Chapter 92

"Boss! This time, we've made quite a profit!"

The room's owner, after confirming the knock and before giving permission to enter, had the room cleared of others. Upon hearing the words of the person who entered, he furrowed his brow. Then, looking up at his long-serving and trusted subordinate, the head of the Land Survey Office, Allesio Roach, he sighed.

"Allesio, what's with that way of speaking?"

"Well, I thought it would set the mood better. How was it? Did it sound right?"

"Too right. If someone said you were from the lower town, no one would doubt it."

"Really? Your Majesty, that's too much praise."

The room's owner, Emperor Lazef of the Aerlas Empire, gave a look of exasperation to Allesio, with whom his sarcasm had no effect. The Land Survey Office, which sounds good, is actually engaged in espionage. Of course, only a few people, including the Crown Prince, know this.

"Is the Crown Prince here?"

"Yes, he briefly showed up to greet us upon our return."

"Then, how was it? I hear the whole palace is talking about it. Was the Prince really smiling?"

"No, unfortunately, he still had his usual stern face. But the atmosphere was completely different. It was surprisingly gentle, and it seemed he didn't even notice it himself, so I had a hard time holding back my laughter."

"Indeed. That's quite something... I must go see him later."

"No, Allesio. Seeing your face will put Jez in a bad mood."

"Really, how rude. I have such a charming face."

Allesio, who, despite being properly dressed in his uniform, still looked like the leader of a band of mountain bandits, glanced up, and Lazef deliberately snorted. It was strange how he could blend in naturally when he went out into the city. Moreover, none of Allesio's subordinates, even the quick-witted Lazef, could recall their faces. They were infiltrated everywhere, both inside and outside the country.

"Well, since the Prince's reputation is finally turning for the better, let's not ruin it by making him upset."

"Agreed. ...I feel bad about that. It's time for the 'Red Reaper' to retire."

"Indeed. From the moment the Prince took the field, he displayed his full power, and the enemy soldiers even called him the 'Red Reaper'... We also found it amusing. This country was at war for about ten years, but now it's completely settled."

"Exactly. At first, it seemed the Prince was unwilling, but thanks to that nickname, unnecessary conflicts could be avoided, and he reluctantly accepted it... However, it was a miscalculation that even his allies began to fear him, and he became shunned within the palace."

Still, Jezalde managed to act as if nothing was wrong—until Empress Corina passed away. Since that tragedy, Jezalde had completely closed his heart. Lazef couldn't count how many times he wished his wife were still alive. But, blowing out a large breath to dispel the unpleasant memories, Lazef looked at Allesio with a mischievous eye.

"I'm truly grateful to you. For finding such a bright princess."

"Oh, that's a comforting word for me, who still can't uncover the mystery of Freud."

Allesio also smiled. The various countries called the kingdom of Freud, which continuously produced new products and production methods, the "Mystery of Freud," and tried to uncover its secrets. Of course, if they asked sincerely, they would be taught the methods, but the question was how—or who—was continuously coming up with new ideas. A few months ago, one of Allesio's subordinates finally obtained information that the sage Gregorius had changed his name and was staying at Freud Castle as a tutor to the royal children. However, his subordinates didn't know Gregorius's face, so Allesio, the only one who knew, infiltrated Freud Castle to confirm and encountered a very unusual princess—Amarillis.

As expected, she rarely left her room due to her frail health, but when she did, her actions were interesting. One day, she would ride a horse to the farm, milk a cow, and help make compost. Another day, she would help pick roses, even with her hands bleeding. She seemed to take the lead in these activities. Watching her, one would worry about her health, but she seemed perfectly fine.

Moreover, she treated everyone without discrimination, laughed and talked to the dirty farmers, and once even held the hand of an old woman whose face was half burned and gave her ointment. Unfortunately, this was limited to places not too far from the castle, but Allesio was impressed that the rumors of the "Beautiful Sleeping Princess of Freud" were true. Indeed, her younger sister was more beautiful in appearance. However, as the youngest until the birth of the youngest prince, she seemed to have been somewhat spoiled.

Still, when his subordinate reported that she was in a romantic relationship with the son of the prime minister, Allesio was genuinely surprised. Arnaud Bott was a candidate for Princess Amarillis's fiancé.

(What a careless man...)

