Final Chapter: The Wedge

It was the 12th—a Monday, the day before Latrielle’s coronation, and the release date of most of the city’s weekly papers. Almost every publication extolled the prince, but one in particular hadn’t been quite so welcoming. It was also the one garnering the most attention.

The Weekly Quarry.

Marquis Beclard had given a meticulously detailed testimony of that fateful day, even going so far as to identify those still in the palace who had assisted in the cover-up. There was no material evidence, but it was an undeniable fact that the grand chamberlain—an authority appointed by the emperor who had initially supported him—had disappeared from his estate.

Of course, this news immediately reached Latrielle’s ears.

Inside the second prince’s office—

Germain placed a sheet of parchment on the table and then lowered his head. “My deepest apologies. It seems that someone appeared at Marquis Beclard’s manor, having forged a directive from me.”

Germain’s signature could certainly be seen on the directive, but Latrielle paid it no mind; instead, he was glaring at the order itself. It was an impressive forgery, but he could tell it had been written by someone else’s hand.

“The orders you give aren’t exactly formal,” Latrielle observed. “At least, not compared to my own.”

“I have no excuse.”

“Our culprit here is someone who knows our inner workings and can imitate your signature. No, not imitate—this is almost a perfect reproduction. Traced, I assume. There aren’t many people capable of such a thing.”

“Indeed.”

“And when we consider that they must also be from a faction that opposes my enthronement...” Latrielle didn’t speak the name, but there was no mistaking who was on his mind.

“We learned something strange after interrogating the knights we ordered to assassinate him.”

“Oh?”

“According to them, he was already dead when they entered the tent. The body was decapitated, though.” Germain hung his head; the operation had been a complete failure.

“Hah...” A cold smile played on the second prince’s lips. “A body double, then.”

“I am wholly to blame for this. I have betrayed your trust. Not once, but twice now...”

“No. Even if we’d received the report that night, would we have done anything differently?”

“Eh? W-Well, we would have...been more thorough in our search...”

“We were already as thorough as could be. Our supplies were intact, and considering the fact that he couldn’t possibly have crossed the mountain without food or the necessary gear, we thought it best to focus our efforts along the roads. The fact we were unable to find him means he must have crossed the mountains after all.”

A detour through the mountain would take a couple weeks, plus he’d need food, water, and equipment, Latrielle mused. I hadn’t thought he’d be able to prepare all that completely unnoticed.

“C-Certainly,” Germain stammered. “Nor did I expect him to go after Beclard.”

“I was prepared for it. I stationed a hundred soldiers on his estate, but who could have foreseen him using a false directive to take advantage of the chaos he himself caused?”

“Ngh...”

“It is my folly to have left Beclard alive that day. Of course he would strike at our weak point.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I can sense his intent—he wants me dead.”

“I won’t let him touch you.”

“Indeed. I refuse to die like a dog. He did outmaneuver me this time, though. How bad are the damages that have resulted from this?”

Germain groaned. “A portion of the commoners are crying out in protest...although we can safely say that most are more confused than they are incited.”

“What of the nobles?”

“We don’t know yet...”

“No secrets.”

“Ah, no! I’m not trying to hide anything—we truly haven’t grasped their movements yet. There is, however, a strong possibility that some will demand an explanation.”

“Is there anything else?”

“The whereabouts of the empress consort are unknown.”

“Oh?”

This news came as a genuine surprise; Latrielle had thought she would be preparing a flashy outfit for the ceremony or some such. If news spread that he had murdered the emperor, his own father, then perhaps the blame would extend even to his mother, the empress consort. Did she intend to run until the situation had calmed down? It didn’t seem like a very meaningful decision, considering that his coronation was just a day away.

Latrielle clenched his fist. “Once I prove my innocence, this matter will cease to be an issue.”

“Yes, sir.”

“So remain calm. No matter what accusations are made against me, my word is absolute.”

“Of course!”

