The Bewilderment of the Sacrificial Second Princess

Chapter 100: Epilogue From the Royal Palace of Baratonia

Upon our return from our honeymoon, which had an unfortunate conclusion, a month has already passed.

The Shadows of Nejia informed us that they will continue to monitor the situation in the Wegrain Kingdom. The Pope, who referred to me as “the direct descendant of the goddess Lina,” appears to still have a long life ahead of him despite his advanced age. Although I heard that the ceremony took place, I am unsure as to who was the sacrifice.

While I loathe the idea, I must admit that if this is the way of life in that country, I have no right to deny it.

Despite the late hour, no one could bear to remain in the castle, so we relied on Shadows of Nejia and pushed for an expedited return to Baratonia, with little rest.

Upon our arrival at the palace, neither Auglia-sama, who accompanied me on the honeymoon, nor any of the other travelers were able to move for three days. We were all drained from our journey from the Wegrain Kingdom.

As a result, we have decided to discontinue all trade with the Wegrain Kingdom from now on.

There have been no reports of Bianca’s return to the Faithnum Empire, but Gauche has assured us that she has not passed away.

He wouldn’t reveal any more details, claiming it was confidential, but… I guess that’s what ended up happening. After giving birth to the rightful successor with the blood of a goddess… Bianca’s life will undoubtedly not turn out as she hoped. Perhaps because we share the same bloodline, I feel a slight… just a slight hint of empathy.

Millie has become someone who can only reside in the Baratonia Kingdom because she safeguarded me during a crisis and defected from the Faithnum Empire.

I have chosen to trust Millie, who vowed to live for me and protect me even if it meant putting her own life in danger. If she betrays me, then I am the foolish one.

Even if Millie were to kill me now, the Faithnum Empire would not be able to start a war.

The scheme orchestrated by the Faithnum Empire has been confirmed by Bianca’s manipulation of the records of entry and exit. With the revelation that they attempted to kill me with the support of the Faithnum Empire, food tariffs have been drastically increased.

Food is essential for survival and combat.

The divide between the affluent and the destitute will persist and expand. Financial support for research will be reduced, and I fear that the Faithnum Empire will experience a decline, causing harm to its innocent residents.

However, my father-in-law has taken on the responsibility of accepting refugees actively. In the Baratonia Kingdom, the greatest need is for manpower.

There is plenty of land, food, and employment opportunities. The migration of people from the Faithnum Empire is inevitable.

The Baratonia Kingdom has ambitious plans for future growth.

With its fertile land, the constant influx of technology and knowledge, and a skilled workforce, it is poised for success. Additionally, my efforts to increase literacy rates and the implementation of a new system called Sekisei-shaku will contribute to this growth.

The kingdom has also attracted refugees with expertise in medicine, due to the cessation of research in the Faithnum Empire. These intellectually superior individuals are especially well-protected.

However, it is not just about providing land and sustenance. The Baratonia Kingdom has been successful in integrating refugees as citizens.

I have had the opportunity to observe these developments over the course of a month, both in my professional and personal life. 

Auglia-sama opposed the idea. There were concerns that among the refugees, there might be individuals who held grudges against me, intermediaries, assassins, etc. So, I occupied myself with reading the books I purchased in the Poleinia Kingdom and unwinding in my quarters.

While doing so, I came to realize that the opposition was not only outside the kingdom, but there were also nobles within the Baratonia Kingdom who were dissatisfied with the constant changes and influx of people, as well as the current unrest.

(There’s nothing that can be done about this.)

In the future, I must devise a plan to communicate more effectively with these nobles and make informed decisions. I have not raised the tax rate despite the increase in population, and I am aware that the offshore fishing industry is thriving and food supplies are abundant, including preserved food.

As the number of workers has increased, I have converted some grazing lands into farmlands and improved food production efficiency.

The results may still be far off, but the Baratonia Kingdom is moving forward even if I don’t take any action for two months… or even if I impose additional responsibilities.

I will do what I can.

“Claire, Father informed me that you can work a half-day tomorrow.” 

“Really?!”

“… Did you really want to work that hard?”

“Yes, I’ve already finished my reading, and I can hear everyone working hard from the window of this room and from Melissa, Gwenna, and Millie.”

“The Crown Princess works too hard and it’s becoming an issue.”

With those words, Auglia-sama took a seat next to me on the long chair, where I sat with a book in my lap.

“You love working that much?”

Has Auglia-sama’s jealousy finally shifted towards my work?

I was taken aback and then smiled, shaking my head.

“What I love is Auglia-sama and this Baratonia Kingdom where we reside. And also, the hospitable country of Nejia, the Dragnate Kingdom, and the Poleinia Kingdom and the extreme winter land…”

“Ah, okay, okay, I understand.”

For some reason, I was cut off as I counted on my fingers.

But I have to say this one thing.

“Because it’s all interconnected. This is my country, and everything that is linked to it is important and dear to me.”

That’s why Baratonia Kingdom is my country.

Since getting married, the significance of these words has only grown, but because of that, I will continue to bring life to the Baratonia Kingdom that I love, alongside Auglia-sama, whom I adore.

Forevermore.

~The End~

There is still one volume left. Unfortunately we are unable to translate because it’s in the form of a “lightnovel”. We do not translate anything that is not in the public domain.