THSMW 55

Chapter  55

The empire itself was relatively peaceful, but its surrounding areas and border regions had always been plagued by various disturbances, big and small.

Siegfried had steadily suppressed all of these over the course of five years, and finally brought to heel the Western Kingdom, which had long been a thorn in the empire’s side.

As a result, Siegfried’s status within the empire changed dramatically.

Originally, he had inherited the strong bloodline of the first emperor and was the focus of the nobles’ expectations. Being the legitimate son of the empress only heightened that.

However, because of the emperor’s blatant affection toward Aisa, Siegfried had been forced to keep a low profile, but now the situation had completely reversed.

Although Siegfried himself had wanted it to some extent, this war was one he had been pushed into by Aisa’s insistence. The fact that he had won consecutive victories there carried great significance.

Until now, the nobles who had only been cautious around the royal family had begun to quietly praise Siegfried. Of course, it was always under the premise of “only where Aisa’s eyes and ears cannot reach.”

The southern nobles were no different. Nobles who had joined Siegfried in monster hunts would occasionally speak up at salons or parties.

“His Highness the Crown Prince is truly the one fit for the next throne, isn’t he?”

Whenever I heard such words, I nodded with satisfaction. It was proof that Siegfried was doing well.

“We should let Avysion know too.”

Holding Myriad’s hand, I went up to Avysion’s office. Avysion, who was working with his aides, looked up.

“What’s going on?”

“The kingdom has admitted defeat! The Crown Prince will be returning to the capital!”

“You must have received a letter from His Highness. Somehow, you always seem to hear news before His Majesty.”

In truth, even without Siegfried’s letter, I had already known, but I shrugged. Though I had read it in a novel, receiving the news firsthand felt different—especially directly from the protagonist himself.

“Let’s pack our things. I want to explore the capital.”

When Siegfried returned as a war hero, a party would be held at the palace in his honor. As the Elifritz family was the top noble house in the south, we would naturally be invited.

If possible, I wanted to arrive early and look around. By now, news of Siegfried’s victory would have reached the royal family, so the invitation would surely come soon.

The vineyard had recently begun to be cultivated again. For five years, I often visited Corte village to restore the farm to its former state. Every time, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed at Aisa.

Going to the capital was something I was really looking forward to, and I deeply wanted to meet Siegfried, but at the same time, I didn’t want to face Aisa. After all, she was the one behind blowing up half the mansion and the farm.

That aside, I wondered why Myriad, who had been used by that very same person to bring back the monster summoning stone and who had almost been captured, was so excited.

“Yay! I heard the capital has something called a casino!”

“Don’t even dream about it, Milo.”

Myriad, who was cheering with fists clenched, sulked at Avysion’s stern voice. I quickly escaped the verbal barrage aimed at Myriad and left the office.

As I stepped forward humming a tune, the sapphire earrings dangling from my ears jingled. Thanks to the many gifts I had received from Siegfried, my jewelry box was already packed without any room left.

Was it last year? I had written him a short note in a letter saying I had too many jewels and nowhere to keep them. It was a way of saying he didn’t need to send more.

It wasn’t always easy for me since I was receiving far more than I was giving. So I also asked him in the letter if there was anything he wanted.

In response, a jewelry box decorated with rubies and topazes arrived. That wasn’t what I meant by the question, though.

[Vanessa wraps the handkerchief embroidered by his wife around his wrist.]

That was written in Siegfried’s reply.

So what am I supposed to do? I’m not your wife, you know? …Or rather, it was too late to say that.

When I subtly asked for an embroidered handkerchief, I picked up needle and thread diligently. However, I was not very skilled, and what I finished looked like a ragged bandage.

Still, I sent it anyway because it felt a waste not to. Later, I saw a newspaper headline on the front page: “Prince Siegfried seen carrying a handkerchief with a bean bug design.” Bean bug? That was harsh. I had worked hard to make it a dragon symbolizing the royal family.

Anyway, there were many such anecdotes over the five years. And now Siegfried was finally returning. I went back to my room and packed with the maids.

