Princess Mia Talks about Politics
After picking up Bel’s group, the party headed straight to the Newmoon District. Mia was a little worried when she saw Bel skipping in a good mood and humming.
“By the way, Bel, come here for a minute.”
“Yes? What is it, Mia oneesama?”
Mia told the curious Bel in a low voice.
“Actually, we are going to join Ludwig and the others at the church in the Newmoon District.”
“Huh!? Can I meet Ludwig-sensei!?”
Bel’s face shines even more.
“So, I’d like to warn you, please don’t say anything careless.”
“Careless? What could that be?”
“For example, something about the future.”
When Mia said that, Bel just laughed.
“Mia-neesama, you don’t have to worry about such a thing. I will never say anything that might cause trouble for you!”
Bel announced with confidence.
Considering what she told Elise the night before, this confidence seems misplaced. Bel’s memory was never more than a stone’s throw away. She was indeed Mia’s granddaughter in this respect.
“Very well. I approve of your prudence.”
Mia nodded haughtily. Then she looked around the surroundings.
“This area has become quite lively…”
Compared to before, the Newmoon District seemed somewhat cleaner although it still had the feel of a poor district. Stores and stalls lined up the roads in a jumbled manner and there was bustle in the air. The products mostly seemed dubious, but it has a raw charm and vibrancy that was not found in the other parts of the Imperial Capital.
“Ludwig designated this as a special jurisdiction. Interesting, isn’t it?” Vanos told Mia while casually walking beside her as a guard. “Heard that people can do business here for cheap. So merchants are flocking in.”
“Special jurisdiction… ah!” Bel perked up. “So this is Mia Boulevard!”
“Mia Boulevard…?” Mia just heard something disturbing. She then whispers to Bel. “What is that supposed to be?”
“Ah, yes. It seems to have been a famous place in the Imperial Capital. I heard that it was a place where festivals were always held. And it is also famous for its Miacakes. They are sweets that are shaped like you Mia-neesama.”
“…Miacakes.”
Somehow, Mia had a vision of herself coated in butter and cooked above a flame.
“There’s a lot of cream in the head part. So people usually argue if the head should be eaten first or last. That’s what Elise told me.”
“Bite the head…”
Mia imagined herself without her head, then she imagined herself with only her head left.
It reminds me of a guillotine, which is ominous… I should tell Ludwig about this and ban it as soon as possible…
“Ehehe, I’ve only eaten it once, but it was a very delicious, sweet with a unique aroma and sweet cream.”
“Oh, is it delicious?”
“Yes. I thought my cheeks were going to fall off.”
Seeing Bel’s excited expression, Mia snorted.
Well, if people enjoyed it, it would be uncouth of me to stop them. I shall overlook this for now.
Mia has a big heart. This is definitely not because she herself enjoys sweets.
“Bel, when exactly did they come up with this Miacakes?”
…Again, it is definitely not because she wants to eat them herself.
In the meantime, the party arrived at the church. They were supposed to meet Ludwig there.
“Ludwig said he would be a little late, so let’s talk with the priest first.”
After muttering so…, Mia looked at Bel.
Bel is also a member of the Tearmoon Imperial Family. She has to learn a little bit about politics too.
When she sees her clueless granddaughter staring wide-eyed, Mia’s grandmother heart couldn’t help but worry.
“Bel, let me tell you something.”
“Yes! What is it, Grand- Mia-oneesama”
Mia interpreted Bel’s slip as a personal praise. Mia thinks that Bel said she is grand. Mia’s mental flexibility was superb.
“We are going to ask the priest for a favor. When we ask something from someone, a gift will make the conversation go smoothly.”
That’s right… the grand strategy that the Wisdom of Empire came up to win the priest over was a gift… a bribery. An extremely common strategy… nevertheless, Mia puffs out her chest proudly.
“Bel, remember this very well. Politics is not just about being pretty… If a small gift can facilitate smooth talks, then be more than generous of it.”
“I see! So that’s how politics work! I am learning a lot from you Mia-oneesama.”
Bel looked at Mia with sparkling, respectful eyes.
“By the way, is what that soldier is holding the bribe?”
Following Bel’s gaze, the escort soldier was holding something wrapped in a square cloth.
