I Was Just Having Fun With The Time Limit - Chapter 80

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

Clap! Clap! Clap!
The sound of applause filled the air.
“Biatone!”
Isabel broke into a radiant smile.
The morning puffiness was entirely Biatone’s concern, not hers.
‘He looks magnificent today too.’
Biatone’s flawless beauty shone brilliantly, unmarred by any imperfection at any moment.
Biatone spoke.
“I’ll actively support you.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course. I was actually wondering how to recruit someone of Yuli’s caliber as our chief correspondent.”
Yuli and Biatone conversed for quite some time.
Their goals aligned perfectly, and the atmosphere was remarkably warm.
“That’s surprising. The Sword Art Empire doesn’t usually concern itself with such matters.”
“It didn’t, originally.”
“Then why start caring now?”
“Because there’s a reason to care?”
Biatone’s gaze turned toward Isabel.
Isabel had washed her face independently without a maidservant’s assistance and changed into practical clothing suitable for volunteer work.
It was quite different from the typical noble ladies of this era.
To exaggerate slightly, there were many nobles who couldn’t bathe alone without their servants’ help.
In fact, many considered bathing, eating, or dressing oneself without assistance to be beneath their dignity.
But Isabel was different.
“I must maintain my spirited appearance.”
“I see.”
Yuli accepted this readily.
Having observed Isabel closely all this time, no further explanation was necessary.
“Then let’s discuss the details. As I mentioned to the Princess, I have no intention of accepting a salary. I only ask that you provide room and board.”
“That’s a condition where I lose nothing. I agree.”
Biatone felt delighted.
This way, Yuli would become a correspondent personally employed by him.
Of course, operating a press corps with official imperial approval would be ideal, but that carried risks.
Yuli’s writing itself could be interpreted too politically.
‘Having her as my personal hire is far more convenient in every way. Providing room and board should be manageable with my salary. Heh.’
Yuli continued.
“And I think I’ll need to purchase some equipment for my work.”
“Hmm? Don’t you already have equipment?”
“That was loaned to me informally. Since I’ve submitted my resignation, I must return all the equipment.”
Biatone felt slightly anxious.
“…Is the equipment very expensive?”
“It varies greatly depending on the quality.”
“What kind did you use originally?”
“Premium items. The senior journalists used only the finest equipment.”
“Hmm. Since you’re the Princess’s exclusive correspondent, you should be using equipment at least comparable to that… right?”
“I prefer that too. I’m accustomed to those tools.”
Cold sweat trickled down Biatone’s spine.
Though he was practically the second-in-command of the Empire as the Chief Advisor, his contract with Ron was essentially a slave agreement, leaving him with little income as a civil servant.
He had no particular desire for money, so he had no emergency savings hidden away.
“Very well. Prepare a list composed of premium-grade products.”
“I’ve already prepared one.”
So this is what it’s like when you reach the rank of Chief Advisor to the Empire—communication flows so smoothly. He seems to have quite the generous spirit.
Yuli thought this to herself and handed over the paper with a light heart.
Biatone’s eyes widened.
“Nine hundred and ninety million Ludens?”
That was equivalent to the price of a house in the Capital City.
For reference, Biatone was a homeowner without a home.
“Yes. It’s less than you might expect, isn’t it?”
“….”
“Since this is the first time, I’ve kept it to the minimum.”
Biatone’s face grew gaunt.
* * *
Five days had passed since I made my promise with Duke Robena.
The recovery efforts in Linta were nearly complete.
The collapsed buildings had regained their form, and the desolate land now bore the appearance of a proper city.
‘I feel incredibly proud.’
The disaster victims who had taken shelter in the evacuation facilities began returning, one by one.
They wept at the sight of their cleanly restored homes and bowed to the volunteers.
I hid inside the barracks and stole glances at the people’s joy.
‘This feels so much better than I expected.’
So this is why people volunteer. Perhaps those who helped me in my past life did so with this same heart?
I’m truly grateful to have learned their spirit.
As I was secretly savoring this sense of fulfillment, Hector approached me and spoke.
“Princess, wouldn’t you like to go out and greet them?”
“If I go out, it will cause a commotion.”
It’s awkward to say it myself, but I was something like an… idol at this disaster site. I’m not sure if that’s the right word, but that’s what I was.
It was probably because I was a young princess and a mage.
To the people’s eyes, I must seem incredibly remarkable and impressive.
“Still, many people eagerly await meeting you, Princess. If you would just step out and wave your hand, they would be overjoyed.”
“Watching from a distance is already fulfilling enough for me.”
If I went out, all the spotlight would inevitably focus on me.
There were countless Volunteers in this place, and all of them were supposed to be the protagonist.
I was already the subject of countless conversations, and that seemed sufficient.
Or so I thought, but the world rarely unfolds according to my wishes.
* * *
‘What… what is this?’
When had things become like this?
The central boulevard crossing through the Linta region.
