I Once Thought I Had No Place, Being Married Off to An Enemy Nation as A Token of Apology but That Was Only for One Night - Chapter 23

“Well, I suppose it is time we head out.”

I am not so tactless as to interrupt two people overcome with emotion, so I gave a pointed look to Frieda and Ludwig. Leaving the sisters behind, we began making our way toward the party venue.

“Ludwig, I am sorry for taking a Saint from your territory.” “No, no apology is necessary. If anything, I am grateful that you gave her such an opportunity.”

Ludwig’s change in attitude is quite drastic as well. It is not as if he realized I am the White Saint… I wonder if this was his original personality all along?

“I should mention one thing. Even if that girl is not by my side, she can likely use her power now.” “Pardon?”

Ludwig froze mid-step.

“As long as she understands it is for the sake of Ashtal, she can use her holy power even outside its borders. Now that she understands helping me serves Ashtal’s interests, she should be able to use her power even without me being present.”

Therefore, there is no need to force her to come to me. I believe we should let Amalia decide for herself.

“I see. I shall tell her. Though I suspect the answer is already decided.”

Ludwig seemed certain. If that is a sign of his trust in me, then he really has changed too much. I doubt I will ever get used to this feeling. As I was thinking that, he stopped and turned to face me directly.

“Through this incident, I feel I have caught a glimpse of your true character. I apologize once again for looking at you through the biased lens of being that Crown Prince’s sister.” “It is enough that you understand. However, if I may say one thing…”

I looked up at Ludwig to voice the thought I had been holding back.

“That formal way of speaking is making my skin crawl. Could you please just talk to me the way you used to?” “What?!”

Ludwig’s eyes widened in disbelief, while Frieda snorted beside us. I, however, was dead serious.

“Fine. Is this better? I go out of my way to show some respect and this is what I get.”

Ludwig looked incredibly annoyed. Still, the fact that he actually listened to me shows he truly acknowledges me now. It made me happy, and a small smile escaped my lips.

Afterward, Frieda and I moved to a corner of the party venue. Before long, Ludwig took to the stage. Noticing his presence, the guests fell silent one by one until the hall was hushed.

“The unprecedented crisis that struck the Greifner territory has passed. This is thanks to your valiant efforts.”

He began with words of appreciation, offered a moment of silence for those who would not return, and promised compensation for the bereaved families. His rugged voice clearly carried his genuine care for his comrades. Yes, this style definitely suits him better.

His speech continued, and he expressed his gratitude to the reinforcements Frieda had brought. And then…

“Finally, I must mention one more person, the one who contributed most to this victory. Princess Noel, you are the one who kept hope alive for this territory. On behalf of the Greifner region, I thank you.”

Applause thundered through the room. It was not a bad feeling at all. I savored the sense of accomplishment, glad that I had seen it through to the end.

Soon after, Ludwig led a toast. As I was enjoying the party, a man who appeared to be a noble approached me.

“My greetings to Princess Noel. I am Count Randolph, entrusted by Lord Ludwig with the lands of Abel.”

As I responded, I recalled the political structure of this country that Frieda had taught me. In the Rayvel Empire, the Emperor rules the center, surrounded by the Hexagon Lords who rule the peripheral territories. The nobles appointed by the Hexagon Lords serve under them. In other words, he is a Count of the Greifner territory.

“Abel… that was a region directly in the path of the stampede, was it not? Are the damages manageable?” “You are well informed. I cannot say we escaped unscathed, but thanks to your swift intervention, we were able to keep the damage to a minimum. You have my gratitude.”

I simply did what I could. I told him as much, but he did not stop thanking me. Following him, several other nobles approached to offer similar words of gratitude. It was likely due to Ludwig’s speech.

This is a rather pleasant feeling. As I was thinking that, a shadow fell over me.

“It seems you are enjoying the party.”

I looked up to see Ludwig standing there with a wine glass in hand.

“It is a bit embarrassing, but this is the first time I have been thanked in such an official setting. Yes, it is a good feeling.”

Just saying it made my cheeks feel hot. I took a glass from a passing waiter and drained its contents.

“The first time? Were you not appreciated in your own country? Ah, come to think of it, the rumors said you spent all your time with the knights and never actually worked as a Saint.” “That is what the official story seems to be.” “Meaning the truth is different?”

Ludwig turned his gaze toward Frieda, who was standing behind me.

