The Protagonists of Romance Fantasy Novels Have Escaped

39 – 39. Invitation of the Fairies (1)

The Count’s territory was promoted to a Viscount’s, absorbing some of the jurisdiction that was previously managed by the Marquisate and the Royal Family.

The territory expanded significantly.

It was a large-scale expansion that easily doubled or tripled the size.

How could the territory be managed efficiently?

To figure that out, accompanied by Lue and Elisabetha, they headed to the Viscount’s residence. Currently, Rudmilla and Jeblinu were excluded as they were busier than anyone else.

“O-oh, please come in…! We’ve been waiting for you.”

They soon arrived at the Viscount’s residence.

As they got off the carriage, the servants, well-dressed and with proper etiquette, greeted them.

It was a rather simple welcome.

Looking at the few servants gathered at the residence, it was truly pitiful to see the end of the once prestigious Hilidar Viscountcy, which boasted great wealth. It seemed that when the Hilidar family, which had participated in the racial war, became extinct, the servants left one by one.

Looking at the desolate atmosphere in the Viscount’s residence, I felt the randomness of life.

‘First, it seems like renovations are needed….’

Even though the longtime master had passed away, the loyal servants, reminiscing about the memories, diligently maintained the residence.

However, the aftermath of the collapse could not be prevented.

Crumbled walls.

Uneven roads and farmland turned into wasteland.

The visible traces of the collapse seemed to speak of the desolation of Hillidar Barony. The once-thriving territory of Count Hillidar was rapidly deteriorating.

“You don’t need to be so guarded. I’m just here as a guest.”

“Yes, yes…!”

Princess Elizaveta, with her flowing blonde hair, took graceful steps and admonished the maids. The maids, bowing their heads, appeared to be trembling.

It felt like they were treating the head of the household.

The barony steward already considered Elizaveta as the mistress.

The cautiousness of the servants, who used to fear outsiders, had softened somewhat. This was because Elizaveta had captivated them with her overwhelming charisma.

As the beautiful princess gestured, the maids hurriedly followed behind, creating a scene.

“Considering the delayed wages of the servants due to the restoration work of the barony, the recruitment of guards for maintaining security, and other expenses, it seems like a substantial amount will be spent…”

Fist clenched, he gazed beyond the crumbled walls.

News of the beautiful platinum princess reigning had spread widely even to Hillidar Barony. Numerous citizens flocked like clouds.

Substantial funds were needed.

And talented individuals had to be recruited to govern the Hohenberg Marquisate.

Many nobles had hesitated to prey on the fallen Hillidar Barony, and now he understood why.

Rashly swallowing up territory would only lead to a situation of draining funds without gaining control.

“The funds of the Hohenberg family are insufficient. Moreover, we keep postponing the compensation that we have to pay to the Valtarian Imperial Family. Should I ask Rudmila and Jeblinu for help? Maybe later, I can negotiate to repay with interest…”

Poverty often starts by compromising one’s pride.

Darn it.

He was already regretting it.

He wasn’t someone who constantly begged like a henpecked husband.

Although he had dreamt of becoming a henpecked husband during his school days, the reality was different. He didn’t want to express his regrets to Rudmila and Jeblinu directly.

First, he needed to think of a strategy.

“Rue.”

“Yes, what is it?”

There was a plan he had been considering since before departing from the marquisate.

Whether it would work or not was uncertain.

He had his doubts, but there was no other choice.

To break through the current deadlock, Lu’s assistance was desperately needed. Therefore, with a meaningful gaze, I stared through Lu, who had followed me with an intriguing look.

“…There’s something I want you to do for me.”

“You say you don’t want to say disappointing things to an older woman…! But it’s okay to ask a favor from a child?”

“Hmm. If you refuse, I’ll scatter all the barley candies in the carriage into the well.”

“Heeyak! A grown-up threatening a child!”

We’re partners.

We can cause each other a bit of trouble.

It seems like we understand each other.

Reluctantly, Lu nodded, accepting the request.

* * *

In the haze of indecision, whom should one choose?

The head of the Hoenberg family was currently grappling with a severe dilemma.

The red dragon of the Empire and the white dragon of the Prosperous Kingdom.

A ruthless ultimatum forced Otto to the depths of despair.

Choosing the princess would turn the Prosperous Kingdom into an enemy.

Choosing the saint would turn the Empire into an enemy.

How does the heart of a soldier who must defuse a time bomb feel?

No,

It’s even more dire.

As long as you manage to defuse the time bomb, you can survive.

But the dilemma facing the Hoenberg family leads to tragedy regardless of the choice made.

