Chapter 22 (Special Edition): The Melancholy of the Clumsy Noble Lady
(Why does work keep piling up no matter how much I finish it?...
Trees disappear when you cut them down, and even well water dries up if you keep drawing from it.
It's like bugs multiplying in a wardrobe.)
"Princess, may I have a word with you?"
Lost in my thoughts, I was brought back by the grumpy voice of my guardian.
Sebastian stood there, holding a bundle of parchment.
"Why are there still so many documents awaiting urgent approval?" he asked.
"Um, well, was it about the petition from the Merchants Guild?" I replied.
"It's about the waterway renovation! Didn't you just explain it?"
I was scolded.
"Oh, yes, of course, I remember now. Um, where should I sign?"
"No, that's not it. It's about a report of someone involved in the renovation smuggling materials. While it's easy to apprehend and question the person, if it turns out to be a false accusation, that individual happens to be related to the guild master, which could lead to trouble."
"Oh, yes, I understand. But then, what should we do?"
"That's why! I suggested conducting an investigation through scouting. However, we are already short-staffed, and it may affect the subjugation of the labyrinth."
"Hmm, what should we do... I'll leave it to Ji-san, somehow."
"Princess!"
After endless nagging, I finally agreed to send a scout with low-level skills who was unlikely to enter the labyrinth.
Why do I have to make such decisions?
I know, I know. It's the duty of a lord.
Now that my father and brother have passed away, and I, who was entrusted to the temple at a young age, have never been properly taught about politics or military affairs, it is my responsibility as the sole heir of the earl's family to fulfill my duties magnificently. If I fail to do so, I won't be able to uphold the family name, the retainers will be left in the cold, and the people will lose their support.
However, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.
I am extremely bad at politics.
It's already difficult to comprehend the numbers written on the bundle of parchment regarding taxes and harvests, but even more challenging is reading petition letters with convoluted wording, making it hard to understand what they're trying to say. Furthermore, I have to engage in empty conversations full of flowery words with guild representatives, messengers from other territories, and I have no idea what they're thinking. On top of that, I'm expected to make judgments on how to solve problems like the one today when I have no clue... It's just painful, exhausting, and makes me want to run away.
I understand that Grandpa doesn't mean any harm.
In the first place, Grandpa was a renowned knight on the battlefield, so he had no involvement in politics. However, just because a clumsy girl like me became the acting lord, he ended up taking on the burden of overseeing my work in an unrelated field, aging beyond his years. His hair is not just thinning—it's nearly gone.
But still, isn't it typical for noblewomen to be elegantly poised, with capable vassals making all the arrangements and saying things like "Leave it to me"? However, of course, our family doesn't have any money. We barely have enough to make ends meet, let alone any surplus. We have mountains of debt. That's why it's out of the question to hire new vassals. On the contrary, my biggest concern is how to avoid cutting off the heads of the people who have served us faithfully for years.
But that doesn't mean I'm just idling around. Well, sometimes I do, but I also understand the danger and directly go out to subdue monsters. I work hard.
I really want to dress up more and if I were a noble girl of the same age, wouldn't I have already married a wonderful lord or taken a husband who would handle difficult tasks for me? Even though I'm already 19, due to the inheritance of the earldom and the stability of the territory, I haven't had any encounters, not even the kind that seems like an encounter.
I'm very interested in the stories the maids share and the various conversations they have with gentlemen in places where I'm not present. Tonight, once again, I'll secretly sing love songs in my daydreams.
Finally, as evening approaches, Grandpa finally said, "I have other work to attend to. The rest is up to you," and released me, allowing me to sneak into the kitchen.
Today, the cook, Merle, has baked a pie with my favorite tangy Lucoco fruit on top. No one tells me, but it's probably for the dessert at dinner. My nose never fails me.
Merle's pies are always delicious, but unfortunately, they are small. Especially lately, I wonder why. I don't think it's necessary to make them that small just because our family is poor.
In addition to my daily heavy workload, I am still growing, and I think I need nutrition to become more attractive as a woman.
So, to make sure it's the right amount, I decided to taste it just a little in advance. Just a little.
The freshly baked pie is sitting in the farthest corner of the kitchen oven. Fortunately, no one is here. I stealthily entered like a skilled scout and secured three slices of pie.
Of course, it's for tasting purposes. The finished product varies slightly depending on the location inside the kiln, so I must thoroughly confirm it.
First, I savor one on the spot... delicious! Then I wrap the rest in a handkerchief and hide it inside my dress, returning to my office.
"Princess, Princess~"
What an unfortunate timing. It's Noebina, the head maid.
She is Sebastian's second wife and an excellent woman who manages all the women in the household, but she can be a bit mean. She knows I'm conscious of it, yet she asks me straightforwardly,
"Princess, if I may be so bold, have you gained a little weight?"
I stuff the remaining pie from the cleavage of my chest into my mouth, attempting to destroy the evidence.
It's improper to walk while chewing, but it's an emergency, so I'm sure even God will forgive me. I utilize my stealth skills to the fullest and enter the office ahead of time, facing the desk with a poker face.
"Princess~ Is it here...? That's strange. You weren't here earlier."
Oh no, she's coming directly to this room. Unfortunately, I have to swallow the remaining pie without being able to fully enjoy it.
"Oh, you're here. Sebastian was looking for you."
"Eh? Uh, I just went to pick some flowers..."
There's still a little bit left in my mouth, causing me to speak unnaturally.
"Well, in that case, there are still documents that need to be settled today, and we've been urged to ask you."
"Ugh..."
My heart lets out a heavy groan.
At that moment, a soldier comes running and kneels at the entrance.
"Princess Carenna, Knight Captain Zagoo has returned. He wishes to report at your convenience."
"Well, that's a big deal!"
Military matters are still better than political affairs. Monsters don't make lewd remarks or demand repayment of debts.
"Princess, if you could postpone that for a little..."
"No, no, I can't put off the reports from the soldiers who are risking their lives!"
One of the soldiers who had been loyal since my father's time passed away just yesterday. I couldn't hold back my tears. My desire to repay their hard work is sincere.
"I'll come right away."
As I hurriedly tried to get up from my seat, I heard a snapping sound. Something flew off. The button on my waist? I'm dumbfounded by this unthinkable misfortune.
A young soldier pretends not to notice, looking uncomfortable.
"Princess, it's been happening again lately..."
Noebina, please don't say anything. Please.
Blushing deeply, I escaped into the waiting room.