“It appears the Crown Prince intentionally spread those rumors to disparage Princess Noel. It was my mistake to be swayed by that information.” “I see. Well, we did not have much time to gather intel.”

Ludwig forgave Frieda.

“So, your achievements were essentially erased.” “Yes. That is why this is the first time I have been thanked so grandly at a party. Though I have been thanked personally… quite a few times.”

I narrowed my eyes, remembering the various gifts of gratitude I had received. At that, Ludwig’s rugged face twisted into a fierce grin.

“That man is truly beyond saving. If you wish, I can intercede to ensure you are not treated that way in this country?” “No, thank you. I will work hard to be acknowledged on my own merits.”

Ludwig looked as if he had expected that answer. He had likely already heard it from Frieda. It makes things easier when people catch on quickly.

With that, Ludwig and I parted ways. As I walked through the venue with Frieda, I received several more words of thanks. It was not just nobles from the Greifner territory; knights and Saints were among them as well. However, I also overheard some skeptical voices saying, “There is no way she purified a Hexagon Hall alone. I wonder what kind of trick she used.”

“I shall go educate them.”

Frieda was about to charge in, so I grabbed her ponytail to hold her back. Her head jerked back, and she looked at me with teary eyes. “Princess Noel…”

“I have told you many times, stop snapping at people on my behalf. I want to be acknowledged for my actual ability, not because I used my authority to silence them.” “I understand.”

She looked incredibly sad. I know, I know. You were getting angry for my sake. There, there. I patted her to comfort her.

Immediately after, a voice drifted from somewhere nearby: “Regardless of what methods were used, the fact that the Hexagon Hall was purified should be respected.”

Following the surrounding gazes, I saw a stern looking Christia standing there. Near her were Kai and Riot, the other reinforcements from Isenwald.

“It is indeed a fact that the Hexagon Hall was bolstered.” “To doubt the words of Lord Ludwig…”

Voices of agreement rose one after another, and the person who had criticized me was met with looks of condemnation. Unable to withstand the pressure, the critic hurried away.

Christia glared at the retreating back for a moment before rushing over to me.

“Princess Noel, thank you for your hard work!” “Thank you. Your cooperation was a great help.” “No, compared to your achievements, we did practically nothing.” “That is not true.”

I shook my head.

“The father of a girl named Anna was rescued. I heard it was just in time. Without me, and without all of you, that soldier surely would not have been saved.”

The rescue team that Ludwig had reorganized had saved Anna’s father. If Christia and the others had not been part of that force, they might not have reached him. And at that time, if Frieda had not used her quick wit, Ludwig would have accompanied me to the Hexagon Hall. In that case, Anna’s father surely would not have been saved. Therefore…

“Thank you.”

I beamed at Frieda, Christia, and everyone involved, truly grateful.

“Those are more words than I deserve. But I see.”

The realization that there were lives saved seemed to make Christia look even prouder than before. Behind her, Kai pouted.

“That is not fair.” “Not fair?” “It is! You told us to keep your achievements a secret, yet they are being announced so grandly in this territory! There is no point in hiding it anymore, is there?”

Actually, the secret was to prevent people from realizing I am the White Saint. But I can’t say that. Well, at this point, I suppose it falls within the margin of error.

“You might be right. There may not be much point in hiding the purification itself anymore.” “You said it!”

Kai turned to his comrades and began talking about how they should praise Princess Noel’s achievements once they returned home. Kai clenched his fist, his eyes sparkling, and Christia and Riot joined in. It felt as if I had suddenly gained several more versions of Frieda.

“Do not overdo it, okay?” “It is fine, leave it to us. We shall make sure to claim that Isenwald was saved first.”

I don’t quite trust them. Besides, does it really matter which place was saved first? Oh, that reminds me. Speaking of being saved, what happened to Seraphina’s territory?

“Does anyone know what happened to Seraphina’s lands?” “Yes!”

Christia raised her hand energetically.

“I heard Lord Seraphina’s territory also managed to end their stampede safely. There have been some rumors going around apparently, the White Saint purified their Hexagon Hall.” “Pardon?”

Meaning, I was a fake White Saint? No, considering I remembered knowledge regarding the curse, there is no doubt that I am the real one. Which means an impostor has appeared. An impostor. Wait, could I use this as a decoy to hide my own identity?