My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 84

§ 84. The Princess’s Visit (1)

Sian felt like his mind had gone blank, much like Eoi, who was away on a trip.

First, there was the sudden visit of the princess.

Why on earth would the princess come to Ruben?

Ruben was a territory located in the Dark Forest.

It might sound strange for the lord to say this…

But frankly, it was no place for visitors.

Even mercenaries were reluctant to take on jobs related to the Dark Forest.

And now a princess was coming in person?

What’s worse, Sian hadn’t even received advance notice of the princess’s arrival!

Then, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

‘Could it be… His Highness [Crown Prince Conrad]?’

It all stemmed from his conversation with Conrad in the West.

Conrad had brought up the possibility of a marriage between the princess, Elena, and Sian.

Sian had refused immediately.

What if Conrad, unable to give up on the idea of Sian, had acted impulsively…?

‘Hmm…’

He wondered if that could be the case, but at the same time…

He also thought it was plausible.

Well, okay.

Let’s assume that was the reason.

『[Story-Linked Quest] – ‘The Truth Kyle Faced’』

But this was completely inexplicable!

The sudden reaction of the story-linked quest.

The quest reacted as soon as Sian learned about Elena’s visit.

That meant Elena and the truth Kyle faced…

It could be interpreted as the two being somehow connected.

‘What kind of connection is it?’

But what relationship could they possibly have!

‘Could it be that the truth Kyle faced was related to a member of the imperial family?’

That seemed unlikely.

If that were the case, it would have reacted immediately when he met the crown prince, Conrad.

‘Then is it related to the princess, Elena?’

That was the only thing he could guess.

But did that make sense?

Not Conrad, but Elena?

Sian thought and thought again.

But he couldn’t find any connection at all.

Sian looked at the screen of his smartphone again.

He wanted to check the contents of the quest that had triggered.

And then…

『[Story-Linked Quest] – ‘The Truth Kyle Faced’

▶A thousand years ago.

Arnaize Kyle leaves behind his legacy and disappears without a trace.

After facing some kind of truth.

Kyle did not reveal that truth to other Arnaizes.

Kyle, who had to leave without a word.

What was the truth he faced?

Find his traces and uncover the truth!』

.

.

Fortunately, the relevant quest content appeared on the screen.

He had worried it would be impossible to check due to the emergency maintenance.

It seemed he could only check the notification window of the results that appeared.

Anyway, he was able to check the quest.

But…

‘Nothing has changed?’

The quest content hadn’t changed.

The quest content he had checked at the last Arnaize Hall of Fame.

And the quest content that hadn’t reacted at all until now.

It hadn’t changed at all.

“…What is it?”

Sian really wondered what it was.

Many complex thoughts filled his head.

But Sian quickly shook off those thoughts.

Then he looked at Hans, who was standing there blankly.

Apparently.

“Where is the princess now?”

He felt like he needed to meet Princess Elena in person to find out.

#

Elena was quite confused right now.

“…Didn’t you say it was a wasteland?”

She had definitely heard that.

And it was understandable.

A territory located in the Dark Forest.

Due to the monsters swarming in the Dark Forest, this place was supposedly uninhabitable.

Therefore, it would be fortunate if it didn’t collapse, let alone develop.

Honestly, could a territory even exist in the Dark Forest?

Elena had even been wondering that.

That’s why Elena had come with considerable trepidation.

But the reality of Ruben that Elena actually saw…

First of all, let’s ignore the iron wall that tightly defended the entire Ruben.

Let’s ignore the moat surrounding it.

Let’s ignore the soldiers dismantling the troll groups over there.

Let’s ignore the aura rippling on the soldiers’ swords.

There were so many things to ignore.

Let’s put this aside too.

“Hey! Everyone, let’s go eat!”

“What’s on the lunch menu today?”

“Does it matter? It’s going to taste amazing anyway!”

“Haha! That’s right!”

Wasn’t this a more peaceful scene than any other territory?

Moreover, it wasn’t just simply peaceful.

“Move, move! Dwarf-made special beers going out for trade!”

“Dana’s special recipe bread is also going!”

The appearance of a city more developed than any other territory.