“However...should the nobles turn against me, we risk the situation escalating into civil war. I can’t lose time or soldiers here.”

“I’ll strengthen our surveillance!”

“Indeed.”

Once Latrielle became emperor, there would no longer be a need to worry about factions; the entire nation would be subject to him. However, among the nobles were some who valued morals and legitimacy over personal interest.

“He’s driven a wedge between our walls...” Latrielle muttered.

“Huh?”

“No, that doesn’t change my superior position, nor does it change my goals. The road ahead is a long one—it’s only natural that we’ll need to endure the occasional storm.”

“But we cannot let that stop us.”

“Naturally. I’ve finally taken the first step,” Latrielle said with a nod. Tomorrow—yes, tomorrow—I’ll finally sit on that throne. “Try as they might, it’s already too late.”

There was an abrupt knock at the door. Germain exchanged a look with the prince before calling out, “Enter!”

The door opened, and a soldier locked his heels together in salute. “I come bearing a report!” he announced. “The Fourth Army has been spotted on the eastern roads!”

“The eastern roads? Are they headed for Verseilles?”

“It seems that way! They have a vanguard of around five hundred horsemen, with four thousand foot soldiers marching half a day behind!”

Such numbers were a manageable threat, but half of the Fourth Army was supposed to have gone to assist the eastern front; there was a chance that they might also arrive as reinforcements.

To think she would arbitrarily march an army on the capital...

“Argentina... What is she thinking?”

“Is this about the tactician?”

“Hmm...”

Given the newspaper incident, there was a high chance that the man in question was still alive. That was mere supposition, however. Argentina must have marched with her forces, unable to accept the report of his death.

How...childish!

Latrielle was growing frustrated, but he needed to avoid a civil war. He had only just received Germain’s report on how the nobles’ movements were still unclear.

As well as the First Army and the capital garrison, Latrielle had the independent armies of the nation’s nobles at his disposal. The problem was, it was much too dangerous to mobilize them when he had no read on their commanders. If they turned on him, he would lose, even with an army twice the size of Argentina’s. But at the same time, he couldn’t make his suspicions too apparent; arranging the noble commanders’ formations in a way that came across as too cautious was no better than him openly declaring his distrust.

Latrielle clenched his already balled fist even tighter. You’re telling me she launched this attack while taking their treachery into consideration? Absurd. If I deplete my forces here, I’ll be unable to invade the other nations! What is she thinking?!

“M-My lord.” Germain gulped. “What shall we do?!”

“We’ll meet her! Send out the First Army!”

“Yes, sir!”

✧ ✧ ✧

“A knight brigade has emerged from Verseilles!” Abidal-Evra reported. “It’s the First Army’s White Hares!”

Altina nodded and raised a hand. “All troops, halt! We set up formation on this hill!”

The bugles blared, and the horses came to a stop. The foot soldiers would catch up in half a day. They normally would have matched pace, but Altina’s impatience had produced an irregular march.

“Do you think they’ll charge at us...?” Eric muttered, nervous. In this situation, it was unlikely that hostilities would commence without a period of negotiation, but the Empire’s First Army carried such intensity that these anxieties grew nonetheless.

Altina reached toward the treasured sword hung at her horse’s flank. “If they do, we’ll give ’em hell!”

Eric leaked a dry laugh, not quite sure whether that stance was reassuring or foolhardy. The White Hares were one of the Empire’s strongest knight orders—not only were they larger than most other forces, they were also better trained and equipped. But Altina was no longer as reckless as she had been in the past. Now, she exuded the sort of calm intensity that only came from the strong.

August 12th, evening—

The Fourth Army had taken formation on the eastern hill, numbering five hundred horsemen and four thousand foot soldiers.

Meanwhile, the First Army had deployed at the base of the hill, waiting to intercept. Composed of one thousand horsemen and ten thousand foot soldiers, they were at an undeniable advantage...but every man, woman, and child knew of the Fourth Army’s achievements in the war against High Britannia.

