Timid and Shy - Chapter 38

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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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38.

After informing Baron Ariel, Sophia announced her betrothal to Prince Robert to her family as well. Everyone was delighted. Sophia found it puzzling.
Ellie spoke while wiping away tears.
“Your unrequited love has finally ended and borne fruit. This is wonderful, Sophia.”
“I’m sorry—unrequited love?”
Ellie spoke gently, as if she understood Sophia perfectly.
“Everyone knew, but we said nothing out of affection for you—we pretended not to know. Now there’s no need for that anymore. I’m truly so happy for you. Even though House Wiscom is cursed, your debut as a debutante was the right choice.”
Sophia’s mind automatically turned to Jack. Thanks to Jack, she hadn’t needed to justify her sudden betrothal to Prince Robert. Not at all. Yet despite this, Sophia thought she ought to give Jack a stern lesson.
In response to Sophia’s letter, Pina’s Residence sent word that they would welcome her anytime. They also suggested that if she were willing, she might join Helen on her travels.
Sophia thought it best to avoid people for a month or two after the betrothal became known, so she gladly accepted Pina’s offer.

***

Sophia informed Prince Robert that she would be traveling for two months and suggested they meet again in the Capital two months hence. Along with her letter, she sent him a contract sealed with her personal seal.
Prince Robert set down the letter and spoke to Vian.
“Wasn’t I right? There’s no one quite so suitable. She’ll use the betrothal to gain something, but she won’t ask for more than that. She’s even pleasant to talk to. If everyone were like Sophia, balls and tea parties wouldn’t be such a burden.”
Vian nodded at Prince Robert’s confident assertion.
Most of the contract’s contents were what Sophia had already told Prince Robert.
The added provisions stated that ‘even after an annulment, the fact of this contract betrothal must never be disclosed to Ariel or anyone else,’ and that ‘the monthly stipend must continue as long as the betrothal remains valid, regardless of whether the two ever meet.’
Additional clauses specified that if the betrothal were to extend for unforeseen reasons, the amount would never be reduced, and similar protections.
The terms regarding succession to the Marquis title were exceptionally detailed. It was clear she had been preparing this from the start.
Vian thought it premature to voice any concerns about the betrothal to Prince Robert just yet.
Vian left Prince Robert’s office in his domain and pulled Maeub into a corner. The moment Vian broached the subject of Sophia Ariel, Maeub spoke with conviction.
“Prince Robert certainly regards Miss Sophia as someone special. Even if this betrothal was meant to end in annulment, who’s to say he’ll actually go through with it?”
Vian raised an eyebrow.
“What are you saying, Maeub? That’s not what concerns me. I’m worried that this young lady might cling to the betrothal and cause trouble later. No matter how much the Prince pays her, once she learns what a royal betrothed enjoys, she won’t give it up easily. And if she was raised in poverty, she’ll only become more attached to material benefits. Wasn’t most of the contract about finances?”
“I don’t see it that way.”
When Vian stared at Maeub in silence, Maeub lowered his gaze and spoke again.
“There is a way to handle it, though. Miss Sophia would never do anything to put Ariel in danger. If she caused trouble with Prince Robert, who knows what might happen to Ariel? She would never do such a thing. I’m certain of it.”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I wanted to know—the way to make her let go when she does cling.”
Vian was finally reassured. As Vian departed, Maeub shook his head and spoke softly.
“He says Prince Robert is the problem.”
When Prince Robert and Vian returned to the Capital, they prepared to make the betrothal official. A week after a brief conversation between Prince Robert and the Emperor, the betrothal between Sophia Ariel and Prince Robert was announced.
When Prince Robert’s betrothal was suddenly announced, public opinion stirred. Frederick had only just been divorced. Moreover, the bride-to-be was the poor young noblewoman toward whom Robert had once shown rudeness and earned sympathy.
Once Prince Robert’s betrothed became known, a charming romantic story naturally began to take shape. Vian believed that Prince Robert had calculated even this when he chose Sophia Ariel.

***

Sophia was traveling through the central regions of the Uranos Empire. Having only ever seen Ariel and the Capital, Sophia found the landscape and culture of the central provinces endlessly fascinating. Though their schedule was busy with constant movement, she was neither bored nor exhausted.
Helen was equally entertained by Sophia’s company during the travels. Helen’s younger brother Sol shook his head at their chattering with disdain and spent the entire day reading. Helen read through a magazine, then grabbed Sophia’s arm.
There, in large letters across the page, was the headline: “Prince Robert’s Romance Revealed—The Full Story.” Sophia tilted her head as she read the article.

〈Season of the Wild Rose〉

It was difficult to tell whether this was Prince Robert’s doing or simply a consequence of current fashion.
The article claimed that Prince Robert had lost his heart to a humble young noblewoman and thus lost interest in the refined ladies of the Capital.
Sophia spoke as she read the article.
“I’ve officially become a provincial bumpkin. And they’ve written it so boldly. Ariel must have called the territory ‘the Wild Rose’ or something.”
Helen laughed and replied.
“Hehe. But you’re the Prince’s betrothed. Do you think Prince Robert himself ordered the article to be published?”
“They found out who I am, used their imaginations, and wrote what they pleased.”
“What if you wrote something yourself? Without revealing your real name.”
“The story’s already been written. Not for a book or anything. I’ve prepared answers for when people ask.”
“Really?”
“It’s better if it becomes a beautiful romance, for both my sake and the Prince’s.”
Sophia was already imagining that after the annulment and some time had passed, she might write memoirs and sell those as well.
‘A beautiful romance is necessary for my family’s future and my own security in old age.’