No, honestly, it wasn’t even at a level that could be glossed over with the word ‘development’.

Darkhan, the capital of the empire.

Even if you brought the most bustling area of Darkhan, it wouldn’t even compare.

It was impossible to believe that this was a territory located in the Dark Forest.

“What is this…”

The scenery of Ruben was completely different from what she had expected.

Not only Elena, but also…

The entire 2nd Division of the Royal Knights, including Yale, felt the same way.

As they were calming their confused minds…

A man was approaching them from afar.

He looked like an aristocrat at first glance.

But the somewhat foolish atmosphere made them wonder if he truly was an aristocrat…

She had never seen his face before.

But Elena could immediately tell that the man was Sian, the lord of Ruben.

And right then.

“Then we’ll keep our distance for a while.”

Yale said next to Elena.

Yale, the commander of the 2nd Division of the Royal Knights.

He had come with the 2nd Division as Elena’s escort by order of Crown Prince Conrad.

And escorting a member of the imperial family had to be airtight.

It was basic protocol to not leave their side even for a moment.

They had to constantly check everyone who approached the imperial family.

So, they should be checking that man named Sian right now.

Instead, Yale was saying that he would keep his distance from Elena.

Elena looked at Yale, wondering what was going on.

“That is…”

Yale trailed off, unlike his usual self.

And then Yale continued.

“His Highness gave strict orders not to stick too close within the territory. He even told us to stay away when you meet Sian Elandur.”

“Are you talking about my brother?”

Yale nodded.

“He said that if we stick too close, there won’t be a chance for you to get to know each other.”

“…?”

Elena tilted her head without realizing it.

“I was only ordered to do so, so I don’t know the details. But it is definitely true that His Highness gave strict orders.”

Yale continued again.

“However, no matter how strict His Highness’s orders are, the safety of the princess comes first. I will follow you at a slight distance.”

Yale was a master-level expert.

He was one of the top swordsmen in the empire.

There was almost no one who could deceive his senses.

Therefore, even if he kept his distance.

As long as Elena was within Yale’s sight, no one could harm Elena.

Therefore, there was no major problem with escort and safety.

But still…

“Then we’ll be going now.”

Soon, Yale and the Royal Knights retreated.

And at the same time.

“Sian, the lord of Ruben. I greet the princess.”

Sian, who had already approached, bowed to Elena.

The situation was unfolding strangely.

Elena looked at Sian and slowly opened her mouth.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Elena von Charlotte.”

With Elena’s greeting, Sian slowly rose from his bow.

And only then could Sian properly see Elena’s appearance.

Blonde hair resembling sunlight.

The dignity and grace that radiated from her.

It was the first time he had seen Elena, but the dignity and grace he felt made him think that a princess was definitely a princess.

Above all, Conrad didn’t think her appearance would be lacking anywhere…

He definitely had a reason for saying that.

‘She looks a bit like Leia [Sian’s ghost butler and a descendant of the Charlotte family]?’

Except for the hair color, they looked quite alike.

If Leia’s silver hair turned blonde…

And if you slightly toned down the alluring atmosphere…

She would look quite similar to Elena now.

Well, Leia was Elena’s ancestor, so it was possible…

‘Can they look alike even after a thousand years?’

When he thought about it, Conrad also looked quite similar to Charlotte.

As expected, Arnaize was Arnaize.

Charlotte’s genes must have been at the level of Exceed [a term for surpassing limits].

Anyway.

Sian’s interest wasn’t in Elena’s appearance.

First of all.

‘She’s not a demon.’

She wasn’t a demon.

He had wondered if a demon had taken Elena’s form like during Nurvia’s time.

The demon had hidden its appearance perfectly.

So he had considered the possibility, just in case.

But the energy he felt was clearly human.

Besides, if Elena was a demon, the alarm would have gone off as soon as she entered Ruben.

Jerry had researched Elodie’s magical tools in the past.

‘Then why did the story-linked quest react?’

Also, there was the reason why the princess suddenly visited Ruben.

Sian had many things he wanted to ask Elena right away.

But he couldn’t just start talking on the street.

