I Was Just Having Fun With The Time Limit - Chapter 37

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

Dailsa spoke with the firm demeanor befitting a Steward.
“After today passes, we’ll be taking this to the Sun Auction House.”
“You’re saying you’ll sell this historical treasure to an auction house? Have you lost your mind?”
“We won’t sell it.”
“Then what?”
“We’ll lease it instead.”
“Why would those auction house people agree to lease it?”
“Merely knowing this treasure exists at the auction house will generate tremendous added value for them. They’ll acquire the trust that’s paramount to those conducting auctions. Beyond the importance of having the treasure entrusted to them, they’ll also gain a guarantee—a promissory note, if you will—that it was entrusted by the Steward of the Empire itself.”
“….”
“A lease fee of 100 million Rudens per year would be a pittance.”
Of course, if powerless individuals attempted such a thing, the auction house would simply seize it.
But Dailsa was the Steward of the Vilotian Royal Family.
They wouldn’t dare dream of theft.
“Ugh.”
Marco felt utterly devastated—robbed blind while watching it happen.
“However, considering the historical significance of this treasure and the connection with the Yurmiel family, I sought you out first.”
“…I understand.”
Hearing the terms, they were ruthless.
“The contract will be renewed annually. The lease fee will be renegotiated each year.”
“….”
In other words, the lease fee could be raised once every year.
“Do you object?”
“…Very well.”
“I consent to using it as research material, but only through non-destructive research. Should you damage it, break it apart, or compromise its value as a betrothal stone, I will demand 1,000 years’ worth of lease fees.”
That meant if it was damaged, he’d be paying 10 billion Rudens.
“Do you object?”
“…Very well.”
The tyranny of one who possessed a treasure unique in all the world.
Yet Marco couldn’t call tyranny by its name.
In this moment, he was thoroughly the subordinate party.
‘I wish I’d never properly explained this treasure’s value!’
But that would contradict his principles as an appraiser.
Dailsa extended her hand.
“…Pardon?”
He grasped it without thinking.
He assumed she meant to shake hands.
“What are you doing?”
“A handshake… isn’t it?”
“I’ll receive the 100 million Rudens as a lump sum payment in cash right now.”
“….”
In the end, Dailsa secured a hundred million Ludens—a fortune.
‘The Princess will be delighted.’
I felt oddly satisfied.
She’d mentioned needing funds for the Olympiad, and this would certainly help considerably.
Dailsa laughed lightly as she received the money.
“Thank you for the amicable discussion and agreement.”
“Amicable discussion and agreement… Yes, ha, haha, hahaha!”
History repeated itself once more.
After Dailsa departed, Marco muttered to himself alone.
It felt as though a tempest had swept through and vanished.
For reasons unknown, a hundred million had simply disappeared.
He muttered as if his soul had left his body.
“The Steward… has become a Steward.”
* * *
I arrived at the border between the Vilotian Empire and the Mirotell Magic Federation.
It was a VIP-exclusive transit gate, so there weren’t many people about.
While Viscount Biatonn, who accompanied me, stepped away to handle the formalities, I encountered someone.
“My goodness, who is this? Aren’t you Princess Isabel?”
Even at a glance, her tone dripped with hostility.
It was rare to find someone so transparent, but Reina was a child whose feelings were remarkably easy to read.
I smiled broadly.
“Lady Reina. What a pleasant surprise to see you again.”
Beside Reina stood a young girl with blue hair.
She appeared to be around eight years old.
Though she should be older than me, she looked younger due to my possession of the Vilotian Royal Family’s body.
Her face was covered in freckles.
The way she looked at me was far from kind, suggesting she was close friends with Reina.
“I heard the Princess was participating in the Olympiad, and it’s true?”
“Are you participating as well, Lady Reina?”
“Yes. You didn’t know? My name appeared in the news quite frequently.”
“Ah, is that so?”
To be honest, I wasn’t particularly interested.
She was undoubtedly a participant in the 14 Olympiad.
In other words, the Olympiad restricted to those fourteen years old and under.
The prize money for that was three million Ludens.
I had little interest in such a trivial competition for children.
For reference, I was competing in the 19 Olympiad.
As a Korean test-taker, one had to maintain certain standards.
“You really didn’t know?”
“Is there a reason I should have?”
Reina’s face flushed slightly.
She seemed to have noticed that while she was interested in my participation, I showed no interest in hers.
‘How transparent. Utterly transparent.’
I wasn’t particularly angry. It was merely… a little endearingly irritating.
Just then, Viscount Biatonn’s voice reached my ears.