It was such a vast road that six carriages could pass through it simultaneously.
Countless people stood on both sides of the road.
Beyond this path stood a massive triumphal arch, and I had to pass through it.
‘How am I supposed to get through this!’
This was an event that Rahela had arranged for me.
A place where I was the protagonist.
If my identity as the Princess had not been revealed, it might have been different, but now that it was known, she had planned this send-off ceremony for me.
Hector scratched the back of his head as he spoke.
“So… shall we go out now?”
“I’m… so embarrassed.”
I poked my head out from the barracks to observe the situation outside.
The black flag symbolizing the Vilotian Empire.
People holding the black flag bearing two crossed swords were cheering for me.
“Still, we must go. The Queen awaits you beneath the arch.”
Rahela was waiting there herself, she had said.
With someone of higher rank waiting for me, I could not delay any further.
“Let’s… go.”
Bzzzz—
At least there was one consolation: my emotional support, Bumblebee, was perched on my shoulder.
‘It seems to have gotten smaller?’
I’ve been noticing it lately.
Bumblebee’s size seemed to fluctuate depending on the situation, growing larger at times and shrinking at others.
Of course, it was probably just my imagination, but it felt strange nonetheless.
Biatone entered the barracks.
“Your Highness. Allow me to escort you.”
Viscount Biatonn, wearing white gloves, knelt on one knee and extended his hand to me.
Viscount Biatonn rose to his feet, having taken my hand.
‘Now that I think about it… Viscount Biatonn is quite tall.’
Viscount Biatonn was exceptionally tall.
I had to raise my arm high.
Yet my arm did not ache.
This was partly due to the unique physiology of those from the Vilotian Empire, but also because Viscount Biatonn was using his magical power to support my arm.
Viscount Biatonn spoke to me to ensure I would not become overly tense.
“So many of our kingdom’s people are showing their love for the Princess.”
“Y-yes, that’s true. I’m truly grateful.”
I felt overwhelmingly embarrassed and ashamed.
Appearing before a camera and standing directly before so many people were entirely different experiences.
Countless people were applauding me.
Though deeply embarrassed, I couldn’t deny that I didn’t entirely dislike this situation.
‘There are so many people who care for me.’
The people gazed at me with radiant smiles, waving black flags in my direction.
I hadn’t accomplished anything particularly remarkable, yet these people were showering me with such profound affection and attention.
‘This feels wonderful.’
I was undoubtedly an attention-seeker at heart.
Regaining some composure, I walked forward with light, graceful steps.
In the distance ahead, a triumphal arch came into view.
Beneath the arch stood Rahela in a pristine white ceremonial uniform.
She held a ceremonial sword in her right hand—I nearly lost my composure at the sight.
‘Ah, I really do adore my sister.’
Beside Rahela, two Lancers stood holding aloft an enormous black flag, awaiting my arrival.
At last, I reached Rahela.
Upon my arrival, the two Lancers moved in perfect synchronization, sweeping the black flag with precision.
Whoosh, whoosh—
The majestic black flag moved with commanding grace.
As the flag stilled, the applause ceased as if on cue.
I offered a formal bow to the Sovereign as befitted a Princess.
“I offer my respects to the Sovereign. I have accomplished little, yet you honor me with such a grand welcome. I am truly grateful.”
“Accomplished little, you say?”
Rahela spoke to me with formal deference.
Her intention to elevate my standing before the people was evident.
“Your selfless service to the Linta region, sparing no effort, has been deeply appreciated. However, the respect I show you today stems from another reason entirely.”
In that moment, I sensed something unusual.
Rahela’s voice was being transmitted throughout the entire kingdom through amplification and broadcast devices.
‘Hm?’
In other words, this was a form of address to the nation.
This was far more than a simple ceremony to commend my efforts and welcome me home.
‘What is this?’
Rahela continued speaking.
“You have achieved remarkable feats alongside Chief Advisor Viscount Biatonn in vanquishing the One-Eyed Giant at the Northern Gate, thereby rendering tremendous service to the kingdom’s security and peace.”
This information had not been published in the news. It was not widely known to the outside world.
In truth, the kingdom would not have wished to reveal such matters.
It could be interpreted as the kingdom lacking sufficient strength and requiring aid from a mere seven-year-old Princess.
It would become a shameful mark upon the kingdom—that even a young Princess of seven could contribute, yet the kingdom itself remained powerless to act.
Nevertheless, Rahela continued speaking.
“You have demonstrated a spirit of sacrifice, risking your own life and taking the initiative for the kingdom. Though you are small in stature, your heart is vast. Though you are young, you possess the wisdom of those far older. You came to me with that small body of yours, pleading and beseeching me to send you through the North Gate.”
Her voice continued to resonate throughout the entire kingdom.
The people listened with bated breath.
Countless eyes turned toward me, their gazes pouring down like a deluge.
‘What… what is happening?’
Something incomprehensible was unfolding.

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