Despite the festive day ahead, a strained atmosphere stretched over the capital.

Short Story: Altina’s Part-Time Job

“Let’s learn about economics today,” Clarisse suddenly said.

It was morning in the commander’s quarters at Fort Volks. Regis had headed to the capital alone, while Altina had led the army back to base. Since then, she had decided that she was going to broaden her mind, reading books in her own way and training with her sword quite a bit more rigorously than before.

Clarisse, the princess’s maid, was acting as her teacher. Unlike most servants, she had received an education so excellent that Regis recognized her ability to speak on economics and religion.

As she sat in her chair, Altina gingerly poked at the books stacked on the table. “Am I supposed to read all of these?” she asked.

“Are you not up for the challenge?” Clarisse replied without missing a beat. “Let’s give up on studying then.”

“Huh?”

Clarisse chuckled to herself. “You just said that you wanted to. It doesn’t really bother me either way...although I think you’ll suffer in the future as a result.”

“Urgh...”

“It’s all up to you. You’re precious to me, no matter what sort of princess you are.”

“Fine! Economics! I’ll read however many books it takes! Now come at me, coward!”

“Easy, now. The books aren’t going anywhere. Besides, I can foresee your study session becoming naptime again. Let’s do some practical training instead.”

Altina’s cheeks flushed as she was reminded that she had fallen asleep before finishing a single book the last time she had tried. “I-I’ll leave my schedule up to you,” she conceded.

“All right. In that case...” Clarisse clapped her hands together for effect. “Today, you will conduct business in Fort Volks.”

“Hmm... Business...” Altina leaned closer; it wasn’t a subject that she had much of an attachment to, but she was quite interested in the concept. “Come to think of it, I’ve never earned my own money before.”

“Er, Princess... As a lieutenant general of the Empire and commander of the Fourth Army, you earn one hundred and fifty thousand denier a month. In comparison, Mr. Regis was paid two hundred denier per week as a fifth-grade admin officer.”

“O-Oh, right.”

Incidentally, following his promotion to third-grade, Regis was expected to take on subordinates. He would be responsible for paying their wages, and so his salary would increase to eight thousand denier per month. Those who reached first-grade were given forty thousand deniers per month—fifty times that of a fifth-grade.

Altina shook her head. “I might be earning a salary as a lieutenant general, but it’s not like I put any effort into becoming a soldier; Latrielle simply forced me into the position.”

“True.”

She held a position that most would never obtain no matter how much they yearned for it, having initially been granted the rank of major general simply for being born a princess of the Empire. It was unfair, yes, but such was the current system under which the nation operated.

That said, her rise to lieutenant general had been through her own efforts.

“It just doesn’t feel like I’ve ever really worked for money,” Altina explained. “I became commander because I needed to.”

“Yes, the military is a little...special. It would probably be best for you to experience other jobs if you want to learn economics.”

Altina’s face lit up at the suggestion. “That sounds kinda fun! Now this is the kind of studying I like!”

“Then let’s start with being a maid,” Clarisse said, a broad smile on her face.

✧ ✧ ✧

Fort Volks, the officers’ dining hall—

“Ta-da!”

Altina pinched the hem of her frilly skirt and spun in place, allowing the fabric to float around her. She had a childish grin on her face.

“Oh, Princess...” Clarisse’s expression practically melted. “You’re so cute. Adorable, even.”

“I rather like these maid clothes! They’re quite a bit easier to move around in than fancy dresses!”

“You look wonderful in them.”

Altina let out a bashful giggle. “You really think so?”

“It’s a shame Mr. Regis isn’t here to see this.”

“I know, right?” Altina replied without thinking. She then froze in place and promptly started to backpedal. “W-Wait, what does Regis have to do with any of this?! Why should what I wear matter to him?!”

“I think we can leave that topic of conversation there.”