“Your Highness. The registration is complete.”
But Reina’s eyes widened dramatically.
Reina remained remarkably transparent even in this moment.
It seemed as though hearts were pouring from her eyes.
‘Yes, I understand. It’s entirely plausible. That appearance is reason enough.’
Oh, now that I think about it.
I had forgotten because it wasn’t particularly important, but there was apparently a setting that Viscount Biatonn was Reina’s first love.
She fell for him at first sight in childhood, or so the story went.
‘So this is the scene of her falling in love at first sight?’
Hehehehe, I felt like laughing the way my grandfather would.
Even as young as she was, she certainly knew how to recognize a handsome face.
Reina opened her mouth.
“But the gentleman beside you…”
“Hello, Miss Reina. I am Biatone, who serves Her Highness the Princess.”
“Ah, Viscount Biatonn! I’ve heard much of your reputation. They say you are an outstanding aide who excels in both the literary and martial arts, earning the Emperor’s favor…”
“You’re too kind. Thank you.”
“Ah! I’m also participating in the Olympiad.”
She wanted to emphasize that she was this intelligent and hardworking.
That seemed to be what she was trying to convey.
“I see. Good luck.”
“Will Viscount Biatonn also cheer me on?”
“I just said good luck.”
Viscount Biatonn cut the conversation short with only the bare minimum of courtesy.
To him, Reina was nothing more than a thoughtless child, no more and no less.
It seemed Viscount Biatonn’s gaze lingered on Reina for less than seven seconds in total.
Poor Reina spoke desperately(?).
“Oh right, where’s my head? Yuri. Say hello. This is Princess Isabel and Aide Biatonn.”
“Hello. I’m Yuri.”
The girl greeted me with a rather stiff demeanor.
Judging by the absence of a family name, she appeared to be a commoner.
‘Ah, that Yuri from a commoner background?’
A child sponsored by the Rosilde Duke’s household. The child also known as a mathematical prodigy.
Since she was one year younger than Reina, she would be nine years old now.
She wasn’t a supporting character given significant weight in the story, but she occasionally appeared with the epithet ‘mathematical prodigy.’
‘She gritted her teeth and studied to support her ailing mother and younger siblings, didn’t she?’
A child who lived fiercely to earn the patronage of Rosild Duke.
Suddenly, I found Yuri admirable.
‘A head of household at nine years old.’
I felt an unexpected pang of sympathy for her.
“I’ve heard stories about you. I support you, Yuri.”
“…Thank you.”
Yuri’s expression was lukewarm.
Reina poked Yuri sharply in the ribs.
Yuri’s attitude clearly displeased her.
Only then did Yuri stiffen her expression and display hostility once more.
It was a form of social conduct, I supposed.
‘Forcing hostility on a child isn’t quite right, is it?’
Sigh. Well, she’s just a child too, so I decided to let it be.
“By the way, why does the Princess participate in the Olympiad?”
“It seemed like it would be fun.”
“It seemed like it would be fun?”
Reina laughed with a hehehehe.
“How fascinating that the Princess of the Vilotian Sword Empire has taken an interest in mathematics. This is quite intriguing indeed.”
“What’s so newly intriguing about that? I’m studying magic as well.”
“Ah, that’s right. I heard you’ve hired two exceptionally skilled magic instructors? Usually one instructor suffices, but it seems you’re making considerable effort.”
In other words, she was suggesting I lacked talent and was compensating through quantity.
Reina continued.
“So, how is it? Is magic enjoyable?”
“Yes. It’s delightful.”
“Ah, so it’s delightful. Then swordsmanship isn’t fun for you, is it?”
Reina’s intent was crystal clear.
She was mocking me for being the Princess of the Sword Empire yet failing to master swordsmanship.
“That’s right. As you know, I’m not suited to learning Vilotian swordsmanship.”
“Not suited? Why?”
It was so absurd I couldn’t even muster anger.
“Vilotian swordsmanship has developed over five hundred years to suit the male physique and magical circuits. Surely you’re not ignorant of such basic knowledge?”
“I’m unfamiliar with swordsmanship, so I had no idea.”
“Is that so?”
“It seems I’ve been discourteous. My apologies.”
“I understand perfectly well what you’re trying to say.”
“Yes?”
I smiled brightly.
“You want to say I’m a half-baked Princess who abandoned swordsmanship and learned mathematics and magic instead, right?”
With children who hide their thoughts so awkwardly like this, a direct hit is always best.
If there were no one watching, I could simply brush it off with a laugh, but I don’t have that luxury.
I am the Princess of Villorian, and to be looked down upon as the Princess would tarnish the honor of the Royal Family.
‘I want to be a radiant female lead, not a foolish pushover.’
I decided to resolve this situation using the methods befitting a Princess.

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