Allesio had always thought of the prime minister of Freud as a wise man, but it seemed his son was different. Despite being seen as promising for the future, his inability to control his emotions was immature. He should have known how much chaos it would cause, yet he chose a princess who was only beautiful.

(I would definitely choose Princess Amarillis...)

Thinking this, Allesio remembered Jezalde, who had become completely expressionless. In the past, Jezalde would laugh at any comments about his appearance, but now he had given up on everything. Perhaps Princess Amarillis could make Jezalde laugh again. Uncharacteristically, Allesio harbored such hope and mocked himself.

(Even if that were true, the kind-hearted King Dreaum would never allow the frail Princess Amarillis to be sent abroad.)

With a sense of disappointment, Allesio returned to his country and visited Emperor Lazef to report. Lazef noticed that Allesio was more focused on Princess Amarillis than on Gregorius and asked for a detailed explanation.

"Indeed. That is a pity."

If Allesio said so, it must be true. Lazef genuinely regretted it, but fortune was on his side. The Kingdom of Freud, which had barely maintained its independence, was now being approached by the Kingdom of Fontae for subordination. Seeing this as a crisis for Freud's survival, Lazef saw it as a perfect opportunity and offered aid, with the condition of a marriage between his son Jezalde and a princess to solidify the alliance.

Suddenly asking for the frail Princess Amarillis would be suspicious, so he decided to leave it to the princesses. From Allesio's report, it was almost certain that Princess Amarillis would volunteer. She seemed to be aware of her younger sister's lover and, despite her frailty, had enough strength to ride a horse.

"I don't expect Princess Amarillis to bear heirs or perform the duties of a Crown Princess. If Jez can regain his emotions—no, if he can stop suppressing them, that's enough."

"But what if Princess Daria comes instead, Your Majesty?"

"In that case, we'll have to break off the engagement with a suitable reason. We still need to support them. We can't let Fontae have its way. I'll leave it to you, Allesio."

"Are you just dumping it on me?"

"Something like, 'Princess Daria is too young, and the 'Red Reaper' didn't approve'... Just blame it on Jez. And don't let Jez know about this. It's best to keep it a secret until Princess Amarillis arrives."

"Another unreasonable request..."

Muttering complaints, Allesio ultimately succeeded. As Lazef had predicted, Princess Amarillis came, and he was relieved. However, when Jezalde learned that the marriage was part of the alliance, he couldn't just protest to Lazef and went to the border town of Blume to meet the bride.

"---Oh, I was worried then. I thought the Prince might send the princess back."

"More likely, he thought showing his face would scare her and make her run back to her country."

"Fortunately, it didn't even cross Princess Amarillis's mind."

"Rather, she seemed to come in with high spirits."

Although it wasn't an old story, Lazef and Allesio smiled, reminiscing about the time Princess Amarillis arrived. Despite the unreasonable demands placed on the Kingdom of Freud, it was a truly wonderful match for the empire—indeed, for Jezalde's father.

"Still, a new mystery has arisen."

"Gregorius?"

"Yes. If he is the 'Mystery of Freud,' it's strange that he accompanied Princess Amarillis."

"That's true, but I hear he is quite whimsical. Moreover, King Freud is not a greedy person, so perhaps Gregorius's interest has simply shifted to this country."

"Hmm. Whether it's about Tuisen or Shana, that seems reasonable..."

"Your Majesty, thinking too much will make you old. If he brings benefits to our country, the reason doesn't matter. Let's just keep an eye on Gregorius."

Allesio lightly replied to Lazef, who was leaning on his desk, furrowing his brow. Lazef glared at Allesio but silently agreed and changed the topic.

"Well, the entertainment for the castle staff won't be necessary for a while."

"Yes, the two princes will be the topic of conversation for a while. I'll find other betting subjects before everyone gets bored."

"Thank you. As usual, donate the profits to the poorhouse."

"Understood. ---By the way, what about the kidnapping of the Empress?"

Smiling again, Allesio suddenly changed his expression and asked. This kidnapping incident was not a problem that could be resolved by the actions of a single bureaucrat from the Kingdom of Fontae.

"I plan to hear the details from Jez tomorrow. You will also be present."

"Understood."

Finally, Allesio, acting like a proper subordinate, bowed deeply to the emperor and left the office. Left alone, Lazef furrowed his brow again and thought until the secretaries returned.