Episode 97. Can I have fun with the government, too?
The branch manager sank deeper into his chair and wrinkled his nose.
“It’s dangerous.”
“I don’t think it’s just dangerous. What were you thinking, sir...?”
"Originally, the game would end if you captured the King. If you just fought and defeated King Herod, there would be no need to fight the other, smaller kingdoms. Besides, you don't want to leave a precedent of being able to tear down the engine room and still survive."
“So you want to fight against the Herodian royal family?”
"With great reward comes great risk. And if things continue like this, it won't be all-out war."
The branch manager pulled out a thick document from the first drawer. It was a request for repairs to the Magic Dome from Herod's Navy. The repair visit was scheduled for the week after next.
"Don't respond to the statement yet. First, let's make a repair visit. Then, inform them that repairs will be difficult for the time being due to a lack of parts."
“Yes, I understand.”
“By the way, what happened to that third-rate newspaper thing I asked you to look into the other day?”
“I found a suitable newspaper.”
"Give them a hefty sum of money and take over the business on your own terms. You'll also have exclusive access to actor gossip. Spread the word here and there, gradually building the newspaper's profile."
"Yes!"
The branch manager threw the letter from Ansen into the blazing fireplace. It melted red, releasing a puff of black soot, and then vanished completely.
“Isabelle, what the hell is wrong with you?”
Mrs. Seymour held her dying daughter in her arms and wept. Since returning from the polo club a few days ago, Isabelle had been in a state of languor, practically refraining from eating or drinking.
Although she asked why, Mrs. Seymour already had an idea why her daughter was sick.
“You met the Prince and Princess at the polo club! What did the Princess say to you?!”
“...”
“Or what did the Prince say to you?!!”
As tears finally fell from Isabelle's eyes, Mrs. Seymour's chest felt heavy as if she were going to die.
She gritted her teeth and vomited out her anger.
"Prince Noah has such a terrible eye for women! Does he even look happy?! From what I've heard, the Princess's education is ridiculous. She can't even play the piano, let alone the violin. That's understandable. Didn't she grow up in such a strange place?"
Isabelle slowly raised her head and looked at her mother.
Mrs. Seymour's heart sank at the sight of her sunken face, which had lost weight.
Mrs. Seymour lifted Isabelle's chin and met her gaze. Then, staring intently into her beautiful, jewel-like eyes, she spoke firmly.
"Life is long. Right now, it may feel like your world has fallen apart because you lost Prince Noah, but one day, he'll regret losing you. Marry Jackson Coleman and became a socialite."
She slowly stroked her daughter's face and offered comforting words mixed with malice.
"The Prince will soon grow tired of his wife. He'll cheat on her, run away. He'll ignore her, despise her, and treat her like she doesn't exist. She won't even be able to properly enter high society. Daughter, by the time the Prince grows tired of his wife, you should shine brighter than anyone else. That's the best revenge."
“You think His Highness the Prince will be tired of the Princess?”
"Yes. Countess Timberline, who's tutoring the Princess, says it can't be that bad. Just wait. The Prince will soon have a mistress. All the older ladies are confident of that. Have we been in high society for a day or two? It's obvious at first glance."
Isabelle exhaled slowly, drank some water with trembling hands, and then brought up a completely different topic.
"I mean, Jackson Coleman. I just can't bring myself to marry him. Just seeing his face sometimes gives me goosebumps. His voice is disgusting, and when he kisses the back of my hand, it feels like a leech is crawling on it."
"Once you have a son, you'll be living in separate rooms. There are many families where you don't see each other even once a month. Look at your father and me."
"Then, can I have fun with the government? Like Mother."
Mrs. Seymour hesitated at her daughter's brash and impertinent words, but then smiled gently and affectionately. She gently stroked her daughter's hair and whispered in her ear.
“Yeah. Just don’t get caught up in it.”
Isabelle nodded slowly and spoke in a determined tone, as if she had made up her mind.
"Call Jackson Coleman. I'd like to invite him to the Hamington battleship construction ceremony."
Mrs. Seymour's face lit up at that.
“Yes. Good idea, Isabelle! Good idea!”
Mrs. Timberline stopped criticizing Olivia's attitude the day after she met the Prince.
Instead, she brought a huge list of popular books.
“Have you read ‘The Same Side of Love and Hate’?”
Olivia nodded to her.
“It’s one of my favorite books.”
“Is there a phrase that impressed you?”
“The phrase, ‘I loved so desperately and longed so desperately that one day, a hatred resembling love was born. Love and hate were born from the same cradle.’ comes to mind.”