“Grr...”

“Now, now. First, let’s clean the tabletop.”

“Leave it to me!”

“Oh, but before that—take this.” Clarisse held out a wig that she had prepared in advance—one with long black hair, with bangs that hung over the face and were sure to impede one’s vision.

“Hmm? What’s this?” Altina asked.

“Having the princess cleaning the dining hall in that uniform might impact your dignity as commander, so I went through the trouble of preparing a disguise for you.”

“Ah, I see... Well, I’m doing this for my studies, so anyone who makes fun of me is getting a good smacking. You’re right, though—I wouldn’t want to startle anybody.”

“Newly hired maid Aleena—how does that sound?!”

“Anything is fine with me. Let’s start cleaning stuff already.”

Clarisse looked at the princess quizzically. “You’re Aleena, the newly hired maid, aren’t you?”

“Hm?”

“And I am Clarisse, the mighty veteran maid.”

“Hmm...?”

“Aren’t you forgetting to say something?” Clarisse asked. Although her smile remained just as bright, there was something a little scary about her.

Altina tended to be a little slow on the uptake when it came to these matters, but she noticed soon enough. “Oh, I see. Um, it’s a pleasure to be working with you...?”

“Well done. You must take care to speak formally to all the officers as well.”

“Yeah, I get it—I mean, understood, ma’am!”

I see. I must start by watching my words and minding my manners. Altina nodded to herself. Now that she thought about it, she had never come across a maid who spoke to her casually. This is a learning experience.

Altina drew a bucket of water from the well and used it to dampen an old rag that had clearly been sewn back together a number of times. It was on the verge of completely falling apart; it even tore when she started cleaning too vigorously.

Of course, Clarisse scolded the princess for the ruined cloth. Altina took only a moment to collect herself, and then she went back to wiping the table.

“It sure is filthy...”

“Dining etiquette is the least of everyone’s worries here.”

“True enough.”

The officers’ dining hall was where heaping plates of meat were regularly served, and despite the large portions, there were never any leftovers. It was a different world here from the imperial palace, where meals were presided over by elegant table manners. This was a scramble to snatch the last morsel, with people at times even coming to blows.

Just as Altina was around halfway done, a boisterous group entered the hall—perhaps ten knights in total.

“Pheeew! Bring out the grub, maid!”

Clarisse curtsied with a blank expression; she never smiled when others were around. “Isn’t it a little early for food?” she asked, shooting Altina a quick glance as she kept her head down. Altina hurriedly followed suit, lowering her head too.

The knights plunked down into empty chairs. “Sir Abidal-Evra told us to go scout out Faurenberg territory, see. No lunch or dinner. We need to stuff ourselves now, or we’ll be starving!” their leader said, and the others shrugged.

“We’ll probably be back past midnight.”

“Ptooey! Already throwing his weight around like he’s captain of the knights. Dammit. Next to Everard and the general, I’d say Krueger used to be at the top!”

As general, Jerome had led the Black Knight Brigade to assist the eastern front. Everard was head of the fort’s garrisoned soldiers, but he didn’t personally lead any cavalry. Meanwhile, the Black Knight Krueger, an old hand who was widely held in high regard, had died in battle. Under the current command structure, the newly formed Flying Swallow Knights reported directly to Altina, with Abidal-Evra having been appointed to lead them. They numbered around five hundred, consisting of a mishmash of new recruits, the remnants of defeated armies, and former mercenaries. Their loyalty and coordination were both questionable at best, and to make matters worse, they seemed largely dissatisfied with having the less accomplished Abidal-Evra as their captain. It was nothing but trifling complaints.

Altina found herself clenching her fists in irritation. Hold these feelings in. They’re not like me. My ideals to be empress and create a peaceful country are all my own; at no point have I forced it upon my men.

