Chapter 539: Mariannes Departure
While Al is in Mizuho as Silver, Mia is in the fiefdom in her position as an imperial envoy.
"I see... His Majesty the Emperor is serious about engaging in battle with the kingdom."
"Yes."
Mia, who conveyed the Emperor's ssage to Marianne, examines Marianne's expression. Mia's visit was highly confidential. Only a part of the fiefdom knew about it. That's because the information had been sent to the fiefdom side in advance. Marianne was likely prepared for it at that point. She showed no surprise upon hearing Mia's story.
"His Majesty the Emperor has said that if you don't want to get involved, you don't have to."
"So, it's not an order after all. However, even if it's not an order... It's a request from my father-in-law. I can't refuse it."
"Aren't you pushing yourself too hard?"
Mia worries about Marianne.
It's been a year since the fiefdom ca under King Traugott. In other words, it had been only a year since the invasion by the Empire.
It couldn't be helped. If they had left things as they were, many more people would have died. They had chosen the future of the country over their families.
However, regardless of what they thought, the fact was that Marianne had brought in the Empire herself. There were not a few people who called her a traitor.
Even though under King Traugott, injustices are steadily being rectified and the fiefdom is beginning to prosper, the voices accusing her do not cease. Marianne knows what it ans to be involved in an invasion. If the United Kingdom acts on Marianne's request, the voices of resentnt will likely co from the citizens of the kingdom who will be exposed to the invasion.
"Is it hard...? Yes, it is hard."
"But then..."
"But I am a queen. I've co to understand recently that it's my role to push myself and persevere."
"That's quite the opposite of my image of a queen..."
"No matter what words are thrown at , I must smile and wave to the people. No matter how depressed I feel, I must encourage those around . The fiefdom is different from other countries. The power of the king is still weak, and difficulties arise one after another. I'm the queen. I must be a symbol for the people who confront those difficulties."
After saying that, Marianne gives a bitter smile.
Even though she thinks that way, she is still not able to do it well. The queen has to portray the ideal image of a queen. And the ideal image of a queen is, the more ideal the king is, the higher the hurdle gets.
"Mia, has the fiefdom changed?"
"Yes, it has... it has changed."
She had only seen a bit, but the city was lively.
Once upon a ti, only the nobles were smiling. Those nobles were also watching the faces of the nobles above them. The country was the property of the king and a part of the nobles, and the rest were just enjoying the spillovers.
The people were suffering from poverty, and children were always crying from hunger. Beggars were nurous, and many resorted to cri to survive. The city was overflowing with orphans and was far from lively. Every city was the sa.
But now, there is vitality. Foreign rchants co and go, and everyone is moving forward with energy. Many new stores have been established, and happy voices can be heard.
Before Traugott beca king, the people of the fiefdom had despaired of the royal family and the nobles. They were entities that only exploited them without giving anything in return. But now it's different.
Voices praising King Traugott can be heard here and there. It's not just superficial words. There are heartfelt voices overflowing.
"The fiefdom is changing. Although this might be the normal state for a country and the past was abnormal... but it is indeed getting better. However, it wasn't achieved solely by our efforts. The fiefdom is rapidly improving because of the large support from the Empire."
"Do you see this as a return for that support?"
If so, she should stop.
That's what Mia thought.
Support from the Empire was certainly welco. However, it was strange for Marianne alone to bear that debt. But...
"I never thought of myself as such a significant figure. The gratitude we have received from the Empire is sothing that the fiefdom will return bit by bit in the future. But we can't return it yet. So, there are people who are striving to make that possible. I'm willing to push myself for that person."
"Marianne..."
"I am King Traugott's wife. In the history of the fiefdom, he will be regarded as the greatest king. As the queen standing beside him, I want to be soone who's not ashad. I don't mind being called the wicked woman who stoked the United Kingdom. For the fiefdom, and for my husband, I should accept this cooperation request. Please tell His Majesty the Emperor that this Marianne will secure the United Kingdom's participation in the war."
To Mia, her image of Marianne was from her princess days.
But she had to realize that it was outdated.
Even if her appearance was the sa, the current Marianne was a different person from her princess days.
"You've changed, Marianne."
"Marriage changes a person."
With a small smile on her face, Marianne emanated an aura of dignity that Mia couldn't help but feel.
A few days later.
Marianne was at the fiefdom's port.
"Don't push yourself too hard, okay? Be careful of seasickness, and rest when you're tired. There's no need to hurry."
"Yes, don't worry."
Her husband, Traugott, had also co to the port to see Marianne off.
When Traugott learned everything, the ship was already arranged, and there was no stopping it.
His anger at the ti was imnse, so much so that he sent a letter of protest to his father, Johannes.
He was not angry about being overlooked, but rather, he disliked the idea of his wife shouldering such a heavy responsibility.
"Don't worry... you just need to convey the ssage. If we lack forces, I'll march into battle."
"That's not possible. And it would be difficult for you to substitute for a dragon knight, wouldn't it?"
"That's not true! I've defeated a dragon knight before! If needed, I'll lead the charge and crush the kingdom's army! Like this, like this!"
While mimicking the swing of a sword, Traugott spoke with utmost seriousness.
However, Traugott also knew deep down.
The reason the Empire was relying on the United Kingdom was because they had doubts about the fiefdom's forces.
If the Imperial Army were to prepare a large-scale army, a diocre force would not suffice as reinforcents.
"I don't doubt your bravery. You can show that bravery another ti. His Majesty the Emperor desires the Dragon Knight Order."
"I see..."
Watching Marianne chuckle, Traugott hung his head.
He knew very well that no matter what he said, he couldn't stop her.
"Well then, I'll be off. Please prepare for the supply of the United Kingdom's forces."
"Understood. By the way, how much of the forces do you intend to pull in?"
"Of course... I plan to bring in the Dragon King and all the Dragon Knights."
"That's... quite a number."
Although he thought it was impossible, Traugott smiled vaguely.
Marianne waved to him as she boarded the ship.
Thus, as an envoy to the United Kingdom, Marianne set off.
TL's Corner:
A very short arc, stay tuned for what is probably the most important arc starting next chapter in my opinion....
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