Chapter 92: Princess Blood

A disturbing rumor spread in the capital. It was said that the third princess, Listille, who was heading towards the Count Tzander’s territory, had been kidnapped by bandits.

In an era with limited means of communication, only fragmentary information was received, making it difficult to make a judgment. Some dismissed it as mere rumors, while others even speculated that the count had betrayed them.

The content of the rumor was too intriguing to dismiss it as irresponsible gossip. King Lartbart Valschite planned to send envoys to the count’s territory to confirm the situation, but before he could make the preparations, Listille herself returned.

Indeed, the rumors turned out to be just rumors. The king contemplated finding and punishing the person responsible for spreading such baseless information. However, upon closer consideration, everything seemed strange.

Firstly, the carriage they returned in was different from the one they had left the capital with. It lacked the royal crest and had an outdated design. It seemed like a desperate attempt by a rural noble to appear distinguished.

There were no knights accompanying them as escorts. Instead, by Listille’s side were Count Maximilian Xander, the craftsmen they had seen during the peace negotiations, a sharp-looking woman, and an adventurer. It made no sense at all.

Listille restrained the maids and nobles who tried to greet her and boldly walked through the halls of the royal castle. She had always given the impression of being a quiet and adorable doll-like figure, but now she walked with determination and strength, leaving everyone puzzled.

“I wish to meet with Father.”

Listille informed the attendants in front of the audience chamber, and the man responded with a smile that seemed obsequious.

“Princess, you must be tired from the long journey. It would be better to rest for a night first…”

The man’s words were interrupted by a light slap. It didn’t hurt, but the shock of being struck on the cheek by a member of the royal family left him dumbfounded.

“Don’t patronize me.”

Although her voice sounded cute, the anger in her eyes was genuine. The attendant quickly straightened his posture and hurriedly entered the audience chamber.

“…Did I go too far?”

Listille apologized with a look of regret, but Claudia shook her head.

“It’s much better than having your head cut off.”

Since the day of their rescue, Claudia had been acting as Listille’s confidante. Listille had developed feelings for Claudia, and there were things she could only talk about comfortably with another woman. Claudia, too, had grown determined to assist her as much as she could.

The attendant returned quickly, interrupting their conversation.

“You may proceed. His Majesty has granted permission. However, only you may enter.”

“I don’t mind, right?”

When Maximilian asked, before the attendant could say anything, Listille quickly gave her consent.

“Let’s go inside.”

And just like that, she gave her permission.

Upon entering the throne room, King Lartbart greeted his beloved daughter with a wide smile.

“Welcome back, Listille. I was worried when I heard those ridiculous rumors.”

“They are true.”

“What…?”

“Unfortunately, ten knights died. I assure you, they fought bravely until the end. Please grant their families the preservation of their noble names.”

“No, wait. Wait, Listille…”

Lartbart tried to interrupt his daughter, who was calmly proceeding with the matter.

“By ‘true,’ do you mean you were indeed kidnapped by the bandits…?”

“Yes. I was saved by the Xander family while I was being held captive.”

Lartbart glared at Maximilian, who was standing behind Listille like a scarecrow. He couldn’t comprehend why he was being accused of such things.

“Things are urgent, I judged. I apologize for reporting it afterwards.”

Maximilian replied nervously, his body tense. He had spoken with the king several times before, but this was the first time he found himself in a position where he was being blamed.

“Hmm…”

While it could be said that he acted on his own authority, it was clear that they couldn’t afford to wait and send envoys to the capital. The king couldn’t say anything in response, so he decided to suspend judgment regarding the count’s punishment.

“Listille, do you understand what you’re saying? If you were kidnapped by bandits, that means…”

“I was not mistreated by them. They probably judged that I would fetch a higher price if I remained untouched.”

This was the reason Listille and Claudia had decided upon in their discussions. It seemed sufficient as a reason for why the bandits didn’t lay a hand on her.

“…But who would believe that?”

Lartbart’s face was filled with bitter distress.

“Don’t act so nonchalant about it. Have you ever experienced financial hardships to the point where you didn’t know where your next meal would come from?”

“What…?”

“I’m talking about matters on that level. I have seen the dire situation of the returning soldiers firsthand. I have spoken to them. They need to be saved. Can you proudly say that we have repaid their ten years of service with our full gratitude?”

“Where would we find the money? Should we impose special taxes on the people? That could incite riots!”

The joy of Listille’s safe return had somehow disappeared. It irritated Lartbart to see a young girl meddling in political affairs with her trivial sense of sympathy.

Although he felt guilty for shouting at his daughter, he believed he hadn’t said anything wrong.

“Don’t talk about politics when you have no understanding of the hardships of money…”

But Listille remained unshaken, as if she was being supported by someone invisible.

“Have you ever experienced hardships to the point where you didn’t know where your next meal would come from, Father?”

“What…?”

“I am talking about matters on that level. I have seen and heard things throughout the country. I humbly request that you show compassion and tolerance to them. Can you say with pride that the kingdom can stand without denying the loyalty of its soldiers?”

Lartbart, overwhelmed by his own insignificance, returned to his throne.

“What… do you want? Speak.”

“I need land and funds to settle the returning soldiers.”

“Are you planning to imitate those barbarians?”

“We should actively consider good solutions.”

“I will grant you a portion of the borderland as a concession. As for the funds, I can provide two thousand gold coins, but not more.”

The granted land had been entrusted to Count Eldenburger for management. However, for him, the crucial point was the trading opportunities, and the desolate land was more of a burden. He would be pleased to have a portion returned.

“Thank you, Father.”

Listille expressed her gratitude confidently as she made her farewell, but Lartbart, avoiding eye contact with her red and swollen cheek, kept his head down and remained silent.

Listille left the room, but Maximilian hesitated whether he should accompany her or stay with the dejected king.

Seeing his dilemma, Lartbart spoke with a voice as feeble as a mosquito’s.

“Please help her.”

This was not the conversation he had wanted. He had only wanted to embrace his daughter, who had returned safely, and say, “Welcome back.” How had it come to this?

Who had pushed that girl into a corner? Was it himself?

He wanted her to stay well. That feeling, at least, was not a lie.

“Leave it to me, Your Majesty.”

Maximilian nodded firmly.

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