“Come this way.”

Sian guided Elena to Lord’s Castle Lv.2.

And Elena followed Sian.

Then suddenly.

“…?”

Sian stopped walking for a moment because he noticed something strange.

Then he asked Elena.

“Why aren’t the Royal Knights following us and staying over there?”

“Ah… that…”

Then Elena looked slightly embarrassed.

That was because she had nothing to say.

‘They stepped back for a while so that you and I could become friends.’

She couldn’t say that.

“That is… I thought you might be uncomfortable. I asked them to step back for a while.”

Elena offered an excuse that wasn’t really an excuse.

“I’m fine with it.”

“…”

Elena was silent for a moment.

“…The people of the territory might be uneasy.”

At Elena’s words, Sian looked around.

And there was nothing different.

It was a normal day where everyone was going about their business.

There were territory residents who occasionally looked this way with curious eyes.

But there was no sign of surprise or anxiety.

First of all, Sian was with her.

And with Leia, the guardian spirit of Ruben, why would they be anxious?

Unless she was a demon.

There was almost no threat to Ruben.

Above all, it helped that they didn’t know Elena was a princess.

Sian was seeing her for the first time.

There was no way those who had only lived in the Dark Forest would know Elena’s face.

That’s why the territory residents were looking at her with eyes that seemed to say, ‘Is she an important person?’

And then, ‘I guess so,’ and went on their way.

And Elena also confirmed that.

Elena’s eyes were slightly trembling.

“Ah, anyway.”

“Well, if you say so.”

Sian moved again, thinking that was the case.

#

Sian took Elena to Lord’s Castle Lv.2.

And while heading to the Lord’s Castle.

“No, what is this…”

Elena kept exclaiming in admiration.

The scenery of Ruben that she saw on the way to the Lord’s Castle.

It seemed that the appearance of Ruben was quite shocking.

But in fact, there was nothing particularly special on the way to the Lord’s Castle.

The impressive districts were located past the Lord’s Castle.

But were even these sights shocking?

“Oh my goodness…”

Elena’s eyes didn’t seem to shrink at all.

And finally, when she stood in front of Lord’s Castle Lv.2.

“Good heavens…”

Elena really opened her eyes wide.

That was because the Lord’s Castle she saw…

It was almost comparable to the imperial palace.

Of course, the imperial palace was overwhelming in terms of size and facilities.

But when you looked at the details, it wasn’t just that.

The design and the atmosphere you felt.

In terms of detail, this Lord’s Castle was better than the imperial palace.

Was the Lord’s Castle of an ordinary territory better than the imperial palace?

Even the territory located in the Dark Forest?

“What is this…”

Elena couldn’t believe it at all.

“By any chance, the Royal Knights? Are you coming in with me?”

Sian asked.

“That is…”

“I’ll release the barrier for now. Please wait here for a moment.”

“Barrier?”

But Sian had already entered the Lord’s Castle.

How much time had passed?

“You can come in!”

Sian shouted loudly after entering the Lord’s Castle.

Elena wondered what was going on, but soon entered the Lord’s Castle.

And as expected.

The interior of the Lord’s Castle also did not disappoint.

This was definitely better than the imperial palace.

The imperial palace was just unnecessarily large.

“…”

Elena really had nothing to say.

Sian guided Elena to the reception room located on one side of the Lord’s Castle.

She didn’t know if it was exactly a reception room.

It was a place she had thought of using someday when a guest came.

Sian and Elena took their seats in the reception room.

Elena was taking in the scenery of the reception room.

The way she was looking around made it seem like she liked the design of the reception room.

She must have seen all kinds of dazzling things in the imperial palace.

But the expression of wonder was quite a sight to see.

“Um… This is the first time I’ve welcomed an outside guest here. Have you had a meal?”

“No. But I’m not hungry.”

“Then I’ll prepare some simple refreshments.”

Sian pressed the notification bell on one side.

Then, with a ding, he felt a presence outside the door.

After a little time, the door to the reception room opened.

And it was none other than Hans who brought the refreshments.

Originally, it was the job of Leia, the ghost butler of the Lord’s Castle.