Regis was special to Altina as her trusted confidant, but she couldn’t depend on the other soldiers in the same way. These men weren’t her arms and legs; they were individuals with their own fears, desires, objectives, tastes, and standing. She made sure to rebuke herself. Although she may have been immature as a commander, she wasn’t a fool. She accepted values that weren’t her own. It was her role not to be enraged by their complaints, but to look for a way to resolve them.

That said, this is a tough situation. Jerome’s the one holding the Black Knights together, after all.

Jerome was one of the Empire’s strongest heroes—a man who commanded respect through intimidation. It was a bit much to expect the same from Abidal-Evra, who was more of a man of common sense.

Will they be more willing to follow Abidal-Evra if I get my act together? Or is there another way around this? It was at times like these that Altina wondered what Regis would have done in her situation.

“Aleena. Please quit dazing out.”

Altina jumped at the sudden whisper. “Eh?! Me?”

“Yes. Now, hold this,” Clarisse said as she shoved a large plate into the princess’s hands. “There are plenty more where this came from.”

“Wowowow... I see. I have to carry these out...”

Altina was presently acting not as a commander, but as a maid. She carried the massive platter to the knights, who were making themselves busy on another topic. It seemed they were talking about the shops they had visited on their day off.

“That place was a bust!” one of the knights spat. “Not a decent woman in sight!”

“Hah! You must’ve gone at a bad time. There’s this girl, Jenny—she’s just the best!”

“Huuuh?! That broad who’s as heavy as a horse?!”

“That’s what makes her so great, dumbass! You just don’t get it.”

“I really don’t. I prefer my women on the slimmer side. Ah, like this one here.” The knights turned their attention to Altina as she brought in the platter.

Are they talking about a café or something? Altina wondered. She imitated Clarisse by silently setting the plate on the table. She was always issuing orders, so perhaps someone would realize her true identity if she spoke.

“Hey. You a new hire?” one of the knights asked. “I’ve never seen you here before.”

What should I do? Altina asked herself. She glanced back toward the kitchen to see that Clarisse was giving her a thumbs-up. She wants me to do my best. We’re studying economics today, and I need to experience the industry firsthand. This must be part of the job.

Altina nodded and gave a quiet, “I am,” trying to answer as tersely as she could. She usually spoke much louder and with more enthusiasm, so she determined that a modest voice would serve as fine cover.

One of the knights licked his lips. “Not half bad. You’re just my type. Hope to see you around.”

“...Indeed.”

“Maybe even after dark.”

“Hmm?” Altina wasn’t sure what he was talking about—dinner, perhaps? She tried to figure out what he had meant, when— “Eek!”

The knight had reached out and, with a self-assured snicker, slapped Altina on the rear. It had been over her skirt, but that made no difference—the princess felt a chill run down her spine, and then an intense heat burning in her chest.

“You... The hell do you think you’re doing?!”

She swung her foot up into the air, throwing the knight into the wall with one swift kick. Upon impact, he let out a guttural croak like a crushed frog and started foaming at the mouth.

The other knights rose from their seats in a frenzy and reached for their swords. “Wh-What’s up with this maid?!” one man cried.

Altina tore the wig from her head and threw it aside. “Fools! How indecent can you be, touching a pure woman’s body?! God may forgive your sins, but I won’t!”

But forgiveness seemed to be the least of the lecherous knight’s problems—he was already out cold. His associates, meanwhile, were utterly dumbfounded. Of all people, the maid just had to be...

“Red hair and crimson eyes... I-It can’t be... The princess?!”

“That’s right! If you’re struggling to remember my face, maybe I should give you all a beatdown that you’ll never forget! Draw your swords!”

“W-We wouldn’t dare!”

The knights dropped to their knees on the spot. Altina was their commander and royalty; they would be tried for treason and lèse-majesté if they turned their blades upon her. And even had that not been the case, she had defeated the Black Knight Jerome in a duel and triumphed over the Mercenary King one-on-one—feats that seemed nigh impossible given her slender frame. Rumors had even begun to circulate that she was trading blows with Eddie Fabio de Balzac, the Empire’s Sword, on a daily basis. What could they do but prostrate themselves?

