--King's castle. Courtyard Square.

　It is known as a place of relaxation for the nobles, and today, the brilliant sunshine was beautifully painting the sunshine through the trees, making it an ideal place to heal both body and soul.

　The most sunny courtyard square in the Royal Castle.
　I have never wanted to praise my ancestors who designed this place as much as I do today.



　That day, Richter L. Klingbloom was in a very good mood.




"Wow. ...... Hmm. I see.　Hmmm, yeah. Well, well.




　In his hand was a scroll. He looked at the text, which seemed to be a testament, through the sunlight, flicked it open to enjoy the scent of the ink, pointed to each letter, and counted the number of zeroes.

　Behind him, Prim, who was lazily guarding him with her spear as a walking stick, sighed in exasperation.

"It's a little creepy, Mr. Richter.
"What do you mean, 'creepy'? Be careful how you use that word.
You're not a citizen and you're expected to pay respect to a nobleman.
You're my employer.
This is the stance I take with my employers.

　Richter turned around, his hand waving in the air.
　Two tufts of black hair swayed in the air, caught by her languid mood.

　Richter lets out a sigh of resignation.
　It hadn't been long since he'd hired her as his bodyguard, but even so, he was beginning to get to know this guard.
　He's usually a lazy bastard, but once he's turned on, he turns into a ferocious beast like a barbarian. This is the reason why it's important for you to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"...... Well, okay.

　Yeah. And that's okay.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　The swollen loans from the Orba Trading Company.
　The Klingbloom family alone has borrowed a considerable amount of money, and if you include the unlimited amount borrowed by the aristocrats, the amount is unimaginable.

　In addition to this, the government's debt from the Chamber of Commerce was piling up, and Richter was already in over his head with that twisted "manager".

　But then...

"The Klingblooms' debts are cancelled, the debt to the aristocracy is a temporary bond without interest, and the government bonds are treated as wartime bonds, with the obligation to redeem them extended by 50 years!　Is that great?
What are you saying?
"Well done, Prim," he says.
Really?　He's got his head in the sand about borrowing money from the Orba Corporation. They were really pissing me off. That's good.
Yeah. It's probably not what you think it is, but that's why you were able to say it so easily. That's impressive. The basic rule of negotiation is to ask for it. Hmm.
...... Are you really that bad of a guy, hon?
That's not what I meant!

　Prim Lancaster, a barbarian from the East, had no idea how brilliant Richter L. Klingbloom was in saving the functioning of his country.

But ......... Hahaha!
"Wow, you're too drunk.
You're getting a little too drunk.　That's what I call a stroke of luck. It was a good decision to send you to Futa's place, even though I did not agree with the disappearance of the d*mned maid.
"Yeah. Well, okay. I just want to hurt you because you disgust me.
Barbarians. ...... No, thank you. Oh, the booze is good!　It's so good!
Wow. ......

　I've never seen Richter so happy drinking in the daytime before, Prim.
　She doesn't know. She doesn't know that she only gets to see Richter like this once every few years.
　Her secretary would be more than a little jealous. But that's beside the point.

"Well, this is no time to save your money. I can't discuss it with His Majesty now, so I'd better take it home and talk to my men. I have to think about flood control and development around the capital, but for now, I'll check the family register and give jobs to the oversupplied "occupations.

　Richter's dreams were expanding, and he began to write down his ideas on the scrolling table.

　The large amount of money that was intended to be used to pay back the Orba Chamber of Commerce was poured into the distribution system in the capital.
　There was no pushback from the Chamber of Commerce. No need to worry about filling the war chest. Because all the money that came out of it was the private property of the Klingblooms.

　There is no such thing as interest-free debt.

　It was Richter's intention to use the money to revitalize the capital by taking advantage of the fact that only the Klingblooms were allowed to destroy their debts.

　In this way, the Lord Treasurer's pockets would be filled with money.
　It was an investment. In time, he would be able to pay off all debts to the Orba Chamber of Commerce and keep the Chamber out of Parliament.

Finally, ...... the wind is finally blowing in our direction.



　Prim didn't really understand what Richter was saying.

　But, well, good luck with that, she thought.

　She had no intention of controlling the figure that had just crossed the street next to her.

　Because he's kind of a friend of Mr. Richter's.



"-Richter. I need to talk to you.



　Pssst.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

　Richter, who had been drinking and running his quill at a strange pace, froze as if hit by a cold air, and then loosely stood up like a criminal called to death row.

　He turned around to see his useless bodyguard.
　In front of them, the beloved princess with a soft smile on her face.

"......, this is Your Highness. Good day to you.
"Yes. I'm glad you're in a good mood, ...... and I'm glad you're in a good mood.
Ha. Haha.

　Now, what can I do for you?
　Richter is not the kind of man to take his time thinking about things like that.
　Whenever she comes in contact with Richter, there is always a reason, and more importantly, Huta was there when Prim made the suggestion that led to this testimony.

　No matter how you look at it, you can only assume that he understands the situation.

　Lilac gently brushed her lips and slowly turned her attention to the table. There was a bottle of Richter's most prized drink, the second best in his cellar.

