Sigrid Novel Chapter 77

The two of them in the Achtschwietz? This was sothing I never imagined. Should I reveal to them that I'm a spy?

'No, I can't do that.'

Sohow, I need to find evidence first and return with it before things escalate. Sigrid steeled her resolve. At that mont, Marie-Chez cleared her throat discreetly. When Sigrid turned to look at her, Marie-Chez spoke:

"By the way, Siri, I heard you were invited to Her Highness the Crown Princess's salon?"

"Huh? Oh, yes."

Sigrid nodded. It had barely been ten days since the baby was born, yet she had received a special invitation. Marie-Chez fiddled with her teacup and said:

"I wish I could be invited too."

"Really?"

When Sigrid asked with a puzzled expression, Marie-Chez emphasized:

"Of course! Isn't Her Highness the Crown Princess at the pinnacle of social circles right now?"

"Ah, that's true."

Lowengrin nodded.

Normally, the Empress would be at the center of social circles, but whether it was because she was the second wife or simply uninterested, the current Empress wasn't very active in social events. Compared to the bustling salon of the Crown Princess, the Empress's salon could be described as desolate.

Sigrid recalled the cheerful Crown Princess.

'She certainly has charisma.'

A kind person who even gifted her expensive armor...

"I'll ask about it for you."

"Really?"

Marie-Chez's eyes sparkled. Sigrid nodded.

"I can't promise anything, but..."

"No, just asking is enough. Thank you, Siri! I love you!"

"What a materialistic love."

As Lowengrin muttered, Marie-Chez laughed with an "Oh my?"

"What's wrong with spending love on sothing worthwhile?"

Lowengrin exclaid "Oh?" in admiration, then said with a smile:

"What romance novel have you been reading lately?"

"A romance between a materialistic woman and a prince."

At those words, Lowengrin chuckled, while Marie-Chez snorted, saying "What's wrong with that?" indignantly. Lowengrin quietly spoke up:

"Siri."

"Yes?"

"If I were you, I wouldn't announce that I'm dating Beramund Lunatil."

"Uh...? Why?"

"Everyone knows Beramund Lunatil is on His Highness the Crown Prince's side. And the Achtschwietz is His Majesty the Emperor's personal guard. They're bound to clash. Don't tell anyone."

Lowengrin's tone was serious, and since she wasn't wrong, Sigrid nodded.

"I understand."

It would be better to avoid even small suspicions, especially since she had to play the role of a spy.

"Good. Then let's get going."

"Huh? Already~?"

"You're still recovering. It's not good to stay out too long."

"Ah, right. You did say you were feeling a bit dizzy earlier. Eat well and get plenty of rest. We'll co again."

"But I'm fine—"

Sigrid mumbled, but Marie-Chez raised her finger, ordering her to go to bed. Then she asked:

"By the way, Siri."

"Yes?"

"What level of friendship do you think we're at now?"

At this probing question, Sigrid thought for a mont before answering:

"Levels don't matter between friends."

At those words, Marie-Chez gasped, placing her hand on her chest.

"Our Siri has grown so much!"

"I think I'm going to cry," Marie-Chez said, pretending to wipe tears with her handkerchief, and Sigrid laughed. After making sure Sigrid had obediently returned to her room and lay down on the bed, Lowengrin and Marie-Chez left her house.

Marie-Chez said cheerfully:

"To think that Sigrid is now dating. Isn't this amazing progress?"

"Indeed."

Lowengrin nodded. Watching Sigrid's changes, well...

It gave her the feeling that nothing in this world is impossible.

"But the more she changes, the more it seems she's getting into trouble..."

Lowengrin murmured. Unlike when she simply followed orders, if Sigrid now thinks for herself, agonizes over decisions, and chooses her own path, how strongly and unwaveringly will she walk that path?

Lowengrin bit her lip slightly.

If asked who would die for their cause without a shred of regret, Lowengrin would na Sigrid without hesitation.

She would give her life without regret or fear.

And Lowengrin liked Sigrid very much. She didn't want her to die or get hurt.

Lowengrin sighed as she got into the carriage.

"Why are you sighing? You'll make the ground cave in."

Marie-Chez said, crossing her legs. She closely examined her shoes. Had mud splattered on her new shoes with ribbon decorations?

"I feel like troubleso things are going to happen."

"Because Siri is dating Beramund? But even though he's a playboy, he doesn't have a bad reputation, right?"

"No, it's not just that. Though that's part of it."

Lowengrin thought of her fiancé, wondering if she should discuss it with him.

"Then what's the problem?"

At Marie-Chez's question, Lowengrin groaned and said:

"Why is Sigrid leaving the Imperial Guard to join the Achtschwietz?"

"Maybe she feels awkward working in the sa place as her lover and superior?"

"She said that wasn't it. Besides, the very existence of the Achtschwietz is, well..."

Lowengrin fell into thought. Marie-Chez stuck out her tongue and said:

"Lowie, you think too much. Don't think about such things, just enjoy life. Let's tell the n to deal with the headaches."

"I'd rather not end up covered in filth later for avoiding headaches now."

At Lowengrin's response, Marie-Chez went "Hmm" and leaned back comfortably in the carriage.

"But don't you hate troubleso things?"

At Marie-Chez's words, Lowengrin blinked and smiled.

"You've hit the nail on the head."

It was true that she was soone who spoke easily but didn't act. Lowengrin knew this well about herself. But perhaps now was the ti to move.

"It's because I like Siri."