“O-Our humblest apologies!” one of the knights pleaded.

“Hmph.” Altina crossed her arms. “Are you always so vulgar to the maids?”

“Not us! Never in a million years! No, that was just... Something must have come over him! Or rather, his hand slipped. Or... In any case, his behavior was unbecoming of a knight! P-Please, spare his life at least!”

“It seemed you had several complaints about my unit.”

“Perish the thought! We’re resolved to lay down our bodies and souls for this army! We’ve sworn so on our swords!”

“I see. If you’re really that insistent, I think it’s only natural that I should hold you to your word. Make up for your pathetic behavior with results.”

“Th-Thank you! This is most gracious of you!” the man exclaimed. He and the other knights then bowed their heads so low that it looked as though they might topple forward.

Altina sighed and returned to the kitchen. There, she found that not just Clarisse, but all the maids gathered were watching her with dubiously furrowed brows.

“Princess...”

Altina shrugged. “Their attitudes changed the moment they realized who I am. How troublesome.”

“You’re the real troublesome one here, Princess. What kind of maid attacks someone over a simple grope?”

“Eeh?”

“It’s a standard form of greeting here,” Clarisse explained. The maids behind her all wore resigned expressions; perhaps it really was a common occurrence.

“D-Don’t say that!” Altina protested. “It’s unfair for you to receive that kind of treatment! I’m not going to stand for this!”

“It’s part of the job.”

“That can’t—”

“But, well...” Clarisse winked. “It was incredibly refreshing to watch.”

The other maids giggled and started offering words of agreement.

“It was. Thank you, Princess.”

“To think you’d get so angry for our sake...”

“It almost brought tears to my eyes.”

They were evidently unsatisfied with the way they were being treated, and so Altina promised to ban any “impoliteness toward maids” going forward. Upon hearing this, Clarisse stroked the princess’s head and chuckled.

“You did your best, Princess.”

“Hey... That tickles. Cut it out, Clarisse.”

“But you’re a failure of a maid.”

“Eh?”

“You’re fired.”

“Eeh?!”

Altina was urged to return her attention to the dining hall. The one knight was still unconscious, while the others continued to prostrate themselves; nobody had laid so much as a finger on the platter of meat. It was impossible for her to carry on as a maid after that.

✧ ✧ ✧

Under Clarisse’s watch, Altina next ventured out to Fort Volks’s marketplace. It was a somewhat wide room with a number of shelves, each tightly packed with all manner of goods.

“Did you know they sell luxury goods here?” Clarisse asked. “Like sweets, accessories, and those books Mr. Regis likes so much.”

“Hmm.”

“This is also where I buy the leaves for your black tea.”

“Oh, it is?”

“If you’re working to earn money, it only makes sense that you’d need somewhere to spend it.”

“I see...”

Fort Volks was on the farthest outskirts of the Empire; even a round trip to Theonveil, the nearest town, took an entire day. There inevitably had to be some form of marketplace at the fortress, and there were more store clerks there than expected.

“We receive goods from the Theonveil Guild of Commerce and the southern trade alliance,” Clarisse explained. “They send clerks to manage the goods as well.”

The “southern trade alliance” referred to the Gaillarte Garden Party, a gathering of newly established nobles in the south. They were, in short, merchants with strong ties to House Tiraso Laverde. Considering that Fort Volks had a population great enough to rival a town—there were several thousand troops currently stationed there, as well as all the servants who supported them—there was more than enough interest in doing business there.

Regis had previously decided on who was permitted to enter, as well as the regulations on trade, so the princess didn’t know much in the way of specifics.

Clarisse led Altina to the back of the marketplace. “Next, I’ll have you try manning the counter,” she said.

“Oh, sure. Sounds good.”

