Lord Baby Runs A Romance Fantasy With Cash [EN]: Chapter 103

☆ Chapter 104 ☆

“I know the theme of this competition is somewhat heavy, but I’m sure the ladies are well aware of the food shortage in the Northwest region.”

The ladies, taken aback by the Empress’s words, composed themselves and fell silent.

“I believe that those who do not turn a blind eye to the difficulties of the Empire’s citizens and deeply contemplate them are the talents who will lead the next generation of high society.”

The Empress smiled gently as she looked at the serious-faced ladies.

“Don’t think too hard about it. I just wanted to hear what you all think.”

When the Empress looked at Count Cheshia, he stepped forward.

“Each territory in the Northwest region has been appealing for help every spring when they experience difficulties. His Great Majesty the Emperor has been providing relief rice to fill the bellies of the Empire’s citizens.”

‘Right, it’s been three years already.’

It’s like pouring water into a bottomless pit, and the Imperial Family probably wants to come up with other measures soon.

However, Count Cheshia didn’t say anything about that.

“His Majesty wants to hear the ladies’ opinions on how to efficiently provide this relief and how to bring peace to the people of the Northwest.”

At those words, the ladies’ eyes hardened.

The thought that they could be of help to the starving people occurred to them.

“The ladies are free to use everything from the Diluculum Hall to the Repository Library.”

The Repository Library was one of the libraries located in the outer palace of the Imperial Palace.

‘Ah, so that’s why they blocked outside access.’

Today, I entered the palace alone because it was forbidden to enter the outer palace of the Imperial Palace except for those participating in the dawn festival.

Originally, my brothers or father always escorted me to the Imperial Palace.

“Furthermore, you are free to discuss with other ladies as much as you like. The result of the discussion may lead to the same opinion or completely different opinions, right?”

At those words, one of the ladies carefully raised her hand.

“But wouldn’t there be many people with the same opinion then?”

“Even with the same opinion, it would vary greatly depending on how it is expressed and how deeply it is interpreted.”

Count Cheshia said with a gentle smile.

“It would be good for each other to have free discussions, but to write the opinions solely on your own, right?”

‘Indeed.’

I was impressed.

That way, you won’t be able to express really good opinions during the discussion.

But the still energetic ladies might end up blurting out the most important opinions because they want to win while talking.

Sometimes, information that you don’t think is very important can be a big hint to others.

‘The key is how well you can discern the other person’s opinion while hiding your own position and information as much as possible.’

It’s not just about listening to and evaluating opinions on relief, but also about thoroughly evaluating social skills.

Of course, most of the ladies were completely unaware of the meaning behind the free discussion.

Rather, there were many ladies who were relieved that they could freely discuss.

‘I don’t know who decided on this method, but they’re quite clever.’

“You can submit your opinions by 5 o’clock.”

As Count Cheshia stepped back with a smile, the Empress stepped forward again.

“Then I look forward to the ladies’ performance.”

As the Empress and Grand Empress left, everyone began to chatter and talk about this competition.

But something other than the competition caught my eye.

‘The Grand Empress didn’t step forward and say a single word.’

It’s strange that she didn’t even say a word of encouragement.

‘Is her position in the Imperial Palace that weak?’

It was the moment I glanced at the Grand Empress’s back as she left the room.

The Grand Empress turned her body slightly and looked at me.

When our eyes met, the Grand Empress smiled gently.

And she left the room as if she had never looked back.

“…….”

No matter how I thought about it, it wasn’t the smile of someone who was shrinking back and unable to step forward.

‘Since there will be many opportunities to meet the Imperial Family after advancing to the finals, I need to examine them a little more.’

Winning the dawn festival is winning, but there was another fundamental reason why I came out into high society.

‘I need to distinguish who is the enemy and who can cooperate.’

“Ugh, I never imagined that the theme would be relief. What should I do?”

Jasmine said with a tearful face, and the other ladies nodded.

“Who would have known? I’m really embarrassed.”

“But Lady Tiriel seems to have some thoughts?”

“Oh, it’s nothing special… While experiencing the Black Death [a devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague] last time, I thought about what I could do when there were difficulties in the territory. I was thinking of writing about that…”

Seeing Tiriel speaking shyly, I felt that the future of the Andersen territory was bright.

“Wow, Lady Tiriel, you’re really amazing.”

“N-No, it’s nothing compared to the Princess.”

Lady Tiriel smiled shyly.

“I should go to the library first.”

“Me too.”

“What about Princess Ruatisha?”

“Ah, I don’t really need to go to the library. Go ahead.”

“Okay, then see you later.”

The ladies, feeling a little disappointed, hurried to the library.

Most of the ladies in the hall went to the library as well.

It seemed like they were going to look up data on how relief has been carried out in the past, discuss it, and then write the answer.

‘That’s the orthodox method, after all.’

The only people left in the hall were Lady Micheloin, Lady Poshette, and me.

“Princess Paeraton, are you not going to the library?”

Lady Micheloin spoke to me.