Mrs. Timberline's lips twitched. Thinking she'd stumbled upon a familiar book, she thrust a list of popular books at the Princess.
"These are essential classics for any Herodian nobleman. Mark them as read."
The Princess picked up the paper with the list and read it calmly. The pen in her hand remained motionless.
'Well, then. When would a commoner like you ever read the classics that only nobles read? And how could you afford the books?'
Mrs. Timberline pursed her lips and scoffed.
At that moment, the Princess, who had just finished scanning the list, raised her head. Mrs. Timberline spoke softly, her expression gentle.
"The books listed here are the most basic of the basics. My fifteen-year-old daughter is reading them now. If you haven't read them, you absolutely must read and understand them."
Mrs. Timberline expected the Princess to be embarrassed or ashamed. But contrary to her wishes, the Princess nodded calmly.
“Fortunately, there isn’t a book on this list I haven’t read, Countess Timberline.”
As the Countess's ashen eyes took on a glint of disbelief, Olivia added her explanation.
"I graduated from Herrington College. Reading the Herodian classics was a required liberal arts course."
“Ha, but how do you get the book...”
Olivia stiffened at the overstepping words and closed the pen cap.
“You wouldn’t think that the prestigious Herrington College wouldn’t have a library, would you?”
It was only then that Mrs. Timberline realized that Olivia was the first female college student.
Although she didn't add anything, the classic novels Mrs. Timberline suggested were only a small part of the required college reading. Olivia also had to master the classics of philosophy, history, and politics, which were typically only available to male aristocrats.
However, Mrs. Timberline, who could not believe what she had felt, raised several questions for confirmation.
“Tell me about the life of Lucien Farfalle, author of ‘The Same Side of Love and Hate.’”
“Please tell me what ending the main characters of ‘Actors’ met.”
Olivia gave a rich answer to her simple question, and Mrs. Timberline was forced to abandon the liberal arts class.
Furthermore, Olivia not only had a vast biographical dictionary, but she also had a wealth of knowledge about Herod's history, which she studied at some point, so she was even more knowledgeable than her.
Olivia explained what she knew as naturally as if giving a lecture, and Countess Timberline had to force her mouth shut several times.
Even if she tried to seize the tangle, there was nothing left to grab onto. Furthermore, the maid waiting in a corner was watching her with a blazing gaze. She was undoubtedly under the Prince's orders to keep watch.
'Just set up Your Highness.'
'Just do something similar to verbal abuse!'
If she hadn't met the Prince yesterday, she wouldn't have even snorted, but now she couldn't ignore the maid's gaze.
The green eyes, which did not seem human, were so eerie that she even had a nightmare the night before.
Mrs. Timberline was finally forced to change her stance. She had to admit it.
'All the Princess needs is to enter high society.'
She knew party etiquette, the order of hosting, etc., by heart, so all that was left was to get started, gain experience, and build connections.
Of course, that was the hardest part.
Mrs. Timberline said, steeling herself.
"My family, the Marquis of Letium, plays a very important role in the capital's social circles. The Marquis is planning to open a salon in the near future. Come with me to a tea party. Since it's my family's home, I think it'll be a good first party."
“Yes, ma’am. I will do that.”
"I'll tell the Marchioness in advance. When attending a small tea party, it's customary to bring a small gift. While it's common to invite merchants to your home, these days it's more common to go out into the city and pick out the goods yourself. Why not give it a try?"
Mrs. Timberline asked softly.
Olivia smiled, maintaining a reasonable balance. Honestly, it was a welcome suggestion. After staying inside the mansion for several days, she was starting to wonder what was outside.
“That would be great too. Please tell me how to choose good ones.”
“I wonder if it will work out, Your Highness.”
Mrs. Timberline, remembering the Prince's sharp expression, acted more subdued than ever. It was impossible to imagine the way he had pointed out her posture with such a frosty air.
“Oh, and starting today, you have homework.”
She placed a round rattan basket in front of Olivia. Opening the lid revealed fine fabric and vibrantly colored threads.
“Have you ever embroidered?”
Olivia smiled awkwardly and shook her head, and Mrs. Timberline smiled even more earnestly.
'Right. I found it!'
"This is the most basic of basics, Your Highness. My daughter has already embroidered her father's handkerchief. Your Highness, you should embroider His Royal Highness's handkerchief."
Mrs. Timberline forced a rattan basket onto Olivia's lap.
Olivia stared blankly down at the basket on her lap. Perhaps it was the anticipation of a new challenge. Suddenly, she felt a pang of pain in her chest.
