Chapter 90

6/6

After returning to the mansion, I prepared for bed and lay down on the bed, intending to go to sleep right away.

However, my mind was unusually clear, and I didn't seem to be able to fall asleep.

...In my head, the conversation with Mother and that scene kept floating.

"…So that we do not lament over tragedies. May this scene continue forever."

Mother's expression when she said this was incredibly beautiful.

It wasn't just her natural beauty… it was as if she had the appearance of a mother who cherished everything.

Reflecting on this, I wondered what my thoughts were for the people of my domain.

Thinking about what I had done so far, I couldn't help but laugh.

It's the same, isn't it?

When I met Mina and the orphans… no, even before that, when I inspected this territory, I had already decided.

I, who had never been involved in politics. But I have power. It is the power of authority as a regent. My path, my actions, are all for the sake of the people's lives.

The documents on my desk are all heavy responsibilities, even when I handle each one.

Still, for the sake of the people's lives.

I had already made up my mind.

After going through that expulsion scandal, I had become quite timid.

Isn't my existence at the top of the domain's administration more harmful than beneficial? If so, wouldn't everything I do and everything I accomplish lead to bad outcomes?

...I shouldn't be thinking such timid thoughts.

I have already moved forward. This flow has already involved the people and the territory.

It's impossible to say I lack resolve now.

I will move forward to fulfill my resolve.

I must not lose sight of my purpose. If I am confused, then those who follow me and the people will also be confused.

I will do what I must.

After thinking this, the heaviness in my chest suddenly disappeared, and my heart felt settled.

And with that, I fell into a pleasant slumber.

The next day, I called Lyle and Dida again.

"Do you have something you need, Princess?"

"Yes. I wanted you to hear my resolve."

At my words, Lyle's eyes widened in surprise… and Dida laughed as if it were amusing.

"…Yesterday, Dida asked me if I had the resolve, didn't she?"

"That's right."

"Even though I was shaken at the time… but thinking about it, it was a question I should have already answered."

At my answer, Dida looked taken aback.

"Because I had already made up my mind. To protect this territory and the people who live here."

"…To protect them, even if it means spilling blood?"

"Yes and… No."

At my answer, not only Dida but Lyle also tilted their heads.

"I already bear the lives of hundreds of people on my shoulders. My role is to protect this territory… and the people. For that, if necessary, I will mobilize the troops. And I will bear the responsibility for that."

There is no world where no one gets hurt. I knew that, didn't I?

"But… I will struggle to prevent such a situation from happening. I will negotiate, observe the timing, and not be swayed by the situation. Rather than how to win a war, I will focus on how to prevent a war. I will show you that I can act with this as my top priority."

I must not let the means become the goal.

I was exactly that.

I was thinking about how to bear the responsibility of war if it happened. What the proper form of a lord should be. I was only thinking about that.

But that's not it. There are never just one means.

Looking ahead, using my wisdom, and devising strategies. My weapons are my pen, my mind, and my words.

Military force is the last card, and I will make sure to play other cards before that.

That is my role.

"But… if it comes to the point where there is no other way. Lyle, Dida. I will ask you to help me. To minimize the bloodshed. And I will bear all the responsibility for leaving no other path."

When I finished speaking, Dida started laughing for some reason.

…Did I say something funny?

No, I was serious…

"An admirable resolve… but such a sweet statement."

"Dida…!"

Lyle, standing next to Dida, was indignant.

"But it's good. It's because you are such a princess that I want to protect you. You and what you hold dear."

…Is that a pass?

"…You should just be honest."

Lyle said this with a look of exasperation.

"Miss. We are your shield and your sword. We will take away your worries. If you are left with no other choice… lean on us. We will surely protect you."

Lyle said this and took a knight's bow.

Dida also did the same beside him.

"Yes. Thank you… Lyle, Dida."

They are also what I don't want to lose… what I want to protect.

I will fight in my domain.

I would like to use this space to make an announcement.

This time, it has been decided to be published as a book by Kadokawa.

The release date is scheduled for November 10th.

This is all thanks to everyone who has read it. Thank you very much.

I have been able to continue this far thanks to everyone since I started the serial. I will continue to update the web version, so I hope for your continued support.