The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 27

“What is the meaning of this!”

My angry shout echoes through the office. Refusing a request from me, a member of the royal family? Such nonsense is unbelievable.

“My apologies, Your Highness. However, their reasoning—”

The man I entrusted with the request answers with confusion. His face clearly shows signs of agitation. I understand he doesn’t want to upset me, but there are more important matters at hand.

“Their reasoning? What reasoning could they possibly have!”

“They declined, citing they are unworthy of appearing before you due to the difference in status.”

After I went out of my way to specifically request them, they dare to trample on my goodwill like this?

“Additionally, we received an explanation from the Adventurers’ Guild. The adventurer team you nominated specializes in monster subjugation and is not suited for escort or ceremonial duties.”

Such excuses. That’s not what I’m asking for. I merely wanted to verify their capabilities with my own eyes, to see if there was something that could replace the temple.

Just then, there’s a knock on the door. Entering is a certain nobleman—Count Richard, who had also been my childhood tutor.

“Your Highness, I’ve heard. However, in this matter, their reasoning may be correct.”

“What did you say?”

No sooner had he entered the room than he abruptly cut into the conversation.

“To begin with, before making a request to the Adventurers’ Guild, you should have first sought cooperation from the temple or selected from the royal guards. There is no precedent for directly nominating common adventurers like this.”

“The temple folks are unreliable. That’s why I’m seeking help elsewhere. To do that, I need to build relationships.”

“Even so, there is a proper procedure. If you force this through, it will undoubtedly cause problems. Relations with the temple will worsen further, and it could damage the royal family’s authority.”

“……”

Indeed, it might be wiser to withdraw before trouble arises. If I push ahead forcefully, the nobles might seize the opportunity to criticize me. No matter how much I lament the temple’s incompetence, taking unprecedented action based on that would clearly make me the target of criticism.

“……Fine. I’ll give up for now.”

I spoke through gritted teeth. I’m listening because I’ve been advised. Rationally, I know it’s the correct decision. But this feeling of humiliation is unbearable. My request as a member of the royal family was rejected by mere adventurers and with plausible reasons at that.

“A wise decision.”

Count Richard’s satisfied expression irritates me even more. But causing more of a scene would only worsen my position. I just want to end this troublesome situation quickly.

“Alright, alright. You’re dismissed.”

I wave off the man who failed the task I entrusted to him, and he bows deeply before leaving the room. Count Richard follows shortly after.

Alone in the office, I lean back in my chair. Rationally, I accept it, but my emotions are another matter. What should I do about this wounded pride? I made a request, and they refused. Am I supposed to just swallow this humiliation of having my dignity as a member of the royal family trampled upon?

No, wait. Even if direct retaliation is impossible, there are other methods, aren’t there? Let’s try relying on them.

Having thought of this, I stand up and call for a servant.

“Summon the old sage from the temple. Immediately.”

“Yes, understood.”

Before long, the old sage from the temple arrives, panting and out of breath. His face is a mix of expectation and anxiety. They’ve repeatedly asked for funding. He must be hoping my summons means some beneficial news for him.

As you wish, I’ll give you a chance to restore your honor.

“It’s an honor to be summoned by Your Highness. Is there something you require?”

“Indeed. I have a proposal for you.”

I sit back down in my chair and look down at the old sage.

“I’ll provide the funding you’ve been wanting. The temple’s finances are tight, aren’t they?”

The old sage’s eyes gleam. Just the reaction I expected. There’s nothing easier to handle than those desperate for money.

“That is a most gracious offer. But, are there any conditions?”

“Yes, there are conditions. In exchange for the funding, I want you to fulfill a request of mine.”

I slowly let a smile form on my lips. The old sage stares at me with an expectant expression.

“I want you to make a certain common adventurer team suffer.”

The old sage’s expression changes instantly; from surprise to understanding, then to a calculating smile.

“Those insolent fools who defied the prince, I presume. That should be a simple matter. Leave it to me.”

“Good. Then, as an advance, I’ll pay you this much.”

I write down the amount and place it on the desk. Official documents. If he accepts this, he’ll get the money he’s been wanting. The old sage’s eyes are glued to it.

“And once the request is fulfilled, I promise to pay double this amount.”

When I tell him the amount, a satisfied smile appears on the old sage’s face. Obvious greed is oozing from him.

“Your Highness, I accept the task. I will surely meet your expectations.”

The old sage bows deeply and picks up the documents.

“I’m counting on you. Make those who wounded my pride understand what they’ve done.”

“Without fail.”

After the old sage leaves the room, I smirk to myself. Even if it’s impossible head-on, there are always backdoor methods. Let them fully taste the consequences of trampling on the dignity of the royal family.

I had considered discarding the temple, but if they succeed in this request, I might reconsider. Perhaps they still have their uses. Let them prove that the temple still holds value.

And as for those who refused my request, I’ll make them understand what happens when they displease me. Let them thoroughly savor the price of looking down on the royal family.