And Leia wanted to do it too.

But Sian stopped her.

Before meeting Elena, Sian sent Leia out of the Lord’s Castle.

Honestly, he wouldn’t have cared if it was another aristocrat.

To be exact, he wouldn’t have cared if she wasn’t a member of the imperial family.

But Elena was a princess.

And Leia was Charlotte’s younger sister.

Leia was a distant descendant to her.

From Elena’s point of view, she was the founder.

Leia called the current emperor, Balua, a ‘loafer’.

There was no way of knowing what she would say to Elena!

At this, Leia pouted and expressed her dissatisfaction.

She was meeting another woman without her knowing.

Then, as if she had finally gotten sulky.

-Bad Sian!

She went somewhere with that and disappeared.

Well, she was probably still in Ruben.

Anyway.

Hans placed several refreshments on the table.

It was none other than the refreshments made by Dana.

“Please have some. It’s made by a skilled chef in our territory, so it’ll be good.”

“Ah, yes.”

Elena picked up one of the refreshments without much thought.

The shape was quite appealing.

But it wouldn’t compare to what she had eaten in the imperial palace.

Elena took a bite of the refreshment in her hand.

Crunch.

As expected.

It couldn’t compare to what she had eaten in the imperial palace.

“…!!”

What she had eaten in the imperial palace was trash!

Elena’s eyes widened.

Delicious…

It wasn’t just delicious, it melted in her mouth.

Was this… possible?

Elena took another bite of the refreshment.

And it melted on her tongue without fail.

Truly an unbelievable taste of heaven.

No joke, compared to this, what she had eaten in the imperial palace was really trash.

Did this territory have a chef on par with the head chef of the imperial palace?

No, did it have a chef even better than that?

Elena reached out to the refreshments on the table without realizing it.

Like that, one, two.

She kept putting the refreshments in her mouth.

It was fortunate that she had the dignity ingrained in her as a princess.

If not, she would have looked quite gluttonous.

Like that, one plate was emptied as it was.

Elena reached for the plate next to it again.

Then suddenly.

She could see Sian staring at her.

Pause.

Elena’s hand gesture towards the refreshments stopped.

And Elena pondered deeply, deeply.

But in the end, she brought her hand, which had been reaching for the refreshments, demurely to her knees.

“I, it’s delicious.”

Elena continued.

Sian couldn’t help but chuckle.

That was because the crumbs on Elena’s mouth were clearly visible.

Well, knowing Dana’s skills, he could fully understand.

Sian turned his gaze away, pretending not to notice.

And to avoid wasting time unnecessarily.

He asked Elena directly.

“I’m curious as to why you suddenly came to Ruben.”

Then Elena’s eyes changed.

The expression she looked at Sian with also changed quite subtly.

Sian looked back at Elena’s gaze.

And Elena looked at Sian.

Honestly… it was a bit unexpected.

No, it wasn’t unexpected, it was beyond expectations.

This territory called Ruben, and…

The man named Sian in front of her right now.

She had heard that he was a scoundrel and a parricide.

What was certain was that he was a different man from the rumors.

She didn’t know if he was a man worthy of being chosen by the Zodiac Sword yet.

Nor did she know if he was the man called the hero of the West.

But the attitude of the crown prince, Conrad, in the imperial palace…

That’s why Elena could tell.

Why Conrad had sent her here.

In name, it was to deliver a letter sent by the saintess of the Holy Empire.

But the fact that he specifically asked Elena to do it.

And even removing the escort with the excuse of getting to know each other.

It seemed…

Her brother seemed to like this man named Sian quite a bit.

No, it seemed that he liked him so much that he was even thinking of him as his partner.

There was no reason to do this otherwise.

But had her brother ever been like this?

First of all, there was none in Elena’s memory.

Let alone a man he liked.

He treated all the noble men in the world like thieves.

Wasn’t that why Elena couldn’t even get a proper political marriage?

For a moment, Elena smiled brightly.

The atmosphere was bright, but was it because her impression was cold?

The smiling smile was sharp yet innocent.

The contrasting atmosphere was quite charming.

Soon, Elena continued.

“Will you marry me?”