A faint but clear smile of victory appeared on the lips of the Marchioness Fiddlersus as she finished speaking.

It was a smile born of satisfaction at having said all she wanted to say, and confidence that even this mad dragon-like empress—as she was said to be on the battlefield—would now recognize how much her prestige in the empire and status in Betor had changed.

However, Erdene’s reaction was quite different from what the Marchioness Fiddlersus had imagined—or hoped for.

Quite different indeed.

“Ahaha!”

The laughter was so loud it made their ears ring. Even the timid Viscountess Wikis, not to mention Fiddlersus herself, couldn’t help but flinch in surprise.

The two noble ladies, each raised in esteemed families under strict traditions, were literally shocked to see Erdene laughing with her mouth wide open, showing her throat.

“Your Highness! A well-mannered lady does not laugh so vulgarly.”

The Marchioness, her face red, raised her voice unable to contain herself.

But Erdene could hardly stop laughing, holding her stomach and giggling while wiping away tears as she said:

“My goodness, Marchioness. In over twenty years of living, I’ve seen and heard all sorts of strange things, but this is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.”

“What exactly do you find so amusing?”

Erdene stared intently at the Marchioness’s face, still holding back laughter.

She looked just like those troublemakers roaming the streets—the kind who throw stones at walls or spit on carriage wheels—to the point where the Marchioness felt an urge to slap Erdene’s cheek.

Then Erdene spoke:

“Don’t you find your own words amusing? I thought the only things the King of Betor had to boast about were grain and fatty meat that could cook the Emperor of the Empire, but now it seems that being tall is quite a point of pride too? But you know, if it’s enough to feel reassured compared to me, it doesn’t seem like a height to be so proud of. Too much worry is a problem.”

Erdene drove the point home, looking mockingly at the ever-changing expressions of the two ladies:

“After all, it’s best for people to live as they were born.”

The Marchioness Fiddlersus and Viscountess Wikis’s mouths fell open.

It was to the point where their throats were clearly visible, just as when Erdene had laughed earlier. For a moment, Erdene thought their jaws might have dislocated.

If only that were the case! Then I could make them laugh until their bellies burst!

“Your Highness, even as the Imperial Princess, your words are going too far!”

“Marchioness, you seem to have too little patience for your position. As a rule, those in high positions should speak less and have deeper gazes, but you’re the opposite.”

“What are you saying…!”

Erdene chuckled.

“Well, I suppose I’m no better than you when it comes to patience, so we’re even. Seeing how you’re trying to protect the king of a country, it seems your skirts are quite wide, Marchioness. I’ll keep that in mind from now on.”

The Marchioness knew all too well that Erdene’s words went beyond blatant lies and were closer to mockery.

Just as she was about to add another word, Erdene, who was already lifting the tent on the opposite side and heading out of the camp, made an “Ah” sound and stopped in her tracks.

“There’s one more thing you should keep in mind, Marchioness Fiddlersus.”

The corner of the Marchioness’s mouth twitched momentarily.

Should she remain silent, or should she answer? Of course, the answer was predetermined.

“Please speak, Your Highness.”

The Marchioness Fiddlersus replied with unnecessary refinement, suppressing her rising anger.

Erdene watched this change with interest, then smiled and brightened her eyes.

“Raise your voice disrespectfully in front of me one more time. I will never forgive it.”

It was a low voice that made the listener’s body tremble involuntarily.

Although said with a smile, one could feel the emotion close to killing intent in every word.

The Marchioness Fiddlersus snapped back to her senses at the sound of the Viscountess Wikis, who had been silent as a ghost, letting out a faint groan.

For a moment, even she, seasoned in politics, had been dazed, intimidated by Erdene’s threat.

Erdene saw the new carriage prepared—while listening to the Marchioness grumbling in an irritated voice, the poor Viscountess Wikis would clearly be suffering for a while.

‘This makes me sigh.’

She thought.

The carriage they had been riding in until now was a large one suitable for long-distance travel, with sturdy wheels and a strong roof.

Of course, it was more comfortable than a small carriage and felt more stable when running.

But the carriage she had to ride in now was small and dainty… with delicate flower decorations attached to every corner with silver and jewels.

Erdene once again recalled the thought she had mulled over several times since leaving the Hirschsten Empire.

‘Should I just overthrow everything now?’

