Princess Mia is being Considerate
The day after meeting with Ludwig, Mia decided to head to the Newmoon District with Bel and the others. According to Ludwig, his master doesn’t have a fixed residence and so he doesn’t know where is at the moment. For the time being, they decided to put the matter of headmaster aside and they are looking for another instructor.
Just a few hours ago…
“But finding new instructors are easier said than done.” Mia said with a frown.
“Yes… If you don’t mind, why don’t we talk to the priest in the Newmoon area?”
“The priest?” Mia tilted her head for a moment. “I see… I see what you mean.” She immediately nodded in understanding.
The Central Orthodox Church have a penchant for the scholastic studies, and they are less susceptible to the influence of the nobility.
“Originally, some churches were running schools as well… We might be able to make use of that know-how. How about accepting some children who are at the orphanage…”
That way, we might be able to count on the Central Orthodox Church as well as the nobility for funding.
Mia, who had already started calculating, said, but Ludwig opened his mouth with a slightly sour face.
“Although it may be a little difficult…”
“Hmm? Why? I’m pretty sure the priest there will be more than happy to help us out.”
“In order to realize Your Highness’ idea, I spoke to many noble families while referring to St. Noel. I pitched what a prestige it will be if we have an academy like St. Noel’s within the empire.”
“Yes, I am aware of that.”
Mia was already aware of how Ludwig was framing his pitch. They were trying to persuade them through patriotism. The method worked well, and as a result they have a firm financial founding.
“At that time, it was the best approach. However, St. Noel is a prestigious school built in the Principality of Belluga. It is a status and prestige for them. I’m not sure if they will look kindly upon a rival academy. Furthermore, when Her Highness defeated Rafina in the election, Your Highness effectively ousted the Holy Lady to become the president. So, acquiring the Church’s help might be a little difficult.”
“Ahh……”
Having heard that much, Mia now understood the effect of her actions that the priest might not appreciate.
Besides, wasn’t that priest a rabid Rafina fan?
Mia briefly considered asking directly for Rafina’s cooperation instead of the priest. But that wouldn’t be looked too kindly by the nobles. It will be seen as begging Rafina for help. The orphans and commoners that will be attending the academy might be seen as something Rafina imposed in exchange for help. This would give those who were opposing the academy plan a lot of political material to attack Mia.
Such an action could be used as a fuel that there is a rivalry between the Tearmoon Empire and the Principality of Belluga. So even if Mia needs to ask the help of this priest, she cannot ask for Rafina’s help.
Knowing such dynamics Ludwig’s face turned sour. Mia honestly thinks it is too troublesome, but she can’t say it out loud.
Viscount Berman is the kind of noble they are looking for. A noble who lives by pride. It is easy to loosen the purse-strings of nobles if one appeals to their pride.
Well, I feel this is much more comfortable than when I was facing Lady Rafina during the elections. I’ll just do what I can, and hope for the best, right?
Mia has become an expert in surviving hopeless situations. She won’t be discouraged by such a minor problem. Not only was she not discouraged, but she also even forgot about it. She slept soundly at night; ate breakfast with sleepy eyes… it was then that she suddenly remembered.
“That’s right! That person is an enthusiastic fan of Rafina. There was that thing that he really wanted. If I get it for him, he will be so happy that he might just agree to help.”
Mia couldn’t help but want to praise her past self for not forgetting what the priest asked her to do. What’s more, she was considerate and even went above and beyond what she was asked to do. Considerate to an excessive level. Well, according to her own evaluation anyway.
As expected of me. I am a very considerate woman! So, this is what it feels like to be an accomplished woman who knows what she is doing.
And so, with a perfect strategy, Mia took the guards and headed to the house of Anne’s parents. Along the way…
“Oh? You are…” Mia recognized the Princess Guard that was walking beside her, “Aren’t you the vice-captain who was with Sir Dion?”
“Oh? Hehe, did you remember me?” The bear-like giant imperial guard scratched his head with an embarrassed smile.
“Actually, Ludwig planned to strengthen the imperial guards… Most of the corps at that time were incorporated.”
“Is that so? I had no idea.”
“I never thought rough soldiers like us would become Imperial Guards.” And then, the vice-captain gently approached Mia. “I heard you picked a fight with some pretty bad folk. I can’t blame Ludwig looking for extra muscles. Even if we may be good fighters, assassinations are quite hard to defend. So, keep your eyes open.”
“I see, so that’s why…”
“Yes, well. I know we are big and ugly, but you’ll have to excuse our appearance, Your Highness.”
“Nonsense. I am the one who should be thankful for your diligence, Vice-Captain.”
“Hehe, your humble attitude is really refreshing, Your Highness. Besides, I am no longer the vice-captain. You can just call me Vanos.”
“Yes, I understand. Well then, Vanos, please take care of me.”
Mia was in a good mood and slightly lifted the hem of her skirt as a curtsy. Mia has good compatibility with big men.
“Ah, Your Highness!”
Eventually, they arrived at the house of Anne’s parent. She was greeted by Anne’s brother and sisters. They surrounded her with shining smiles.
“It’s just me, there’s no need to be so excited.” Mia said eventhough she was clearly enjoying the attention.
“Good day, Your Highness.”
“Oh, Elise. It’s been a while. I always enjoy reading your story.”
“Ehehe, thank you, Your Highness.” Elise smiled happily after being praised for the story she had written. “Ah! Um, by the way, Your Highness… about Ten – oh, it was supposed to be a secret. But is it true that you can ride that special horse?”
“A special horse… is it?” Mia wondered what Elise was talking about.
“Well, I’ve certainly ridden a special horse.”
St. Noel’s equestrian club has a variety of horses. There are heavy horses that one can ride on the battlefield. There are also horses that can run fast and usually used by messengers because of their stamina. There are also small breeds that look like foals at first glance.
I didn’t even know such small horses exists before. They can certainly be called special. They were so cute…
Mia started remembering them fondly.
“As expected… it was really true!”
Mia started wondering why Elise’s eyes seemed like they were twinkling.
“Um, Your Highness, I know you’re busy, but…if you have time, could you tell me a story about when you rode that special horse?”
“Huh? Sure. But what is it for?”
“Of course, for reference.”
Ah, indeed. In the stories that Elise writes there are a lot of scenes whereby the prince is riding a horse. So she wants to know what it feels like to ride a horse…
Mia nodded with a satisfied face……
That means it wouldn’t be interesting to talk about the feeling of riding a horse normally. A sense of speed like running around the grassland is surely important. A sense of speed, as if one is flying… Hmm, it would be nice if I could talk a little bit more powerfully! I’m sure she won’t mind if I exaggerate a little.
So Mia, being a considerate person, decided to tell Elise stories with dubious authenticity for the sake of her writing.
This is Mia being considerate, after all!
…thus, the (false) Chronicles of Princess Mia was one step closer.
