Return of the Female Knight

Ch. 172 The Person We Chose (1)

Elena’s royal life eventually stabilized, and soon she sent invitations to several people as she promised at the wedding reception: Marchioness Marissa of the south, Countess Stella of the capital city, Log Ashmore of the Freegrand Kingdom, and so on. Lastly was Harry, who was considered the successor for the Krauss family.

Log’s reply came back first. Perhaps there was an urgency because the Freegrand delegations all had to return home…or perhaps the ambassador had been keenly anticipating Elena’s invitation.

‘…What does she want to say to me?’

Elena had been curious ever since the ambassador said she would give her a personal gift of fabric. Elena found Log strangely intriguing, particularly because the ambassador was the ideal woman Elena dreamed of. Even in a woman’s body, Log looked impressive in a smart uniform and a sword belted at her waist. This was not easily done in the Ruford Empire, where women still had a difficult time making their way through society.

‘If it can’t be me…then I want Mirabelle to live freely.’

She wished Mirabelle could fly as boundless as a bird without being held down by anything. To do that, Elena would give her full material and emotional support to her most precious sister. A faint smile spread on Elena’s lips as she thought of Mirabelle’s bright face.

There was a knock on the door, and the nanny entered the room.

“Dame Ashmore is here, Your Highness.”

“Very well. Let her in.”

As soon as Elena’s permission was given, Log entered the parlor room and bowed deeply in greeting.

“Hail to the Crown Princess. Eternal Glory to the Ruford Empire.”

Elena stood up from her seat and greeted her as well.

“Welcome. Have you been well?”

“Yes, I’ve been enjoying myself greatly in the Ruford Empire. Firstly, I’d like to present my gift you—”

Servants waiting outside the door brought in bolts of fabric. Elena’s eyes widened as she saw the luxuriousness and quality of the material.

“I was expecting a gift, but…I didn’t realize it would be so much.”

“They are given with all my heart.”

Log smiled, revealing her white teeth. Her cheerful attitude pleased Elena. It wasn’t just about the expensive gifts—the more Elena saw Log’s confident demeanor and polite mannerisms, the more satisfied she was.

“Thank you. Because of this, I can make a variety of dresses.”

“It’s an honor to add to the beauty to the Crown Princess.”

Log wasn’t servile, but she was a good listener, and Elena suspected she was well-versed in business. Elena inspected the fabrics then ordered them to be taken to the dressing room. Soon after, she offered Log to sit across from her.

“Have a seat.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

After the two settled down in their respective chairs, maidservants appeared to place refreshments and snacks in front of them. Elena gestured to one of the uniquely shaped sweets.

“This is one of the most popular delicacies in the Ruford Empire. Please try it.”

“Thank you for your kind consideration, Your Highness.”

“Have you eaten yet? Let’s eat together before lunch.”

“I wouldn’t be so brazen to turn you down. Thank you for giving me the honor of dining with you.”

So the two shared some everyday conversation. Elena already noticed that Log had something to say to her, but waited for her to bring it up. When the ambassador finally thought the time was right, she spoke in a lowered voice.

“I have something important to tell you, Your Highness. Would you mind speaking alone?”

Elena pretended to be oblivious.

“Something to tell me?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Well, I wonder what it is.”

At Elena’s command, the nanny and the maids left the parlor room. When only the two of them remained, Log’s expression turned more serious.

“I have one thing to say. In the future, please secure a trade agreement with the Freegrand Kingdom and Ruford Empire with our leader.”

Elena’s eyes widened at the unexpected remark. But her surprise was brief, and a moment later, she regained her composure.

“Shouldn’t you discuss this matter with the Emperor? I don’t understand why you’re telling me this.”

“The Emperor and Empress have already refused, to put it bluntly. I cannot say for sure, but there are commercial powers already involved in the political struggles of the Ruford Empire. We cannot even gain a foothold here.”

It was no exaggeration to say that business in the Ruford Empire was already dominated by the Krauss family. Nevertheless, the Emperor and Empress also held separate funds. It was difficult to create trade agreements without already having connections at the top.

“So you brought this to me, the wife of the soon-to-be-emperor?”

“Yes. If you allow us, we will also help the Crown Prince rise to the throne.”

Elena was surprised once more. It seemed as if Log understood the circumstances of the Imperial family. The Emperor and Empress fought secretly over who would succeed the throne, which would go to either Crown Prince Carlisle or Second Prince Redfield. Of the two, Log appeared to be betting on Carlisle.

“Then shouldn’t this offer be made directly to the Crown Prince?”

“Oh, I don’t think the Crown Prince likes our leader very much.”

“Why?”

“I once ran into a combat unit led by the Crown Prince on the battlefield. We crossed the border without permission by mistake.”

Carlisle didn’t seem to recognize Log’s face at the wedding reception, but to her it was vivid as if it had taken place yesterday.

“He gave us our lives in exchange for handing over all the items we had. When I saw him, I knew he would be the emperor.”

“And so you came to me in advance.”

At Elena’s observation, Log smiled awkwardly and nodded.

“Yes, but it’s not exactly the Crown Prince we chose. It’s you, Your Highness. If you can give us trading rights after you become empress, we will move as your people.”

Those were not bad terms for Elena. She needed a power to support her, not something that was part of Carlisle, or the Blaise family…but a secret force that was Elena’s only.

However, there was no reason yet that it should be Log’s leader, someone from the Freegrand Kingdom. Elena needed to be careful about this part. After a moment to ruminate over it, she spoke again.

“What’s the name of your leader?”

“Ah, our leader’s name is Astar…”

Elena nearly dropped the teacup in her hand.

Juleuleugeu—

Hot liquid spilled over her fingers, but Elena’s surprise did not abate.

Astar. That was the name of Freegrand’s top delegate in the future. Moreover, he was famous for his trustworthiness, and business with them was always efficient and reliable. Elena, having lived in the future, was more knowledgeable of it than anyone else.

“Y-Your Highness, are you alright?”

Log looked on in surprised concern, but Elena took no notice of the mild burn. She had fallen on incredible luck.

‘If it’s Astar, then I don’t have to hesitate.’

Elena had wanted to hang onto the issue first, until Log’s suggestion. Elena already amassed many jewels from Carlisle’s return gift that she intended to invest in the future. Log’s proposal in many ways was beneficial to her situation now.

Without further hesitation, Elena nodded.

“Very well. If I become empress, I’ll give Astar exclusive trade rights. In the meanwhile, help me until Crown Prince Carlisle takes the throne.”

Log looked surprised at Elena’s sudden agreement, but she nodded as well.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“You have a contract with you, don’t you? I’ll place the crown princess’ office seal on it.”

“…Your Highness.”

Log looked moved, and Elena continued.

“There’s another thing. I’d like to make some investments, and I’d hope you can hide my name.”

“Ah, what are you going to invest?”

“Firstly…”

She told Log about her investment plans, who listened with intensely shining eyes. Their conversation was much longer than expected.