Chapter 7: Princess Mia... Puts on a Smug Grin

The first time she'd met him, things couldn't have gone worse. That day, Mia was calling on him, a young ministry official, to formally recognize his service. Her first impression of the young man wasn't bad. In fact, she quite liked him. He had smooth hair that was just long enough to cover his ears, and he wore a pair of foreign-made glasses. Behind the small lenses were eyes that sparkled with intellect. Though there was an air of distance to him, his handsome features were more than enough to catch Mia's eye. It was for this reason that Mia put on a smile, which she seldom showed commoners, and greeted him in an uncharacteristically gentle voice.

His reply, however, was cold and sharp.

"Do you have any idea how much it costs to feed you royals?"

"Wh-Why, how terribly rude of you."

The sudden affront left Mia baffled. The bespectacled man before her was apparently angry, but she hadn't the slightest idea why. It was exceedingly rare for Mia to see someone mad at her, never mind being reprimanded by someone she'd just met for the first time. None of it made any sense.

"I'll have you know that I'm here to recognize your efforts! Why, then, must I be subjected to such an offense?" she said indignantly. She had, after all, just bestowed upon the young man some words of appreciation.

Financial implosion and a raging epidemic, compounded with the revolt of a minor tribe, had pushed the empire to the brink of collapse. Officers, officials, and even top ministers had all been on the verge of fleeing their posts. That was when Mia had heard that there was one official who refused to abandon his duties and was continuing to work tirelessly all by himself.

"How terribly admirable. I do believe I should personally pay him a visit."

So she had, and there she was.

She had come all this way! Just for him! So how come she was the one who had to watch this supposedly loyal young official give her the fingers-to-glasses look of condescension and his whole "do you have any idea how much" spiel? And not only that, he kept going!

"I'd appreciate it if you'd stop standing there like a bump on a log. At least get out of the way. Also, there are plenty of things that only you can do, so if you've got so much time on your hands, please make yourself useful, Your Highness."

What insolence! What terrible insolence! This man's attitude is absolutely unforgivable!

Mia had been so upset by the encounter that she lost an entire night's sleep over it. Even after getting into bed, she kept grinding her teeth in anger as she tossed and turned over and over. By the time she'd stopped thrashing around, it was already bright outside.

In summary, their first meeting went horribly.

However, it was also true that even after Mia had been thrown into the dungeon, he remained steadfast in his work, running tirelessly from place to place in his lonely attempt to restore the empire. She'd heard that he'd appealed for her release, and among her countless subjects, he and Anne were the only two to visit her the day she was executed. Consequently, Mia's trust in the man ran deep.

If he'd only be nicer with his words, I'd have no complaints about him.

"...Hmph. Very well. If you're so passionate, Junior Tax Officer Ludwig, then I'll allow you to work to your heart's content. You are officially appointed to the Scarlet Moon Ministry."

The situation quickly took a turn, and the older official's patience had run out.

Ah-hah! Ludwig! That was his— W-Wait. Ministry of Scarletmoon?

"You're sending me to the countryside?"

"Correct. Why don't you go pull in more taxes from the country people? That'll solve this empire-wide crisis of yours, won't it?"

"But..."

Why, that's no good at all! That stupid four-eyes has already gotten himself kicked out of his job!

Mia panicked. The last time he was sent to the countryside, he didn't return until it was far too late. By then, the Tearmoon Empire was already beyond repair. In other words, if he goes...

I-I'm going straight to the guillotine!

Mia leapt out of the shadows and ran up to the two men.

"H-Hold on just a minute!"

"Ugh, who is it now... Wha— Y-Your Highness!"

"I believe I've heard enough to understand what's going on here."

The higher-ranking official dabbed at the thick sheen of sweat that suddenly coated his forehead. "Ah, well, I do apologize for subjecting Your Highness to such tedious discussion—"

"That doesn't matter. More importantly, I must say that I find it terribly unwise to be throwing young officials to the wayside with such impunity. I'd much prefer having them speak their minds and defend their arguments so that we might act on their ideas for the benefit of the empire."

"Ah, I see, but..."

Before the older man could finish his thought, Mia shot him a glare.

"My? Is that resistance I hear?"

"Wha— No! O-O-Of course not!"

"Lovely, I'm glad to hear that. By the way, you, the young man there. I believe your name was, hrm, Ludwig, was it?"

"Huh? Uh, yes..." replied Ludwig, somewhat puzzled by the sudden mention of his name.

"I'd like to have a word or two with you. I do hope that's all right," said Mia as she grabbed Ludwig's hand and pulled him away to another room.

"Hey— Uh, I mean, pardon me, Your Highness, but may I know what your concern is? There are many other matters that need my attention..."

At first, Ludwig was rather taken aback by this abrupt turn of events, but, having regained his composure, he was now rolling his eyes at the young princess's seemingly senseless behavior.

"I wish to talk to you for a little while."

"Uh, I'm pretty sure I just said I'm busy..."

"There's something I'd like to ask you about."

"...In one ear and out the other, huh. The selfish princess indeed. I see your infamy is more than deserved," said Ludwig with a resigned shrug before letting out a long sigh. "Well? Let's hear it, then."

"Very well. I suppose the simplest way to put this would be... How might one restore the state of the empire's finances?"

As soon as he heard this question, Ludwig's eyes narrowed.

"Hmph. In that case, let me ask you a question, Your Highness. Do you have any idea how much it costs to feed you?" he said, glancing patronizingly down at her.

In return, Mia replied, "Well, I do believe a single meal costs the equivalent of a month's salary for you, putting its worth at roughly one crescent gold. Am I correct?"

She then crossed her arms and looked at him with the smuggest grin she'd ever worn.