Chapter 217
The New Year of 1991 in the Holy Calendar has arrived.
Perhaps in the eyes of historians, many major events have occurred in the past year, such as Auldo Kingdom's great rebellion, Orcs's massive plunder of the kingdom's northeastern border, the increasingly tense relationship between the Gabella Empire and Eastern Neighboring Country, the Cape Bay countries conspiring against Church, and so on.
But if measured on a larger scale, this is just the norm in human history.
Society is still very hierarchical, and there is still an unbridgeable gap between nobles and common people.
The rich still live a luxurious life and think about how to accumulate more wealth.
The poor still have nothing to eat and worry about their livelihood every day.
At least on the surface, the world has not become different because of the awakening of an alien soul. It is as ordinary as it has been for countless years.
In Crystal Radiance Military Camp, Princess Catherine, the eldest princess of the Auldo Kingdom, is reviewing documents one after another.
Although a figure came to her office room unannounced on New Year's Day, there was only one person with the authority to do so - the princess's confidant and best friend Auffina.
"What's the matter, Auffina?"
"Your Highness, there is a letter from our people stationed at Northwest Bay."
"Oh? Show it to me quickly."
Catherine couldn't wait to take the letter from Auffina and read it carefully.
The corners of the princess's lips raised slightly, and it could be seen that she was very happy now.
She read the letter over and over with a smile and murmured to herself, "This little girl... she even takes care of education..."
Seeing the princess so happy, Ofina also showed a smile and asked softly, "Education? What is little Irene doing recently?"
Catherine handed the letter to Auffina, "Haha, see for yourself. It's rare for her to be so enthusiastic and devoted to one thing."
Auffina took the letter and read it quickly.
The letter reported that Irene was appointed as the supervisor of Department of Education by Paul. This is not a secret. Government Affairs Council's personnel changes will be announced outside. Ordinary people can know it by walking around Lakeheart Town Square.
"Hmph, that Paul Greiman didn't expect that there was a majestic princess of the kingdom among his so-called 'Government Affairs Council'. I'm really wronged Irene."
Catherine waved his hand nonchalantly, "Don't say that, Auffina, it's rare for a young girl to be so focused, so just let her practice outside. Her identity has not been exposed, right?"
"There seems to be no problem so far. Earl Greiman has no doubts about her identity. It seems that she really regards her as a noble lady who was exiled by the Gabella Empire. And because the culture and education in that land are very backward, the identity of Irene scholar is very respected."
"That's good."
"But that Earl Greiman has recruited many civilians as students, and His Highness Irene likes to go to that Academy all day long. Is there anything wrong with this?"
"It would be a good idea to have more contact with the people at the bottom, and let our people watch carefully to make sure nothing goes wrong."
"Yes, Princess. Have you informed our Royal Commissioner who is stationed there about the identity of His Highness Irene? He has also been assigned a position by Earl Greiman. He is still a 'colleague' with the little princess."
Catherine pondered for a while, and finally shook his head slowly and said, "Don't tell him for the time being. The fewer people who know Irene's identity, the better."
"I obey your instructions."
"But speaking of this Earl Greiman, his territory produced several good things."
Catherine took the letter in Auffina's hand and rubbed it gently.
"For example, the paper used for this letter, as far as I know, was produced in that count's territory. It is really a good material for writing."
Auffina strongly agrees. "This paper is indeed lighter than parchment paper, and more importantly, it is cheap enough."
"There is another thing that is very valuable to us - canned food, which is also produced there. Have you tried it?"
"I only heard from the quartermaster that it is a kind of food that can be preserved for a long time, but I haven't eaten it yet."
"I have approved the quartermaster's purchase of this food in large quantities. We will need it very much for our operations in the south after the spring."
As the princess spoke, she took out a glass bottle from the drawer and handed it to Auffina.
"You go back and try it. It is actually made from ordinary ingredients. The taste is not as good as the fresh one, but it is worse than the long-term preservation. This was recommended by our commissioner who was stationed there. Haha, at that time, I originally wanted to get rid of those troublesome aristocratic children, but I didn't expect that it would have some effect."
Auffina looked at the can. There was a note on it, indicating the production date and shelf life - 6 months. (Digression: In fact, this shelf life is made up. The first batch of cans were produced not even half a year ago.) If this kind of thing can really be stored for as long as mentioned above, it will greatly improve the combat effectiveness of the army, especially the logistical pressure.
"Your Highness, should such an important thing be in the hands of the Royal Government?"
"I have also considered it, but now is a sensitive period for countering rebellion. It is better not to do anything that will make the local lords suspicious."
"Yes."
"In addition, please make arrangements and notify the lords from Arda to Royal Capital in the name of the Royal Family that we will purchase a large amount of supplies from Arda and let them pay attention."
Auffina nodded. She knew how ugly those lords looked. A caravan without a strong backing would be skinned layer by layer along the way.
"Your Highness, Your Majesty and Queen..."
Hearing his friend mention this, Catherine's face darkened.
"Alas... it's still in the cold war."
His Majesty the King may have overestimated his status in the hearts of his daughters. He only revealed his idea of marrying Duke Veblen to his two daughters - the client Irene and his good helper Catherine. He planned to ask Queen to come forward after he couldn't handle it himself. Unexpectedly, the younger daughter just disappeared.
Of course, after Irene ran away from home, this matter naturally could not be hidden from Queen. As a mother, she naturally had trouble sleeping and eating, and at the same time she resented her husband for not discussing it with her in advance.
If she could have known in advance, Irene probably would not have disappeared. Queen is not against this political marriage. This is how she got married, and she also knows that the fate of a princess of a country cannot be controlled by herself. But if she had come forward, the result might have been better, instead of being like now, with her little daughter not knowing whether she is alive or dead.
Later, Catherine couldn't accept that his mother was worried all day long, so he revealed the whereabouts of Irene to his mother to reassure her.
Although she only told her mother, she estimated that her father already knew that Irene was safe...
Transition chapter...