The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 80
Artizea returned to the Crown Princess’s palace two days later.
Originally, she should have visited the very next day to apologize, but the day after the ball was fully booked with ceremonies welcoming Prince Eimmel’s sudden visit, leaving no time for her to request a private moment.
After sending a letter apologizing for leaving without a proper farewell, Eloise replied that it was no problem.
“If you two come by and tell me everything that happened from A to Z, I’ll forgive you.”
It sounded like an invitation to think carefully about what she would say before coming.
Artizea sighed. Considering Eloise’s position, such a demand was understandable. She had essentially commanded the full-scale operation, yet never got to see the results.
On top of that, Cedric had revealed Cardriol’s identity in such a way that it caused a bombshell for both the government and the imperial family.
Though she hadn’t caused the trouble herself, Artizea felt guilty as she trudged into the Crown Princess’s tea room. She was well aware that this time was granted thanks to Eloise’s favor.
There was already someone waiting in the tea room.
“Lady Rosan.”
Cardriol, who had been sitting comfortably with his legs crossed reading a small booklet, stood when he saw her. Artizea was startled.
“Good day, Your Highness. I apologize for the disrespect last time.”
“It was not you who was disrespectful, so please don’t worry.”
Artizea smiled awkwardly.
She found it strange too. It wasn’t that Cedric was so kind that he didn’t know how to not like someone. He had hated Lawrence from their very first meeting, and there were several others he quietly despised.
But in most cases, the reasons were clear even to Artizea. Duke Orca and Marquis Luden were the kinds of people who would do anything for power, and some young men like Lord Aeson took pleasure in despicable acts.
But this Prince Eimmel was a stranger to him.
‘Did Brother Pavel say something bad about him?’
She tried to recall, but even with her good memory, she couldn’t think of anything specific. She only remembered Pavel mentioning that Prince Eimmel was very cheerful, bold, and an excellent yachtsman.
If anything, Pavel’s remarks seemed somewhat favorable. Could Pavel have said different things to Cedric?
It was a bit surprising that she recognized him so quickly. From what she recalled of their conversation, he had only mentioned that his face was pleasant. But that alone wouldn’t be enough to identify someone immediately.
He wasn’t someone like Lawrence, a strikingly handsome man whose face would be instantly recognizable just by word of mouth.
It wasn’t even a situation where political reasons would require her to remember him. Though Artizea wasn’t deeply involved in the politics of Grand Duchy Evron, she knew enough to understand that.
“Please, have a seat.”
Cardriol invited her politely as a guest. Artizea adjusted her skirt and sat down. Soon, a servant came in and served her tea.
“I didn’t expect the Crown Princess to call the Prince here as well. I thought you’d still be busy.”
“The situation is complicated, so it has actually left me some free time. Now that my identity has been revealed and no official schedule is set, I received the imperial welcome yesterday and thought I should behave more cautiously starting today.”
“That makes sense. Are you also rescheduling meetings with the people you originally planned to meet?”
Cardriol regarded Artizea with curiosity.
“You did mention I was going to meet a merchant, right?”
“Oh, I apologize if that sounded strange. I’m not very good at moving around. I’m not skilled at having a conversation while dancing.”
“Not at all. I was just curious about why you made that assumption.”
She blushed slightly.
Artizea had rarely expressed her political views or insights to others. Of course, because those close to her held high status, private conversations often quickly turned to politics or diplomacy. Still, she was treated like a child in many ways.
Moreover, Cedric had been careful to prevent young Artizea from focusing too much on such matters.
She had a tendency to dive in headfirst to pursue victory whenever praised, so he believed that if she took a deep interest in the ever-shifting political alliances of the Empire at such a young and morally ambiguous age, she wouldn’t grow up properly.
For that reason, the only person she had talked to extensively about such things was Bishop Akim. But even he, being part of the temple, mainly focused on theoretical issues.
“There’s not much judgment involved. It’s undeniable that the largest flow of goods and money in the southern seas right now comes from the Ianz Kingdom, isn’t it?”
Seeking confirmation, Artizea looked at Cardriol, who nodded with keen interest.
“That’s correct. Of course, if we consider the most influential power in the southern seas, it would be Duchy Riagan. But they are not an independent force; they are part of the Empire. So, they are not competitors for the southern maritime routes.”
“Yes, that’s what I’ve heard. In fact, the Empire doesn’t need full control over the southern seas’ waters. Although Duke Riagan seems concerned, it’s really the Ianz Kingdom that dominates the southern trade routes. Therefore, Eimmel must either cooperate with or check the Ianz Kingdom. And the queen, trusted by King Eimmel …”
Artizea trailed off, glancing at Cardriol, aware this was entangled with private matters of the Eimmel royal family.
Cardriol, as if unconcerned, nodded and encouraged her to continue. She nervously went on.
“Since cooperation is maintained through the queen’s relationship with Queen Ianz, the prince’s choices are either to break that alliance and become Ianz collaborator himself or to check Ianz directly. It’s a one or the other choice.”
“Indeed.”
“If it’s the former, there would be no reason for a secret visit to the Empire, so it must be the latter. And since Duke Riagan assisted with the unofficial visit, we can assume a peaceful approach is being considered. In that case, it might be reasonable to draw the Empire’s merchant guild into blocking Ianz exports or, conversely, bring massive supplies from the Empire to increase the combined influence of the Empire and Eimmel over the southern trade routes.”
Cardriol smiled, silently inviting her to say more. After some hesitation, Artizea continued.
“And military funding is always necessary. Among the southern merchant guilds, the Empire’s guild is likely the most discreet. They have no conflicting interests with Eimmel or Ianz. Your Highness, aren’t you planning to build a navy separate from the king’s?”
“Bold words.”
At his remark, Artizea carefully reconsidered what she’d said. Though it was somewhat speculative, these were the kinds of strategies she had imagined the prince would pursue after hearing Pavel’s account of southern affairs.