“Selling goods is the cornerstone of any business—the very core of economics. Please study well.”

“Gotcha.”

“That means no kicking customers.”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about! The next time someone reaches for me, I’ll swat their hand away before they can touch me!”

“Well, whatever works...”

Altina changed into the store’s uniform—a vertically striped shirt that was worn by the male and female employees alike, and a cap made from the same material. It was clear at a glance that she was a shop worker.

I really do feel ready for anything wearing this.

“I’m Aleena, a new hire! It’s a pleasure to be working with you,” she said enthusiastically to the senior employee in the store. Once again, she was wearing a black wig to disguise herself. She was starting to get used to this.

The senior employee pointed at the entrance. “Ah, look, Aleena. We have a customer. Please greet him like this: ‘Welcome!’”

“Got it. Welcome!”

A soldier took two sweets from the shelf and brought them to the counter. “What’s the difference between these?” he asked.

How am I supposed to know...?

Altina froze. Not only did she know nothing about the merchandise, she hardly had any experience shopping at all. The clerk beside her ultimately stepped in and answered the customer in detail. The two sweets were apparently different flavors.

“Then I’ll go with this one,” the soldier said, pointing at one of the sweets.

“That will be one denier,” the clerk replied.

After leaving a copper coin on the table, the soldier picked up his purchase and left. The clerk respectfully bowed his head, said: “Thank you for your patronage” to the man’s back, and then returned the unbought sweet to its place on the shelves.

One denier?! He greeted the customer, offered them an explanation, told them the price, saw them off, and then made a trip to the shelf...all for one measly denier?! That’s one one hundred and fifty thousandth of what I make in a month!

Despite her best attempts to ignore it, Altina found her eyes being repeatedly drawn to the lone coin. “Business really is something!”

Lunch break came and went, and in the afternoon, a sloppily dressed man entered the shop. Altina was busy stocking the shelves when he ambled over to her and held out a piece of candy.

“I’ll take this,” the man proclaimed.

“Um... That’ll be one denier,” Altina replied. You’re supposed to take it over to the counter.

“Too expensive. Make it two for one denier.”

“Hmm?”

For a second, Altina thought she had remembered incorrectly—that is, until she looked over at her senior, who was making a small “X” with his fingers. It was then that she realized what was happening—this was what was called haggling. It was the very same thing that Regis had often done with the merchants.

“Err... I don’t think I can do that,” Altina replied.

“No, no, no. Just think about it. You can only do business here because we soldiers are out there on the front lines. What’s wrong with knocking down the price of a sweet or two?”

“But...” She turned to the clerk once again, who was now gesturing even more insistently. Perhaps that went without saying. Agreeing to this man’s suggestion would mean giving away a candy for free, and she couldn’t allow such a loss. “No means no.”

“What’s with you, woman?! I’m a soldier, you know! I’m protecting this fort! And you really think you can just...”

His rant continued from there, peppered with all sorts of obscene words that Altina wasn’t familiar with. If that weren’t bad enough, after his stream of verbal abuse, the man threw the product down onto the floor.

“I’m never shopping here again!”

Altina finally snapped, and another soldier was sent flying into the wall—this time with a punch. She received a lavish amount of thanks from the store clerk, and it was then that she promised another law: “No haggling with or insulting the shopkeepers.”

Again, Clarisse stroked Altina’s head with a chuckle. “You did your best, Princess.”

“Urgh, but... Wasn’t he terrible? I think I did the right thing.”

“So do I. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re fired.”

“No way.”

After saying her farewells to the grateful staff, Altina headed to her next location.

✧ ✧ ✧

“Now we’re moving on to clergy work,” Clarisse said.

“Doesn’t that come under religion, not economics?”

“The Empire’s churches both look after and lend out money. Now, this may come as a surprise, but there are some troublesome people who don’t return what they borrowed. This job involves going to those people and making sure they give that money back.”

