News from a Black Crow
Mia was finally able to grasp what was it that she felt was unnatural. It had been nagging on the back of her mind like a mist. Now that mist has solidified into something that she can speak out.
Mia was right that something doesn’t add up. The situation in Remno was indeed strange. It was an unconscious insight that she had from her previous life when Tearmoon was headed for revolution.
Eventhough the situation that Remno is currently in is different from the situation with the previous Tearmoon Empire, the motivating factors and the flow are very similar.
This time, Chancellor Dasayev Donovan seems to be the Outcount Rudolvon of the previous timelines. In both cases, the noble who is on the side of the people has been persecuted. And in both cases, it is the Kingdom of Sunkland that saves the oppressed people.
In two places where the conditions are completely different… how can there be such a coincidence?
No way. It’s definitely not possible.
It’s as if someone is trying to make the Kingdom of Sunkland the executor of justice. Was this the wish of God or a manipulation of the devil?
“It’s like we are caught in a devious, and cunning scheme.”
Then she realised a problem.
Just a second… how will I be able to explain this?
Indeed, she will have a hard time explaining these things as her reasoning presupposes the knowledge of Mia’s previous life.
What should I do!??
When Mia was about to descend into panic, a voice rescued her. Surprisingly, it was…
“A cunning plot… I see. Your Highness are you suggesting that this rebellion is the product of a conspiracy? That there are people who are interested in dividing our kingdom? That we are ridiculous enough to be playing into their hands by killing our own countrymen? So, this is what you meant when you said that it is ridiculous?”
It was Bernardo who voiced out. Gone from his eyes is the menacing look, and it is now replaced by and intrigued attention at Mia.
“Huh …?” (Mia)
“As expected, Princess Mia. You noticed a conspiracy so quickly. As expected of the Wisdom of the Empire.”
“As expected of you, Mia-sama!”
Ludwig and Anne, her two loyal retainers scream in admiration for Mia. Only Dion, who was watching the situation with his arms folded, was unmoved.
“Does that mean that Prince Sion? Is that the reason why you risked your life in a duel to stop Prince Abel?”
Bernardo asked while turning his gaze toward Sion. Sion slowly shakes his head,
“No, I am…”
Two dainty hands suddenly appeared in front of Sion’s mouth. Effectively stopping him from completing what he was about to say. It was Mia blocking Sion’s words.
What in the heavenly moons are you doing?! There’s a time for honesty, and there’s a time not to be stupid! Why would you say no when things are finally going well, and everyone is ready to move on!
Sion’s reason for fighting Abel was because of the difference in principles. Pretending it was because he wants to stop a conspiracy would be disrespectful to his opponent, Abel. But Mia could not care less about being disrespectful or whatnot right now. Keeping Sion firmly muffled, her mind worked overtime extra quickly to find a logic to shut him up. This was going to be the fastest ever that Mia’s brain worked.
“Yeah, if we want to be accurate, you’re half right.”
“Half right?”
Bernardo looked suspiciously at Mia. Sion also looked suspiciously at her. Mia whispered to Sion.
“You came to protect me, so if my purpose is to solve that devious conspiracy, then you were able to do your primary task. Half-right. Right?”
Mia’s glare and tone clearly suggest that she would not take a no for an answer.
“Well, I suppose you could say that…”
“Perfect. Then that’s everything settled!”
Mia declared in a triumphant tone before turning around to see the soldiers still confused.
What’s this? Did my message not get through?
She was relieved that nobody voiced a complaint. But then…
“However……”
In a heavy tone, Bernardo said.
“Unfortunately, Your Highness, that is not a reason enough for us to return. I would like to ask you the grounds for what you said… Even if you will be able to present a concrete proof that this conspiracy, we still have our orders to disband the reel army and restore order in the town here.”
Oh, after all… I should have guessed it won’t be easy.
Mia dropped her shoulders as Bernardo continued…
“I suppose it is the same for the rebels. They surely won’t lower their weapons once they know that the government is not willing to lower the tax.”
His words brought Mia back to life.
“My, I do believe you are mistaken. The rebels are only demanding the release of Chancellor Dasayev Donovan.”
Mia then proceeded to recount what Lynsha told her. The reaction was dramatic.
“Your Highness, Prince Abel, have you heard from His Majesty that Count Donovan was captured and is in prison?”
“No… He never said anything about that. In fact, this is the first time I have heard of such a thing.”
Abel, who just came back after his wounds were treated, was shocked at what he just heard. Mia gave him a quick inspecting look and breathed a sigh of relief to see no major injuries.
“I see… I suppose it would be wise to listen to Her Highness’ words on this matter. If we are able to rescue Chancellor Donovan, then we might be able to peacefully disband the rebels. But at the moment, we don’t know where he is held.”
Upon hearing Bernardo’s words, Dion agrees.
“Yes, I was also thinking the same thing. Princess Mia, being very wise, would surely already know where he is held. The only question is, will we find a man or a corpse?”
Chancellor Dasayev Donovan was not a hostage. He was a fuse. An instrument for inciting the masses to revolt. And once his purpose is done, there is no reason to keep him alive. In fact, Count Rudolvon, who triggered the Imperial Revolution, was murdered. Dion’s question was obvious to everyone given the current situation.
“Huh …?”
Well obvious to almost everyone. Mia, who was no longer in control of the situation, was lost in the dust at what everyone was talking about.
“Eh? Oh, that’s that …”
But… help came from a surprising direction again.
“If you will allow me to answer that question.”
Hearing a familiar voice, Mia turned around to see Keithwood with a troubled smile. And on his shoulder was a bird with beautiful black feathers.
“Keithwood, you are safe! And what’s with the crow?” (Sion)
Keithwood shrugged at Sion’s question.
“I bear news. Good news, in fact… well, maybe not for us.”
The seeds sown by Mia bloomed beautifully in a distant foreign land. As they grew, they lifted the heart of a certain black bird. The bird then returned the favor. He carried young saplings filled with Monica’s message of hope back to the only one who could stop this tragedy – the Wisdom of the Empire.
Now the time for those seeds to bloom are near.