Suddenly, I realized that despite having so many jewel accessories, my dresses were surprisingly simple and not quite fitting. Nobles of the capital, who were sensitive to fashion, probably wouldn’t wear dresses like these. I couldn’t lose face! I would definitely need to go shopping once I got to the capital.

The next day, after finishing all urgent work, Avysion received the invitation from the royal family. Since we had already prepared to leave, we set off by carriage as soon as the invitation arrived.

On the way to the capital, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Of course, I was happy about Siegfried’s return, but more than that, I had never been to the capital in my 25 years of life. Myriad, who was just like me, was going crazy too. So much so that on the third day of the journey, Avysion had to calm both of us and wrap us in blankets to sleep.

After a week of travel, we arrived at the capital. The Elifritz mansion there was rather small. Since the Elifritz family was a non-political noble house, they had little reason to come to the capital.

That was partly why, in the novel, Aisa tried to get engaged to me. As a powerful noble family that firmly controlled the south but did not meddle in politics, they were the perfect target. Especially now, with Siegfried’s name known throughout the empire, Aisa saw me as necessary. But unlike the novel, I would not fall into Aisa’s claws.

I never imagined Siegfried and I would be connected. Thinking about that, maybe Aisa would behave differently from the novel… or so I hoped.

The words of the royal knight sent by Aisa five years ago kept coming to mind. He had said I was being considered as a candidate for Crown Princess. I don’t understand how the person who summoned monsters at someone else’s house and sent Siegfried to war could even look at me with such intent. At least he still seemed to be mindful of others’ eyes, as he hadn’t called me to the capital privately as in the novel.

That rumor about Siegfried gifting me the Corte vineyard was still famous.

“Oh my, your husband-to-be is five years younger? Miss, you must be very talented.”

Though Aisa sent Siegfried to war and pressured the Elifritz family, the southern social scene did not know the details.

Because of that, I heard this comment often in southern society until just last year. It popped up again every time I was about to forget it. Surely she wouldn’t try to get engaged to me?

But maybe I was just being overly optimistic. I had better be as cautious as possible to avoid anything related to Aisa.

After unpacking at the capital mansion, I collapsed on the bed. The week-long carriage trip had exhausted even my excited self. I decided to rest today and start sightseeing tomorrow.

Siegfried must be at the Crown Prince’s Palace by now. The Western Kingdom, where he had spent nearly half a year, was not far from the capital.

I missed him terribly.

“You have an eye for fashion. The dress you’re wearing is this year’s latest model.”

“You look wonderful in it, Miss.”

The boutique owner and clerk showered me with compliments.

Wearing a light sky-blue dress, I twirled around in my seat. I knew their praise was typical, but even I thought it suited me well. I smiled contentedly at my reflection in the mirror.

“Then I’ll buy this one too.”

Having received so many gifts from Siegfried, my finances had become quite comfortable. Aside from the allowance Avysion gave me for maintaining appearances, I still had two or three diamonds left for monetary transactions, even after restoring the farm.

So every dress I tried on and liked, I bought immediately. At this boutique alone, I had already chosen over ten dresses.

“I think I’ve seen everything. Could you prepare the bill?”

“Certainly. And if you don’t mind me asking, may I have your name? Our boutique sends samples of new fabrics to the mansion every quarter.”

“Ariel Vera Elifritz.”

I answered while smoothing my sleek, translucent silk gloves. The silhouette shown with every subtle movement was quite pretty. I’d have to buy these too.

“Ah, you’re Miss Elifritz of the Elifritz family!”

The boutique owner exclaimed in surprise. Such reactions were now familiar, so I nodded without much fuss. But then the owner said something that startled me. Without even checking the bill, the owner ordered the clerk to wrap everything.

“Miss Ariel has already completed the payment. Laura, please bring the lady some tea while she waits.”

“Wait a moment.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“This is my first time here.”

The boutique owner nodded politely. Soon, several large shopping bags were placed at my feet. What was going on?