Chapter 32

No, no, isn't it the Twais family that wants to repurpose for military use? For generations, the Twais family has supplied military goods to the army during wars and is known as the "Marquis of Arms."

I can imagine that the Landfuria Marquis family, which has been a mediocre presence until now, is not pleased with the development of the self-driving machine and probably wants to bring it under their control.

Still, I don't know how to respond to the Twais family's proposal. I wonder how my sister would have countered it. While I was thinking, she continued to speak.

"Holland has recently been producing and exporting a large amount of iron products, and further benefiting that country might be criticized as a member of the royal family. I am very worried about Marianne's position."

"Hmm."

The faces of everyone enjoying the carriage ride at our house came to mind. It was fun. Everyone was laughing and enjoying it.

I made a fun vehicle, so why did it end up like this?

"But, Holland is exporting coal to our country. The lives of the people will become more convenient thanks to coal. I think it would be good if both countries could share knowledge that benefits the lives of the people. I believe His Majesty accepted the inspection team with that in mind."

"Marianne, you are too kind. War will never disappear from this world. You must know that wars always break out somewhere, right? With strong power, other countries will refrain from invading. And the vehicle you created can be a source of strong power."

When I was a child, I observed a spider web in the garden. When an insect was caught, the spider would approach the prey due to the vibrations of its struggle. Now, no matter what I say, I feel like the spider will come closer.

As I was imagining the spider approaching the insect in my head, a maid came over and whispered something to Miss Halberry.

"Tsk," did she just click her tongue? The queen of the social circle clicked her tongue, didn't she? Hmm?

The maid stepped back, and the Queen entered.

Oh no! This is the first time I've seen her up close, and she's so young! And she looks a lot like Prince Alexander! And she has an intimidating presence!

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't wait to see Marianne. Hehe."

While Miss Halberry and I bowed, the Queen approached gracefully, sat down, and invited us to sit as well.

"I'm so happy to meet you, Marianne. You are much cuter than in your portrait. I can't wait for your engagement ceremony. What were you talking about today? I would be delighted to join in the conversation."

When the Queen turned to Miss Halberry, she smiled beautifully and said, "I was asking Marianne about the self-driving machine she invented. It seems like a very fun vehicle, so I want to try it too."

Wow, she lied without hesitation. She didn't say it was a fun vehicle at all.

"Really, it's such a fun invention. Marianne, His Majesty wants to try it too. Can you somehow arrange one for him? Even if you could lend the blue one you're using for a few days, that would be fine."

"No, no, no! I will immediately start making one for His Majesty and deliver it as soon as possible!"

"Oh, really? That's kind of you."

Using the mail delivery one for His Majesty, just thinking about it is terrifying. If the other high-ranking officials found out, my whole family might be paraded through the streets and beheaded, which is scary.

The Queen continued the conversation and, at the end, said, "Marianne, do you have a little time? The costume designer wants to discuss the engagement ceremony attire with you. Since it's a good opportunity, could you talk to her? Halberry, I'm sorry, but could I borrow Marianne?"

She led me away with a cheerful but unyielding pressure.

Now, my father, my sister, and I are having tea in the Queen's room. My father, who is usually calm and collected, is so still he looks like a stone statue.

"Please make yourself comfortable. Today, I caused you a lot of trouble. I heard from the maid what was said. Halberry, as a marquis' daughter, acted according to her sense of justice, but I will advise her to consider her position as the next queen more carefully in the future. Marquis Landfuria, neither His Majesty nor I intend to repurpose Marianne's invention directly for military use. The King of Holland shares the same view. His Majesty believes that expanding a country through war is outdated."

The three of us silently nodded in gratitude and left.

Once we were in the carriage, my father finally spoke.

"That's a relief. I was worried that Marianne's invention would be used as a tool of war first."

My sister, Katrina, who is rarely so relaxed, leaned back and said, "I can't believe the King and Queen have such progressive views."

"The Queen was so beautiful. She looks young enough to be Prince Alexander's sister!"

When I looked at their faces, they both had a disappointed look, as if they were looking at a child who had done something wrong.

"What? Wasn't she beautiful? Didn't she look like him? What? Is that wrong?"