After Putting the Slayer of the Night to Sleep, I Ran Away - Chapter 71

“As compensation for standing guard from now on.”

Ayla paused for a moment before speaking.

“How about recognizing Eisenfelt’s independent trade rights?”

“Independent trade rights?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I learned a great deal accompanying Princess Grace during this escort mission. That trade must be active for the domain’s people to live abundantly.”

Ayla continued in a calm yet firm tone.

“Specifically, I ask that you recognize all rights for Eisenfelt to operate its own merchant guilds, manage customs and clearance procedures, and directly conclude trade with other countries that is, independent trade, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor fell silent at the enormous demand.

The more one mulled over Ayla’s words, the wider their scope became, making it something that could not be easily permitted. It seemed the nobles thought the same.

“Your demands are excessive, Ayla.”

At Marcus’s remark, Ayla smiled brightly and shrugged her shoulders.

“My daughter will be married and going on a long journey. Please help her have a decent gift to take, Father.”

When Ayla made her plea as a daughter, Marcus was rendered speechless.

This was because, externally, he had always shown himself to be a father who doted on his second daughter, making it impossible for him to refuse outright at this moment.

Ayla, having subtly exploited this point, looked around at the assembled company and added,

“It will not be a loss for the Empire either. If you accept this proposal, I promise not to make any other demands for the next 30 years. Of course….”

Ayla glanced up at Leo.

“If Your Highness agrees with my words.”

Leo nodded with a smile as if understanding, and empowered, Ayla beamed and retorted,

“Surely, you don’t think the magical beasts descending from that mountain range will disappear in just a year or two, do you?”

The nobles fell into thought, groaning at the implication that this issue would continue in the future. Friedrich, too, remained silent for a moment before turning the question to the nobles.

“What do you lords think? If you have a better plan, feel free to propose it.”

Some time passed, but no better plan emerged.

Ultimately, Friedrich obtained the nobles’ consent and stamped the imperial seal on the document recognizing Eisenfelt’s independent trade rights.

“It is done. Now, let us begin the trade meeting in earnest.”

The meeting concluded as the twilight began to deepen.

The evening air felt refreshingly cool after the long session.

As they exited the main hall and stood in the corridor, the red sunset light streaming through the large windows cast long shadows.

Friedrich looked back at Ayla and Leo, who had greeted him, and smiled with satisfaction.

“I only now realize I have such a clever daughter-in-law.”

Leo narrowed his brow at his words. Ayla, on the other hand, smiled softly and bowed her head respectfully.

“You are too kind, Your Majesty.”

“No. I was impressed by your performance today. I look forward to your future endeavors.”

“I will do my best, Your Majesty.”

“Indeed. It must have been tiring. Go home safely. Leo, you too.”

“Please go in.”

As Friedrich left with a satisfied smile, Princess Grace approached as if she had been waiting.

“Ayla, may I accompany you to the carriage?”

“Oh, of course, Your Highness.”

The two stepped out into the palace gardens in a friendly manner.

Leo followed leisurely behind them as they walked towards where the carriage was waiting.

“You were truly impressive at today’s meeting. So, Ayla, if direct trade becomes possible, you will trade with our Kingdom of Drein as well, won’t you?”

“Of course, Your Highness. I actually wanted to ask you for a favor.”

“I know that the furs from the north are famous. However, could I know in advance what items might be available for trade in our kingdom?”

In response to Grace’s question, Ayla pondered for a moment and offered her thoughts.

“Eisenfelt must prepare for harsh winters, so we need foods that are easy to preserve. If high-quality grains, nuts, and spices come from the Western Kingdoms, our tables could become much richer. Also, high-quality fabrics for warmth would be useful. Furs alone have their limits, so durable yet warm fabrics would be ideal.”

“Our kingdom has just the kind of fabric. It’s made from processed sheep’s wool, offering excellent insulation and durability.”

“That sounds wonderful. I will be sure to contact you when it arrives in Eisenfelt, Your Highness.”

