Adoration Of A Young Girl

Watching Dr. Stylish and Seryu's receding figures, Sayo said indignantly, "Your Highness, how could you let her go? Such a rude person should have been severely punished."

"What's the point of punishing her?" Kaguya smiled. "She's not the mastermind. The one pulling her strings is the true culprit, and punishment won't serve any real purpose."

"But," Sayo protested, "this damages Your Highness's authority."

"Authority?" Kaguya chuckled. "Authority is just an illusion. If you have strength, you won't be underestimated. Without strength, even if you try to maintain it, it's just a mirage."

"But—" Sayo began, eager to continue.

"It's nothing," Kaguya said, raising her pale arm to gently pat Sayo's smooth cheek, smiling. "I care more about whether the people have enough to eat than those unrealistic things."

Sayo's cheeks flushed under Kaguya's touch. She paused in surprise and said, "Did you let that rude person go because of this?"

"If not for this, then what else?" Kaguya pinched Sayo's cheek playfully.

"Your Highness," Sayo said, her clear eyes filled with admiration, "you truly are kind."

"Oh, not at all," Kaguya replied modestly, smoothing her soft hair. "I'm not as good as you say." However, a slight smile betrayed her true feelings.

"That's not true," Sayo shook her head earnestly. "To me, you're the greatest princess."

"Really?" Kaguya laughed, then said, "By the way, the grain has arrived. Go help count it and let me know."

"Okay." Sayo nodded enthusiastically, saying, "Leave it to me!" Helping people made Sayo happy.

Watching Sayo walk away, Ieyasu approached, whispering to Kaguya, "Your Highness, are you really going to let them go?"

Unlike Sayo, Ieyasu had matured beyond his earlier shyness around Kaguya. Now, he held significant responsibility, overseeing military affairs and intelligence. Through his experiences, such as managing intelligence and dealing with dangerous creatures, he had begun to mature and could handle these roles.

Moreover, Ieyasu was very loyal to Kaguya, believing she would bring happiness to the people. He trusted her completely, which is why she entrusted him with important matters.

"Yes, why not?" Kaguya smiled slightly. "Letting out a long line to catch a big fish and watching the tigers fight—it's a good strategy, isn't it? Besides, it's about time to reel in the net."

Currently, Kaguya's territory was bustling with activity. Various forces were moving, stirring up the great currents of the world. Though her land was remote, it had become the focus of many forces, attracting attention from all sides.

According to Kaguya's intelligence, not only had Night Raid infiltrated, but Minister Osnett had dispatched elite agents. Northern tribes were also involved, and another external force had begun paying attention.

Kaguya wasn't concerned about most of them, but one force made her wary. It was a battle-hardened army, powerful beyond measure. Moreover, what concerned her most was—

Dusk had fallen, and the last light of the setting sun had vanished. A full moon slowly rose from the horizon, its cool light spreading over the land, brightening the desolate autumn night.

In a forest of swirling leaves, two girls moved quickly, darting through the trees like phantoms.

One girl had pink pigtails, her appearance elegant and pure, with bright eyes and white teeth, retaining a hint of childishness—a true beauty in the making. She wore a pale pink dress, black stockings, and pink shoes, with her pleated skirt swaying in the wind.

The other girl had long purple hair, delicate eyebrows, and brown eyes, as beautiful as a painting, and strikingly beautiful. Her black-framed glasses added a touch of maturity. Her graceful figure and proud chest were captivating.

"Hilde," the pink-haired girl whispered as they moved, "are we really going to kill the Princess?"

"That's what they say," replied the purple-haired girl, Hilde, tilting her head in confusion. "Is something wrong, Mine?"

"But," said Mine, the pink-haired girl hesitantly, "the Princess doesn't seem like a bad person. We saw her giving her grain to the commoners. Is what we're doing wrong?"

"Really?" Hilde asked, looking puzzled at Mine.

"Mm." Mine nodded, saying softly, "She's not just helping the poor but giving them winter grain, relieving their taxes, and punishing those who harm the commoners. She doesn't seem like a villain."

"Okay," Hilde said, nodding. "Let's go back, then."

"Hey, Hilde," Mine said, exasperated. "Do you just have a pretty head on your shoulders?"

"Huh, what?" Hilde asked, confused. "Weren't you suggesting we abandon the mission?"

"When did I say that?" Mine fumed. "I only said she doesn't seem bad. We can't just quit our mission."

"So, should we continue?" Hilde asked, tilting her head.

"Of course, silly," Mine said, exasperated, then turned serious, her bright eyes shining. "I want to see if the Princess truly cares for the people or is just trying to win their favor."