The Calm Before The Storm

Through Sayo, Kaguya came to understand the ins and outs of the situation.

It all began a few months ago with the plague incident. Kaguya's territory was struck by a severe epidemic. Even more alarmingly, the virus could spread and infect humans, turning them into large, dangerous creatures.

Although Kaguya personally eliminated the dangerous creatures and destroyed all infected humans, and even the Imperial Army sent troops to scour areas possibly contaminated with the virus, the aftermath was a mess. To eradicate the virus, the Imperial Army burned down any buildings that might harbor the virus, including winter food supplies, leaving countless people homeless and destitute.

Additionally, during the Imperial Army's virus sweep, many scoundrels took the opportunity to loot, pillage, and commit atrocities, resulting in numerous heinous incidents. Fortunately, Kaguya, upon hearing of these outrageous acts, sent Ieyasu and a guard unit to maintain order, preventing further escalation of these incidents.

Yet, the plight of the starving masses was irreversible. The commoners gathered outside the princess's palace were only a small fraction; many more were still suffering from hunger in their devastated villages.

The only thing that offered Kaguya a hint of relief was that such villages were the minority. At the time, Kaguya's decisive actions prevented the virus from spreading further, a small mercy in an otherwise tragic situation.

"Your Highness," Sayo said nervously, "are you angry with me for what I did?"

"Angry?" Kaguya asked curiously, "Why would I be angry?"

"For the unreasonable request to give food to the common people," Sayo said, blinking.

"Oh, you mean that," Kaguya realized, then smiled. "You did the right thing. If I had been here, I would have done the same."

"Really?" Sayo said with surprise, then whispered, "The princess is indeed a kind person."

"What?" Kaguya asked, not having heard clearly.

"Nothing, nothing," Sayo quickly said, waving her hand with an embarrassed smile.

Suddenly, a mischievous smile appeared on Kaguya's pretty face. She walked up to Sayo, gently lifted her chin with her slender fingers, and said playfully, "I've given food to the people; how do you plan to thank me?"

"What? But it was you who—"

Before Sayo could finish, Kaguya's soft lips pressed against hers. Sayo's eyes widened in shock, her body stiffening as she stood there, not knowing what to do.

At that moment, a warm hand slipped under her collar, cupping her soft flesh, kneading slowly and then quickly. Sayo's face flushed red, her body as stiff as wood.

Her thoughts were in disarray, her clear eyes now misty as if they might overflow with tears. A strange sensation surged within her, her body twisting uncomfortably, gasping lightly, as if only this could ease the heat within her.

Suddenly, the warm touch disappeared, and the strange feeling dissipated. Sayo involuntarily opened her eyes and found the princess looking at her with a faint smile.

Sayo's face turned bright red, like a cooked shrimp, still radiating heat. She turned abruptly and ran outside.

How embarrassing! How could she have done such a shameless thing!

Kaguya watched Sayo flee like a frightened rabbit, her autumn-like eyes twinkling with amusement.

Ah, young girls in love are the best.

In the following days, as the guards predicted, news of the princess distributing grain and even winter supplies spread throughout the territory. Starving people flocked to the princess's palace like bees to honey.

Initially, only a dozen people came, but soon it grew to hundreds and then thousands. Some even tried to exploit the situation, pretending to be hungry to receive grain. However, Kaguya had anticipated such incidents and ordered the guards to scrutinize each person claiming to need food, promising severe punishment for fraud.

More than ten people were whipped for pretending to be starving and were displayed for three days, curbing the trend of falsely claiming food.

Meanwhile, the palace's grain supplies were gradually running out. However, Kaguya had already sent guards to buy grain from local merchants. The merchants likely raised prices, but they wouldn't dare to blatantly overcharge the royal family, as getting caught would mean a death sentence.

As for the money to buy the grain, Kaguya wasn't too worried. Before leaving the capital, the little emperor had gifted her a sum of money, easing her immediate financial concerns.

Whether by intention or coincidence, Sayo hadn't been around these past few days, possibly avoiding Kaguya on purpose. But according to Ieyasu, she was helping distribute food to the commoners and aiding those who couldn't carry their supplies home due to disabilities, working tirelessly but happily.

Kaguya smiled knowingly and didn't say much more. Sayo was likely restless cooped up in the palace; after all, she was only a lively teenager. Giving her something to do might be better for her.

Compared to the south, the northern climate was drier and colder, with winter arriving much earlier. By late September and early October, frost had already settled, covering the ground, dry grass, and fallen leaves, filling the air with an autumn chill.

Kaguya gazed at the clouds drifting in the sky, feeling a premonition: a storm was brewing, and a fierce battle was about to begin.

As Kaguya was lost in thought, a guard rushed in urgently, saying, "Report to the princess, something bad has happened!"

"Calm down. What is it?" Kaguya said with a slight frown, exuding the authority of a ruler. "Speak."

"Sayo has clashed with the minister's subordinates," the guard reported quickly.

"The minister's subordinates?" Kaguya's brow furrowed.

What is that old fox doing here at such a crucial time? His intentions can't be good.

"What are the names of those subordinates?" Kaguya asked thoughtfully.

"They say one of them is named Seryu," the guard replied truthfully.

Kaguya's eyes narrowed sharply.