The Envoy of Giles
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Sir Wendell smiled and glanced toward a corner of the room.
"Perhaps we should find a quieter place to talk."
Paul hesitated for a moment, then nodded and followed Sir Wendell to the corner.
They clinked their glasses and took small sips.
"How enviable!"
Sir Wendell stroked his little mustache, complimenting, "Princess Catherine is a rare beauty. I believe you've become the public enemy of over half the young men in Crystal Glare."
"However…" a look of concern crossed his face.
"However what?" Paul prompted.
"Uh… nothing! I just think that with your skills, you can easily handle those little matters!"
Sir Wendell chuckled.
"Little matters?"
What was he trying to say? Paul furrowed his brow. "Sir Wendell, can you tell me more about these little matters?"
"Alright!"
Sir Wendell sighed slightly, looking somewhat troubled. "I've heard that our King and his sister, Princess Catherine, have a somewhat… awkward relationship!"
What? Paul felt a surge of vigilance.
Could it be that they…
"There have been rumors in Crystal Glare that the late King originally intended to pass the throne to his daughter—Princess Catherine."
Sir Wendell leaned closer, explaining in a low voice.
"You know, our princess is certainly no less capable than any man; she handles affairs and military matters excellently. She even faced off against Duke Giles on the battlefield before."
"So, it's perfectly normal for the late King to have that intention. But…"
"For some reason, the throne eventually fell to the current King."
"Ah! With such a strong-willed sister, the King must feel a bit of pressure…"
Sir Wendell seemed to casually reveal this secret.
"Ha, don't take it too seriously; these are just unfounded rumors. Anyway, congratulations on winning the kingdom's jewel."
Phew! Paul breathed a sigh of relief; so this was what Wendell wanted to say.
Seeing Paul's reaction, Wendell felt a bit confused. Shouldn't Paul Grayman be more apprehensive about being entangled in the highest power struggle?
"Sir Wendell!"
Paul smiled and said, "Thank you for letting me know these things; I will… keep a close eye on them! But I believe everyone wants this country to move in a positive direction. Am I right?"
"Ha ha, you're right!"
Sir Wendell replied somewhat awkwardly, considering he was sent by a lord who had recently instigated a rebellion.
Seeing that his words hadn't had the intended effect, he changed the topic.
"Duke Giles has always been very fond of various exquisite items from the Northwest Bay!"
"Oh, the paper you manufacture is incredibly convenient! And those fine porcelain pieces have become standard decor in noble residences."
Paul raised his glass and clinked it with Wendell's.
"It's our honor; we will continue to serve our esteemed guests with 200% enthusiasm."
Sir Wendell took a small sip and said, "Our Duke—Lord Giles—has always hoped to befriend you and establish a genuine friendship!"
Paul feigned surprise. "Oh? Has my little reputation reached Duke Giles' ears?"
"Oh ho ho ho!" Wendell laughed. "The merchant ships from your territory have nearly filled our ports. Seeing those peculiar ships that can move freely on the sea without oars or crew, anyone would be curious about their owners."
"I'm glad our trade can be so close."
Wendell gazed deeply at him. "In fact, we could be even closer, not just in trade."
Cough! Paul lightly cleared his throat. "Of course, that's only proper, after all… we are both lords of Aldor, aren't we?"
Paul emphasized "Aldor" as he spoke. Wendell smiled and lightly raised his cup.
"Nice to meet you, Earl Grayman!"
He knew that some matters shouldn't be rushed.
"Nice to meet you too, Sir Wendell!"
Paul and he finished their drinks.
---
"What did Giles' man say to you?"
To Paul's surprise, Catherine came to find him.
"Uh, just some polite talk!"
Paul replied casually.
"He said their people like items from the Northwest Bay and hope to strengthen trade relations."
"Hmph!" At the mention of Giles, Catherine seemed a bit annoyed.
She said with resentment, "That's a huge shame in my life!"
"What?"
"He instigated a rebellion, yet I've allowed that guy to remain free to this day, while I am helpless."
This was consistent with what Paul knew; when Catherine led troops to suppress the rebellion in the south, it seemed she hadn't won decisively, or rather, it could be said that Giles had come out ahead.
After all, the lords in that territory were all on his side now.
"Perhaps… you could make things a little easier for yourself…"
Although Catherine's frowning expression was beautiful, Paul thought it would be better to comfort her.
"Make things easier? I would like to!"
Catherine shook her head, her expression one of bitter sorrow.
She slowly lowered her head again.
"Perhaps when I reach the Northwest Bay, I will live that kind of life."
Without armies to train, and no affairs to handle, she could only be an ordinary noblewoman.
Spending her days tending to flowers and plants, trimming the garden, casually organizing afternoon tea parties with other noblewomen, and occasionally going to watch theater performances.
Such a life seemed quite pleasant.
"That's a beautiful place," Paul said with a smile. "I think you'll come to love the Northwest Bay."
Catherine looked at Paul, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
After all, this man before her was the one she would spend her life with.
"Gle… Paul."
She softly called his name.
"Oh, Your Highness."
"Just call me Catherine from now on."
"Alright, Your Highness."
"You should stay in Crystal Glare for a while, right?"
Hearing Catherine's question, Paul nodded. "Yes, it's my first time leaving the Northwest Bay this far. I want to learn more about the outside world."
A blush appeared on Catherine's face. "Then… I hope we can see each other more often in the future."
Hehe, it was the first time Paul saw this armored princess display such a lovely expression.
"I hope so too, Your Highness."
"I said…"
"Catherine!"
(End of the Chapter)
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