Princess Mia Shows Off a Smug Grin
The first encounter with him was the worst. That day, Mia met the young official for a recognition of his service. Her first impression was that he wasn’t so bad. In fact, she quite liked him. He had smooth hair long enough to cover his ears, and he wore a pair of small glasses that were foreign-made. Eventhough he came off with an aura of aloofness, his facial features were enough for him to catch Mia’s eyes. That’s why Mia gave him a gentle smile that she rarely shows to commoners. And she also greeted him in an uncharacteristic gentle voice. However, his response was…
“Do you know how much your royal meal costs?”
And it was said in a sharp and cold voice.
“What? Aren’t you being rude?”
Suddenly, Mia felt offended. The young man with glasses before her was clearly angry, but she has no idea why. It was very rare for the Mia at that time to see someone angry at her. Especially by someone she had met for the first time.
“I have to let you know, I came here to recognize your efforts. Why would you offend me like that?”
That’s right. She met him to show her appreciation for the work that he had done. The empire was in financial trouble, and there was a rebellion from a small tribe. That was when Mia heard that there was this one official who refused to abandon her duties and continued to work tirelessly himself while all the other officials have ran away.
“It’s a very impressive story. I should personally give him a visit.”
That was her intention and now here she was!
She was the one who came here to give her appreciation, so how come it is this young official giving him a cold condescending look and giving her the “do you know how much your royal meal costs?” And not only that, he continued on with his sermon.
“It would be annoying for you to be standing there forever. If you have free time, why don’t you do your job as a princess. Something useful only you can do, Your Highness.”
What insolence! This man’s attitude is terribly unforgiveable!
Mia was so angry with the encounter that day that she couldn’t sleep that night. After she went to bed, she slammed on her pillows and grinded her teeth, and kept tossing and turning until morning.
So it is true that their first encounter was really the worst.
But it was also true that when Mia was imprisoned in the dungeon, that young official remained steadfast to his duties, and he worked tirelessly to appeal for the release of Mia, and he ran from one end of the empire to the other in his attempt to restore the empire. On the day of her execution, it was only Anne and him that came to see Mia.
For that reason, Mia’s trust in him ran deep.
If only he would be nicer with his words, I wouldn’t have a complain about him.
“… Hmm, if you say so, Third Tax Officer Ludwig. I will appoint you to the Red Moon Ministry.”
While Mia was reminiscing, the situation had turn for the worse.
Ah! Ludwig! That’s right! That’s his name!. But… the Red Moon Ministry?!
“You are sending me to the countryside?”
“That’s right. If you increase local taxes, then we can avoid this Empire Crisis that you are talking about, right?”
“But……”
This is bad. That stupid four-eyes is already about to be kicked out of his job and sent to the countryside.
Mia panicked. The last time Ludwig was sent to the countryside, he did not come back until it was far too late. By that time, Tearmoon Empire was already beyond repair. This means that if he goes now…
I’m heading straight to guillotine!
Mia jumped out of the shadow and stepped in front of them.
“Wait a minute!”
“What, Who is… Woah… Your Highness.”
“I believe I heard enough to understand what is going on here.”
“I’m sorry to subject Your Highness to such a tedious discussion…” The higher-ranking official wiped a sweat that appeared on his forehead.
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t agree with it. I must say that I find it terribly unwise to be throwing young officials to the countryside just for voicing out their opinions. I’d prefer if they can speak their minds freely and can have discussions, that will benefit the empire more.”
“Huh, I see, but …”
Before the higher-ranking official could finish his thoughts, Mia shot him a glare.
“Oh? Is that resistance I hear?”
“What! No. Of course not!”
“I’m glad to hear that. By the way, the young one over there, uh, your name was Ludwig, was it not?”
“Huh? Yes…” Ludwig was surprised by the sudden mention of his name.
“We need to have a little talk. Hope that is okay?” Mia grabbed Ludwig’s hand and took him to a room in the building.
“What is… I mean… Your Highness, I have a job to do…”
At first, Ludwig was surprised by the turn of events, but now that he has regained his composure, he was disappointed with the young princess seemingly senseless behavior.
“I just want to talk with you for a little.”
“Oh, I said I’m busy…”
“There is something I would like to ask you.”
“Didn’t even listen to me… She really is a selfish princess. She deserves such title…”
Ludwig sighed while shrugging with a slight dismay. “So what do you want to ask?”
“Very well. I will ask this in a straightforward manner. How can we rebuild the empire’s finances?”
When he heard that, Ludwig’s eyes narrowed.
“Hmph. In that case, let me ask you a question first. Your Highness, do you know how much your meal costs?” He asked while looking down at her condescendingly.
On the other hand…
“Well, a single meal of mine would costs the equivalent of a month’s salary for you. That would mean that it is roughly one crescent gold coin. Right?”
… Mia answered with a smuggest grin she had ever worn.
