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Kind-hearted Conviction

“Ah, uh, Sion …”

Mia anxiously called out to Sion whose face was still in pain.

“Thank you, Mia. You are certainly the Wisdom of the Empire.”

Upon hearing his thanks, Mia pulled back a little to Sion.

Dark moons! Why is he thanking me for that kick? Is he perhaps like Tiona’s father? A masochist?! Does being hurt make him happy?

“You have awakened within me something that I did not know before.”

Eeek! Wha-What awakened?! And what did he mean that I am certainly the Wisdom of the Empire? That should have been a given… Heavenly moons, was it my kick? Was it too strong or the angle? Did he take a liking to my kick?! I’m confident with my kicking but kicking someone who likes pain creeps me out.

Mia put on a forced smile.

“Oh well, that’s good to hear then. I’m happy for you.”

To her surprise, Sion burst into happiness upon hearing her words. This creeped her out even more. She slowly turned her gaze away from Sion, while trying hard to put on a straight face. She realized that she might have just done something irreparable. But she threw it at the back of her mind. The less she thought about it, the better.

“B-By the way, do you know where Chancellor Dasayev is being held?”

Mia quickly changed the topic. This is the typical Mia. Leaving problems for tomorrow.

“Oh…, Keithwood, you can explain.”

Keithwood nodded in response to Sion’s words

“According to the information, Sir Donovan is apparently imprisoned in this town, Senia.”

“What!?”

Mia eyes went wide in shock.

“Prince Abel, are you familiar with this town?”

When asked by Keithwood, Abel shook his head.

“No, but some soldiers may know. Let me ask…”

Mia suddenly had an idea.

“Oh, would it not be better to ask Lynsha.”

Lynsha, Lynsha. You think you can make me do all the hard work while you do nothing? Think again silly girl.

With these thoughts, a mischievous grin appeared on Mia’s face.

For a moment, Abel was captivated by Mia’s lovely smile. It took all of his effort to divert his eyes away. He cleared his throat and asked.

“Lynsha? Who is she?”

“Oh, actually, I got to be acquainted with the sister of the leader of the rebel army. That person is called Lynsha…”

When Abel heard Mia’s explanation, he sighed in admiration.

“Got acquainted with her huh? I see…” (Abel)

With just those words alone, Abel felt that he understood Mia’s scheme.

That is…

Is she hoping that their sentences will be reduced?

Abel remembered what Mia was saying earlier. Everyone makes mistakes. Therefore, people should be given the opportunity to start over. Though the rebel army were victims themselves, they were still willing participants and caused a big mess. If this had went on, it would not be surprising if the rebel army get the death penalty.

But if they were not labelled as rebels, they are just people who were dissatisfied with the heavy taxes. The royal family is also to blame. Mia understood this and so she was hoping to lighten their punishment as much as possible. She wants to give them a chance to redeem themselves. This is why she is insisting that they employ their help. If these rebels contribute to finding the Chancellor, then this good work will cast a good impression on them during judgement time.

They could say that they were deceived by a spy from Sunkland but had a change of heart halfway through. They then cooperated with the Remno army to prevent the conspiracy from getting worse… Hmm…This might actually convince my father…

The King of Remno was a straightforward man. And furthermore, if Mia speaks for their behalf as the Princess of Tearmoon, it will further improve their chances.

Brilliant swords! She’s already thinking many steps ahead!

Abel was impressed and at the same time a little happy. For some reason, he is happy that Mia’s wisdom is directed towards mercy for those who have made mistakes. Not only does she possess wisdom, but she also possesses deep sympathy for those who have erred. This is the hallmark of a great ruler. This was Abel’s gentle sentiments, and this caused Mia to be endeared more by this young prince. Abel now knew that Mia’s compassion and mercy are always founded on solid rationality.

Since the girl named Lynsha lives around here, she would be familiar with geography. And if she is connected to the rebels, then she would also know the potential hiding places. It makes sense for her to be their guide.

And there will also be the aftermath. If the revolutionary leader, who is representing the people, was executed, it would create problems. At the very least, the opposing factions could use it against the king.

For the kingdom to maintain its system, it is absolutely necessary to give out severe punishment, or at least to show that attitude. Failure to do so for no good reason will hinder the maintenance of power.

Yes, if there was no good reason…

And this is what Mia is doing through employing Lynsha as a guide. Giving the system a reason. So that these rebels can be acquitted, or at least their punishment be lightened.

In order to do so, she would have to put together complicated logical arguments and legal principles, and yet at the core of it all was a kind-hearted conviction.

Mia… you are really extraordinary… Being worthy of you is like reaching out to the moon. I might not be able to do it now, but one day…

…. The day when Abel realizes the true nature of Mia’s kind-hearted convictions was very unlikely to arrive.

Author’s Note:

So, I would like to finish this year’s post.

Have a nice new year.

On New Year’s Day, I will take a day off and continue running a little more from the second day. It’s Hakone Ekiden Day.

Hakone Ekiden is a two day relay race in Tokyo. It is, imho, the most popular sporting event in Japan. Everything just stops and people watch it, even on their tv’s at home.