“I don’t have any thoughts of going right now. Lady Micheloin… You don’t really need to go, do you? You must have a vast amount of data in your head. You must have already thought about relief.”

Lady Micheloin smiled.

“You speak with such confidence. I didn’t know you recognized me so much. I’m not very noticeable.”

“Those who cannot recognize the sparkle even when it is hidden are no different from the blind.”

A different light flickered in Lady Micheloin’s eyes.

“Let me be honest. I didn’t like that you brought my family in before.”

I know that too.

“But apart from that, I had no choice but to acknowledge the Princess. You predicted that I would agree with the Princess’s words even if I didn’t like it, right?”

I just smiled silently.

Lady Micheloin looked at me and smiled back.

“It was quite an interesting strategy, and I prefer people who know how to use the situation rather than stupid people who engage in low-level arguments.”

“Even if the Lady was used?”

“I was also part of that situation.”

Lady Micheloin said coolly, sweeping back her long hair.

I had expected it to some extent thanks to the notification window, but it was refreshing to hear it directly like this.

“Good luck in the finals.”

Lady Micheloin asked for a handshake, so I took her hand.

After a short handshake, Lady Micheloin left without delay.

‘……It feels like a scene from a youth drama.’

I looked at my empty hand with a strange feeling.

It wasn’t a bad feeling.

“How could you do that!”

When I looked to the side at the sudden loud voice, Lady Poshette was trembling as if she had been betrayed.

“Why are you creating a rival-like atmosphere with her! When I’m here!”

“No, it’s not really a rival atmosphere… I just shook hands once.”

But Lady Poshette shuddered, as if she was about to die of resentment, and glared at Lady Micheloin, who had already disappeared.

“Shake hands with me too!”

She powerfully held out her hand, so I quietly took her hand.

Lady Poshette’s hand, who was the same age as me, was small compared to Lady Micheloin, who was older.

“You must know how great I am by now!”

Lady Poshette shouted proudly, as if she felt better after shaking hands.

“Just you wait! I’m going to write a really, really great answer and save the people of the Northwest!”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll look forward to it.”

“Good!”

Lady Poshette clenched her fist.

Then an awkward silence came.

“…….”

“…….”

“Aren’t you leaving?”

I thought she would leave like Lady Micheloin.

“I’m not running away! It’s a head-on match with you!”

She was a little cute, so I shrugged and got up.

Lady Poshette followed me.

I went out to the garden, lay down in a sunny spot, and took some time to sort out my thoughts.

Lady Poshette sat next to me and unfolded a blank piece of paper.

But even so, I could feel her gaze glancing at me.

How much time has passed?

It couldn’t have been more than five minutes, but Lady Poshette couldn’t stand it and shouted.

“What, aren’t you writing an answer? Are you giving up already? Then I’ll be really disappointed!”

“I’m not giving up, I’m just trying to sort out my thoughts.”

I closed my eyes as is.

The spring breeze gently tickled my forehead.

‘I wonder why Clartier left Lady Poshette behind.’

Lady Poshette’s opinion will not be of great help in the relief issue.

So she may have just left Lady Poshette, who said she would stay.

‘But is that really the case?’

Count Cheshia said that it was okay to discuss freely.

‘In other words, he’s also going to look at the attitude and contribution during the discussion.’

Lady Poshette will definitely express her opinions haphazardly.

Then she’ll get angry if her opinion isn’t accepted.

If Clartier takes on the role of mediating at that time, she can score big points.

‘Even if she doesn’t know anything else, Clartier, who is good at using others, wouldn’t use that?’

No way.

When I opened my eyes, Lady Poshette was looking at me with a sulky face.

She must be worried that I’m really giving up.

I smiled and closed my eyes again.

Tens of thousands of pieces of information came to my mind with my eyes closed.

This is why I don’t bother going to the library.

It’s obvious, but I’m not a genius.

Then why is my head full of so much information?

‘It’s all thanks to my ability.’

When I participated in the dawn festival, I wouldn’t have done it without any preparation.

Especially since I don’t know anyone unlike the other ladies.

As it happens, I was applying the ability .

The effect of this ability was very simple.

‘It puts all the information I want into my head.’

When I was feeding cider to the Branthe Lady’s gang, I knew all the major businesses of each family because of this ability.

It’s literally a walking encyclopedia!

‘Of course, how to use it is entirely up to me.’

Thanks to this, I know all about the situation in the Northwest and how relief has been carried out in the past.

‘It’s information that you can find even if you go to the library. But I didn’t refer to any data, so I’ll get extra points for being accurate.’

I carefully selected and gathered the information that came to mind, and then started thinking.

* * *

The Emperor, Empress, Imperial Concubine, and Grand Empress sat together for the first time in a while.

It was to evaluate the opinions on relief submitted by the ladies today.

“How is it?”

“These are the opinions of young ladies. It’s best not to expect too much. However, their hearts for the Empire are commendable.”

The Empress said, flipping through a few of the opinions in front of her.

At those words, the Imperial Concubine opened her mouth with a gentle smile.

“But sometimes, brilliant ideas come out that even stubborn adults don’t think of.”

