Chapter 241: Soft Pillows

“Ufufufufufu, nfufufuufu…”

Princess Listille, the third princess, had an incredibly lazy expression on her face.

While she, the leader of the pioneering village, had a private room prepared for her, the room itself was modest to the point of being ridiculous compared to her room at the palace.

The room only contained a bed, chair, desk, and a chest of drawers, all made by soldiers. None of it was perfectly crafted, as they weren’t professional furniture makers. Ragged cloth was stuffed into gaps in the walls to keep the draft out.

Who would believe this was a princess’s room? Even a pet dog would have a better shelter.

But for Listille at the moment, it was a more comfortable space than any luxurious room could offer. Claudia was sitting on the modest bed, and Listille had her head resting on Claudia’s thigh.

What warmth, what softness!

No luxury feather quilt could match this resilience. Listille grinned with a thin smile, feeling like a liquidated cat. It was undeniably adorable, but it wasn’t a sight she could show to the returning soldiers who worshipped her as a goddess.

Claudia smiled with affection and stroked Listille’s black hair. In the time they hadn’t seen each other, she had become quite beautiful and clingy.

If it brought Listille a sense of peace in her heart, burdened as she was with various responsibilities at just fourteen, then she would gladly offer her lap or her butt for her to lean on. She would even sing her a lullaby if she wished.

“Have you gotten used to living here?” 

Claudia asked in a gentle voice.

“I’m not sure if I’m used to it or not. Just when I think I am, something new comes up the next day, and the cycle repeats.” 

“It seems like you’re moving forward.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes. You ask questions or research when you don’t know, and then new questions arise. The important thing is not to stop. You’re really doing your best, Princess.”

“Nfufufufu…”

Listille lay on her back, her eyes sparkling.

“Princess, is there anything troubling you? I can procure anything you need, and while it may be small, I can also provide financial assistance.” 

“I can’t money from you again, not after you lent me a thousand gold coins recently. Doesn’t Lutz have anything to say?”

“I do consult with him, but his answer is always the same. ‘Keep enough for living expenses, the rest is up to you.'”

“He’s still as straightforward as ever…”

Listille smiled wryly. While she was incredibly grateful, the amounts Claudia mentioned were in the hundreds of gold coins. She didn’t say it out loud in respect for her benefactor, but she couldn’t help but worry if he was really okay.

Claudia sensed what Listille was thinking from her expression and said,.

“He’s a man who looks like he’s not thinking about anything but actually thinks deeply. He trusts you and me. He believes that you’ll use the money he entrusted you with for the right things.”

“I’m truly blessed to have met both of you.” 

“I’m sure the returning soldiers feel the same way about you. They’re glad they met you.”

“If they feel that way, then I’m happy, but…”

Listille blushed and said bashfully. Her gesture was adorable, and it only strengthened Claudia’s desire to “be of help to the princess.”

“As we continue to spread the circle of happiness, this village will surely become a wonderful village, a wonderful town, and a wonderful… mmm…”

“Claudia-san?”

Claudia hastily closed her mouth, interrupting herself. It wasn’t appropriate to suggest stirring up ideas of independence.

If Listille were to say it, she wouldn’t immediately execute separation and independence, but she would probably keep it in mind. And the small gap that formed could eventually widen into something irreparable. It was no joking matter to sow seeds of distrust in people’s hearts.

Speaking of distrust, Claudia forcibly changed the subject.

“Oh, right. Marquis Eldenburger seems to want to get along well with the princess.”

“Get along…?”

It was a truly abrupt change of topic. Listille looked at Claudia with wide eyes.

“If trade goes well, he’ll get busier and busier, so he wants to entrust work to this pioneering village. He also wants to provide advice on money and food supplies.” 

“That’s a very welcome offer, but why the sudden interest?”

“Because he’s scared of this village, which has nearly a thousand experienced soldiers gathered here.”

“…I have no intention of attacking his territory or anything.”

Listille looked somewhat offended, and Claudia replied with a slightly mischievous smile.

“He’s probably aware of any grievances, so that’s why it’s all the more frightening.”

“Really,” Listille sighed in exasperation, furrowing her brow. It was annoying how they discarded things and then suddenly saw them as a threat.

“So, Marquis Eldenburger wants to become friendly with you, gain the favor of the returning soldiers, and establish a relationship where he can borrow troops in times of need.” 

“Did you influence him to do so?” 

“Oh no, someone like me couldn’t possibly change the Marquis’s mind. I merely made a suggestion.”

Claudia replied, exchanging glances and giggles before Listille turned serious and asked:

“Should I accept this proposal?”

“Listille-sama, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a mere merchant to dictate to a princess like you.” 

“Claudia-sama…”

Listille looked saddened by the sudden distancing. Claudia endured a twinge of pain as she pondered.

Listille shouldn’t become too dependent on her. She should always act based on her own thoughts, and Claudia’s words should be taken merely as advice to consider.

It wasn’t about pushing her away or abandoning her. With that sentiment, Claudia gently caressed Listille’s cheek. Their current relationship was akin to that of a mother cat and her kitten.

“Princess, please be strong-willed. You can use their intentions to your advantage, whether it’s the Marquis, His Majesty the King, or even us.” 

“Even you and Claudia-sama?”

“Yes.”

To be used, or to use. Listille wanted to reject such a relationship, but she couldn’t say anything in the face of Claudia’s gentle gaze.

It was because she loved her that she said so. If she wanted equality, she had to accept it.

“…I’ll start by having a thorough conversation with Marquis Eldenburger.” 

“Yes, that would be wise.” 

“…I don’t intend to let go of competent and trustworthy personnel. I will continue to rely on you, always.” 

“Yes, Princess.”

Claudia nodded firmly.

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