🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 20. Serves You Right
The true heat of summer had begun, and the skies opened with torrential rain. The prolonged monsoon season caused the Kataros River to overflow. Those who had lived near the river lost their homes to the flood. As most of the refugees gathered in Eretria, the imperial palace convened an emergency meeting.
“Temporary relief shelters have been set up, but with the constant heavy rain, we’re facing a severe shortage of manpower.”
“Furthermore, the landslides have left many injured and buried under debris. We must urgently discuss support measures.”
Rose focused, trying not to miss a word of the rapidly progressing discussions. With her recent rise in standing, she had begun attending state affairs meetings. With the emperor still in seclusion, imperial officials and royal family members oversaw governance—and she now witnessed it firsthand.
She rarely had the opportunity to speak, but it was an invaluable learning experience. The problem was that Aracne was attending these meetings too.
“Wouldn’t it be perfect for the Saintess to go on a visitation tour? The presence of a royal would surely raise the people’s morale.”
Knowing the shelters were likely in poor condition due to the weather, Aracne was all too eager to suggest Rose for the task.
“You must’ve heard the rumors spreading across the empire, Rose. The people’s expectations of you are extraordinary. Shouldn’t you respond personally with your noble power?”
Aracne simply couldn’t accept that Rose—who had shown no signs until now—had suddenly manifested a blessing.
“But Your Highness, the shelters requested staff capable of being on call even at night. Her Highness the Third Princess would have to stay for several days, and the conditions are not suitable.”
An elderly knight seated opposite spoke up. Though nearing retirement, his eyes remained sharp. As the nobles quietly offered their opinions, Tanathis rested his chin on his hand.
“Sir Officier, if you’re saying that much, the situation must be quite severe.”
“Yes. The Royal Guard is currently involved in recovery operations at the landslide sites. We lack the personnel to spare for the shelters. Assigning a full escort to Her Highness would be difficult.”
Baron Officier, captain of the Royal Guard, trailed off with a troubled tone. Aracne, however, wore a sly smile.
“Why not take the Black Ones? Our youngest is close to them, so he’ll be happy to provide an escort.”
Ever since Rose had attended her coming-of-age ball with Arsen, gossip had circulated freely—some claiming the Third Princess and the Commander of the Remigis Knights were more than acquaintances. Rose had secretly hoped for such rumors, but now deeply regretted ever entering the ballroom with him.
‘I never thought it would come back to bite me like this.’
She hadn’t expected the situation would bring trouble to Arsen.
“The Remigis Knights are tasked with guarding the palace while the Royal Guard is away. If you can assign some healers or priests, I’ll go with a minimal escort.”
“We cannot entrust Your Highness’s safety to mere sentries.”
Baron Officier objected out of concern. Rose offered him a warm smile.
“It’s alright. The shelter is within the capital, and I’m just going to heal the injured. It won’t be dangerous.”
She planned to test how effective her “Regeneration” truly was. When else would she have a chance to treat actual wounded people? If she handled it well, her popularity would likely grow—two birds with one stone. As she solidified her decision to head to the shelters, Tanathis spoke firmly.
“You’ll go with the Remigis Knights.”
“And the palace?”
“Duke Bunoa, how did the order I gave progress?”
“As commanded, I obtained oaths of loyalty.”
Duke Bunoa, a middle-aged man with reddish-brown hair and golden eyes, was the head of one of the two ducal houses in Kalon. His sturdy build made it clear he had once wielded a sword.
‘I guess Lady Ellar takes after her mother.’
Rose thought of the duke’s youngest daughter—small and adorable—and studied him more closely. Tanathis explained to the room:
“During the last campaign, I secured the fealty of knights from the Beren region.”
Beren was one of the border territories Tanathis had conquered. He brought their knights with him when returning to the capital.
“They’re currently detained at the Bunoa estate. Soon, they’ll be called to the palace to serve as guards. So you’ll take the Remigis Knights.”
“There’s no need. The sentries will suffice.”
“They won’t. That’s why I’m saying this.”
Tanathis leaned back in his chair, a small frown appearing.
“The poor condition of the shelter isn’t just about facilities.”
“Then what is?”
“The refugees are hungry and injured. Who knows what they might do? Don’t assume it’s safe.”
His eyes scanned Rose, delicate as a flower stem ready to snap. He spoke with a detached tone.
“I don’t want to hear rumors of a royal getting attacked by beggars.”
At that moment, Ludwig, who had remained silent until now, spoke with a dark glint in his eyes.
“Weren’t these the very people who rebelled against the empire? And now you want to bring them into the palace?”
Clearly, Ludwig didn’t like the idea of welcoming former enemies.
“I understand your concern for your sister, but we can’t neglect security either.”
“This matter concerns the dignity of the royal family. Who would respect a royal escorted by a handful of sentries? And besides…”
Tanathis met Ludwig’s gaze coldly.
“The ones most likely to rebel must be watched up close.”
“…”
“I’ll be dealing with the palace’s backlog of affairs, so I’ll keep an eye on them personally. At the very least, they’re desperate to prove their loyalty.”
Then he turned to the Second Princess.
“So, Aracne, you’ll inspect the landslide sites in my stead.”
“Tanathis!”
“The Royal Guard will attend you. Sir Officier, I ask that you assist the Second Princess.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The landslide zones were even harsher than the shelters. At least the shelters had indoor spaces where the flood victims could take refuge, but the landslide areas required visiting numerous sites in heavy rain to perform grueling tasks.
Aracne, ready to object, was silenced by Tanathis’s cold stare. He moved on to the next item, uninterested in further discussion. The Second Princess trembled, glaring at Rose with suppressed fury.
‘Hah, serves you right.’
Rose was thoroughly satisfied. Aracne slumped into her seat, visibly shaking with rage. Ludwig’s snake-like eyes quietly followed her.
