Chapter 97

This is the story right before "67 The Giant Dragon and the Young Hero." It's a grumbling session by the chief director.

"Ah, I'm so tired. That stupid Rolph! He really caused a lot of trouble."

After finishing the secret meeting with Kanam, the crown prince of the Naris Kingdom, I sank into the sofa, exhausted.

Because of this series of stupid actions by Rolph, my father and mother are furious. At this rate, at best, diplomatic relations will be severed, and at worst, it could lead to a war with Naris. War is the worst strategy that can bankrupt a country, yet what has he done?

After hearing the plan to capture Rana Colts from Shina, I took charge of the entire operation while explaining all the details to Kanam. That stupid Rolph would probably just say something cliché like, "I want you to resolve this with my life." There's no way my father's anger would be appeased by such a worn-out, shallow act of self-sacrifice.

Therefore, I involved Kanam, thinking that only someone of higher status than Rolph could resolve this.

...He's a terrifying 8-year-old. To manipulate me to this extent... Damn. I only managed to get about 70% of the expected benefits. My son might inherit Marita at the same time as that guy in the future, but will he be okay? Maybe I should educate him more strictly. At this rate, he'll be taken advantage of by Kanam in the future.

My wife, Luna, silently brought tea without saying a word, meaning for me to drink and calm down.

I drank the slightly cooled tea and sighed.

That stupid Rolph didn't believe a word I said in Naris. Given his cautious nature, I expected him to verify the story, but he was even more clueless than I anticipated. Bringing the pests from the Colts family to deal with the false saintess... It's not about fighting poison with poison. Think about what would happen if she were real. That's why he's so stupid, that stupid Rolph. I should have given him a daily dose of my nephew's fingernail scrapings.

"Lord Rolph seemed more thoughtful to me."

At Luna's words, I snorted.

"He only seems that way because he's surrounded by good people. He's a manipulator. He's a straight-line idiot who will charge ahead for what he deems justice, even at the cost of his own life. To the common people and those of lower status, he might seem like a hero. But he still lacks foresight. He should have been told to think carefully about his methods, both by my father and the King of Naris, after his last blunder. He's been doing undercover work for a few years, so he might have mistaken himself for an intellectual. Despite that, he's a dog that can only go straight."

"...I see. He's similar to Jinklett."

"Yeah, well... I guess. But, compared to that guy, Jinklett is still better, right? He's clean with women and, I think, considers the consequences of his actions more carefully."

Between that walking womanizer and my somewhat unreliable but clean and devoted younger brother, my brother is definitely better. That's for sure.

But Luna's lips curled up in a slight smile.

"Hmm. Shina also said that the brothers of Marita are 'brother-idiots.'"

"It's not favoritism. I'm just stating the facts."

Even my brother, who was about to mess up and run away from Shina, was somehow avoided. It was all thanks to the excellent maidservant by her side. Not only did she provide accurate support to Shina, but she even volunteered to be a decoy to trap the enemy. The greatest contributor this time is undoubtedly Lady Kir.

"Ha. I can only be grateful to Lady Kir. She managed to keep Shina from running away. If she had really fled, I don't think we could have caught her even with all our troops. Plus, Jinklett's reaction would be terrifying. He might destroy the country out of shock."

She saved the country from the brink of destruction. Maybe Lady Kir should be given a ministerial position or something. Despite being a commoner, her foresight, strength, and unwavering loyalty are perfect. I want a subordinate like her. I have a few trustworthy attendants and subordinates, but compared to the responsibilities of a crown prince, the number is woefully inadequate. I'm seriously envious of Shina.

"But why did His Majesty and Her Majesty even consider Lord Rolph as a potential fiancé?"

Luna frowned, puzzled. Indeed. They said it was for Shina's sake, but I think it was a terrible misjudgment. Thanks to this, Shina has developed doubts about the Marita Kingdom. I've always thought my father favors the stupid Rolph, but I think he overestimates him.

"I need to carefully find out their true intentions from my father and mother. But with the current situation caused by Rolph, it's not the right time to ask. The topic of Naris would just be deflected."

The national reputation has been tarnished, the trust built over the years has been shattered, and most importantly, Shina has been put in danger. My father and mother are clearly very angry. I want them to realize that the trust with Shina's parents is at risk, rather than focusing on revenge against Naris.

During the secret meeting with Kanam, I emphasized that he should not overplay his hand when facing my father. It would be easier to persuade my father if Kanam appears to be at a disadvantage and draws Shina in. Shina should also take this opportunity to vent her accumulated doubts and frustrations. The blunder by Rolph has provided a good opportunity to finally resolve the long-stalled engagement between Jinklett and Shina.

