Chapter 52

The Princess Einhorn, who had always admired the protagonists of "retribution" stories, was elated at the thought that this situation might finally allow her to get her revenge. However, halfway through, she realized something was off.

Indeed, there were many differences.

I think it's the gap between reality and fiction, but the king's blunder feels like it was influenced by something beyond human understanding.

Also, the Duke of Einhorn.

I want to avoid talking to him, but I do want to hear what the Duke of Einhorn has to say.

"Your Highness, I know it's a bold request, but the Einhorn family did nothing wrong. It's all my fault, so..."

"As I said before, what the Princess Einhorn did was avoid talking about me in a gathering of nobles. That's all. Furthermore, her influential attitude led to a negative impact on my reputation. Considering these two points, it would be unreasonable to impose any punishment on the Princess Einhorn. It would just be a verbal warning: 'Please be more careful in the future. There won't be a next time.'"

In response to my answer, the Princess Einhorn looked relieved, but then, as if she had just realized something, she asked hesitantly, "But, what I did could have started a war, right?"

"Only if there was malice towards me. And even then, if you still intended to get your retribution."

"I have no malice. I don't intend to do it anymore. But I thought I could. Even without malice, it would still be an act that diminishes the First Prince, a show of disrespect to the royal family, and something that cannot be forgiven."

That's true, but...

However, in the end, the Princess Einhorn did not get her retribution. Or rather, she realized it was impossible and gave up. And after I said various things, even if she could have gotten her retribution, she would have known that it would lead to a war between Fulftball and Einhorn, which would further discourage her.

In short, it's impossible to declare something a sin if it didn't happen.

"What do you mean by 'retribution'? What are you talking about?"

When I said this, the Princess Einhorn's eyes widened and she froze.

From our previous conversation, she must think it's impossible that I, who am from the same hometown in my past life, wouldn't know what "retribution" means.

But, can someone from this world, who doesn't know the other world, understand the meaning of "retribution"? Of course, from the nuance, they might interpret it as something negative, and some might even realize it means "serve you right." However, would they understand what "serve you right" is for, or why such a thought would even arise? I doubt someone who doesn't know the other world could understand.

"The Princess Einhorn didn't fully understand her influence and believed the rumors spread by the king's former aides, which is why she avoided me. Right?"

In response to my question, the Princess Einhorn turned pale and froze.

Don't look so scared. If we push through this, everything will be resolved. If you just nod silently to my words, it will end with a warning. So, please, go all in?

"Y-Yes, that's right."

"But, you don't have to say 'but.'"

Under the pressure of my words, the Princess Einhorn's face turned even paler as she answered, "Y-Yes, that's right."

"From now on, consider your influence, okay?"

"Y-Yes."

This time, I didn't record our conversation from the beginning, and I already deleted the previous one. There are no witnesses, so no one will know what we talked about. Well, Silt and Lanz are exceptions, but they won't say or hear anything unnecessary, so they can be excluded.

I smiled at the Princess Einhorn's response.

There are still a few more things I want to ask, but they are unrelated to this meeting.

"Understood, but... Your Highness, aren't you angry?"

Just as I was about to end the conversation, the Princess Einhorn seemed concerned that I wasn't angry.

"Why?"

"Because... you tried to get your retribution. Normally, people would be angry."

"That 'retribution' is a story for a much later future, and it's uncertain whether it will even happen."

"That's true, but..."

"Even if you think it's emotionally unforgivable?"

"Yes."

"Getting angry over such trivial matters wouldn't benefit me at all."

To be honest, I hesitate to say this to her, but the desire for retribution seems incredibly childish. It's like a little girl saying, "I want to be a princess!" It's not a cute sentiment when a child says it.

I just can't get angry over such childish talk.

The Princess Einhorn looked conflicted at my response.

"I wouldn't think that way."

"You're not me, so it's fine. I'm saying it's over. But, don't even think about or try to do it. If you do, it will really lead to a civil war."

"I understand."

After emphasizing this one last time, the Princess Einhorn nodded sincerely.

Still, something feels off...

Why did the Duke of Einhorn, while telling his children not to forget their right of succession, not advise the Princess Einhorn to stop avoiding the topic of a specific person?

If you enjoyed this, please like, bookmark, and give a ★ rating. It would boost my motivation, so I'd appreciate it.