Stop the Construction of the Giant Golden Mia Statue!
The next day, Mia arrived in Viscount Berman. She was then briefed about the latest developments of the construction of the academy. Ludwig also added to her appointment an inspection, as it was a rare opportunity for her to be here.
Well, whatever. If things get out of hand, I can just run away.
Motivated by Anne’s words, Mia goes on to perform various official duties with at the least amount of nervousness. She went on to greet Viscount Berman, gave him some words of gratitude, then went to the Viscount’s mansion to be receive an explanation of the construction plan of the Princess Town.
“Currently, the school building is being built first in accordance with Your Highness’ wishes. We should be able to start classes as soon as possible. I hope there’s no problem with this.”
“Yes, there is no problem with that.”
When Mia last met him, Berman had this servile smile. Now, Berman wore the expression of quiet confidence. The kind of expression worn by those who have pride in what they are doing.
Beside him was an official dispatched from the Scarlet Moon Ministry. He had a lustrous blond hair, smartly trimmed beard, and a friendly smile that suggest that he came from a genteel upbringing. He seems to be about the same age as Ludwig.
I wonder who that is? A noble, perhaps?
Mia observes carefully and then smiles. It is always the better policy not to make anyways. Besides, smiles are for free. The official seemed a little surprised by this gesture but continued to follow up Berman’s explanation.
“We are prioritizing the construction of the school building and the dormitory where the students will live. With the cooperation of the neighboring Lulu tribe, we are constructing the school building from wood from the Sealence forest. I have heard that the Princess is quite fond of the woods there.”
Saying that, he looked at Mia’s head. She was wearing the hairpin from the boy of the Lulu tribe.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea. I’m sure the buildings will turn out beautifully.”
After shaving and polishing them, the wood from Sealence forest shines with different colors. Just imaging such an enchanting sight, Mia nodded satisfactorily. Just because Mia doesn’t care about expensive and luxurious buildings, doesn’t mean she doesn’t like beautiful things.
Berman then started speaking.
“Your Highness, I would like you to take a look at this too…”
What was offered was a piece of parchment.
“What is it?”
While Mia was reaching out to receive the parchment, she noticed something. Berman had a proud expression while the official behind him had a bitter expression.
Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this…
It only took her a quick glance at what was in written in the parchment to realize what was happening.
“What… what is this?”
“Why?! It’s a giant golden statue of Her Highness Princess Mia!”
“A giant golden statue… of myself, is it?”
Just saying it made her head spin.
“Indeed! I am planning to have it stand as tall as the spire of the Whitemoon Palace!”
Just thinking about how much it will cost made her ill. Berman clearly didn’t notice her reaction as he continued on.
“In addition, the inside is hollow, and people can go inside.”
“Wait, inside?”
Mia hurriedly turned over the parchment. And there was a detailed blueprint for the interior of the gigantic statue.
“Yes. You can see the scenery outside from the eyes and mouth.”
“Ah… I see… how… fascinating?”
“At night, I was thinking of illuminating them. So beams of light will shoot from the openings. But well, doing so would require more money than we currently have available. So I was hoping to request –”
“Rejected. Request denied.”
Mia said weakly with a sigh.
If I waste money like that, Ludwig will get mad at me… No, even before that, this just have a bad taste.
At night, imagining a golden statue with glowing eyes and mouth, imagining that its face resembles none other than her own… Mia felt shivers down her spine.
I remember the incident about the hairpin as well. This Berman really does just have bad tastes.
“Why? Your Highness, if it were completed, think of the glory. It would be the most famous landmark in the empire…”
“Why?”
Mia sighs inwardly, wondering if explaining it was really worth it. She thought that it was too troublesome to explain it, so she might just get it done with a command. However, Berman’s next words quashed this idea…
“If it’s about the financial stress, then I can consult with His Majesty the Emperor for support…”
“… You will do no such thing.”
Mia said immediately.
If Father hears of this, he will surely get on board. He will decree a special tax for its construction and people will no doubt hate me for it.
However, knowing Berman, he will most likely appeal to the Emperor even if Mia tells him not to. So she had to persuade him right here right now.
“Viscount Berman, you are misunderstanding my intention.”
“Misunderstanding? What do you mean Your Highness?”
“You talked about glory. But what I consider to be my glory are the students who will attend my school, as well as their achievements after stepping out into the world. Therefore, if you have money to build a golden statue, I would prefer that you spend it on the student themselves.”
Proudly puffing out her chest, Mia declared.
Well, I don’t really care about the number of achievements. What I really care about is Cyril Rudolvon’s producing a new strain of wheat. That is the main goal.
“On the students? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
“Think about it, even if you build the statue, its brilliance can only be seen by those who will have visited here. However, if the students achieve great things out there, the news of their accomplishments will quickly spread. They will gain fame, and that fame will extend to the school itself. And they will lean that it is located here in Viscount Berman’s domain. Your name will forever be linked with the academy and all its glory. Now, doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
“I see… People are a castle, and people are its walls… well said.”
There was a murmuring voice, but it wasn’t from Berman.
When Mia turned her gaze towards the voice, she saw the officer watching her with great interest.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, was your Highness unfamiliar with the saying? These are the words of a famous king in the East. No matter how splendid a castle you build, it’s meaningless without people. Treasure your people and they can be as sturdy as a castle and protect you as firmly as a wall.”
For a moment, Mia tried to feign that she knew about this. However, she stopped short. Mia sensed something dangerous.
It’s dangerous to pretend to know in front of a smart person. This person somehow smells like Ludwig.
“I didn’t know that at all. You are very knowledgeable.”
Mia said with a clear face.
“Thank you, Your Highness. But it would appear that I am not the one who is knowledgeable in this regard.”
The officer said with a respectful bow. Mia was worried about this man’s pensive expression, however Berman interjected before she could say anything.
“I see, as expected of Her Highness Princess Mia… I am deeply impressed by your insight.”
Satisfied with Berman’s praise, Mia decided not to pursue it.
In this way, Mia managed to stop the Golden Giant Statue Project, but at a later date, another statue will be built at the school by Berman. It is said that the statue, which was made by the elite members of the Lulu tribe at the request of Berman, was not that big, but it was made with one-of-a-kind workmanship. The statue carved out of a tree from the Sealence Forest depicts Mia and a unicorn playing.
By chance, a certain court author with a strong delusional habit saw it. Fuelled by the flames of delusion that burned in her heart, the story of the Chronicles of Princess Mia became even more fictitious.
Well, not like it matters anyway…
