Now, Go Ahead and Stamp It - Chapter 35

“First, I would like to know how the chairman’s affairs have been handled since my departure and how far the investigation has progressed.”

“Ah, yes. We have found all the gunpowder, cartridges, and guns used in the previous shooting incident.”

Caught off guard, Kaiden began his report.

“Of course, the culprit escaped safely… Phew. Even thinking about it now, it was truly, truly reckless. Considering how hard I tried to catch the culprit…”

“Hehe, thank you for that. At least it will make it seem less like a setup, and Your Highness will be safer.”

As Ellen smiled gently and moved on from the situation, Kaiden gave up on saying more and continued his report.

“Alright. Anyway, the analysis of the evidence collected here shows, as expected, that the gunpowder was not authorized by the imperial family. The mixture ratio was different, which immediately gave it away, and the results show it matches the combination previously analyzed.”

Kaiden walked over to the desk and rummaged through the stacked reports.

“As for the cartridges and guns, since we need to infer based on the manufacturing methods, it’s difficult to proceed with the investigation using only experts from the imperial family, so we’ve sought cooperation from other territories.”

“Did you send it to our territory as well?”

“Yes. We’ve sent it to the Port family… Ah, here it is.”

He pulled out a bundle of documents from the pile of papers.

“Even if the gunpowder manufacturing facilities are temporarily halted, they won’t think of disposing of all the manufactured gunpowder. If Gillian is preparing a rebellion, gunpowder that escapes the imperial family’s surveillance will be essential.”

“From now on, it will truly be a battle of intelligence.”

“That’s right.”

Ellen skimmed through the documents and carefully put them away as she spoke.

“I plan to demand a divorce again based on this incident.”

“Are you planning to definitively point to Krembell as the mastermind behind the assassination?”

“Yes. Therefore, the role of the imperial family becomes crucial here.”

“What should I do?”

“The imperial family only needs to step in and pretend to mediate appropriately. Until we obtain definitive proof of treason, we cannot oust Krembell because of the Meeting of the Lords.”

“That… I’m sorry.”

“No, I would have done the same. Anyway, that’s why the imperial family needs to show a friendly gesture to Krembell while pushing for the divorce.”

“But if we do that, the plan to weaken Krembell…”

“Exactly. If we take Crient away but give them something else, this action becomes meaningless. That’s why we’re doing it this way.”

Ellen smiled broadly, as if just thinking about it was delightful.

“There is a very interesting method.”

Listening to Ellen’s lengthy explanation, Kaiden spoke with a bewildered expression.

“I think it’s a proposal only you could come up with… but is it really possible?”

“When have I ever lied about safety?”

“Right. You have never lied, though you have been silent.”

“Oh my, Your Highness seems to hold onto past matters longer than I thought.”

When Ellen replied with a sly smile, Kaiden gave her a sidelong glance.

“They were significant enough to remain in memory for a long time.”

“I hope you become a bolder ruler. Anyway, I trust Your Highness will handle this matter.”

He let out a deep sigh at Ellen’s request and said,

“…I suppose I have no choice. If this business is truly finished, let’s go in and rest. You still need to recover.”

“No, there’s still one more thing.”

“There’s still something left?”

“Yes, this is the last one.”

Kaiden spoke with a somewhat reluctant expression.

“Talk.”

“Your Highness, are you aware there’s a very big problem with my room assignment?”

“Ah.”

He uttered an exclamation as though he realized something, then spoke with a very apologetic face.

“I’m sorry. It’s indeed uncomfortable because it’s a room that hasn’t been used in a long time. I’ll address it immediately. I did mention that my room was the biggest and most spacious at first, but everyone was adamant—”

“No, no, that’s not it.”

Ellen denied it with an incredulous expression.

“It’s not? If there’s something you don’t like, feel free to tell me. Right now—”

“No, Your Highness, that’s not it.”

Watching him say something that’s not even come close to what she intended to say, Ellen held her head.

“…I heard that room was traditionally used by the crown princesses when staying at the Crown Prince’s palace.”

“That’s right.”

“Your Highness.”

Ellen continued speaking before he could utter more nonsense.

“I let the ring go because it was just a symbol of a promise between us, something we could keep private.”

“Right… I gave it to you to decide whether to make it public or not.”

“Yes, I appreciate it. But this time, it’s different. The crown princess’s room? The Crown Prince, who never had women, chooses to bring in a married woman, and that married woman is the Crown Prince’s cousin, Your Highness.”

“It’s okay because you’re my cousin.”

