Chapter 63

"‘The Prince is Actually a Good Person Plan’... is that it?"

"Yes, that’s right. Because he really is a good person. I want to spread the word that he’s not the cruel and inhumane person people say he is. But first, I want to spread the word that the Prince and I are actually good friends."

"Good friends..."

Lis heard Rize’s response, which was tinged with a subtle confusion, as she spoke with excitement. Sympathizing with Rize, Tena asked Lis:

"So, what exactly do you plan to do?"

"Well... I haven’t decided yet!"

"Wow, it’s been a while since you used this hit-and-miss strategy."

"Lise!"

This time, Tena also reprimanded Rize, but Lis didn’t seem to mind. Instead, she smiled.

"Yes, it has been a while, hasn’t it? But if it worked before, it will work again this time."

"…I suppose so."

Tena, who has been Lis’s attendant for a long time, seemed to have many thoughts as she looked far away.

"Anyway, I’ll think about the specifics later, but for now, I want to send a postcard to the Prince."

"A postcard?"

"Yes. The other day, one of the knights was sending a postcard to his wife, and that gave me the idea."

"I remember, it was a postcard with a beautiful view of the Hottar Mountains."

"Postcards are convenient, but since they’re visible to everyone, they’re usually only used for simple messages. I saw a glimpse of the text, and it was quite passionate. I thought, ‘No wonder, they’re newlyweds.’”

As Lis explained, Tena recalled and responded, and Rize added with a mix of exasperation and envy. Then, both of them seemed to realize something and looked at each other in surprise.

"Yes, we’re newlyweds too. And if the text is visible, that’s perfect, isn’t it? If I write something that shows I’m not afraid of the Prince and that I admire him, many couriers and the palace’s letter receivers will read it, right?"

"That’s a good idea, but... do you plan to use regular couriers? That might be a bit of a problem, don’t you think?"

Tena’s calm opinion made Lis smile.

"In a big city, there are delivery offices where people can send letters to family and friends who live far away. They also offer writing and reading services for those who can’t read or write. For distant deliveries, the letters are relayed from one delivery office to another, passing through many couriers."

"Of course, I understand that we should ask someone who can enter the palace without inspection. But you know, there’s a certain charm to it. I’ll stamp it, sign it, and take it directly to the delivery office. From there, the message will be passed on to the couriers, right?"

"On the contrary, that will put pressure on them."

"But since the text is visible, no one will try to steal and read it, right? It’s not a confidential document. So, I plan to go buy some postcards tomorrow."

"…I’ll inform the guard knights of your plans, then."

"Thank you, Tena. If possible, I’d like to ask that newlywed knight."

"As you wish."

Tena left to inform the guard knights. When the Crown Princess acts, it’s important to inform them in advance to avoid confusion in security. Of course, even when she goes incognito, she is always well-protected.

"By the way! Can I ask you to run an errand for me the day after tomorrow, Rize?"

"An errand?"

"Yes. I’ll go to the city myself tomorrow to buy a few postcards, but I want you to go to the city from the day after tomorrow. How about buying embroidery threads?"

"Wh-What? Are you going to do embroidery, Lady Lis?"

"You don’t have to be so surprised. Of course, I’m not good at embroidery, but I can at least put initials on a handkerchief. So, I want everyone to think that I’m not just locked in this room crying, but that I’m calmly working on embroidery to give to the Prince."

"I see… Indeed, no one knows that you’re not good at embroidery. You don’t need to show the finished work to the people in the city…"

"Rize, I’m glad you understand, but you’re saying too much."

"Ah! I’m sorry!"

"Well, it’s true, but still, do well in the city."

"Leave it to me!"

Rize pounded her chest, and Lis laughed. This kind of task was Rize’s forte. This way, the news that the Crown Princess is not afraid of the Crown Prince would spread from the city of Tuisen. The hit-and-miss strategy wasn’t so bad after all. The main plan was the ‘The Prince is Actually a Good Person Plan.’

(Hmm. How can I spread the nickname ‘Dawn’s Star’ along with it? But the problem is…)

Considering that Jesarld’s bad reputation is being used both domestically and internationally, even if a good method is found, it shouldn’t be spread too quickly. Reflecting on Jesarld’s words in her dream, the relationship between the Aerus Empire and the Fontae Kingdom was still delicate.

(Still, it has to be gradual… This will be a long-term battle. After all, my existence—more specifically, the alliance with the Freud Kingdom—has worsened the relationship between the Aerus Empire and the Fontae Kingdom…)

Originally, it was because the Fontae Kingdom had planned to invade Freud, but by thwarting that plan, the Fontae side became even more fixated on the commercial rights of the city of Machinukan.

(But something doesn’t feel right… It’s like a fish bone is stuck in my throat.)

As she thought about various things, Lis’s head started to hurt. Deciding to give up for now, she looked up to find that Rize was also gone. Tena and Rize always leave quietly when Lis gets lost in thought, probably to prepare dinner for her. The top room in this inn has a proper dining room, and since Lis is alone, she doesn’t need to change clothes, which is convenient.

(But eating alone is getting a bit tiring…)

Since getting married, she hasn’t always eaten with Jesarld, but they have had meals together, and she has also eaten with other ladies. During this inspection tour, except for the initial period, she has been with Jesarld most of the time, and at the Freud Royal Palace, they always ate as a family.

(By the way, I did receive an invitation from Baron Court…)

She doesn’t plan to stay at the baron’s residence as Conrad suggested, but accepting the invitation for one night might be a good idea. While thinking about this, Tena called out that dinner was ready, and Lis headed to the dining room.