Although I may have caused a misunderstanding with Shina, it's clear that my father and mother value her. They are even mobilizing the full power of the Marita Kingdom to protect her. Personally, considering the value of what she can produce, I would like to keep her within the Marita Kingdom. However, my father and mother seem to prioritize protecting her over the loss of sending her abroad. Before she appeared, the Marita Kingdom was on the verge of decline due to the damage from monsters. They probably sought assistance from the Naris Kingdom out of concern for the worst-case scenario.

"Regarding Lady Shina's feelings, you haven't thought about them at all."

Luna pointed out sharply. I agree with her.

Even I, who have only known Shina for a short time, can tell that she is attracted to Jinklett. She is completely different when she is with him. Her expression softens, and she seems to relax naturally.

Shina is polite and approachable to everyone, but she is also very cautious. She maintains a certain distance to avoid getting too involved. However, this is not the case with Jinklett. She seems to be fully engaged and even appears to be leaning on him. Given her background, if Jinklett can provide her with such a place, it is a good thing.

"That stupid brother has always been overly protective of those he has taken in."

It's been like this since we were young. Whenever he picked up a stray dog or cat, he would dote on them so much that they would get annoyed. If it's a person, it would be even more annoying.

"You are the same. All the men of Marita are overly protective."

Luna said this with a wry smile. That's not true. I'm not that soft. But the look in Luna's eyes when she looks at me is full of exasperation. It's unfair.

"Ha. I understand my father and mother's concerns, but is Shina really good with Jinklett? Such a heavy and overly protective man might make her run away."

Thinking about my brother's heavy attachment to Shina gives me a headache. How can she not find it annoying to be clung to by such a big man, crying and clinging to her? I can fully understand the desire to introduce her to a better, more reliable man like Kir.

"...No matter what others think, being with the person you love is happiness for a woman."

Luna looked at me intently and whispered.

"I know, because I feel the same."

After saying this, Luna realized what she had said and turned bright red. My wife, who is called 'sister' by others, is so honest and cute in front of me. I'm the only one who has seen this side of her, and I don't want anyone else to see it.

I took Luna's hand, trying to hide her fluster, and kissed it gently. She looked at me with wide, swimming eyes.

My strong, beautiful, and adorable wife. Hmm, as the future mother of the nation and as my wife, she is the best. Despite having such a wonderful wife, I've been so busy trying to stabilize the country that we haven't had much time together as a couple. This is a problem. A big problem.

Fortunately, thanks to my adorable future sister-in-law, the country's numerous problems are being resolved. What a capable sister-in-law. Yes, that's right.

And Luna is right. I may not like his taste, but if Shina chooses him, there's nothing wrong with supporting her with all my might. She made the choice, so it's not for others to judge. I may not like his taste, but that's beside the point.

I am suddenly filled with enthusiasm. I will definitely bring this farce to the conclusion I have envisioned.

Then, the sweet time with my lovely wife, the best reward, awaits.

As a husband, more than as the crown prince of Marita, I vow to do my best.

◇◇◇

A few months after the return of the crown prince of the Naris Kingdom, the news of the pregnancy of Crown Princess Luna brought joy to the entire Marita Kingdom.

The unexpected good news for the royal couple, who had not been blessed with children since the birth of their first child, Sirius, caused a stir among the people. Although Sirius will be over 10 years older than the new child, it is a joy to have more children for the stability of the royal family.

Recently, the Marita Kingdom, which had been dark and heavy, was gradually changing.

Although the threat of monsters remains, the frequent attacks have decreased, and people can work hard during the day and rest peacefully at night. The normal daily life that was once taken for granted is returning, and the city is regaining its vitality.

The diversification of food through the edibleization of Zaros and the use of various herbs has led to the widespread popularity of new dishes, sparking a gourmet boom. The BBQ, a street event where meat and fish are grilled outdoors, which originated in Kyrat, has now spread to the capital. There is no longer any sense of tension due to food shortages.

Additionally, the spread of part-time work has helped to alleviate the labor shortage, boost the economy, and improve the overall economic situation.

And the regeneration magic, which was jointly developed by the Marita and Naris Kingdoms, has given hope to those who have lost limbs. It has also provided a sense of security to soldiers heading into battle with monsters.

Each of these changes is small, but the Marita Kingdom is surely regaining its former brightness and stability.

The rumor that the former saintess, who was called a criminal fleeing from a neighboring country, was the one who brought about these changes began to spread among the people, little by little. Although it was just a rumor, it was whispered in secret in Aile, where the monster-repelling incense was used, and in Kyrat, which had suffered a major attack. The fact that the former saintess became the adopted daughter of the Kyrat family, received the favor of the fourth prince, Jinklett, and was soon to be welcomed as his fiancée, was not openly announced but was welcomed by the people.

And the question of whether she was really a criminal, who brought about such benefits, began to grow in the hearts of the people, little by little.

☆☆ On October 11, 2022, the book "The Exiled Saintess's Rise to Power" will be released. ☆☆

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