“Your Highness, they will surely talk about Your Highness’s taste in women and moral sense—”

“Unless they have sh*t in their heads, they’ll say I’m a Crown Prince who cherishes his cousins’ family.”

“This place is full of people with sh*t in their heads! Besides, didn’t you oppose Gillian at the meeting?”

“And those shitheads would have criticized me for being heartless and lacking humanity if I had just treated you like that!”

As Ellen’s voice rose, Kaiden also raised his voice and shouted.

“……”

Ellen was at a loss for words.

‘They would have slandered me no matter what attitude I took.’

Indeed, his words made sense. They were certainly people capable of such behavior.

“My lady, you are certainly capable. Your ability to read information between the lines is truly outstanding.”

He sighed, covering his eyes with his large palm.

“Your ability to lead conversations with people is also impressive. I’ve found myself being swayed more than once. But at least when it comes to the psychology of those shitheads, I know better than you. I’ve been fighting them since the moment I was born!”

As he spoke, his emotions seemed to rise again, and his voice grew a little louder.

“And it’s not my way to neglect my people just because I’m afraid of the wagging tongues of those bastards.”

Ah.

The tension that had seeped into Ellen’s fingers was released.

She had been judging matters in the same way as Gillian.

“Or… are you worried that such stories might be directed at you?”

When Ellen didn’t answer for a long time, Kaiden asked in a cautious tone.

“They always gossip about someone. If I did as you requested, they would have gossiped that you were shunned by your husband and even your friend. But it’s true that the nature of the rumors would be different. I thought it would be better to be comfortable if I had to hear those words, but if you think—”

“…No. I think I finally understand Your Highness’s way a little.”

There was no need to make him uncomfortable any longer now that she understood.

“I’m sure there will be stories about me. They’ll say I’m a woman who changed sides. But since it’s true, I don’t really care. Of course, I will retaliate for their impudent behavior.”

“That’s quite a bold spirit.”

“If I didn’t have this much courage, I wouldn’t be in this position at my age.”

“Are you imitating me now?”

“Who knows.”

Ellen shrugged lightly with a smile.

“If you’re worried about the harm that might come to you, I’ll change your room to wherever you want right now. But if not, it’s better to stay there.”

“I will. I’m still not used to these things. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. I heard from my late mother that the process of learning is like that.”

“I see.”

“I’m more concerned about whether you’re really okay with your answer.”

“Of course. I’ve decided to speak up from now on. Besides, giving a suitable pretext often returns as a good justification later. I’m actually looking forward to it.”

Ellen said with a bright smile.

* * *

Elsier sighed in worry.

Is my sister doing well?

Today, too, his mailbox at the academy dormitory was filled with irrelevant news.

What he was waiting for was news about his sister, but everyone seemed to be silent on that matter.

The boy paced around his room, feeling restless.

‘No, I need to keep my head straight, especially at times like this.’

After all, worrying about it here wouldn’t solve anything.

With the determination to keep the promise he made to his sister, Elsier headed to the campus park today.

Seven in the morning, the park near the girls’ dormitory.

There was a female student there, ostensibly to train her physical strength.

“You’re here again today?”

“I like it here because it’s quiet and there’s no one around.”

“Phew. If it were me, I wouldn’t bother coming all the way here. The boys’ dormitory side is bigger and better.”

With a sigh, the girl named May Sorbon replied.

She was the person involved in the incident Ellen had asked him to look into.

May was stretching her legs.

Elsier also settled nearby.

“You’re diligent. You’re always here before me.”

“You probably came out earlier. I just got here early because it’s right in front of me.”

From the way they naturally settled into their spots, they seemed like friends who had known each other for a long time.

But it had only been a week since they formally introduced themselves.

Their mutual internal familiarity, due to their respective reputations, played a significant role.

May finished her stretching first.

Noticing that she was about to leave, Elsier spoke.

“Wait a moment.”

Elsier, who had been bending over, stood up abruptly.

As May looked at him curiously, Elsier hurriedly shook his wrists and ankles and then smiled slightly.

“Running alone is boring. Let’s go.”

He quickly started walking, afraid she might say something else.

Tap, tap, tap, tap.

In the quiet dawn park, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps echoed.

Their steps, with just the right amount of force, created a lively rhythm.

Their strides were light, and the dawn air was refreshing.

“Elsier.”

“What?”

At Elsier’s question, May hesitated for a moment.

After a few moments of moving her lips, she seemed to make up her mind and spoke.

“…It would be better if you didn’t show yourself around me too much.”

Her calm voice broke the quiet space.