Part One, Section Two: “Crisis Over My Homeland”
Chapter Twenty-four (Mia’s POV)
“You’re planning to… bring my sister back? But Your Highness… the kingdom of Parnacota has already paid a large sum of money…”
Prince Julius proposed to bring back Philia, now that he had begun to fear demons. I thought he might gain some sense of crisis, but his approach was way off base. The kingdom of Parnacota paid a substantial sum precisely because they recognized my sister’s value… Even if we could offer more money, I doubt they would agree to send her back.
Besides, my sister was activating the Grand Anti-Evil Magic Circle. Having decided to protect the country, there’s no way she would ever abandon it and deactivate the magic.
Prince Julius didn’t know, but it was fair to say my sister’s existence now held Parnacota’s fate. If I were in charge there, I’d keep her in comfortable confinement…
“Money? If it’s money, we can pay in portions. We can cover it by raising taxes… Also, I plan to ask your father for assistance. Confiscate his assets if needed. We’re going to become relatives, so it’s only natural, right? Besides, that man is to blame. He heard about the high price your sister could fetch and his eyes changed, his breathing grew heavy. Such incompetence, unable to foresee a crisis like this…”
Hmm, isn’t it a bit too harsh to call my father incompetent right in front of me? Personally, I’m not so offended by it, since I was shocked that the father was actively trying to sell Philia, but still…
“The kingdom of Parnacota won’t return my sister, no matter how much we offer… She’s become too crucial for Parnacota. Instead of that, please use that money to bolster soldiers who can keep demons in check. There might be casualties, but it’s a more realistic approach.”
I offered advice to Prince Julius. Honestly, I’d rather not have to interact with someone like him, but since he holds significant political power, it couldn’t be helped.
“Hahaha, does Philia really hold such value? She might be somewhat skilled in putting up barriers, but she’s just that kind of woman. Mia… what’s happened to you lately? Mimicking your sister isn’t necessary for someone as charming as you. Since you’ll eventually become my wife, try not to be insolent.”
Sigh… Looks like getting through is impossible… I never imagined he could be this stupid. Sis didn’t get along with him because he was far too foolish to understand someone so intelligent… His moronic thinking is beyond me too…
“Then, could we at least consider returning my aunt, Hildegarde Adenauer, the former saint, back into active duty? She’s a valuable individual besides me who possesses the ability to use barrier magic.”
“Hmm, the former saint, you say… Very well. Philia will return and take care of everything, but until then… I’ll dispatch guards so she can serve as a saint. Good enough?”
Aunt Hilda retired after Philia and I became saints. There wasn’t any talk of illness or physical strain, so she should have no issue returning to active duty.
Still, it’s likely just a drop in the ocean…
The biggest obstacle was still Prince Julius. As long as he leads the country, it would continue hurtling towards ruin. The solution might be to remove him first.
For that purpose, we need to create a situation where His Majesty the King can be more active… But, Sis’s medicine has also run out…
“Rather than that, Mia. How about we discuss the future of the country in bed? Since we’re engaged, some level of communication is…”
“What are you saying before our marriage? If you truly care about me, please restrain yourself.”
Honestly, getting aroused in this situation is nothing more than a primitive mentality, akin to that of a monkey. I have no intention of letting you lay a finger on me, so could you please stop directing that filthy grin at me?
I swiftly left the castle and returned home, where my ashen-faced father waited.
Most likely, he was asked for money by the prince. With all the plans for constructing a grand mansion now in ruins, he was probably wringing his hands in frustration…
“Mia, why would His Highness suddenly demand the return of Philia? Do you know something? He even seizes our assets all of a sudden…”
“Oh? Tell me why you gleefully sold your own daughter, and I’ll happily answer that question, father!”
“Uh…!? Wh-Wh-What are you talking about? Selling Philia… such a thing… I’m at a loss. If we run out of money, our household will…”
The father could only display his agitation and didn’t provide any answers.
He was solely consumed by worries about money. I felt disappointed in such a father, and as I pondered the possibility that Philia had been mistreated behind my back all this time, my chest ached and I felt nauseous.
I was such a fool. I thought I was being loved unconditionally without even knowing what kind of feelings Philia had been living with. When I think about it more deeply, the reason we couldn’t live together was not because of her lofty ideals, but because both the father and mother were completely indifferent to her.
Why didn’t I realize it until now…?
But to protect this country, we need Philia’s power. I must learn how she made that unique medicine and get the king moving again…
“Maybe I should send a letter? But security has gotten tighter lately, so slipping it through won’t be so easy…”
“Shall I deliver it?”
“M-Ms. Himari…! Mmgh…”
“Quiet… please.”
Just as I agonized over how to overcome this situation, Himari, the ninja assigned as Philia’s escort, appeared before me once again.
My plan to remove Prince Julius from power started now…
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