“I heard from Tiona-san that your son, Cyril, is a very intelligent child. He seems to excel in any studies.”
From Mia’s words, Outcount Rudolvon immediately understood.
I see, in other words, the proposal of Her Highness Princess …
Perhaps she will give Cyril a recommendation to a school to study. But if this is the compensation of me losing a part of my territory, it is a little cheap.
No, what if it isn’t just any school?
Outcount Rudolvon thought for a moment and then began speaking.
“Your Highness Princess Mia, would it be the case that you want to repay me by enrolling Cyril at St. Noel Academy?”
Admission to St. Noel Academy, which boasts the highest educational environment on the continent, is certainly exceptional. As a price for the recent events, it would be enough.
I heard that Princess Mia has an excellent friendship with the daughter of the Duke, Rafina. If Tiona had asked for it, then it wouldn’t be impossible …
Outcount Rudolvon’s look was stern. If it was a wish. He did not want his son who is his successor, out of the empire. However, Mia shook her head at him.
“That’s not the case. It would be foolish to let our important human resources out of the country.”
—
Mia has been thinking since she received the letter. If Cyril enrols at St. Noel, who will receive credits for his accomplishments? Needless to say, it would be St. Noel’s Academy, or the Lady Rafina. Or it could be his sister, Tiona? Whoever might receive the credits, it surely won’t be the one who recommended him to enter St. Noel’s.
What is important for Mia is that she will receive credit for the achievements of Cyril Rudolvon. To do this, Cyril must be under the patronage of Mia.
However, she couldn’t just enrol him to any imperial school. That is because there is no school at the level of St. Noel Academy in Tearmoon Empire. Even worse if the new wheat may not be produced if Cyril is enrolled in a mediocre school.
How could she solve this dilemma? After worrying for a time, Mia came to an answer.
“If we don’t have the school we need, we can just create one!”
At that moment of inspiration, several elements of innovation entered Mia’s mind.
“By the way, they were building a town for me, weren’t they? Then…”
—
“Did you know about the Princess Town that will be built in Viscount Berman’s territory?”
Outcount Rudolvon was caught surprised by the sudden change in topic that it took him a few seconds to follow.
“Yes, wouldn’t it be exciting if there was a school like St. Noel in the empire?”
Mia smiled mischievously, tossing the idea as if it was the most natural thing to say.
“And wouldn’t it even be more exciting if Cyril is the first student in my school?”
Outcount Rudolvon’s tongue was tied, and he took a sharp breath.
By putting the forest under the direct control of the princess, the conflict was settled. By letting the Viscount Bellman build Princess Town, she appeased his vanity.
And throughout all those steps, Her Highness has actually included us, Rudolvons, in those plans? She wanted us to benefit as well?!
Being in a neighbouring territory, the school would be close to home. Moreover, the Lulu tribe who lives in the forest is a tribe that has good ties of friendship with them. It’s much easier and safer than going to the imperial capital. Perhaps the plan will cost a lot of money. However, other nobles cannot help but participate in the plan to create a town for the princess. If Princess Mia will participate in the plan, then it will surely be realized.
This was Outcount Rudolvon’s conviction.
Currently, he now holds deep admiration and trust in the Princess. He bows deeply.
“I am honored to have your consideration. Though we are a family of little power, but if there is anything I can do …”
“Hmm, that’s right …”
Pretending to be casual, Mia tilted her head a bit. She was considering her choices. What would be the best thing to ask for?
This is an opportunity!
Yes, a big wave has appeared in the surfaced and its powerful power is realizing her plans! Mia entrusts herself to it.
“Then, I am interested in the wheat that you have in storage.”
“What? Wheat?”
“Yes, I would like you to store as much wheat as possible without selling it at a bargain price. And when famine occurs…”
“Of course, if that happens, our wheat will be offered to the imperial family…”
“No, that’s not the case.
That would be very bad. Mia’s instinct was telling. If they did that, the imperial family would store wheat only for the central nobles and themselves, and the people will starve. As a result, the angry people will start a revolution.
Then it’s straight to the guillotine…
“I would like the wheat to be distributed directly to the people from the Rudolvon family. At that time, please use my name while doing it. Tell them it was my order, and it was because of me.”
It was clearly a terrible and vain request from Mia, the outcount stared at her… but it wasn’t a gaze of disdain. Rather it was full of admiration and gratefulness!?