The Empress looked at the Imperial Concubine with cold eyes and then smiled.

“The Imperial Concubine’s words are also reasonable. But brilliant things are often divorced from reality. Especially this time, there is even a ten-year-old participant, isn’t there?”

The Empress twisted her lips, fluttering Lady Poshette’s opinion.

“This is like, ‘I’m going to be the richest person in the world and help everyone!'”

The Emperor laughed heartily.

“If that happens, the Empire will have no worries. But even if she’s ten years old, we can’t underestimate her. There’s Princess Paeraton, isn’t there?”

At the Emperor’s words, everyone’s eyes lit up.

“This old man was also wondering about Princess Paeraton.”

“It’s already revealed that that child is smart and intelligent. But whether that’s all, or whether there’s Paeraton-like excellence, will be judged today.”

“Didn’t she already develop a cure for the Black Death? Her excellence has already been proven.”

When the Imperial Concubine took the Princess’s side, the Empress chuckled.

“The Imperial Concubine seems to be quite interested in Princess Paeraton?”

“It seems like the Empress is also interested.”

“Since I have a son, it’s natural to pay attention to such a smart lady. But the Imperial Concubine…”

The Empress trailed off, twisting one corner of her mouth.

Even with the words that attacked her sore spot, the Imperial Concubine’s smile did not waver.

However, her hand under the table was so strained that it was pale.

“Come on, stop it. This old man’s ears are getting embarrassed. Anyway, won’t the conclusion be reached when we look at Princess Paeraton’s opinion?”

That’s right.

The official in charge of sorting quickly raised Princess Paeraton’s opinion.

The Emperor, Empress, Grand Empress, and Imperial Concubine all examined the opinion.

Most of the other ladies gave their opinions on how to distribute relief.

Certainly, Princess Paeraton’s opinion went one step further.

Because it was written about the distribution structure and how to financially procure relief rice.

“Hmm… It’s definitely a good opinion, but were my expectations too high?”

The Emperor stroked his chin.

“It’s a little disappointing.”

“Lady Micheloin’s opinion is much better. Lady Micheloin suggested a way to cultivate the ability for the Northwest region to be self-sufficient, rather than saving it through relief, didn’t she?”

“She wrote about trade between the Northwest region and other regions. It’s a bit idealistic, but it was still quite excellent.”

“…Perhaps someone else developed the cure, not Princess Paeraton, as the rumors say.”

“That’s a hasty conclusion. Just because you have genius in one field doesn’t mean you’re perfect in other fields.”

Then the official interjected.

“Princess Paeraton did not go to the library or discuss with other ladies.”

“Oh? That’s quite interesting. Such accurate figures without any reference materials. Was she memorizing all of this?”

“Well, anyway, her past actions are good enough to pass, and this opinion is also outstanding compared to other ladies, so let’s let her advance to the finals without any problems.”

At the Emperor’s words, everyone nodded.

After that, the Grand Empress, who was looking at other opinions, frowned.

“That’s strange. There’s an answer sheet that’s exactly the same as Princess Paeraton’s.”

The Emperor quickly took the answer sheet.

As the Grand Empress said, it was true.

Except for a few sentences, the exact same opinion as Princess Paeraton’s was written.

The Empress checked the name written on the opinion from the side.

“Clartier Tarenka. It’s the opinion submitted by Lady Tarenka.”

The Emperor’s face was distorted with anger.

“To dare to play such tricks in a competition that I am evaluating! Who submitted it first?”

“It’s Lady Tarenka.”

“…Then Princess Paeraton?”

The Imperial Concubine quickly opened her mouth with a stiff face.

“It’s too early to jump to conclusions. Let’s have the two ladies cross-examined.”

The Emperor commanded with an angry face.

“Bring in the dawn festival participants right now!”

* * *

After submitting their opinions, the dawn festival participants gathered to enjoy dinner.

Everyone was more boisterous than usual, whether it was because they were hungry from using their brains or because they were happy that the competition was over.

It was when the participants, who had finished their meal in a good mood, were preparing to return.

“All the ladies and young masters, please come to Diluculum Hall as soon as possible.”

Count Cheshia said to the participants with a rare stiff face.

“What’s going on?”

“Wasn’t today’s schedule over with this?”

Everyone tilted their heads and headed to Diluculum Hall.

There, the Imperial Family members with stiff expressions were seated.

“There was an unpleasant incident at the festival that should have been enjoyable.”

The Emperor’s voice echoed heavily.

“Even if you discuss and come up with similar opinions, the opinion itself cannot be the same. In fact, there were many similar tones in the ladies’ opinions, but they were not the same.”

At this point, everyone realized what had happened.

Cheating.

A silent commotion spread.

In the midst of it, the Emperor opened his mouth.

“Princess Paeraton and Lady Tarenka, come forward.”

When the two likely winners of the dawn festival were mentioned, everyone looked at the two with shocked faces.

Clartier cautiously stepped forward and glanced at Ruatisha.

In her greenish-yellow eyes, there was an undisguisable sense of victory.