ㅤChapter 26
ㅤThe next day, as Ruby was working in the fields, Theodore came walking over with a dejected look on his face.
ㅤConcerned by his gloomy expression, Ruby invited him into the log house and offered him some sweet potato she had made last night, along with a warm drink.
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ㅤ”I discovered that mixing Hoffen potatoes and Byfen potatoes creates the perfect balance of sweetness and stickiness! …… You had something you wanted to talk about, right? I’ll listen after you’ve had this.”
ㅤ”…… Thank you.”
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ㅤTheodore was deeply touched by Ruby’s attentiveness. He had been agonizing over how to broach the subject, but decided to speak honestly rather than try to sugarcoat it.
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ㅤ”I have something important to discuss with you, Princess. It’s about the ability you showed me yesterday.”
ㅤ”Yes.”
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ㅤSeeing Ruby’s puzzled expression, Theodore’s resolve almost wavered. He steeled himself and continued.
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ㅤ”Your ability would be incredibly helpful to our Langley Empire. If you could dispel the miasma that covers this land, the monsters would remain in the Underworld, and if you purified the soil, crops would flourish. There would be no more starvation, and the lives of our people would improve dramatically.”
ㅤ”Th-That’s a gross exaggeration of my abilities! Saving the country is something only the Grand Saintess could do!”
ㅤ”Of course, I understand you’re not the Grand Saintess…… or even a Saintess. But even a hundredth or a thousandth of that power would be helpful. Could you lend your power, the power you used in your garden and against the spider the other day, for the sake of our people?”
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ㅤHaving said that, Theodore rose from his chair and knelt before Ruby.
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ㅤ”I understand that I’m making a selfish request after treating you so poorly. So I promise to grant you any wish you desire after you’ve fulfilled your role. Money, possessions…… even a divorce if you wish. Anything you want. In exchange, would you travel with me around the country and lend your power wherever it seems necessary?”
ㅤ”Your Majesty! Please lift your head!”
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ㅤStartled by Theodore’s intensity, Ruby rushed to his side, but he wouldn’t budge.
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ㅤ”…… Just to be clear, you have the right to refuse. The journey will be long and physically demanding. We can expect poor accommodations and food. If you wish to continue living in this house as you have been, you are welcome to do so. Rest assured, refusing will not jeopardize your position.”
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ㅤThen, Theodore looked directly at Ruby with his golden eyes, as if waiting for her answer.
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ㅤ”Um…… Your Majesty, did you come here today to tell me that?”
ㅤ”Yes, I did.”
ㅤ”With such a serious expression, and even kneeling?”
ㅤ”…… That is correct.”
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ㅤAh, I see, Theodore thought, lowering his long eyelashes and staring at the floor. He deserved to be scorned, considering how he had treated Princess Ruby.
ㅤHe didn’t intend to blame her at all. He had sown these seeds himself. Arnold would be furious, but he would just have to work harder to make it up to her.
ㅤJust as he was about to thank her for her time and leave–
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ㅤ”Of course, I’ll do it! If that is Your Majesty’s judgment, it would be an honor to use my power for the sake of the people. Besides, it sounds like fun to travel all over Langley. As you know, I’ve lived in a very sheltered world, so I’m excited to visit different places!”
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ㅤTheodore looked up in surprise, and there was Ruby, her face beaming with a bright, flower-like smile.
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ㅤ”I’m in perfect health, and I’d say I’m quite physically fit. I can’t imagine how demanding it will be, but I feel safe with Your Majesty! You were so kind to me when I was injured.”
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ㅤTheodore was speechless.
ㅤHe could only feel the heat rising in his face and his heart pounding faster than ever before.
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ㅤ（Ah, this is the kind of person Princess Ruby is.）
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ㅤShe doesn’t know how to doubt people, and she extends a hand to anyone in need. She believes from the bottom of her heart that there are no evil people in this world.
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ㅤI want to win her heart.
ㅤI want her to remain pure and innocent, always smiling by my side.
ㅤI want her to live in a world where she can remain beautiful.
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ㅤ（I’m glad I’m the Emperor. At least I can protect her.）
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ㅤFor the first time, Theodore felt grateful for his position. He stood up, a smile softening his features.
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ㅤ”Then, we shall depart in a week. I’ll arrange for your luggage, so you and Emma can come with just yourselves.”
ㅤ”Understood!”
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ㅤAs Ruby replied energetically, Michael scurried over to her feet.
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ㅤ”Cheep! Chee……”
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ㅤHe looked up at Ruby, letting out a lonely squeak.
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ㅤ”Oh…… What should we do about Michael and the others……”
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ㅤWhen they left Belheim, her familiars were just a few Poison Rats, but now they had grown in number and variety.
ㅤMost of them could forage for food on their own, but some still needed Ruby’s support. If she were to be away from home for half a year, she would have no choice but to leave Emma behind……
ㅤSeeing Ruby gazing at Michael, Theodore understood her concern.
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ㅤ”I’ll arrange for someone to care for the animals remaining in this house. And if they are your precious friends, you are welcome to bring them along on the journey.”
ㅤ”Really!? Thank you so much!”
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ㅤOverjoyed, Ruby impulsively hugged Theodore. Despite the suddenness, his large frame held her securely.
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ㅤ”I’m so glad I came to this country! I love Langley and Your Majesty!”
ㅤ”…… I see. That’s wonderful.”
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ㅤTheodore hesitantly touched Ruby’s back.
ㅤMichael watched with amusement as the innocent Ruby clung to the stiff and awkward Theodore.