Chapter 50: The Princess’s First Time
In the eighteen years of Princess Helen’s life, a significant portion was dedicated to relentless learning. She studied various arts, cultural knowledge, proper court etiquette, and the intricacies of social interactions. The purpose of this education was clear: to mold her into a perfect wife, coveted by nobles across the continent, a valuable bargaining chip for securing alliances or maintaining peace.
She had never been taught the art of conflict or negotiation. As a princess of the Western Empire, she didn’t even need to worry about competing with other women for the Emperor’s favor, for no one was more beautiful or accomplished than her.
Therefore, she excelled in poetry, music, calligraphy, painting, and other refined arts, her understanding of various cultures rivaling that of young scholars. Yet, when faced with the situation yesterday, she was as helpless as an ignorant commoner girl.
And just when she was on the verge of despair, Abyss showed her a way. She never imagined that her allies in her first attempt at making a difference would be the dead.
“This isn’t a conspiracy, this isn’t a conspiracy,” she repeated to herself, stepping out of her ornate, princess-exclusive carriage.
Indeed, Abyss wasn’t fond of conspiracies either. He had gathered incriminating evidence on all the nobles in Golden Griffin City and given it to Helen, empowering her to demand their support legitimately. He had told her that if she believed her cause was more worthy than the nobles’ foolish and selfish desires, she should pursue it with confidence. Abyss was a man of action, a fact that impressed Helen deeply.
“Your Highness, we’ve arrived at General Bert’s residence,” the coachman reported respectfully. Two accompanying guards stood at attention beside the carriage.
Helen held in her hand evidence of wrongdoing against twenty influential nobles. The rest of the evidence had been compiled into a book by Abyss’s undead servants and safely hidden in her own chambers.
In return, she had ordered her personal guard to distribute the beads provided by Abyss to the city’s residents within three days. The rat problem in Golden Griffin City was indeed quite severe, and the people were eager to receive anything that could reduce the rodent population. They didn’t even need the guards to go door-to-door; they came out to collect the beads themselves, making the distribution process relatively smooth.
After completing these tasks, Helen dressed herself in a beautiful gown befitting her status as a princess and sent a request to visit General Bert. Upon receiving a positive response, she immediately set off in her carriage.
General Bert was waiting at the entrance of his residence. Seeing Helen step out of the carriage, he greeted her warmly. “My dear Princess, your presence graces my humble abode. I’ve instructed my servants to prepare the finest refreshments, just waiting for you to join me for a chat.”
The strict etiquette training Helen had received allowed her to maintain a graceful and composed expression, concealing her nervousness. She smiled faintly, nodded at General Bert, and said, “Thank you for your hospitality, General Bert. I’m also looking forward to our conversation.”
General Bert led her inside, his mind racing.
Why would a princess request a private meeting with a subject? Especially this naive Princess Helen. Was she hoping to enlist his support?
That was absolutely impossible. General Bert himself was eager to use that money for his own army. His official title was Grand General, signifying his authority second only to the Emperor. There were three Grand Generals in the Western Empire, none of them pushovers. They were constantly vying for power. If Bert could secure the Empress Dowager’s embezzled fortune for his army, making it the most powerful force under the Emperor’s command, it would likely keep the other two Grand Generals in check for a long time. Then, achieving his personal ambitions, such as enriching his family and lining his own pockets, would be much easier.
Using this money to curry favor with a mere princess, no matter how beautiful? Preposterous. Bert enjoyed the company of women, but he wasn’t foolish enough to sacrifice such a valuable opportunity for a fleeting fancy.
Helen and General Bert entered the most luxurious building in the general’s residence, surrounded by servants and guards. They reached a lavishly decorated drawing-room. Delectable pastries were already laid out on the table, and servants, as soon as the princess entered, prepared fragrant tea using ornate silver tea sets, standing respectfully at attention. The aroma of the tea, a popular blend of spices among the Western Empire’s high society, made with the finest tea leaves imported from the Elven Kingdoms, filled the air. They were sparing no effort to impress the princess.
“Please, Your Highness, have a seat,” General Bert said, personally pulling out a chair for Helen, allowing her to sit gracefully.
“Please, General Bert, have a seat as well,” Helen said politely, watching him take a seat opposite her. “General, I’m here to seek your cooperation.”
“Oh? What kind of cooperation does Your Highness desire?” Bert asked, his tone enthusiastic, despite his inner disdain.
“There seem to be quite a few servants in the drawing-room. It would be ideal to have a more private setting. What do you think, General Bert?” Helen said politely, glancing at the surrounding servants and guards.
General Bert smiled and looked at Helen for a moment, then waved his hand. “Everyone, withdraw. I need to discuss a private matter with Her Highness.”
The servants and guards acknowledged his order and left the room. Once they were gone, General Bert spread his hands. “Alright, no one can hear our conversation now.”
“I need your support for my proposal. I want to use the funds confiscated from the Empress Dowager to hire physicians and alchemists and establish a Royal Medical Association to develop new medicines for the entire Empire,” Princess Helen said directly.
“This… This might be difficult, Your Highness. As you know, we military men prioritize the safety of our soldiers, so…”
“Allow me to interrupt. I have an offer you can’t refuse,” Helen said, looking into Bert’s eyes, trying to maintain her composure.
“Oh? This?” Bert’s interest was piqued. He leaned forward slightly and asked, “What is Your Highness referring to…?”
“Some matters regarding your father, General Gick, before his passing, related to your campaign in the Kingdom of Ossi,” Helen said.
General Bert’s eyes turned cold.
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