The eyes of the two young ladies sparkled.

While they talked without pause, they gradually approached the carriage waiting area.

Grace clasped Ayla’s hand tightly and said,

“Then I’ll see you at the hunting competition, Ayla.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you for escorting me.”

Grace, who was staying at the imperial palace as part of the delegation, rejoined her escort knights who had been following at a distance and departed.

“Shall we go too, Your Highness?”

Ayla asked, and Leo replied with a displeased look.

“I would like to, but we have another guest.”

“A guest?”

As Ayla tilted her head in confusion, a familiar voice reached her ears.

“Brother! Ayla.”

Turning her head, she saw Edward approaching them, seemingly having been waiting by the carriage.

“Your Highness, the Second Prince.”

Realizing that Leo did not particularly like her calling Edward by his name, Ayla addressed him as ‘Your Highness.’ Edward paused for a moment, then stopped with a worried expression.

“Is your arm alright?”

“My arm? Ah, it’s fine. When was that?”

“I’m sorry. I was too late….”

“What? No, I didn’t mean that. I meant it’s already healed. I’m completely fine.”

Ayla waved her arm around as if to show him and smiled gently.

However, Edward’s stern expression showed no signs of softening.

“Don’t do that again. To throw yourself for me, I truly….”

“No.”

At that moment, Leo pulled Ayla back, blocking her path, and said,

“There won’t be a next time, Edward.”

“…Brother.”

“And, it would have been the same for Ayla, no matter who it was other than you.”

Leo put his arm around Ayla’s shoulder.

“So, you don’t need to feel guilty.”

“That’s right, Your Highness. You don’t need to feel sorry at all.”

Ayla’s words prompted Edward to nod with an unreadable expression.

Leo looked down at him for a moment, then turned Ayla towards the carriage and said,

“Let’s go, my wife.”

“Yes?”

“I’m tired.”

“Ah, really? Let’s go quickly….”

As she got into the carriage, Ayla turned her head, looking concerned.

She saw Edward standing there with a dejected look.

‘He must have come to see his brother.’

Ayla glanced at the indifferent Leo, let out a sigh, and got into the carriage. As Leo got in beside her, she poked his side and gestured towards Edward with her eyes, speaking silently.

‘Be a little kinder.’

‘What?’ he widened his eyes.

‘Be kind. Kind. Ly.’

Leo, who found Ayla’s earnest expression peculiar, sighed. Then, just before closing the carriage door, he said to Edward,

“Edward.”

“Yes, Brother.”

“You must be tired from the meeting all day too. Go in and rest.”

He closed the carriage door without waiting for a reply.

Ayla’s protesting gaze returned, but he pretended not to notice and stuck his hand out the window, tapping the carriage.

At the signal to depart, the coachman urged the horses forward with a cry, and Leo glanced back at the receding Edward before saying in a petulant voice,

“Why are you so nice to him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Edward.”

“Was I nice to him? I only asked you to be a little kinder.”

“That’s the same thing.”

At Leo’s words, Ayla explained with pity.

“He seems to like his brother, but he can’t express it.”

“What are you talking about?”

“When he was young, he thought Your Highness went to the north because of him. That’s why it’s hard for him to get close.”

“……”

“Look at today, too. He must have used me as an excuse to see his brother, but you spoke so coldly….”

At Ayla’s words, Leo let out a hollow laugh and asked back,

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes. Definitely.”

Her certainty made Leo’s face fall, and he rubbed the back of his neck.

His own thoughts were different, but he had no obligation to tell her.

Thinking so, Leo held out his palm to her.

“Why? Are you afraid the carriage will overturn again?”

Pouting, Ayla placed her hand on his.

Leo looked down at Ayla’s hand, which was less than half the size of his, then chuckled and firmly clasped her hand.

“Yes. You need to stay right beside me so you don’t get hurt.”

“Yes. You said you were tired. Hurry up and get some rest.”

“Good.”

Leo closed his eyes, a faint smile on his lips.

It was the only peace he was allowed.

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