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<Side Story 8>

Princess Rosetta was equally dumbfounded.

She had known the two would not stay in the kingdom.

Having assessed their capabilities to some degree, that much was clear.

'With talent of this calibre, they must hold high positions in the empire as well.'

Such people would hardly wish to come to a tiny island nation and wait upon a princess.

'Yes—I understand that much.'

But to be told to hire the very labourer they had been using themselves—that had left the princess utterly speechless.

"Was this man not a servant attending you?"

"No. He was someone we hired temporarily in Valmar."

"Ah, yes. That's right."

The princess, who had forgotten the existence of the employment contract amid the torrential waves of dopamine, belatedly recalled the fact.

She looked Zarvan up and down.

He was built like a giant, so he certainly looked strong enough for manual labour—but…

"He does not strike me as particularly capable."

The way he had stammered when asked why he had short-sold Riding Mining was still fresh in her mind, so he did not seem very trustworthy.

Rianell replied shamelessly.

"Precisely that is his strength."

"…That?"

"He is foolish enough to be employed without pay, allowing for reduced labour costs."

Oh?

"I am not a fool!"

Zarvan was indignant, but everyone ignored him.

"There is another reason."

Rianell continued her explanation.

"Your Highness said you do not trust other people."

"Yes. And?"

"In that regard, this man is exactly the kind of talent Your Highness can rely on."

The princess had said she trusted not people, but situations.

Thus, Zarvan—who was in circumstances that made betrayal impossible—was precisely the kind of person she sought.

"I have no homeland to return to, but that doesn't mean I have no rights!"

"It's not a bad offer for you either."

Asil patted Zarvan on the shoulder and began persuading him.

"Think about it. By now, the news that you made a fortune through short-selling has probably spread across the entire island of Valmar."

On this small island, rumours travelled fast, but the only way out was blocked by the sea.

Moreover, Zarvan's large frame made him stand out even among other foreigners.

And since many Valmarians had lost money in the mining scandal, there would certainly be those coveting Zarvan's money.

Even if not, there was a risk that people trying to identify him might uncover his true identity.

"Wouldn't it be wise to attach yourself to those in power as a precaution?"

Becoming a subordinate to the powerful meant doing their dirty work—but it also meant being protected as one of their retainers.

After a moment's thought, Zarvan spoke.

"I have always liked working for free."

"…"

At his sudden about-face, Rosetta furrowed her brow.

'Can I trust a man like this?'

But the fact remained that she was short on talent.

Especially someone with no capacity for betrayal—that was even more desperately needed.

"Very well. I shall take him in."

Of course, she had no intention of working him without pay.

Even the most incompetent person, if exploited without compensation, would inevitably harbour resentment.

"However, I would ask you to consider once more—becoming citizens of this kingdom."

---

"A satisfactory deal for everyone."

Princess Rosetta gained a reliable workforce.

Zarvan gained shelter and employment.

The empire secured a substantial tax revenue.

By all accounts, this was a happy ending that satisfied everyone—a perfect conclusion.

Yet Tiren felt there was something nagging at her—something that prevented her from ending the story here.

"But it seems the two of you gained no particular benefit."

"We received an hourly wage for the work we did in the kingdom."

"I see."

Fortunately, it appeared they had secured their own share.

'Come to think of it, to minimise future complications, accepting reasonable compensation might be the better choice.'

'But—were neither of them dissatisfied about returning to the empire?'

The princess must have offered considerable terms.

It was both gratifying and curious that they had still chosen to come back.

"Did you not want to stay in the kingdom?"

"The princess, as a successor to the throne, is in the process of consolidating her power base. She also lacks sufficient human resources, so work is overly concentrated on a small number of people. It is my assessment that considerable time and manpower will be required before Princess Rosetta becomes Queen of Valmar and the administrative system stabilises."

Rianell gave a long explanation, but it could be summed up in a single sentence:

'So you refused because it looked like too much petty work!'

"You know how Master is—she has always been that way."

Amid all this, Asil revealed a subtle pride in his teacher.

"…Yes, of course."

Rianell remained the head of the Special Taxation Bureau not because she lacked ability, but because she herself wished to maintain the status quo.

'I was worried over nothing.'

Rianell was, more than anyone, content with her present life.

And on top of that, she had found a spouse who understood and respected her—so it was only natural.

Feeling Tiren's gaze, Asil asked:

"Do you have any further questions?"

"No."

'They went on vacation and still ended up working—I've kept them too long.'

"You may go now."

Tiren dismissed them and set aside the expression of a fourteen-year-old girl.

Now it was time for the emperor. She picked up the reports.

But her gaze kept drifting across the paper.

Others might call them peculiar—but they understood each other completely.

In a way, one could say they were an ideal couple.

As she followed the lingering image of them, her thoughts drifted to the day of their wedding.

'Though I wonder if that could even be called a wedding…'

For a wedding between great houses, it had ended far too quickly—and looking back, it was utterly bizarre.

Only a dozen or so guests had been invited, and Rianell and Asil, the principals, had worn clothes little different from their everyday attire.

A ceremonial hall had been rented, decorated lavishly with fresh flowers and jewels, and in a corner, a famous orchestra played gentle music.

All the trappings were there—but the scale was so modest that it could have been mistaken for a picnic or a tea party.

Tiren was not the only one who thought so—Asil's grandfather, Herbert, had also not concealed his bewilderment.

[Do you even know what a wedding is?]

[Is it not a gathering of witnesses to attest that we have made our marital vows?]

[…]

Rianell had pursued efficiency even on that day, and Asil had stood quietly holding her hand.

He had said nothing, but the smile on his face expressed his complete satisfaction with the situation.

In a sense, it was proof that the couple were of one mind.

Amid the awkward atmosphere, Tiren had barely managed to lift the corners of her mouth.

[Um, what should I do?]

[If you have urgent business, you may leave early; if not, you may enjoy refreshments at your leisure.]

[Sh-should I recite a congratulatory address?]

[That is Your Majesty's freedom, but it will hold no great significance for us.]

[Why is that?]

[As adults who have freely chosen our spouses, we will continue our marital union regardless of any third party's obligation to offer blessings.]

Whether the guests blessed them or cursed them, the outcome would not change—so it did not matter.

People were taken aback, but Rianell acted as she always did.

Standing expressionless, she conversed calmly with Asil or those who approached.

For someone meeting their life partner, her attitude was far too placid.

But Tiren did not think her unhappy.

It meant she could be exactly as she wished, in exactly the place she wished.

'Perhaps that is what happiness is.'

Even if it looked strange to onlookers, to spend one's life with someone who fully accepted and cared for you—that might truly be a blessing.

'I might be a little envious.'

Since becoming emperor, Tiren had felt loneliness more keenly.

It was not that she lacked helpers. Many would come running if she reached out—but that was because she was the emperor, not because she was a fourteen-year-old girl.

That was why the fact that she had no one to fully reveal herself to, no one to lean on, stung deeply.

"Maybe I should attend a social gathering when I have time."

Who knew—she might find a decent conversation partner, or even a candidate for a consort.

Tiren, who had been muttering idly, straightened her body against the chair back and picked up her pen.

"I'll find someone someday."

The empire was vast, and time abundant.

"Mm… probably."

<A former empress hides her abilities (roughly)> Side Story 1 — End

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