The branch manager sank deeper into his chair and wrinkled his nose.
“It’s dangerous.”
“I don’t think it’s just dangerous. What were you thinking, sir...?”
"Originally, the game would end if you captured the King. If you just fought and defeated King Herod, there would be no need to fight the other, smaller kingdoms. Besides, you don't want to leave a precedent of being able to tear down the engine room and still survive."
“So you want to fight against the Herodian royal family?”
"With great reward comes great risk. And if things continue like this, it won't be all-out war."
The branch manager pulled out a thick document from the first drawer. It was a request for repairs to the Magic Dome from Herod's Navy. The repair visit was scheduled for the week after next.
"Don't respond to the statement yet. First, let's make a repair visit. Then, inform them that repairs will be difficult for the time being due to a lack of parts."
“Yes, I understand.”
“By the way, what happened to that third-rate newspaper thing I asked you to look into the other day?”
“I found a suitable newspaper.”
"Give them a hefty sum of money and take over the business on your own terms. You'll also have exclusive access to actor gossip. Spread the word here and there, gradually building the newspaper's profile."
"Yes!"
The branch manager threw the letter from Ansen into the blazing fireplace. It melted red, releasing a puff of black soot, and then vanished completely.
***
“Isabelle, what the hell is wrong with you?”
Mrs. Seymour held her dying daughter in her arms and wept. Since returning from the polo club a few days ago, Isabelle had been in a state of languor, practically refraining from eating or drinking.
Although she asked why, Mrs. Seymour already had an idea why her daughter was sick.
“You met the Prince and Princess at the polo club! What did the Princess say to you?!”
“...”
“Or what did the Prince say to you?!!”
As tears finally fell from Isabelle's eyes, Mrs. Seymour's chest felt heavy as if she were going to die.
She gritted her teeth and vomited out her anger.
"Prince Noah has such a terrible eye for women! Does he even look happy?! From what I've heard, the Princess's education is ridiculous. She can't even play the piano, let alone the violin. That's understandable. Didn't she grow up in such a strange place?"
Isabelle slowly raised her head and looked at her mother.
Mrs. Seymour's heart sank at the sight of her sunken face, which had lost weight.
Mrs. Seymour lifted Isabelle's chin and met her gaze. Then, staring intently into her beautiful, jewel-like eyes, she spoke firmly.
"Life is long. Right now, it may feel like your world has fallen apart because you lost Prince Noah, but one day, he'll regret losing you. Marry Jackson Coleman and became a socialite."
She slowly stroked her daughter's face and offered comforting words mixed with malice.
"The Prince will soon grow tired of his wife. He'll cheat on her, run away. He'll ignore her, despise her, and treat her like she doesn't exist. She won't even be able to properly enter high society. Daughter, by the time the Prince grows tired of his wife, you should shine brighter than anyone else. That's the best revenge."
“You think His Highness the Prince will be tired of the Princess?”
"Yes. Countess Timberline, who's tutoring the Princess, says it can't be that bad. Just wait. The Prince will soon have a mistress. All the older ladies are confident of that. Have we been in high society for a day or two? It's obvious at first glance."
Isabelle exhaled slowly, drank some water with trembling hands, and then brought up a completely different topic.
"I mean, Jackson Coleman. I just can't bring myself to marry him. Just seeing his face sometimes gives me goosebumps. His voice is disgusting, and when he kisses the back of my hand, it feels like a leech is crawling on it."
"Once you have a son, you'll be living in separate rooms. There are many families where you don't see each other even once a month. Look at your father and me."
"Then, can I have fun with the government? Like Mother."
Mrs. Seymour hesitated at her daughter's brash and impertinent words, but then smiled gently and affectionately. She gently stroked her daughter's hair and whispered in her ear.
“Yeah. Just don’t get caught up in it.”
Isabelle nodded slowly and spoke in a determined tone, as if she had made up her mind.
"Call Jackson Coleman. I'd like to invite him to the Hamington battleship construction ceremony."
Mrs. Seymour's face lit up at that.
“Yes. Good idea, Isabelle! Good idea!”
***
Mrs. Timberline stopped criticizing Olivia's attitude the day after she met the Prince.
Instead, she brought a huge list of popular books.
“Have you read ‘The Same Side of Love and Hate’?”
Olivia nodded to her.
“It’s one of my favorite books.”
“Is there a phrase that impressed you?”
“The phrase, ‘I loved so desperately and longed so desperately that one day, a hatred resembling love was born. Love and hate were born from the same cradle.’ comes to mind.”
