A few days had passed since Meril had last met with the princess. It was when she went out of her fortress just to threaten three merchants into becoming slaves to the crown. Although Meril couldn’t take it at face value.

For the crown? Not entirely, it was not for the rulers. That was what Meril’s intuition told of the deeper meaning behind her actions. She mentioned making those merchants afraid. But considering her presence there, their symbol of fear was not the king nor the queen of their homeland. It was Estelia herself.

No, not only fear, but their salvation as well.

If those were not her intention, she wouldn’t have needed to come personally. And yet she did.

Estelia wanted control in the facade of it being the crown behind it all.

Her power grows, hiding in the shadows.

And now, here he was in her presence once more after being summoned. She sat there on the couch with a soft expression, he could sense that she seemed annoyed by his presence. Meril had noticed it for quite a while now, although admittedly he might have intended to annoy her a little for some time. There was something hiding within her, some darkness. And he wanted to have a glimpse.

But perhaps he already had, during the meeting with the merchants. Maybe she was acting, or not.

Curiosity kills, one might say. But curiosity, upon being given an answer, grants one with great relief.

“Estelia, what work might you add to your overworked uncle now?”

For some reason, her sweet smile only widened a little. Did she find his suffering entertaining to some degree?

“Uncle, you’re working hard.”

“Very.”

“I see. But I trust no one else with this decree for the merchants we have in our service.”

Estelia gestured for her maid, Mera, to give Meril an envelope. Upon receiving it, Meril immediately opened it.

As he did, he asked a question to the princess. “A top secret file?”

“Best to keep it hidden as possible. I don’t want it leaking somewhere.”

“Aren’t we already keeping things quiet?” He pulled out a sheet of paper from within the envelope.

“This one is extremely essential. We cannot let our enemies have even the slightest whiff of it.”

“Does your father know about this? Surely you told him, he’s the King.”

“Of course he knows. What use is that plan if the head of the nation is oblivious to it?”

“... And what about your servants?”

“They know nothing.”

“I see.”

Meril read the contents of the paper. He sighed after a while.

“This much, huh. In such a small time frame. But this may save us in times of need.”

Meril couldn’t help but feel astonished by her foresight. How could someone who was basically a useless child among royalty become this helpful and impressive? Where had she been hiding this excellence? Surely she was never acting like an idiot for the hell of it.

Or maybe she was? But why?

Was it because she was too lazy about any responsibility that she acted incompetent? What person would even have that determination to do such a ridiculous thing? In any case, judging from what she had been showing lately, she was dangerous.

What was her truth?

When he had the urge to get the truth out, his intuition warned him again. Not to pry.

It was annoying. What was so dangerous about her that even his own innate ability was warning him?

And thus, unable to resist, he asked a question. “Estelia, who tr— ugh…!” his question was cut short when a sharp pain rang in his head.

He was shocked and confused. Nothing happened. Estelia was still on her couch, looking at him with puzzlement. That pain came from within himself. His Intuition.

My ability invoked pain?

He never experienced something like this before. The information felt so intense and heavy that he couldn’t process even a fraction of it. And thus his pain.

“Uncle, are you alright?”

Meril took a deep breath. “Y-Yes, just a sudden headache. Must be a sign of overwork.”

“Then you should take some early sleep. I’m starting to feel bad.”

Meril chuckled. “I guess I will.”

“Good. And what were you about to ask me?”

He was tempted to ask again, but the throbbing in his head made him stop. “Nothing. I came to a conclusion just now.”

“Oh.”

“When should I start with this?”

“Right now.”

“Mm. Alright.”

“Be discreet. Make sure that the merchants say nothing to those uninvolved.”

***

Once he was out of the palace, Meril had to think of a way to give the orders to each of the three merchants that wouldn’t attract too much attention. The Empire must not discover that Wisteria had unveiled their plans and already had control over the merchants they once threatened to obey. At least not yet.

He couldn’t just summon the merchants and have them commit a mistake that would expose the operation — as there was a chance an agent of the Empire was watching over them. Sending agents also was not an option. They may be trained, but if they get captured by an enemy somehow, it would run the risk of them running their mouths about the decree by the princess. If that happened, it would all be for naught. Besides, there’s a reason the princess commanded Meril to do this personally, perhaps because she trusted him and not anyone else under his wing.

It would seem the princess had realized that war was inevitable and Wisteria would be hard pressed to win when the Empire invaded. The Empire had great numbers. However, if the alliance worked together, they may be able to match. Still, raw numbers would not be entirely helpful when considering magic users.

The Empire was not to be underestimated. They have stealthily clawed their way into Wisteria and slowly crippling it without being discovered for years. If not for the princess, Wisteria would fall into hell. She had become a central part of all of this. An essential core.

At any rate, the Empire was experienced in conquering, that in turn may mean they have great power prepared on their side. They were intending on conquering both Wisteria and Myra. It’s only up to the two which fall first.

