Chapter 172: 172
Ch . 172 The Person We Chose (1)
Elena’s royal life eventually stabilized, and soon she sent invitations to several people as she promised at the wedding reception: Marchioness Marissa of the south, Countess Stella of the capital city, Log Ashmore of the Freegrand Kingdom, and so on . Lastly was Harry, who was considered the successor for the Krauss family .
Log’s reply came back first . Perhaps there was an urgency because the Freegrand delegations all had to return home…or perhaps the ambassador had been keenly anticipating Elena’s invitation .
‘…What does she want to say to me?’
Elena had been curious ever since the ambassador said she would give her a personal gift of fabric . Elena found Log strangely intriguing, particularly because the ambassador was the ideal woman Elena dreamed of . Even in a woman’s body, Log looked impressive in a smart uniform and a sword belted at her waist . This was not easily done in the Ruford Empire, where women still had a difficult time making their way through society .
‘If it can’t be me…then I want Mirabelle to live freely . ’
She wished Mirabelle could fly as boundless as a bird without being held down by anything . To do that, Elena would give her full material and emotional support to her most precious sister . A faint smile spread on Elena’s lips as she thought of Mirabelle’s bright face .
There was a knock on the door, and the nanny entered the room .
“Dame Ashmore is here, Your Highness . ”
“Very well . Let her in . ”
As soon as Elena’s permission was given, Log entered the parlor room and bowed deeply in greeting .
“Hail to the Crown Princess . Eternal Glory to the Ruford Empire . ”
Elena stood up from her seat and greeted her as well .
“Welcome . Have you been well?”
“Yes, I’ve been enjoying myself greatly in the Ruford Empire . Firstly, I’d like to present my gift you—”
Servants waiting outside the door brought in bolts of fabric . Elena’s eyes widened as she saw the luxuriousness and quality of the material .
“I was expecting a gift, but…I didn’t realize it would be so much . ”
“They are given with all my heart . ”
Log smiled, revealing her white teeth . Her cheerful attitude pleased Elena . It wasn’t just about the expensive gifts—the more Elena saw Log’s confident demeanor and polite mannerisms, the more satisfied she was .
“Thank you . Because of this, I can make a variety of dresses . ”
“It’s an honor to add to the beauty to the Crown Princess . ”
Log wasn’t servile, but she was a good listener, and Elena suspected she was well-versed in business . Elena inspected the fabrics then ordered them to be taken to the dressing room . Soon after, she offered Log to sit across from her .
“Have a seat . ”
“Thank you, Your Highness . ”
After the two settled down in their respective chairs, maidservants appeared to place refreshments and snacks in front of them . Elena gestured to one of the uniquely shaped sweets .
“This is one of the most popular delicacies in the Ruford Empire . Please try it . ”
“Thank you for your kind consideration, Your Highness . ”
“Have you eaten yet? Let’s eat together before lunch . ”
“I wouldn’t be so brazen to turn you down . Thank you for giving me the honor of dining with you . ”
So the two shared some everyday conversation . Elena already noticed that Log had something to say to her, but waited for her to bring it up . When the ambassador finally thought the time was right, she spoke in a lowered voice .
“I have something important to tell you, Your Highness . Would you mind speaking alone?”
Elena pretended to be oblivious .
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“Something to tell me?”
“Yes, Your Highness . ”
“Well, I wonder what it is . ”
At Elena’s command, the nanny and the maids left the parlor room . When only the two of them remained, Log’s expression turned more serious .
“I have one thing to say . In the future, please secure a trade agreement with the Freegrand Kingdom and Ruford Empire with our leader . ”
Elena’s eyes widened at the unexpected remark . But her surprise was brief, and a moment later, she regained her composure .
“Shouldn’t you discuss this matter with the Emperor? I don’t understand why you’re telling me this . ”
“The Emperor and Empress have already refused, to put it bluntly . I cannot say for sure, but there are commercial powers already involved in the political struggles of the Ruford Empire . We cannot even gain a foothold here . ”
It was no exaggeration to say that business in the Ruford Empire was already dominated by the Krauss family . Nevertheless, the Emperor and Empress also held separate funds . It was difficult to create trade agreements without already having connections at the top .
“So you brought this to me, the wife of the soon-to-be-emperor?”
“Yes . If you allow us, we will also help the Crown Prince rise to the throne . ”
Elena was surprised once more . It seemed as if Log understood the circumstances of the Imperial family . The Emperor and Empress fought secretly over who would succeed the throne, which would go to either Crown Prince Carlisle or Second Prince Redfield . Of the two, Log appeared to be betting on Carlisle .
“Then shouldn’t this offer be made directly to the Crown Prince?”
“Oh, I don’t think the Crown Prince likes our leader very much . ”
“Why?”
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“I once ran into a combat unit led by the Crown Prince on the battlefield . We crossed the border without permission by mistake . ”
Carlisle didn’t seem to recognize Log’s face at the wedding reception, but to her it was vivid as if it had taken place yesterday .
“He gave us our lives in exchange for handing over all the items we had . When I saw him, I knew he would be the emperor . ”
“And so you came to me in advance . ”
At Elena’s observation, Log smiled awkwardly and nodded .
“Yes, but it’s not exactly the Crown Prince we chose . It’s you, Your Highness . If you can give us trading rights after you become empress, we will move as your people . ”
Those were not bad terms for Elena . She needed a power to support her, not something that was part of Carlisle, or the Blaise family…but a secret force that was Elena’s only .
However, there was no reason yet that it should be Log’s leader, someone from the Freegrand Kingdom . Elena needed to be careful about this part . After a moment to ruminate over it, she spoke again .
“What’s the name of your leader?”
“Ah, our leader’s name is Astar…”
Elena nearly dropped the teacup in her hand .
Juleuleugeu—
Hot liquid spilled over her fingers, but Elena’s surprise did not abate .
Astar . That was the name of Freegrand’s top delegate in the future . Moreover, he was famous for his trustworthiness, and business with them was always efficient and reliable . Elena, having lived in the future, was more knowledgeable of it than anyone else .
“Y-Your Highness, are you alright?”
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Log looked on in surprised concern, but Elena took no notice of the mild burn . She had fallen on incredible luck .
‘If it’s Astar, then I don’t have to hesitate . ’
Elena had wanted to hang onto the issue first, until Log’s suggestion . Elena already amassed many jewels from Carlisle’s return gift that she intended to invest in the future . Log’s proposal in many ways was beneficial to her situation now .
Without further hesitation, Elena nodded .
“Very well . If I become empress, I’ll give Astar exclusive trade rights . In the meanwhile, help me until Crown Prince Carlisle takes the throne . ”
Log looked surprised at Elena’s sudden agreement, but she nodded as well .
“Yes . Thank you . ”
“You have a contract with you, don’t you? I’ll place the crown princess’ office seal on it . ”
“…Your Highness . ”
Log looked moved, and Elena continued .
“There’s another thing . I’d like to make some investments, and I’d hope you can hide my name . ”
“Ah, what are you going to invest?”
“Firstly…”
She told Log about her investment plans, who listened with intensely shining eyes . Their conversation was much longer than expected .
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