Mrs. Timberline's lips twitched. Thinking she'd stumbled upon a familiar book, she thrust a list of popular books at the Princess.
"These are essential classics for any Herodian nobleman. Mark them as read."
The Princess picked up the paper with the list and read it calmly. The pen in her hand remained motionless.
'Well, then. When would a commoner like you ever read the classics that only nobles read? And how could you afford the books?'
Mrs. Timberline pursed her lips and scoffed.
At that moment, the Princess, who had just finished scanning the list, raised her head. Mrs. Timberline spoke softly, her expression gentle.
"The books listed here are the most basic of the basics. My fifteen-year-old daughter is reading them now. If you haven't read them, you absolutely must read and understand them."
Mrs. Timberline expected the Princess to be embarrassed or ashamed. But contrary to her wishes, the Princess nodded calmly.
“Fortunately, there isn’t a book on this list I haven’t read, Countess Timberline.”
As the Countess's ashen eyes took on a glint of disbelief, Olivia added her explanation.
"I graduated from Herrington College. Reading the Herodian classics was a required liberal arts course."
“Ha, but how do you get the book...”
Olivia stiffened at the overstepping words and closed the pen cap.
“You wouldn’t think that the prestigious Herrington College wouldn’t have a library, would you?”
It was only then that Mrs. Timberline realized that Olivia was the first female college student.
Although she didn't add anything, the classic novels Mrs. Timberline suggested were only a small part of the required college reading. Olivia also had to master the classics of philosophy, history, and politics, which were typically only available to male aristocrats.
However, Mrs. Timberline, who could not believe what she had felt, raised several questions for confirmation.
“Tell me about the life of Lucien Farfalle, author of ‘The Same Side of Love and Hate.’”
“Please tell me what ending the main characters of ‘Actors’ met.”
Olivia gave a rich answer to her simple question, and Mrs. Timberline was forced to abandon the liberal arts class.
Furthermore, Olivia not only had a vast biographical dictionary, but she also had a wealth of knowledge about Herod's history, which she studied at some point, so she was even more knowledgeable than her.
Olivia explained what she knew as naturally as if giving a lecture, and Countess Timberline had to force her mouth shut several times.
Even if she tried to seize the tangle, there was nothing left to grab onto. Furthermore, the maid waiting in a corner was watching her with a blazing gaze. She was undoubtedly under the Prince's orders to keep watch.
'Just set up Your Highness.'
'Just do something similar to verbal abuse!'
If she hadn't met the Prince yesterday, she wouldn't have even snorted, but now she couldn't ignore the maid's gaze.
The green eyes, which did not seem human, were so eerie that she even had a nightmare the night before.
Mrs. Timberline was finally forced to change her stance. She had to admit it.
'All the Princess needs is to enter high society.'
She knew party etiquette, the order of hosting, etc., by heart, so all that was left was to get started, gain experience, and build connections.
Of course, that was the hardest part.
Mrs. Timberline said, steeling herself.
"My family, the Marquis of Letium, plays a very important role in the capital's social circles. The Marquis is planning to open a salon in the near future. Come with me to a tea party. Since it's my family's home, I think it'll be a good first party."
“Yes, ma’am. I will do that.”
"I'll tell the Marchioness in advance. When attending a small tea party, it's customary to bring a small gift. While it's common to invite merchants to your home, these days it's more common to go out into the city and pick out the goods yourself. Why not give it a try?"
Mrs. Timberline asked softly.
Olivia smiled, maintaining a reasonable balance. Honestly, it was a welcome suggestion. After staying inside the mansion for several days, she was starting to wonder what was outside.
“That would be great too. Please tell me how to choose good ones.”
“I wonder if it will work out, Your Highness.”
Mrs. Timberline, remembering the Prince's sharp expression, acted more subdued than ever. It was impossible to imagine the way he had pointed out her posture with such a frosty air.
“Oh, and starting today, you have homework.”
She placed a round rattan basket in front of Olivia. Opening the lid revealed fine fabric and vibrantly colored threads.
“Have you ever embroidered?”
Olivia smiled awkwardly and shook her head, and Mrs. Timberline smiled even more earnestly.
'Right. I found it!'
"This is the most basic of basics, Your Highness. My daughter has already embroidered her father's handkerchief. Your Highness, you should embroider His Royal Highness's handkerchief."
Mrs. Timberline forced a rattan basket onto Olivia's lap.
Olivia stared blankly down at the basket on her lap. Perhaps it was the anticipation of a new challenge. Suddenly, she felt a pang of pain in her chest.
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