"Well, you've convinced me, haven't you?
"Oh. What are you talking about?
I've heard rumors.

　It's definitely not that kind of a situation. Richter snorted inwardly.
　The wind fairies are whispering and giving this woman some kind of happy story?　I'd rather watch and laugh on stage with chips in my hand.

"I hear you're feeling a little more comfortable with your finances.
I don't think that's what you mean.
What was that backward sound you were making?
No, nothing. Well... It's not like I can afford it.
I'm opening a bottle of alcohol that even I can't drink.
Oh, uh... It happens once in a while. Would you like to join us, Your Highness?

　I shouldn't have drunk.
　Stop drinking. What do you want?　What's the point? Pfft.

No. I'm the kind of person who can't perform my duties if I drink too much.
I see. Well, that's too bad.
...... Aside from that, Richter. If you can afford it, there's something I'd like you to do. Let's move up the schedule for the project I told you about. I'll let you know the details later, but it won't be long now, so get ready.
What do you mean, "plan"? ....... Wait a minute!　I don't think we can afford to move that up!　How much money do you think it will cost?

　I don't know.　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　Then she slowly looked over the text and handed it back to Richter.

　Lilac smiled softly at Richter, who was anxious to hear what she had to say. Lilac smiled softly at Richter, who was wondering what she would say.

You don't have to pay for it with your own money.
What?

　What?" That was an unexpected comment.
　The only money that would come into play would be the private fortune of the Richter or Klingbloom families.
　He had been desperately trying to figure out a way to resist her, but her words were a surprise to him.

　When Richter tilted his head to see what she meant, Lilac smiled and giggled.
　Prim, who didn't understand anything, thought she was a princess with a pretty smile.

If the interest on the debt of the aristocracy no longer accrues, then so does the debt of the country. Then it would be a simple matter, wouldn't it?

　With her words, Richter understood.
　The Virgin will be replaced by the Devil.


You can borrow again.
"What?

　Richter let out a strange squeal.

The Orba Trading Company has a lot of money. Yes, so much so that I'm wondering if I can't get some money out of her somehow.
No, but wait a minute. Borrowing?



　Yes. The deed is for the debt up to this point.
　Next time you borrow, it's the same thing all over again. With interest, of course.
　A blow to Richter, who wants to keep the trade unions out of Congress.

　But he can't tell the princess about such disadvantages.
　This woman is determined to take advantage of the trade union as much as she can.

Beatrix is crying because her plan to pay off the debt she was counting on is falling apart. Poor thing.

　The princess says with a face that is not at all pitiful.

You've violated her trust once and for all. So why don't you borrow it again while the gap is still small and say you'll pay it back properly this time?
"But, sir.
"...... I see.

　Lilac's eyes narrowed.

"Then Richter. Would you prefer to have your connection with me exposed now, or to declare that we are hand in hand when the project succeeds?
Isn't that a threat?
No, sir, I don't mean that. I don't mean that, but I'm fine with either.


　Richter collapsed.


"Hey, Princess. I don't know much about politics, but...

　Lilac's emotionless eyes were fixed on Prim, who intervened from the side. But Prim didn't pay any attention to the question.

It's just that... It's not like I'm going to let that Beatrix get the better of me after I've just cleared Richter's debts.　"No, not at all.
No, not at all.
...... is what it sounds like.
I'll explain it to you plainly, Prim Lancaster. The original plan I had was to rely on Beatrix's financial strength. I had tried to negotiate with him many times, but I couldn't get a good deal. Of course, he's a merchant.
"So?

　So?" Lilac smiled gaily at Prim, who nodded.

The money went to Richter, so let's work with him on something big!
"I see!　Richter-kun, Richter-kun, let's get lots of money from Beatrix!
That's right. Let's pretend that the money isn't for the project, but for the fact that we've run out of money like the usual aristocrats. That way, we can just borrow the money. There's no need to give incentives for planning.
"You can talk, Princess!　I knew you didn't like him!

　Prim's disrespect accelerated, but Richter didn't have the energy to stop her.

It's not that I don't like him, but it's not good for the merchants to make too much money. If you work like a horse and not kill me, that's enough for me.
Scary.

　That's all I need, Prim thought.
　The fact that Lilac looked as if she was a saint thinking of a sinner only added to her fear.

"By the way, Prim Lancaster?
"Oh, Prim is fine.
I see. Well, let's call it Prim. But I would appreciate it if you refrained from such behavior in public.
Well, it's not like I'm being raised by a princess.
I see. Then you won't regret it.
What can I do for you, Princess?
Only in public.

　Richter cursed the inequality of the world.

　Lilac gave a small cough and said.

"Prim. I have an interesting story for you. I'm not sure if it's interesting to you, Lord Treasurer.

　Then he gave Prim a little nudge.

　Prim's expression changed to one of joyous ferocity.

"Well, that's nice. I'm in.
"I see. Well, you tell Richter, too. Bye.

　And with that, she walked away.
　She gave a small smile at Prim's gentle send-off, then exhaled as she turned down the corridor.


"Okay, next.