Fortunately, there was room for a positive interpretation.
Simon must have recognized the potential of the Barcklith family, which is why he did something like this. He must have judged that the alliance between the Barcklith family and me was enough to pose a threat to the Duke’s house.
‘Who would’ve thought that bastard being smart would ever bring me comfort…’
People called him lowly and ignorant, but Simon had clearly feared the Barcklith family. In this life, all I had to do was turn that fear into reality.
“No, honestly, I’m crying because I’m so happy.”
In the end, I smiled faintly and said,
“I was originally planning to make you a noble who wouldn’t be looked down on, but now you’ve become a high-ranking noble even without doing anything.”
“From my limited experience, I don’t think being a high-ranking noble guarantees you won’t be looked down on.”
“No, really. You won’t be looked down on. Sure, you might be mocked, ignored, ridiculed, or criticized…”
“I see. Well, I understand now that it’s not something worth sobbing over. Then why are you still crying so much?”
His polite tone was the same as ever, but it was paired with a warm touch, not the cold sarcasm of the past.
Even though I tried to stay positive, the tears just kept flowing.
The warmth of him next to me and the fact that the people of the North were still alive — it all suddenly felt overwhelmingly precious.
‘That’s right…’
I wasn’t the only one desperately trying to save the clueless Barcklith.
I had become stronger because of the precious people around me. I could have a confident childhood, and I was able to return to the past with that very heart.
The first ones who saved me were the people of the North, including Kayan.
‘I can’t regret meeting these people, growing close to them, and spending time with them’
I cried freely, perhaps praying without knowing to whom.
‘So please, really, I beg you…’
It was a prayer just as desperate as the one I made in front of the relic after returning.
‘In this life, please let me protect these people…’
I could do anything for that.
‘If I need power, I’ll gain power. If I must lose it, I’ll give it up.’
To protect my people. To be happy with them again.
I reaffirmed my resolve to become a princess far more influential than Hugo or Anna.
“Stop crying. If you cry too much, you’ll just complain about a headache later.”
Kayan grumbled, but he continued to wipe away my tears.
I smiled faintly and said to him,
“Still, it’s nice. You’re wiping my tears — it feels nostalgic and nice. I remember how you’d always stick close by when I cried, not knowing what to do. Promise me you’ll stay by my side and wipe my tears in the future too.”
“Then only cry in front of me.”
It was a blunt answer, but it stirred something in my heart.
‘Wow, he’s still young but that’s seriously effective flirting. And it even sounds sincere.’
At this rate, how far will he go as he grows older?
In my past life, if we’d met when we were a bit older — as adults — I might’ve even run away with him in the night. I used to think about that time he took a hit from a champagne bottle for me almost every night.
Without realizing that what I was feeling was affection.
‘Whoa, Simon’s actually really smart. Did he anticipate all this and deliberately cut ties with me while I was still young and naive?’
Still, having someone close enough to wipe your tears was a heartwarming thing.
‘When Kayan cries someday, I’ll make sure to stick close and wipe his tears too. It’s the perfect time to feel sentimental.’
I sniffled and looked at the button fastened all the way up his neck.
“But seriously, isn’t it uncomfortable? You’ve hated tight clothes ever since you were little… Don’t tell me you suddenly enjoy being choked by clothes.”
Kayan stared at me for a moment, then muttered slowly,
“…I’m enduring it.”
Oh, he didn’t say “I’m fine”!
Even that level of emotional expression meant his emotional walls were definitely crumbling.
In a slightly husky voice, he murmured,
“I’m good at enduring things.”
And just then—
“Wha-wha-wha-wha-whaaa!”
From a distance, Connie screamed as she came back with water.
“What, what are you two doing?!”
Oops.
Right. We were still just kids.
“Ah.”
I sighed and muttered,
“We were just getting to a nice moment…”
I was planning to use the tears as an excuse to melt him a bit with nostalgic memories.
Kayan quickly let go and shouted, flustered,
“Don’t misunderstand! I was just wiping her tears—”
Then Connie yelled,
“Why are you wiping tears with those dirty hands?! There’s a handkerchief right there!!”
Apparently, the fact that he used his hands instead of the handkerchief was more important to Connie than me crying.
“Ah…”
Kayan pulled out a handkerchief, looking flustered.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t realize.”
“Things like that, you can stay unaware forever.”
I pouted as I accepted the handkerchief. Wiping my tears away, I thought,
‘No more crying, seriously.’
I already figured out how to save Arthur.
‘Actually, this is a good thing. A countship! The Barcklith family becoming a count house!’
That made Kayan the son of a count!
The heir to a northern territory with iron ore mines!
“Kayan.”
I collected myself and said,
“First, tie up my toy over there. Feed him, and let’s play with him every night for a while.”
I needed a bit more time to use this bait properly.
“If things go as planned, he’ll be a great gift to our future Count.”
“Huh?”
“If we use this well, we’ll build up fame among the capital’s commoners, remember?”
After confirming that the royal knight’s presence had moved away, I declared dramatically,
“If you and I join forces to take down an illegal black magic organization, and then Arthur returns to the capital to receive his countship while having secured the northern mines—!”
I spread my arms wide and shouted dramatically,
“Tada! Everyone will be chanting ‘Barcklith! Barcklith! Barcklith!’ with cheers!”
Kayan looked a bit skeptical.But seeing my confidence, he gave a reluctant nod, unable to argue.
“In that case…”
I smiled brightly and said,
“I want to write a letter to our future Count. Will you deliver it for me?”
In this life, Artur would safely return to the capital and receive his title.
***
“A maid from the princess’s palace stopped by to return a book. And inside it…”
The man chuckled as he received the letter from his subordinate. His movements were languid and elegant.
And the moment he read the letter addressed to “Anonymous”…
“AhahahaHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
A hearty laugh filled the room.
He looked genuinely delighted by the rejection notice for the strategist position in Ivnoa.
He picked up a quill again to write a reply.
He had never expected her to accept his help without suspicion anyway.
If she had, that would’ve been more concerning. So, this polite rejection delighted him.
Very well. For now, enjoy your friendship with your longtime companion. Once you return to the palace, your fierce life will begin. I’ll be seeing you often then.
I, Anonymous, saw potential in you, Princess. Once you arrive at the palace, I’ll reach out again. The trust we lack now can be built through sincerity and time.
The quill, which had hesitated for a moment, began to flow smoothly once more.
If the poetry recital feels too burdensome, then try aiming for the commander of the 5th Knights Division instead. His hobby is chess, so he may be a bit more approachable.
Of course, you might hesitate because the 5th Division holds a lower status, but now is not the time to be picky.
To establish your position within the Imperial Court and earn His Majesty’s recognition, information from the knight divisions is absolutely essential.
You’re well aware that when it’s time to make a move, you’ll need military power that can be mobilized immediately, aren’t you? So be sure to win him over.
He handed the carefully sealed letter to his subordinate with an elegant, leisurely gesture.
The subordinate then left to deliver the letter.
*******
So, actually Ivnoa called him “Moo-myeong” (무명) which means “nameless” or “anonymous.”
무 = “no” or “without”
명 = “name”
But, I’ll just use “Anonymous”.
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