At Lowengrin's words, Marie-Chez laughed lightly.

"Sigrid must be amazing to move even the great Lowengrin."

"Oh my? Look who's talking. Who's the one practicing sword skills every day?"

At Lowengrin's words, Marie-Chez nodded, saying, "Ah, that's true."

The two looked at each other and burst into light laughter.

"I should go see my fiancé."

At Lowengrin's words, Marie-Chez lightly patted her shoulder.

"I don't know what it's about, but good luck."

"Thanks."

Lowengrin nodded.

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Hatien looked up at the sound of high heels.

"Lowengrin."

Hatien had such delicate features that he gave off the impression of a scholar rather than a knight. The thin silver-rimd glasses he wore further strengthened this image.

"What brings my fiancée here?"

Hatien asked, taking off his glasses and placing them on the desk. Lowengrin smiled softly. As she was visiting her fiancé, she was dressed in an elegant gown. It was a plain dark green dress with gold embroidery on the neck and sleeves, but that was enough for Lowengrin.

"Is it not allowed to visit my fiancé without a reason?"

"That's not it at all. I'm glad to see your beautiful appearance."

Hatien stood up and lightly kissed the back of Lowengrin's hand.

The Arcanian Empire has three ducal families and six viscountal families. Both Lowengrin's Alsekidna viscounty and Hatien's Illisaine viscounty were currently neutral factions.

Lowengrin spoke quietly:

"Actually, it's true that I ca because I have sothing to discuss."

"I thought as much."

Hatien nodded and turned his gaze to the balcony, saying:

"Shall we go outside? There's no wind today, and the sun is pleasant."

"Sure."

Hatien nodded to a servant, and they quickly prepared seats on the balcony.

After the preparations were complete, Lowengrin sat in a chair on the balcony and looked down.

"The garden still looks unimpressive."

"Co back in a month."

"I suppose I should."

"Or you could co permanently."

At Hatien's words, Lowengrin turned to look at him. He was smiling as always, and Lowengrin rested her chin on her hand, saying:

"You should wear your glasses."

"I can see your face well enough."

"Your eyes are so sharp that when you say such things, it doesn't sound romantic."

At those words, Hatien laughed and told the servant to bring his glasses. After putting them on, he asked:

"Do I look more romantic now?"

"Yes. Actually, n with glasses are my ideal type."

"Then I should wear them all the ti."

As he nodded, Lowengrin laughed and then said softly:

"I'm always grateful for your patience."

"Judging by your flattery, it seems the matter you want to discuss is quite serious."

Hatien said leisurely, interlocking his fingers. Lowengrin blinked and said, "Oh my."

"It's not that important a matter. I wanted to ask about the Achtschwietz."

"You an the Emperor's personal guard. I've never seen it end well. The concentration of power leads to the concentration of wealth, and that quickly leads to corruption."

"I agree with that. But I'm talking about the problem of blood continuing to flow from their swords until it doesn't end well."

"It's still quiet for now."

"Yes, it is."

"Do you think they'll purge the nobility?"

"I think they'll weed out so to a certain extent. Even if they don't, their very existence will put pressure on us."

"The Lunatil Duchy, Arbandom Viscounty, Soltier Viscounty — these three will be directly affected. They're firmly in the Crown Prince's faction after all."

Hatien said, holding up three fingers. Then he folded them one by one.

"But it doesn't seem to be that kind of atmosphere yet."

"Once such an atmosphere is created, it's difficult to reverse."

"Oh?"

Hatien lowered his glasses slightly and looked at Lowengrin.

"Are you suggesting we side with the Crown Prince's faction now?"

"No, I'm saying we should be wary of the Achtschwietz."

At Lowengrin's words, Hatien put his glasses back on and nodded.

"I agree with that."

Lowengrin spread her arms slightly and said:

"Actually, a friend of mine joined them, but I don't think it's for a benign purpose."

"This friend of yours is...?"

"Sigrid Ankertna."

"Ah— the famous Master. She joined the Achtschwietz?"

Hatien rubbed his thumb on the teacup, lost in thought.

"I understand."

He nodded.

"Let's apply so pressure."

Hatien smiled slyly.

"We'll make it so they can't focus on internal discipline. If things get chaotic, many gaps will appear."

"Thank you."

Lowengrin tilted her head slightly, and Hatien shook his.

"Not at all. It's sothing we needed to do anyway, and it's a request from my lovely fiancée. That friend must be very important to you. For Lowengrin to co and ask a favor... Does that friend know?"

"Siri would co to protect

from anything just because we're friends, even if I didn't do anything."

Lowengrin was certain of this.

Hatien raised his eyebrows, then lowered his eyes and said:

"Valuable friends are hard to co by."

"Yes, that's why they're so precious."

"I understand."

Hatien nodded. When Lowengrin extended her hand, he took it with a puzzled expression. She smiled and said:

"Now, shall we have a conversation befitting an engaged couple?"

Hatien smiled and nodded.

"Let's do that. If you'll allow

to read you so poetry I recently bought."

"Hmm— I'll tolerate it as long as it's not Bairin's poetry."

"That's a relief."

Hatien smiled brightly.

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Sigrid requested an audience with His Majesty. She worried it might not be granted, but unexpectedly — or rather, quite promptly — a servant called her inside.

The Emperor looked at the female knight bowing her head before him.

"Well, have you recovered from your cold?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful for your concern."

"It's nothing. So, what brings you here?"

"I've co to accept the important task you ntioned before."

"You an joining my personal guard?"