to make sure that there will be no trouble. It was while she was arranging this that she was officially summoned by her Father, the emperor to the audience chamber.
“An official summons from Dad? In the audience chamber? I wonder what he wants this time?”
The imperial family of Tearmoon Empire were very close. While in some countries, hierarchies are absolute that even blood related families have to request audience with the rulers, this was not the case in Tearmoon Empire.
Rather, Mia wished that her father would stop trying to see her every free time that he has. Because of this, being officially called to the audience chamber has piqued her curiosity.
When she arrived, she noticed that there were a lot of people inside. There was her father, the emperor; Ludwig, her confidant; and Viscount Berman, the man who is the centre of attention with all these latest events.
“Oh, my beloved daughter, Mia!”
“Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to see you. I’m here according to your summons.”
She gracefully curtsied which caused the emperor to rant…
“No, no, no… Don’t say your Majesty. I told you not to call me that. It feels so lonely and distant. Call me Father, like usual. Or Dad! Call me dad! … what about papa… papa seems to be the best option… call me papa…”
“So, what is it that you want to speak with me, Father?”
The emperor dropped his shoulders upon hearing his daughter’s reply. It was obvious for everyone to see that this emperor is a big daughter-con.
“Well, I suppose being called Father is okay … More than that, Mia, I called you today because I wanted to hear about your visit to Viscount Berman’s territory the other day.”
No surprise there. I thought as much.
Mia looked at Berman. He was clearly petrified, and his face was blue. While he was indeed part of the nobility, his territory is near the border that he could be considered a country bumpkin – not that he would admit. And so, the number of times that he was able to be in audience with the emperor was at most, once a year. It was easy to imagine why he was so nervous.
I might as well get this over with while he is still overwhelmed.
And so, Mia’s rare calculating side started working…
“I heard that you went to a very dangerous zone of the Viscount’s territory. When I heard of it, I was so surprised that I almost fainted.”
“Oh? There was actually nothing dangerous there.”
Mia said with a tone that sounded unconcerned. It was important to appear nonchalant about the whole thing. If she said something bad, then his father might really just order to destroy the entire forest. And knowing her father, it is in the very realm of possibilities
“That said, Her Highness withdrew all the soldiers that were guarding the area. Surely, something must have happened.”
What an annoying blabbermouth.
Mia supressed her irritation and with a cool face, she shakes her head after looking at Berman.
“Ah Viscount, I suppose I must swallow my pride and tell the truth. It was an embarrassing story. I tripped over a tree and was completely upset. That’s all.”
“What!? A mere tree dared to trip my beloved daughter! I’ll give an order for the army right away to burn down that entire forest!”
“Please Dad, calm down. I’ll arrange to cut down that tree and make it into my hairpin, so it’s okay.”
Mia showed the emperor her most endearing smile before moving her gaze to Berman.
“Actually more than that Dad, I have grown to like that forest. So… please papa… will you add that forest as part of my domain officially?”
All those acting as spoiled princess finally come to fruition, as Mia cooed her Father, begging him like a cute stuffed animal.