Chapter 26

Marianne, who had returned to the capital, was now giving a lecture at the academy, having been invited by Prince Greed, the first prince.

"…Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively judge the disasters reported to the royal palace by considering the views of independent researchers, folk traditions, and remains of buildings in the region. This time, it was about the cyclical changes in rainfall in our territory, but I believe it is also important to prepare for historical heavy rains, floods, and landslides using the same method. Please do not neglect the collection of traditions passed down among the people."

The audience listening to the lecture of the fifteen-year-old girl were the lords and their representatives who managed the various territories. Those who could relate to her words were taking notes seriously.

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"Hey, that was a great lecture. Everyone was really engaged."

"Prince Greed. I am honored if I can be of any help to the people."

"Alexandre was disappointed. He is currently in the neighboring country of Holland. They have recently started using coal as fuel, and he believes it is crucial for our country to adopt it as well."

"I have heard about the coal. It would be great if we could mine it in our country. I plan to start by trying to make charcoal."

"Hmm, making charcoal. Impressive indeed."

Greed was engaged to a young lady from one of the six major ducal families last year and is scheduled to marry next year, with plans to ascend the throne within a few years.

He is highly regarded as a "rarely seen knowledgeable and forward-thinking royal."

As Marianne, who had bowed politely and was walking down the palace corridor, turned a corner, she encountered a group of women waiting there.

"Oh, it's been a while, Lady Marianne. I heard you were holed up in the countryside because the capital's water didn't agree with you."

"Oh, I heard you were obsessed with digging wells."

"My, digging wells?"

The young ladies, exchanging glances and giggling, made Marianne feel exasperated, but she maintained her smile and thought (Now, how can I leave this place?) when an unexpected savior appeared.

"Oh, Lady Marianne, I have long wished to meet you. I am Harberi Twice."

She is the eldest daughter of the Twice family, the first prince's fiancée and the one said to have the most political power among the ducal families.

A cool voice came from behind the young ladies, and the giggling group all stopped smiling and bowed their heads.

"For years, I have heard many stories about you from Prince Alexandre. May I hear about your work in your territory as well?"

"Of course, I would be honored."

Marianne, with an innocent smile, said,

"Since you're here, I'll save the well-digging stories for another time. I must take my leave now."

She bowed politely and did not look back. Only Harberi turned and nodded.

"Ha! Marianne, you're quite something."

"Huh?"

"Those women, whose heads are stuffed with men, were almost dying of frustration. I'll have to borrow your innocent smile next time."

Marianne, who was not well-versed in the information of the nobility, did not know that Harberi was a trailblazer, standing at the top of many rivals in the social world and securing her position as the future queen.

Though she is known as the perfect young lady, she is actually more active and prefers riding to the political maneuvering among women.

Every time Alexandre told her about Marianne's achievements, she thought (I want to meet her).

The two entered a room set aside for Harberi in the palace and enjoyed tea and pastries.

"Lady Marianne, I want to be more than just a woman who bears children; I want to be useful. You are my goal and my inspiration."

"Really? I am not such a great person. I am just…"

"Humility is not a virtue, Lady Marianne. If you are humble, those who follow you will find it difficult to walk the path you have set."

Marianne was perplexed.

Why does this woman, who stands at the top of the social world, value someone like me, who doesn't even show up in society?

"While you were working hard for the people in your territory, I was fighting against those who are 'filled with dresses, gossip, and men.' I had to prevent them from taking advantage and getting involved in factional disputes."

"Those people could be your enemies…"

"They certainly can. They will become the parents of the future nobility. Numbers are also power. If things continue this way, our country will fall far behind Holland and the surrounding countries."

As Marianne was choosing her words, Harberi continued.

"When the first catapult was used, the country that shouted, 'Cowards, take up your swords!' was quickly swallowed by the 'country of cowards.' Technology is the flesh and blood and the mind of a country. From now on, technology and knowledge will be the strength of a nation."