I Was Just Having Fun With The Time Limit - Chapter 120

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“I don’t mind being treated like a child.”
Children have their own time.
It might seem odd if I were twenty years old and genuinely enjoyed playing with dolls, but right now, I can be sincere about it.
I can style my hair in adorable curls and wear colorful dresses dripping with lace to my heart’s content.
Even throwing tantrums or letting my nose run is considered cute.
Children have privileges that can only be enjoyed during childhood.
“You don’t mind being treated like a child?”
“That’s right.”
For some reason, King Valkio seemed somewhat confused by my response.
“You weren’t displeased with my gift?”
“Oh, you mean Ribel?”
I carefully retrieved Ribel from my bosom.
By the way, Ribel was named after combining “Yuri” and “Isabel.”
“Ribel?”
“I gave it a name.”
“Y-you gave it a name? The Princess? To a doll?”
That’s strange.
Is giving a name to something really that shocking?
“Yes. It’s a pretty name, isn’t it?”
“I, I suppose so.”
I can’t understand why that mister’s eyes are rolling around like that.
He looked thoroughly bewildered.
“Anyway, if you’re that sorry, I’ll accept your apology.”
“Th-thank you. I truly am sorry.”
“Words alone won’t do.”
Actually, I still don’t understand what he’s so sorry about.
The Coachman was startled, but I didn’t feel the carriage make a sudden stop from inside.
Besides, this carriage wasn’t even capable of stopping suddenly.
“Y-yes, of course? I’d appreciate the chance to show my sincerity.”
This is really strange.
Why does he look more at ease now? Shouldn’t this make things more awkward?
He was incredibly confused just moments ago, but suddenly his eyes cleared.
Does he enjoy giving things away?
He has the impression of a kind-hearted neighbor, and it seems that impression is genuine.
“Forgive the Coachman.”
“…Huh?”
King Valkio’s eyes widened, as though he hadn’t anticipated my request.
“Forgive him, you say?”
“Your face has turned quite pale.”
It was probably because of when he shouted “Have you lost your mind?” earlier.
I did cry out in surprise, but since my outburst was directed at none other than the King of Jirdel, I must have frightened him terribly.
“You there. Your cry was entirely justified. There’s no need to fear. It’s not even a matter requiring my forgiveness, but since the Princess has asked me to pardon you, I shall.”
“Th-thank you so much.”
The Coachman immediately prostrated himself on the ground to beg forgiveness once more, but King Valkio approached and helped him to his feet.
Watching this, I truly believed he was indeed a kindhearted man.
“Is that all then?”
But something felt off again.
Why did I feel so confused?
It seemed like he should be asking for something more grandiose.
He was a good man, certainly, but there was something peculiar about it.
“There is one more thing.”
As I spoke, his eyes brightened once more.
“Yes, yes, speak up then.”
I thought it was fortunate that things had turned out this way.
I glanced sideways at General Armitel standing beside me.
I recalled something I had said before.
‘We could also explore ways to cooperate with King Valkio.’
I wasn’t entirely sure, but since he seemed to love giving generously, I decided to make the proposal.
“I want to improve the facilities at the Jirdel Base Camp. Could you help me?”
* * *
Valkio returned to the Royal Palace and released a sigh of relief.
He spoke with his chief advisor Gabrieng.
“She didn’t ask for anything excessive.”
“What did she ask for?”
“It seems she only needs help with facility construction at the Base Camp. Administrative processing, additional personnel, and budget allocation should suffice.”
“Even a budget?”
“She means a portion of the profits from our transaction should be donated to the Empire.”
Though not yet fully concluded, I would be entering into a ‘Transportation Gate Agreement’ with the Princess.
A diamond contract would also be executed as an addendum.
A portion of the profits generated from that would be used for the Empire’s benefit.
“That is quite a political calculation.”
“But you see…”
Valkio stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Meeting the Princess again had stirred his heart somewhat.
“Is that child really such a political strategic asset?”
“What do you mean, Your Majesty?”
“No matter how I look at it, she just seems like such an endearing child. Neigh!”
He had added ‘neigh’ at the end to mimic the sound of a horse.
Of course, the enlightened chief advisor Gabrieng paid it no mind.
“I understand why Your Majesty would feel that way, but consider the circumstances. You must view this not as a person, but as a situation.”
“No, I actually loved the gift you gave me too. I even named it. Rebel.”
“I was merely preserving Your Majesty’s dignity. Do you still not understand?”
Politics, fundamentally, is driving a blade while wearing a smile.
