“I was told that the depth of the Lumo River is not shallow. Despite that, flooding occurred. This means they didn’t take good care of the surrounding areas. So, I think we need to build dykes along the branches of the river and plant trees first.”

“Hmm. Then?”

“Well…I think we need to build a reservoir that stores part of the floods to prepare for the possible damages of droughts and flooding. We can also import and grow crops resistant to droughts in consultation with the Eet kingdom or Sono kingdom both of which suffer from frequent droughts.”

The emperor hardened his face and said with a very harsh voice, “Who can do the job? I mean we are short of hands to carry out that enormous task.”

“Of course, those affected by the flooding should take up the work.”

“In other words, are you proposing something like a relief work for them? Paying them for the job?”

“No, that’s not what I mean. If you gave them money when they are devastated by flooding, they would fritter away the money and give up and become desperate. So, I think it would be good to lower their taxes based on their workload.”

With his eyes sparkling suddenly, the emperor asked, “Why?”

“Considering the nature of the imperial tax system, which collects a certain percentage of the total harvest, I think they will work harder because the more tax benefits they have, the greater their share will be.”

“There is a problem with your idea,” Duke Jenna objected with a cold voice.

“Even today, the empire’s tax rate is the lowest in the continent. How can we cut the tax rate more? Besides, you are talking about making them exempt from taxes, right? That’s impossible.”

“Whew!” I let out a sigh at the stubborn duke’s argument.

‘Is this person really a distant relative of my grandfather?’

I was really annoyed. It seemed that he didn’t know the meaning of the existence of the nobles, carried away with his position as the great nobleman.

Does power make people like that? As a great nobleman who enjoys wealth and power, he is supposed to carry out the obligations that are appropriate to their privileges.

I hardened my face after clearing my throat. I felt it’s time I had to show my grit that I had refrained from exhibiting in order to keep a low profile for so long.

“Do you think the imperial family looks like a fruit?”

“What are you talking about?”

“What I mean is if you think this empire will collapse if the imperial family doesn’t collect taxes from the people for a few years?”

“What?”

“Which comes first? Tax? Yes, that’s important because you need taxes to run the country. But don’t you think you have to remember that there is no empire without the support of the people? As a parent, it is the duty of the imperial family to care for the people, and the duty of the imperial family is the duty of the nobles who assist the imperial family. As the people are devastated by droughts and floods, isn’t it the proper duty for the imperial family to rescue the people as their parents?”

I gasped for breath because I spoke fast without letting up. Then, I spoke very clearly, “Oh I’ve got an idea. If you are so loyal to the imperial family, why don’t you make up for the insufficient taxes for the imperial family? If you do, the emperor won’t forget the loyalty of the Jena family.”

“… ”

“Oh, that’s a good way. Thank you, Duke Jena. I will never forget your loyalty.”

“…It’s my honor, Your Majesty.”

Unlike the emperor who seemed very happy, the duke’s purple eyes were full of anger.

I looked around once, with my mouth turned up a bit. I saw Duke Lars, Duke Verita and Marquis Enesil smiling satisfactorily. Marquis Mirwa’s son of the noble faction was also smiling.

‘Why is he smiling? Isn’t he in the same faction led by Duke Jena?’

When I was puzzled by his incomprehensible smile, the emperor said in a cheerful mood, “Okay. I think we have the solution thanks to the two ladies’ proposals. Regarding the details, please consult with the prime minister and the relevant ministry and report to the crown prince. Let me take my hands off this matter.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Hmm, come to think of it, the ball for Lady Jena is still going on, right? Everybody, go and enjoy. Let me take a rest as I’m tired.”

“Then I will take my leave, Your Majesty.”

After showing due manners to the emperor in a meek voice, Jiun looked at the head table quietly. The young blue-haired man, who looked back at me, slowly stood up and reached out to Jiun. Then, he escorted her out.

While watching the couple disappearing for a moment, the two dukes, my father and Marquis Enesil came to me. Duke Verita said with a satisfied smile on his face, “So wonderful! This is the first time I’ve seen Lady Monique doing such a good job in these five years.”

“Let me correct that. Actually, we saw her excellent performance when that fire broke out recently, right?”

“Oh, that’s right. But she has been trying to keep a low profile until now. Anyway I was really satisfied with her performance. Did you notice Duke Jena’s expression?”

When I saw him laughing loudly, I wanted to ask him about Allendis, but couldn’t because my father was next to me.

Is he doing well? According to Duke Verita’s replies to a couple of letters I sent to him, he lost track of his son after he left the delegation.

“Duke Lars, I think you will keep the promise by all means.”

“Promise? What the heck are you talking about, Arkint? ”

“Oh my, Lady Monique. Can’t you still trust me? Let’s move to the banquet hall anyway. Let me explain to you on the way there.”

I was a little sorry when I saw him bursting out a laugh, but I smiled awkwardly because I wanted to make sure that he should keep the promise by all means.

While I was walking after the four who talked about a ‘deal’ seriously, I arrived at the banquet hall. I saw the two dukes and my father surrounded by the pro-emperor faction nobles as soon as they arrived at the banquet hall, then headed for the lounge.

I sat on a soft chair and closed my eyes. My body felt heavy like a wet dress.

‘Oh, I’m so tired. I think I’m having an unusually long day today. ‘

Without a hair ornament, I could lean comfortably on the back of the chair, but as I was in a stiff posture for fear my dress might be crumpled, I felt even more tired.

When I was pressing down on the stinging temple, I heard someone entering the lounge.

When I inadvertently turned to him, I got up quickly and showed due manners by bowing.

“I’m honored to see you, the Little Sun of the empire.”

His blue hair was swept back neatly, the blue scarf he wore seemed to match it, and the white suit was pristine. When I looked up, I met his navy blue eyes looking at me.

Why did he come here? Although its use is not clearly defined, the lounge is mostly used by women. Moreover, isn’t he Jiun’s partner, the protagonist of today’s banquet?

“Your Majesty, why are you here…?”

“… ”

He was silent. He was just staring at me with deeply subdued eyes.

The longer I met my eyes, the more dry my mouth was. When I looked down, pretending to check my dress while swallowing, he said, breaking the silence, “I didn’t know it was so hard to get a chance to talk with you alone.”

“… ”

“Maybe it’s going to be hard in the future.”

I was speechless at his empty tone. As I didn’t have the nerve to raise my head, I silently fidgeted with the hem of my white dress. Awkward silence fell.

“… Aristia. ”

I stiffened when he called my name for the second time. I heard him saying with a sigh, “Look at me.”

“…I’m embarrassed, Your Majesty. ”

When I lifted my head hesitantly, I saw his navy blues eyes fixed on me.

Once again, he sighed deeply and shook the neck part of his suit. My eyes opened wide when I saw his neat dress was dishevelled. Did that mean he felt stuffy? He was a man who didn’t allow himself to look unkempt.

It seemed that he felt frustrated in his actions. I felt sorry for him somehow. He was busy paying attention to lots of national affairs, but now he was distressed by the problems of Jiun and me.

“I heard your opinion on how to tackle the flooding of the Lumo River. I think it’s excellent. I’m going to implement your proposal.”

“Thank you, Majesty.”

“But why didn’t you… Oh, I think I know the answer even if I don’t ask.”

“… ”