It’s like struggling in vain, unable to escape the will of the gods.

“I have prepared a modest gift for the Hoenberg family, which has remained loyal to the Baltaria Imperial Family. I hope the Marquis will accept it.”

When Ludmila nodded, the imperial knights were mobilized to transport the goods.

It was truly reminiscent of a military operation.

The grand convoy stretched out like a column of ants carrying food.

Prisoners witnessed Princess Ludmila confidently sending gifts, and the servants, wide-eyed, marveled at the precious treasures and garments.

Witnessing the dazzling splendor, the servants gasped in awe, their mouths agape.

“By any chance, is Master Edan for sale?…”

“Well, if I were the head of the family, I would have sold him dozens of times more.”

Following suit, the Holy Knight Order launched an onslaught of provisions, as if competing with the Imperial Knight Order.

Javelin too displayed a lavish array of golden treasures and garments, proving her unwavering determination not to be outdone by any maiden.

Among the goods being moved, there was even a relic from the Holy Kingdom, as if to demonstrate the resolute will of Viscount Hohenberg, who vowed never to yield to a maiden’s chastity.

“A marriage gift bestowed in the name of the saint… No, a reward for devout believers.”

Can I really accept this?

It’s frightening.

Now, it had reached a point of fear.

The servants who had been observing the spectacle gradually began to feel perplexed. The warehouse of the lord’s castle was overflowing due to the combined provisions of the Empire and the Holy Kingdom.

“E-Edan…! What on earth did you do in the capital!”

In his office, Otto, who had been watching the situation beyond the window, sank into his chair with a worried expression.

What a sight.

What on earth did his second son do in the capital?

Even a host with perfect social skills and eloquence wouldn’t go this far.

From the renowned Hohenberg family that had produced numerous talents, the greatest host had finally emerged. With that, Otto pressed his temples, sincerely apologizing to the previous lords.

‘The treasures bestowed by the princess and the saint should probably be returned to the Empire and the Holy Kingdom. It might become a scandal about using a son for money-making.’

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Excessive greed beyond one’s means only leads to calamity. Despite his gratitude, Otto sincerely wanted to reject the splendid golden treasures.

Otto, who had a pure heart, had lived a modest life for half of his life.

Therefore, the provisions from the Empire and the Holy Kingdom were more of a burden than anything else.

Even if they were gifts from the prospective daughters-in-law to the Shiae family.

“Do you hear me, Viscount Hohenberg?”

“I’ve brought gifts for devout believers; may I present them for a moment?”

When the head of the Hohenberg family made a firm decision,

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking on the door echoed.

Soon, Ludmila and Javelin entered the office.

The intense competition between the red dragon and the white dragon had finally reached the father.

Otto swallowed dryly, observing the approaching prospective daughters-in-law.

* * *

Returning from the Count’s residence, he headed straight to the office.

3 o’clock in the afternoon.

It happened to be the time when Father enjoyed tea time.

As we shared pastries, I opened the door to the study, intending to share some stories.

“Ah, Father?”

“….”

In the study, Father sat on the chair adorned with extravagant attire and jewelry, resembling a ruler controlling a splendid golden kingdom.

A crown adorned with various jewels.

A rich wig coated with white flour.

A cape made of the rare white fox’s leather and an outfit generously using the finest silk.

For some reason, he even held a scepter of solid gold, symbolizing wealth and authority.

Even rings with sizable gems adorned each finger.

I could guess that Rudmila and Jeblin knew about their visit to the study, as Father, usually so dignified, wouldn’t have suddenly lost his composure.

“Oh, don’t misunderstand! It’s just that the princess and the saint pleaded, so I wore it briefly…”

“I understand Father’s feelings well enough.”

The fate of shrimp is no different from the agony of shrimp constantly entangled in the fierce struggles of whales.

I sympathize.

I’ve experienced it for a month, you know.

If Rudmila and Jeblin both become daughters-in-law of the Hoenberg family at the same time, Father would undoubtedly not withstand even half a day and would end up in a retirement home.

“Father, there’s an important matter to discuss.”

“W-What! Have you, by any chance, chosen between the princess and the saint?”

Father asked anxiously, his face turning serious.

Opening my mouth while lowering my head in response to his urgent question, I said, “Starting from tomorrow, I’ll be visiting the Fairyland.”

I presented a plan to revive the Hoenberg Marquisate with a serious tone.

Upon hearing this, Father showed a benevolent smile.

“You crazy fool.”

As the twenty-third son who had eaten his fill, speaking of a fairyland reminiscent of a children’s fairy tale, he immediately threw harsh curses.