To keep things subtle, it would seem he needed to visit them personally, one by one. A tedious thing, but it had to be done. They can keep the Empire guessing, but what’s important was that they wouldn’t discover what plan the princess cooked up. If the Empire abandons the merchants, at least they wouldn’t have a complete knowledge of what they were doing.

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

The first one easiest to sneak through would be the transport company head, Sina Indira. She mostly works at her home. She was a lonely soul, one could imagine the joy she felt when she found someone that could be her romantic partner for life. And then the princess came along.

The joys of life truly are abrupt.

Such a sarcastic thought came to him.

Now that he had a plan, he rode in his carriage, making his way to Sina Indira’s home. The carriage was common looking, so it shouldn’t attract much attention. He would need to scout around Sina’s home first to make sure there were no eyes, and find where he could stealthily come in.

It shouldn’t be that hard. It was not like it would be the first time for him. Even Meril had some other minor skill set that he learned in the course of his job.

Eventually they arrived near Sina’s home, protected by tall walls.

After moving around a little, Meril had his carriage stopped a fair distance away and covered himself with his cloak. He headed for the lonely side of the wall, there was no one around. Using the little physical enhancement he knew, he jumped and hung up the wall. By taking a little peek, he made sure there was no one that would catch him on the other side. There was a pair of servants cleaning, but they had their backs turned.

He lifted himself up and jumped over the wall, landing quietly on the grassy soil. Pretty easily, he sneaked through and reached the backdoor. It would seem because it was daytime, their security was quite lax.

Inside, he avoided the servants, but thankfully, he didn’t need to get upstairs. Sina Indira was already in her living room, drinking some sweet drink.

“Ms. Indira.”

She flinched, scared and surprised by his sudden arrival. “Who?! G—”

“I have with me the orders for you, from the matter a few days ago..”

She froze, terror still etched on her face. “T-That…?” She turned towards the servants. “Give us some privacy.”

Meril watched the servants scramble out, then gave a suggestion. “Best we talk in your office.”

“Y-Yes of course. Please follow m-me.”

Meril followed her into her office, and upon arriving, he nonchalantly sat down on a couch and lowered the hood covering his head. Meanwhile, Sina merely stood nearby, extremely nervous.

“I am Marquis Teristro.”

Her eyes widened. “A M-Marquis…? I-It is a p-pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Upon realizing what he was, now she only looked more afraid, very pale.

The sight made Meril pity the woman.

“How are your days since the meeting a few days ago?” he asked, intending to put her at ease.

“I-It’s great… great.”

“Are you and your friend getting closer?”

She flinched and began trembling. “... We have… we have not met again yet…”

Meril realized that instead of making things a bit better, he was making it way worse for her. Almost like she was about to faint.

He resisted the urge to sigh. “Ms. Indira, you do not have to be this afraid.”

“...”

“You, and your friend, will not be harmed unnecessarily. You don’t have to live your days in fear.”

She lowered her head.

Meril continued. “The crown is not cruel. As long as you prove yourself to be a loyal servant for our nation, you will be rewarded for your efforts.”

“I… I have committed a great sin against the homeland.”

“And the princess understood the circumstances. Don’t you see that is the reason you are spared and given another chance?”

She raised her gaze, facing towards Meril. There was an understanding glinting in her eyes, just slightly.

“Her mercy saved you, and now I ask you to repay it.” He pulled the paper from his coat pocket and placed it on the table. “You may need to coordinate with the others. But here, read your part.”

He tapped the part of the page where her task was and pushed it towards her. Sina slowly approached and picked up the paper, reading the contents. She gulped and slowly returned it to the table.

“Do you understand what you need to do?” Meril asked.

Sina nodded. “Yes. If it will help Wisteria, I will certainly finish it before a year.”

Meril smiled. “Good. I will visit on occasions to check things out.”

Sina bowed her head.

Meril rose from the couch. “Redeem yourself, Sina Indira.”

“Yes, my lord.”

***

After leaving Indira’s house, it was time to pay the weapon smithing company a visit. The place of operation was a busy place, and a lot of visitors always come and go to make deals with the company's head. As long as Meril didn’t do anything too high profile and didn't reveal his identity to the common folk, it should be fine.

Lobran Bronwen liked to work closely with the actual smiths, and he had an office next to the smithing chambers. There, he would occasionally meet with visitors to discuss business deals, and that was where Meril was intending on meeting the man.

Although, that did not mean he would wait for others to finish. Deals generally take almost an hour or more, it would be absurd to let a noble wait that long. And thus, before a pair of civilians could enter the office, Meril walked through the door first.

“Pardon, but I have an appointment.”

“Wha—?”

Meril closed the door without waiting for a response. Inside was Lobran Bronwen, sitting at his desk with an assistant. His brow furrowed at Meril’s sudden entry.

“Mr. Bronwen, we need to talk. It’s time to give you yours.”

Bronwen looked closely at Meril’s face under his hood, before his eyes widened in surprise. He waved his assistant out of the room. When it was just the two of them left and the door locked, Meril lowered his hood.

