Episode 23
Ian answered the question I asked.
“If it was a normal time, things might be different.”
“How…?”
Ian looked at me when I asked with innocent curiosity. His look made me feel a little hurt, like he was wondering if I really didn’t know. But soon, he calmly explained the situation.
“The Doytun Marquisate owns land that’s so fertile and perfect for farming, people call it ‘land blessed by the gods.’ Because of that, they’re rich, and they don’t need to be scared of the royal family.”
Wow, my husband is smart. I didn’t know in the past because we didn’t talk much, but now I see it.
I listened happily, waiting for what Ian would say next.
“But, even though their land is good, their army is really weak—people even say it’s cursed. That’s why they surrendered long ago…”
As I expected, Ian’s red eyes sparkled like he realized something.
“Your Grace, right now Vesford is struggling to grow enough food.”
“……”
“If we help them now, the Doytun family could become a great partner to help us with the food shortage.”
The Grand Duke tapped the table with his finger, clearly thinking deeply.
Even the fearless Vesford family didn’t want to fight with the Emperor unless necessary.
The silence showed just how serious this was.
If there were no issues with the royal family, this would be a great opportunity.
People remember the ones who helped them when no one else did.
But ignoring the Emperor wasn’t something they could do so easily.
“What if the Doytun family fights with the royal family again? Or even starts a rebellion? That would be the worst.”
Ian agreed with the Grand Duke and added his concerns.
But sometimes an outsider can see what insiders miss.
So I acted innocent and asked again.
“But isn’t it impossible?”
“What do you mean?”
The Grand Duke asked. He was actually listening carefully to a child like me. That meant he was really thinking about it.
“I don’t think the Doytun family can go against the Emperor.”
“Why not?”
“Because their army is weak… and they live too close to Vesford!”
I answered like it was obvious.
The Grand Duchess didn’t miss what I said.
“She’s right. The Doytun family surrendered back then because they were too close to Vesford.”
This all connects to an old history.
The Doytun family was scared of both the Empire and Vesford, so they surrendered.
“If we can just find a reason…”
Ian muttered, thinking hard.
I wanted to help him remember something they might overlook, so I spoke again.
“Actually, I’m curious about something!”
“What is it?”
Even the serious Grand Duke asked again. It felt strange, like he trusted me a lot now.
“This game I played with Seri—it’s a real rule in some places, right?”
“Game?”
The Grand Duke looked interested.
“It’s a game where you buy land, and sometimes two people can own the same land together!”
The Grand Duke and Ian both looked surprised, like they understood something.
“On the way from Dale Rose to Vesford, I saw a real village like that!”
It had always made me wonder. It was such a tiny village, with only a few houses, but the sign had both the Vesford and Doytun family symbols.
“If they’re not enemies anymore, isn’t that enough?”
Even if it’s just part of the land.
Ian seemed to realize something and looked at the Grand Duke.
“Your Grace.”
He continued confidently.
“The Doytun family… owns land in the Vesford territory.”
Even if something seems complicated, there’s always a weak spot you can find.
Later That Night
“Hurry and load the Asterin! It’s His Grace’s special order!”
“We don’t have much time—move faster!”
I looked out the window at the knights preparing to leave.
Right after dinner, the Grand Duke had given a strict command.
“Send the Asterin quickly to Borgo.”
Even though it was night, the torches made it look like daytime.
‘It’ll take several days even if they rush nonstop.’
Borgo was a shared territory between Vesford and the Doytun family, located at the very south.
Those medicines would save many people there.
But before that, something still bothered me.
I remembered Joseph’s strange eyes at the party.
He left for the bathroom and stayed too long.
He looked uncomfortable at dinner.
And now he wasn’t helping with the Asterin transport at all.
My instincts screamed at me.
‘Joseph is suspicious.’
Since I came back in time, one question never left my mind.
‘Which royal helped Joseph betray Vesford?’
What if I already met that person at the party?
Even if I’m not sure, it’s better to be careful.
If Joseph already started talking to someone in the royal family, and they learn about the Asterin, it could be dangerous.
“Make sure there are no problems with the delivery!”
The Grand Duke and Ian stood together, watching everything carefully.
I couldn’t take my eyes off Ian. The firelight shone on his beautiful face.
His red eyes looked strong and full of pride, not like the past.
I pulled myself together and thought:
‘I won’t let Joseph ruin Ian’s efforts.’
I had to act now.
But what should I do?
Just then—
“Your Highness the Grand Princess, you look worried. Maybe it’s time to get some rest?”
Seri looked at me with concern.
“But His Grace is still awake…”
I blinked innocently, acting like a pure 10-year-old.
While Seri hesitated, I quickly added,
“But if I don’t sleep, everyone will keep worrying, right?”
Seri nodded quickly with a proud smile.
“Of course!”
“Then… can you make me your special bedtime drink?”
“Ah… that…”
Seri looked nervous.
Back when we lived at the Dale Rose estate, Seri used to make me a drink to help me sleep.
But here, I already knew they didn’t have the ingredients.
Still, I played with my fingers and asked,
“…Can’t you? I don’t think I can sleep without it…”
Seri’s face froze. I gave one final push.
“Then I’ll just stay here.”
Acting like a sulky child was my secret weapon.
“…Alright! Let’s go to your room. You lie down, and I’ll bring it to you soon!”
Seri gave up and agreed.
I followed her, pretending to head to bed. But when we passed Joseph’s room, I stopped.
“What if Prince Joseph can’t sleep either?”
“That’s possible…”
“Then should we drink it together?!”
Plan #1: Keep Joseph with me, so he can’t do anything strange.
“We should ask his knight—”
“No time! I’ll ask myself!”
I ran straight to Joseph’s door.
The guards were surprised and moved to stop me.
“Your Highness, what’s wrong—”
“Hmm? Do I really need to explain?”
They froze when I asked like I didn’t understand.
I smiled and knocked on the door.
“Prince Joseph!”
I was coming to find him myself.
