Ariel thought it wouldn’t be good for her to interfere too much.
A dignified, composed appearance—that was the ideal image of a companion Ariel was pursuing.
“…well?”
It was then that Ariel sensed a murderous gaze staring at her from somewhere. She turned her head. From the top of the imperial palace, far away from the castle wall where Ariel stood, she could see the figure of a woman looking at her.
Even without asking why that woman was on top of the imperial palace, Ariel seemed to know the reason. Probably for the same reason she was now on top of the castle wall.
The distance between Ariel and Iris was about 1 km. However, that distance did not prevent the two women from recognizing each other’s appearance. Despite the distance, the two women exchanged piercing glances.
Neither Ariel nor Iris had the slightest intention of averting their gaze.
“…heh.”
Laughter emerged.
It was just ridiculous that a woman who didn’t know anything, or at best, knew one thing but not the other, was pining after the sun. It seemed that she believed in her proud status and held her head up, but could she really maintain that attitude even after knowing the truth?
Even mere creatures tend to turn their heads toward the sun in their lives. And he was a person with so much affection that he would show pity even towards such insignificant creatures.
She had already lost, and that stupid woman staring at Ariel from a distance didn’t even know it.
“…..”
The first to step back was Iris. She clicked her tongue at Ariel, then quickly turned her head away.
Ariel didn’t know why that proud girl took a step back. However, there was something certain about this: ‘…that b!tch would cross the line sooner or later.’
Iris was already unable to hide her animosity toward Ariel. Ariel could bet everything on that girl’s visit in the near future.
It didn’t matter. No, on the contrary, she was hoping for that. Because—
Ariel came to the island for that very reason.
“Princess, your visits are always welcome.”
While muttering that, Ariel smiled lightly without even realizing it. A smile so beautiful.
****
[Cain’s POV]
In the north of the empire, there was a huge mountain range that crossed the east and west sides of the continent. The name of the mountain range was the Ibarencia Mountains. This high and rugged mountain range boasted a loftiness that was beyond the reach of men; and its proud peak pierced the sky.
The mountains were the source of the Kildern River. Its current wound through the folds and soon flowed into the Duchy of Estel.
The Kildern River was a small tributary that ran through the middle of the Duchy of Estel.
Even a thousand years ago, the Duchy of Estel had fertile plains, starting with the Kildern River. However, all that remained in this place now was a barren wasteland where the land had exhausted itself. Except for some crops that grew well even in the desolate land, there was no farming in the Duchy of Estel.
The weather was also unpredictable, so it was not uncommon to see snow or frost in midsummer. As farming did not work properly, commerce and industry naturally contracted, and as commerce and industry contracted, it was inevitable that income within the territory would also decrease.
Over the course of a thousand years, everything that made up the Duchy of Estel lost its meaning. The Duchy of Estel, which remained in this place now, was like an empty shell, remembering the glory of a thousand years ago and chewing on memories.
“…this is serious.”
Lucian groaned at the scenery outside the window. Throughout the trip, despite being kindly informed about the current situation of the Duchy of Estel, Lucian had not really believed it. Now, seeing the truth with his own eyes, he was unable to hide his agitation.
“Isn’t there something similar to a special product? If not that, what about mine development?”
“Hey, do you really think we’ve been sitting still in the Duchy of Estel for a thousand years, sucking our fingers?”
I let out a self-deprecating laugh and kindly explained to Lucian.
“A useful mine nearby has long since been abandoned. Also, there was no such thing as a specialty product even a thousand years ago when it was popular. Now, there is no way something like that will come out of nowhere.”
“…then. This is…”
Lucian frowned, then let out a sigh.
“I don’t understand. A thousand years ago, why did the first Duke of Estel choose to be located in a land like this? Did he think people could survive in such a barren land?”
“I think I’ve said it a hundred times. It was nothing like this a thousand years ago, and about two hundred years ago, farming was carried out in the Duchy of Estel. And there was a time when gold and silver were pouring out of those abandoned mines. As a nobleman, he must have made the best choice for his descendants.”
No matter how farsighted the first Duke of Estel was, he couldn’t have imagined that a thousand years from now, the Duchy of Estel would look like this.
“That’s why I hope you don’t look at me like that. No matter how barren this place may be, it is, after all, a place where people live. We haven’t lived a poor life to the point where you have to feel pity for us.”
A man who had never been hungry since he was born would never understand the plight and pride of the poor.
“…..”
At my words, Lucian closed his eyes.
As he shut his mouth, the inside of the carriage automatically became quiet. Why did that guy have to say some meaningless words and make people feel bad?
However, what he said was not completely wrong, so I sighed and closed my eyes. I wanted to calm down my heart which had been disturbed by that guy.
How much time had passed like that? I felt Aria, who was sitting quietly next to me, slightly shake my arm.
“Young Lord, I got a call from the carriage in front. They say we’re going to arrive at the main town in a while.”
“Okay?”
“Um… and there was one more message that they urgently wanted to deliver to you.”
“An urgent message?”
“Yes.”
Saying that, Aria held out a folded piece of paper toward me. I carefully unfolded the slip of paper, trying to suppress the rising anxiety.
[The delegation of the Marquis of Castana arrived. Do not go directly into the main building and wait in front.]
“…..”
As soon as I got home, it seemed that something quite unusual had happened.
Goblin: Please consider becoming a Patron at Patreon to read more chapters, and you can also support me by donating at BuymeaCoffee! A little support can help me a lot!
The Patreon page has (IPUAW Level 1) at $5 only a month. Member of this tier will get access to Two Advance Chapters immediately, then stay Two Chapters ahead of regular release for the month!
If you enjoy this novel, please take some time to rate it on NU
Become a Supreme Patron for only $30 to access all the advanced chapters of all the novels on Goblinslate!
Please point out any mistakes if you find one.
Please whitelist this site in your a*blocker to support the translation.