Bronwen stood up from his seat. “May I ask who sent you?”

“The princess.”

He closed his eyes for a moment. “I see. Then please sit down.”

“I am Marquis Teristro, and I am here to deliver you your instructions from the crown.”

“M-Marquis? I didn’t expect a noble of your standing would personally visit me.” he bowed his head.

“Sit down.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Meril pulled out the sheet of paper and pointed out the part that was Bronwen’s. The latter read it.

“I can definitely do that.”

“Good.”

He returned that paper to Meril.

Meril then asked about another matter. “Since I am here, I will have the information about where you delivered the weapons bought by an anonymous customer.”

“Oh! Yes. I have it right here.” He went to a cabinet and pulled out a group of keys from his pocket. He unlocked one of the drawers and pulled out a folded paper, and gave it to Meril.

Meril skimmed through the list. “Hm. I will deliver this.” He went for the door, but before going out, he said to Bronwen. “Do your job properly. Your roles are important.”

He promptly left and returned to his carriage. They then made their way to Gresnel’s office building. Egid Gresnel was a firm man, firm in the purpose given to him, that was what Meril sensed about him.

In their meeting with the princess, Gresnel was the one most eager to stay quiet about their crimes. Even now, Meril still carried some doubts about Gresnel’s true allegiance. He may be afraid of all his properties being taken away from him, and he might carry love for his home nation, but Meril was concerned about Gresnel switching allegiance depending on the situation he was put in.

Gresnel was unlike Indira who lacked the confidence to resist, who was more afraid than anything. He was unlike Bronwen who carried some loyalty and patriotism for his home kingdom, no matter how small, and no matter how sly he was when it came to business. Gresnel seemed to be more opportunistic, one that may side with that one that would give him the most benefit, or the most harm.

That was why he had some eyes watching over Gresnel. Did the princess realize the same thing Meril had? He didn’t know at all. She hardly shares her thoughts with people.

They arrived at their destination. After leaving the carriage, he ordered his driver to tell Gresnel that someone would like to speak privately with him, regarding the matter a few days ago.

When the driver left, Gresnel looked around. There was no one suspicious around that may be watching. Did they perhaps just leave the merchants to their own devices? At any rate, if he acted normal, any observers would only cross this meeting as any other business meetings.

After a while, the driver returned. Gresnel was waiting.

The two of them entered the building and then Meril alone entered the office.

Gresnel was there, and he bowed his head. “Marquis Teristro.”

“Oh? You know me?”

“I recognize you, yes.”

“I see.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Meril peered around the room, he felt nothing strange. He couldn’t help but feel a bit wary towards this man. His Intuition suggested he should, to keep a tighter leash on this merchant. And that he must do it. The princess was too restrained by circumstances and busy with everything else. It would not be wise to make her think about this matter as well.

As he sat down on the chair, he asked the merchant. “Have the people from the Empire paid you a visit?”

“No, not yet. I suppose as we appear to be still doing our job, they won’t attempt to communicate.”

He was not lying.

“I see. But be prepared, the situation will drastically change soon.”

“I understand… But what exactly is going to happen?”

Meril raised an eyebrow. “Not for you to learn now. Here.” He pulled out the plans and placed it on the table, tapping his finger on the merchant’s part. “Your instructions.”

Gresnel read the contents, and after a while, he lightly scratched the side of his nose. “This is manageable. But I may need some help in easily obtaining warehouses. Mine would be too obvious as targets.”

Meril nodded. “I will convey your concern to my superiors.”

“Thank you.”

“Make sure you do everything in your power, merchant. If we find out you’re holding back on purpose, you know the consequence.”

“Of course, I will do everything I can if it will help Wisteria.”

“Good. Do not waste the princess’s kindness.” Meril rose from his seat, about to take a step to leave, but then Gresnel asked.

“Is she truly kind?”

“What?”

“The princess.”

He must be conflicted about his opinion about the princess, especially after his first personal encounter with her. Impressive that he gathered up the courage to ask such a question to a Marquis working closely with her. Was the matter disturbing his mind all this time?

“She left quite an impression on you, I see.”

“...”

“Well, you left her no choice but to act what she is not.”

“What do you mean?”

“In our aristocratic circle, we have a title for her — the Pure Princess. The mysterious lady in the palace. A treasure none have ever seen, but only if you are lucky enough to have a glimpse of her.”

“You mean even nobles don’t get many chances to see her?”

“Of course. She is not for the common eye to see. With her kindness and naivety, she should avoid contact with people, mischievous and opportunistic, people like you.”

“...”

“The world is a dark place. Someone as innocent as her must be protected.”

“I see…”

“Have I settled your curiosity?”

“Yes.”

“Repay her kindness, Egid Gresnel. Otherwise, you will break her heart.”

And she is not someone you should double cross. She may show kindness, but I have witnessed she is capable of the complete opposite.

Betray her, and you will absolutely die, one way or another. How or how long, it didn’t matter, for death walks by her side.

“Careful on the path that you tread, merchant.”