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Common Sense of a Duke’s Daughter
Chapter 90: Resolve
Once I got home, all I wished was to sleep till the next morning, so I crawled under the covers after my bedtime routine.
But my mind was strangely alert, and didn’t feel a wink of fatigue. …. My thoughts reeled from the conversation with Mother and the view of the tower.
“…. To prevent further tragedy and sadness, to preserve the spectacle before us.”
My mother’s face was extremely radiant as she said that. It wasn’t because of her naturally beautiful appearance, but rather…. I saw an affectionate mother who loved everything around her.
I reflected upon myself, what were my feelings towards my people’s emotions….? As I pondered this, I unwittingly laughed.
Am I not the same as my mother?
When I met Miss Mina and the children at the orphanage…. Or, even earlier than that. I already steeled my decision while touring the fief.
At the time, I wasn’t involved in politics yet, but I held power. A power called the “Authority of the Feudal Lord Representative”.
My path forward, as well as my responsibilities, was deeply entwined with my people’s lives. That included the piles of papers sitting on my desk. When I examined each file, I could always feel the increasing burden on my shoulders.
It was all to protect the citizens’ way of life.
Since a long time ago, haven’t I always had this resolve? Could be…. That courage had weakened after the excommunication.
Wasn’t my existence crucially beneficial to the fief’s governance? If that was true, then all my actions and progress has pulled the fief forward, right?
…. It has always been fact that there is never time to lose faith. Because I have always been moving full steam ahead, my leadership has dragged the citizens’ lives and the fief along with it.
After all that happened in the past, I couldn’t still say “I do not have a resolve yet.”
I was striding onward to fulfill my dream. I would not lose my objective. If I lost my way, then those following me would fall apart too.
I should only do the best that I can.
As I thought of all this, my feelings of displeasure and worry melted away, stabilizing my mind.
With these satisfying thoughts, I plunged myself into the world of dreams.
—-
The next day, I called Ryle and Dida back.
“What do you need, Princess?”
“Mm, I just want to let you two know my resolve.”
Upon hearing my words, Ryle’s eyes widened in surprise. Dida began smiling in amusement.
“…. Yesterday, Dida asked if I was sure of my resolve.”
“Indeed.”
“Although my stance wavered a bit…. After thinking about it, I figured I should not have spent until yesterday to ask this question.”
Dida’s jaw dropped in response.
*TL note: In my opinion, author is being a little filler-y and melodramatic. Urgghh just get with the story
“Because, I’ve already decided in my heart long ago- I want to protect this fief, and shield the residents of this land.”
“…. To achieve that, will blood be spilled?’
“My answer is yes…. But also no.”
Ryle and Dida tilted their heads in confusion.
“My shoulders have carried the burden of hundreds of civilians’ lives since long ago. My mission is to protect this fief… And the lives within it. If violence falls onto the path to that goal, I will order our soldiers into action. I will then assume all related responsibilities.”
Worlds without pain do not exist. I’ve understood this for a long time, before anything else.
“However, to prevent such tragedy from occurring…. I will resist as defiantly as possible, until the very last moment. I’ll seize every opportunity to prevent matters from flowing in those frightful directions. As opposed to agonizing over how to win wars, figuring out how to prevent them is far more essential. This is of utmost priority, and I will follow this plan.”
Have I switched the positions of my goals and methods? That was indeed a mistake I made.
I kept thinking—if war broke out, who is going to assume responsibility? What would the Duke’s position be on the entire matter?
However, that shouldn’t be what it comes down to. Because there is more than one method to achieve our goal.
Predicting the future, and utilizing both intelligence and counterintelligence. My pen, mind, and words will be my weapons.
Military force will be my last card. However, before playing that hand I must learn to use my entire deck to its fullest potential.
This was my true mission.
“But…. If, despite everything…. Force is the only path to walk, I will need to rely on Dida, Ryle, you guys. Even a drop of blood spared will be worth it. However, I am the only one who can shoulder responsibility, so I will assume that part.”
When I finished speaking, Dida began to laugh for some reason.
…. Did I say anything out of place? No, I spoke all that with a serious tone….
“A very elegant resolve… But also an incredibly naïve one.”
“Dida….!” Ryle looked very angry as he stood next to him.
“But, alright. The reason why we’re willing to serve Princess is precisely because of the type of person you’ve always been. The princess can continue protect the things she cares about.”
…. Then, was that approval?
“….Just spit it out already,” Ryle said exasperated.
“Milady, we are your sword and shield. We will smooth the wrinkles of your worries. Whenever you feel that force is the only path left…. Please rely on us. We will defend you with all our might.”
Ryle stooped to one knee.
Dida also kneeled.
“Mm, thank you…. Ryle, Dida.”
I didn’t want to lose them either…. They too are what I wish to safeguard.
So, I will continue fighting. For my fief.