***

A few days after Prince Robert’s betrothal was announced, Gunter was summoned to the Capital. The Emperor issued his command the moment Gunter stepped into the Office.
“Tell me everything you know about Sophia Ariel.”
Gunter spoke without hesitation.
“Sophia Ariel spends most of her time in Baron Ariel’s office or in the greenhouse and gardens. She climbs the Titania Mountain Range frequently. She is also well-versed in everything from ancient maps to the latest maps of the Titania Mountain Range, and from what I’ve observed, she appears to be making them herself, though she hasn’t said so directly. I’ve seen her authoring a book on the Mythology of the Titania Mountain Range, and as I reported, it was Sophia Ariel herself who first proposed publication with the Imperial Publishing House. Her political intentions are unmistakable.”
Gunter could see that a book written by Sophia Ariel lay on the Emperor’s desk. It was clear the Emperor had already read it.
“Baron Ariel keeps his office open, so family members come and go freely, and visits from territorial subjects are frequent. Likewise, Baron Ariel and his entire family respond to visits from territorial subjects and the problems they bring. To that extent, all of Ariel’s family members are aware of territorial affairs, and in Baron Ariel’s absence, Alex Ariel, Sophia Ariel, and John the Administrator—all three are capable of serving as Acting Lord.”
The Emperor raised his eyebrows with interest and made a gesture for Gunter to continue. Gunter pressed on.
“Most importantly, Ariel is currently expanding its military strength rapidly. With Ariel’s cooperation, the soldiers of Umbriel receive Military Training in Ariel, or Ariel’s soldiers conduct patrols into Umbriel territory, making the military cooperation between the two domains more intimate than other territories. While this has the advantage of fewer gaps in border defense, in the current situation where Prince Robert is now betrothed to Ariel’s Young Noblewoman, there is a very high possibility that if one domain becomes entangled in trouble, the other will be drawn in as well.”
“Entangled in trouble, you say?”
“Construction projects and recruitment of personnel have brought many outsiders into the domain. Among those who have entered Ariel, there are suspicious individuals. There are also reports that suspicious movements have been detected in Umbriel. Both domains are taking precautions, but there is a possibility that unforeseen trouble could arise.”
“What of Sophia Ariel and Prince Robert?”
“Prince Robert has been steadily giving Sophia Ariel books, ancient documents, and ancient maps as gifts. I have confirmed this directly. I understand they have been in steady correspondence since he took up the position as Lord of Umbriel.”
“You serve as a teacher at the school in Ariel, I hear?”
“Yes. As my dispatch to Ariel grew longer, Baron Ariel assigned me teaching duties. However, I visit the office without fail every single day.”
“That’s fine. I didn’t bring this up to interrogate you, so relax.”
The Emperor regarded Gunter in silence for a moment before speaking.
“What was your personal impression of Sophia Ariel? Your own opinion is welcome.”
For the first time, Gunter hesitated. But an answer came soon after.
“In a good sense, she is clever and diligent.”
“And in a bad sense?”
“Less bad than cautionary. From my position as an Inspector, she is someone I cannot afford to let my guard down around. She is the one I must watch most carefully.”
“Why?”
“Ariel’s Young Noblewoman appears ordinary. This extends to her appearance and daily life. Her actions always have reasonable justifications, yet she always carries other intentions and purposes beneath them.”
“So she’s more cunning than she appears. Not bad. Not bad at all.”
The Emperor pressed his hands together and spoke with evident fascination. Gunter swallowed hard. Even if he wasn’t accusing Sophia Ariel directly, the information he was now sharing with the Emperor could bring her no benefit.
Gunter was the Emperor’s Inspector. He could not lie or file a half-hearted report.
‘I’m the Emperor’s spy. Sophia Ariel must know that too.’
Gunter felt a weight of guilt toward Sophia. He thought the problem stemmed from becoming emotionally entangled with Ariel through his involvement with the school.
‘I may need to request a transfer.’
The Emperor spoke to Gunter.
“Continue to remain in Ariel. If you detect any suspicious movements, observe them carefully. Pay particular attention to the movements in Umbriel as well.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After Gunter left, the Emperor spoke to Caliburn.
“Ariel certainly seems to be leaning upward.”
“They have leaned, but they have not been corrupted. Wouldn’t it be better to recall him now?”
“No. Gunter must remain in Ariel. Leave him be. Did you not hear his assessment? They like me, Ariel and his family, but they do not deceive me. I find that admirable. Let us continue to cultivate him well.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Do you think Sophia Ariel will become a variable?”
“Ariel itself seems more likely to become a variable than Sophia Ariel. If they are expanding their military forces on the border in earnest… what comes to mind is not merely one thing, is it? Rebellion.”
“Yes. It would be even better if Robert becomes entangled with them.”
“What shall we do?”
“What shall we do? We watch. It’s not a bad thing to see Ariel’s true capabilities in this opportunity. If they desire the title of Frontier Baron, they must overcome their trials on their own, don’t you think?”
Caliburn swallowed a sigh at the Emperor’s words.
‘Ariel will face hardship once more.’

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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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