Those who fail to perceive the hidden edge beneath the grin will bleed to death.
“In the end, the Imperial House secured both its justification and material benefits, did it not? By concluding such a large-scale contract, you’ve demonstrated superior strength. Moreover, you’ve claimed the noble cause of supporting the soldiers. How can you possibly deny this is a political strategic asset?”
“No. You’re right, but….”
“If you’re right, then you’re right. What do you mean ‘you’re right, but’?”
“I’m telling you, I read people exceptionally well. Pah!”
King Valkio, having said he was “blocked,” made a gesture of blowing through his nose—pah!—which Gabrieng simply ignored.
“Anyway, since you’re saying you’ll go to Calphoa and return, let’s adjust the contract details in the meantime. I think it should work out if we discuss it with Narmore, who handles the practical matters.”
It’s Calphoa, not Fulkio!
Gabrieng held his tongue.
* * *
The Coachman was deeply moved.
‘So this is she who is called the Spring of Alpea….’
Though he could not read a single line of the gazette, he had heard much about Princess Isabel.
It was said that she spared no effort of her small frame for the lowest among the people.
In fact, he had eaten ramen just yesterday.
He knew ramen, even if he didn’t know the Teisabel Teleportation Gate.
Among those who had eaten ramen, there were precious few who did not know Isabel’s name.
‘To think she could be so warm-hearted.’
Had Isabel not shown concern, he would have suffered days of anxiety.
Soldiers might have come to his home, demanding, “You wretch! Do you know your crime?” and burst through his door.
‘Truly, she is pure and warm and beautiful.’
The word “harmless” seemed to have taken human form.
A smile bloomed across his face as he thought of Isabel.
This ordinary Coachman saw Isabel far more clearly than Gabrieng ever could.
‘I must make sure to serve her as comfortably as possible.’
He began to guide the carriage with utmost care.
* * *
Inside the carriage.
Yuri continued gazing out the window.
“…ri!”
A voice called from somewhere.
“…ri!”
Yuri started in alarm.
“Yes, yes. Your Highness. I apologize. I was lost in thought for a moment….”
“What were you thinking about so intently? I’ve called you several times.”
“I’m sorry.”
Yuri bowed her head deeply.
Isabel broke into a radiant smile.
“No, it’s fine. I just wanted to have a conversation with Yuri, that’s all.”
General Armitel, who had been sitting quietly, interjected.
“We should come upon a meadow suitable for rest soon. The weather is pleasant, so let’s sit and take a break. The horses will need rest as well.”
“That sounds good.”
We arrived at the meadow.
It was a vast, verdant expanse stretching to the horizon, with white butterflies dancing through the air.
“I’ll rest inside the carriage.”
General Armitel, noticing that Isabel wished to speak with Yuri, deliberately excused himself.
A small stream ran nearby, so the horses drank their fill, and Isabel removed her shoes and socks to wade into the water.
“Yuri, come wade with me.”
The weather was absolutely beautiful.
The stream’s water was neither too cold nor too warm—perfectly refreshing.
“Come on.”
Isabel tugged Yuri’s arm.
Yuri hesitated for a moment before stepping into the water.
“Feels nice and cool, doesn’t it?”
“…Yes.”
A gentle breeze drifted across the meadow.
Some time passed in silence.
“Now tell me.”
“Tell you what?”
“What’s on your mind right now.”
“What’s on my mind?”
“You’ve been lost in thought ever since we departed. Your face is clouded with worry.”
“That’s not true.”
Yuri waved her hands dismissively.
She tensed so much she nearly lost her balance.
Isabel chuckled softly.
“Oh, it clearly is. Something’s definitely troubling you. It’s alright. Just tell me honestly.”
“Honestly, there’s nothing wrong.”
Yuri lowered her head without reason.
Her reflection rippled faintly in the flowing stream.
The water was so clear that the pebbles beneath were distinctly visible.
“There’s definitely something. Just whisper it to me. Go on, whisper.”
Isabel sat down right beside Yuri.
She cupped her hand to her ear and leaned in slightly, urging her on.
“Come on, whisper to me.”
“…”
Yuri remained silent for a moment before finally opening her mouth.
“Really, truly nothing happened at all.”
Isabel pouted slightly before sitting up.
“I suppose I’ll have to give Yuri quite the scolding.”
She said this while placing both hands on her hips with exaggerated dignity.
Of course, her expression was beaming with laughter.
“…Huh?”
But Isabel could no longer continue her teasing.
Yuri was crying.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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