“They can’t be bothered to give back what they’ve borrowed, huh? How curious.”

“Here’s a list of the worst defaulters. Oh dear, it seems there’s even an officer among them. Shall we start from the top?”

“All right. I’ll see what I can do!”

As was to be expected, a fool who tried to drive Altina away with violence was promptly tossed into a wall.

Altina slumped her shoulders and sighed. Clarisse was stroking her head once again.

“The priest was very grateful, Princess.”

“Right...” Altina had promised the church that loan repayments would be deducted in installments from the soldiers’ salaries. She shot the maid a reproachful glare. “But I’m fired, aren’t I?”

“Correct.”

✧ ✧ ✧

When dinnertime rolled around, Altina returned to the officers’ dining hall and collapsed into a wooden chair. “Phah! I’m exhausted!”

“Oh my. That’s rare for you, Princess.”

“I’m leagues more tired than when I’ve been crossing blades with Eddie or Gilbert!”

Clarisse chuckled. “Dinner should be served soon. Would you like some tea in the meantime?”

“Please. Ah, actually—no. I’ll settle for water.”

“Hmm?”

Altina gave a bitter smile. “Tea leaves are incredibly expensive. I’ve always known how much they cost, but it never felt real to me, I guess. They were so easy to come by in the palace, and... No. I think what I didn’t understand was the value of money. Or how hard it is working at the lower levels. To think someone would go through so much trouble for a denier...”

“Certainly.”

“Thank you, Clarisse. You’re always putting up with so much for my sake, aren’t you?”

“I’m used to it.”

“Earning money is outrageous.”

“You need to do good enough work to be sought after. Otherwise, any potential employers or customers will simply look elsewhere.”

“Yeah. Being needed by somebody, though—it’s amazing!”

“I’m glad you learned something.”

Altina gave a firm nod. “I think this was my best lesson so far! I need to make myself useful enough that people need me!”

“Aha ha... You’re already needed as a commander, Princess.”

“I hope so. But what do the soldiers of the Fourth Army think...?”

“You should consider more than just the soldiers. People all around the Empire hope and pray for you to play your part.”

“Ah, right...”

In the war against High Britannia, they had needed her to stop the enemy invasion. And now, they needed her to protect the Empire from the Germanian threat.

Altina looked down at her hands. “I always thought about becoming empress and changing the Empire—those were the only things I had my sights on. But even my current role is crucial for a great many people.”

“Right.” Clarisse stroked Altina’s head again—not with the same mischievousness she had shown on every other occasion that day, but with tender kindness.

“Ah, for God’s sake...” Altina purred. She found the show of affection a little ticklish, but it was comforting enough that she gave into it completely. “You’re treating me like a child again.”

“Aha ha ha.”

All of a sudden, the floor began to tremor, and a stampede of no fewer than twenty officers barged into the dining hall. It was dinnertime, so their arrival wasn’t strange in itself, but they headed straight for Altina with such serious and intense expressions that there was no mistaking something had happened.

“P-Pardon us!”

“Hmm? What’s up?” Altina asked. “Wait, don’t tell me Germania’s moving?!”

“No, ma’am! The region around the fort is peaceful as can be! Truth be told...we heard that you’ve started up a business, Your Highness!”

“Eh...? A-Aha ha... Well, I was doing a few jobs. For learning purposes. Right...?” But no sooner had she responded than the officers abruptly began stripping off their coats. The sight came as such a shock that she recoiled on instinct. “Wh-Wh-What?!”

All at once, in a cacophony of throaty voices, the half-naked officers proclaimed: “Your Highness! We heard that you’ll beat the crap out of us if we give you money!”

“I-I’ll what?!”

Clarisse clapped a hand over her mouth, trying so very hard to stifle a laugh that her eyes had begun to water. “Pff... How about that, Princess? See how sought after you are?”

“Punch me, please!”

“What kinda business do you think I’m running here?!”