Just looking at the attitude of the Marchioness Fiddlersus, it didn’t seem like her position in the Betor royal family would be solid from the start.

These weak inland people who flee at the mere sight of Hirschsten’s flag would constantly try to trample and ignore her, who had been practically exchanged for food.

If she had swords and shields, spears and bows, she would fight back, but Erdene was empty-handed.

She couldn’t bring even one of the knights or military officers who had pledged loyalty to her.

[Anyway, won’t there be knights to guard you in Betor too? They are military officers loyal to the empire, not just for you alone.]

The image of Tenek’s smirking face while pretending to be dignified made her grit her teeth.

The empire had now become her past…

Then wouldn’t it be fine to cut the coachman’s throat and go anywhere? Let that stupid Tenek deal with the aftermath.

But Erdene eventually shook her head and changed her mind.

‘I can’t do that.’

Yes, she couldn’t do that.

If the descendants of the empire gained satisfaction and comfort, if that was their happiness, she had to fulfill her duty.

Having made up her mind, Erdene boarded that ridiculous small carriage.

Fortunately, the two noble ladies and that young employee who had been serving Erdene so far followed in another carriage.

Looking out the window with a sullen expression throughout the forest path, she bit her lip hard upon seeing the high-quality trees growing lushly.

Trees that must have been at least a hundred years old were scattered everywhere.

All this fertile and abundant land that could nurture and protect so many trees and grasses belonged to the inland kingdoms.

As Tenek said, the empire only had vast territory, most of which was covered in desolate and barren rocks.

‘We should have taken these lands.’

She gritted her teeth again, recalling Tenek’s grinning face.

Since she was leaving anyway, she should have given that idiot a good beating that he wouldn’t forget for a long time.

She regretted it belatedly.

As the well-managed but soft forest came to an end, the scenery of the capital of the Kingdom of Betor unfolded before her eyes.

Unlike the houses in the empire, which were made only of wood and stone or dry grass except for the castle where the royal family resided, the capital of the kingdom had colorful roofs and neat bricks.

The roads were well-paved, the clothing of the people passing by was diverse, and the shops were bustling with activity.

‘We should have made all of this Hirschsten’s. That fool tore up the rice-producing sack just to eat a handful of barley in front of him.’

The top of Betor’s royal castle began to be visible as they approached the center of the capital.

Unlike the empire, which mainly had low and heavy buildings, it was a beautiful building with many slender and delicate decorations.

In other words…

‘Not to my taste.’

That was all Erdene had to say about the elegant and stylish castle that even foreign envoys praised without reservation.

The scenery outside the carriage, which had been moving at a steady pace, became clearer and clearer bit by bit.

Finally, when it slowed down enough to see even the shape of the bricks that made up the white castle walls, Erdene suddenly felt one side of her chest sink.

It seemed similar to what she felt on the battlefield, but upon careful consideration, it was completely different.

It feels like being in prison. Erdene thought.

It wasn’t like being surrounded by enemies—in such a situation, she would have no trouble escaping—but it felt like tight iron bars that could never be broken… were surrounding her in a circle.

As people’s figures became visible through the semicircular cute window, the feeling of being trapped somewhere intensified.

She almost didn’t want to get out of this narrow, funny carriage, but her wishes were not conveyed to anyone.

Soon the carriage door opened, and an attendant laid a flat, comfortable cushion at her feet.

“Your Highness, please be careful as you step down.”

How hilarious. Erdene roughly gathered the cumbersome dress skirts and jumped down, barely touching the cushion.

‘What a jester’s act. This is exactly what a jester does.’

As Erdene raised her head, a tall man approached her alone.

His gait was slow and graceful, and near his shoulders, peonies embroidered with dark silver thread, barely visible, caught the eye at the end of his gently fluttering black cloak.

His hair was a warm brown reminiscent of autumn, as if touching it would spread the fragrant scent of tree branches, and it was curly like that of a young boy.

On top of that head was the crown of Betor.

“You must have had a hard journey. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Imperial Princess Erdene Bard of Hirschsten. I am Arkan Kiprosmine, King of Betor.”

Arkan Kiprosmine.

Seeing the awkward and gentle smile appear on his face, one thought suddenly flashed through Erdene’s mind.

‘Damn, he’s handsome. That makes it even more infuriating.’