Fatima: The Slave Princess-Chapter 88 - 87

~A few days later.

"Good work secretary, Lottie. As a reward, you may take the next two weeks off. I'll handle the rest on my own."

...is what Nathan said, but I can't help feeling restless whenever I think of the chaos that is currently unfolding because of my discovery. I repeatedly urged Nathan to take sole credit for my work, but my pleas constantly fell on deaf ears. What if there are problems? Today is the first day of the sports festival, and the meeting with the representatives to review the trade contracts. As the hunting competition begins in the afternoon, the assembly will be held in the morning to allow the attendees sufficient time to take part in all the scheduled events.

"You need not worry. I'll think of a way. Enjoy your time with your friends."

Easier said than done. The overwhelming anxiety I felt last night kept me awake, my head filled with racing thoughts and a sense of impending doom; not a wink of sleep was had. I couldn't stop picturing various situations in which my secret would be discovered and the inevitable consequence of being compelled to go back to Ecchelon would follow. That reminds me, I wonder who represented Ecchelon. It couldn't be Raulin, as he and Loraine have always been inseparable.

+++

*Imperial Conference Room*

I intended to aggressively question them until they confessed, but Father's insistence on participating meant I ought to take a more measured approach. Faced with undeniable proof, like a bird caught in a snare, they launched into a heated argument, each insisting that the many loopholes in the contracts were completely unknown to them. *sigh* Their boisterous voices are getting on my nerves. Now, if I were truly as tyrannical and bloodthirsty as some might suggest, I'd have every single one of them jailed for fraud, and then extract the truth from them through torturous means.

"H-how is this possible? The document was translated word for word. They even used archaic words to convey some of the information."

"What? Come to think of it...my contract was translated the same way."

"This is a disaster! I did not realize we've been stealing this entire time! Please believe us, your majesty!"

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Our forefathers originally signed and stamped these contracts. However, these fraudulent issues should have been identified during the initial five-year renewal period, when the documents underwent the revision and re-stamping procedures. It's possible that their representatives either did not take the time to read thoroughly or assumed we would be unable to locate a translator to assist us. I thought it was strange that we couldn't find a single linguist all these years. Could they have been intercepting our attempts this entire time? The more I ponder on this situation, the more suspicious it all seems.

"Y-your highness, may I ask who was it that translated those documents?" the Zeshronian representative queried in a shaky tone.

"I'm glad you asked, Chancellor Pennel. The person who uncovered these loopholes is also the one who translated the documents. Secretary Lotticia Laurel, a prominent linguistic scholar from Lithiar."

This revelation visibly shocked even my father, the emperor, a man known for his unflappable demeanor; his jaw dropped slightly as he stared at me in bewilderment. I initially planned to claim credit for Fatima's work, but observing her unwavering dedication to translate these papers, the countless hours spent revising them to ensure their accuracy completely altered my perspective. My conscience wouldn't allow me to.

"I-I beg your pardon? A-all this...was done by one single secretary?"

"My secretary is quite competent, you see. I wouldn't have recruited her otherwise."

Ha...this kid. Look at the proud grin on his face as he prattles on about the princess.

"Look forward to this year's meeting, your majesty. I plan to do something that will be remembered for centuries to come."

In such a short amount of time, he created quite the stir among the envoys and offended many. The tension in the room is palpable; they are all losing their heads over the same issue, their faces etched with worry and frustration as they nervously flipped the pages of the documents in their hands. Even those with the flawless contracts fidgeted in their seats, apprehensive of the crown prince's next utterance.

"Silence!"

"Those whose contracts were found blameless may leave. As for the rest of you, I ask that you remain seated."

"Y-yes...your majesty." They replied before scampering out of the room, shutting the doors behind them.

"Now then...shall we continue?"

+++

Even from here in the mansion, nestled in the heart of Akroliss, the capital city of Alkaraz, I can hear the vibrant energy of the city. The sun beamed down, its warmth tempered by a refreshing summer breeze that rustled the leaves, creating a soothing whisper. It's the perfect day for an outing. I should ask the girls to...

"Ah, that's right. Distance...I should allow them time to sort out their feelings." I mumbled to myself, trudging back to the windowsill.

Now that I think about it, Nathan actually mentioned that an order of twelve knights might come in at some point this week. Yet I have seen none of the sort in the little time I've been here. Has there been a change of plans, perhaps? Even in the safest of capital cities, it is statistically certain that a few burglaries will occur, despite the best security measures in place. Therefore, it is not ideal for an inhabited mansion of this size to be without a knightage.

"I believe this is the place."

Oh? Perhaps I spoke too soon. They're here!

"Are you certain, Sir Pervess?"

Wait...Sir Tomario is among them? This can't be good.

"Well...it matches the crown prince's instructions down to the last letter."

I was planning on staying in my room all day, but I suppose I could enjoy some fresh air. I absolutely cannot run into him.

"Hey, you! Come out here this instant!" yelled a maid, banging her fist against the door.

I see their hostility hasn't dwindled one bit. It's getting to a point where I am barely holding back from retaliating.

"I know you're inside! Hurry and open the door already."

Well, my last shred of patience just flew out of the window. However, I'll try one last attempt.

"Hello, there!" I greeted her cheerfully as I flung the door open.

"What could be so urgent that you'd resort to pound on my door in such a manner?"

Her gaze traveled slowly over me, a thorough and silent appraisal from head to toe as she stood there, arms tightly folded across her chest, and a haughty expression clear on her face. However, the moment I transformed my amicable smile into a harsh glare, she instantaneously looked away, averting my gaze altogether.

"I-it appears you were on your way out. An outing with a young man, perhaps?" she mocked with a rude scoff.

In every single encounter I've had with these maids since I got here, they've all exhibited precisely the same approach and demeanor, never deviating. I know whose orders they're following; however, I just don't understand her motives. What have I ever done to Miss Odette for her to bear such blatant animosity towards me?

"As you can see, I'm in a hurry. Move out of the way, please, and thank you."

"How dare you...h-hello Miss Odette. I was telling..."

"Are you two going to keep standing there when you should be downstairs?" Odette scowled, sparing me a death glare before whirling in the opposite direction.

While I am used to such treatment, I had believed that a position of employment within the palace would inherently provide certain added perks outside of the palace walls. But I was clearly mistaken.

~Moments Later.

"We look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Our commander is running a bit late, but he should arrive before nightfall. We sincerely apologize on his behalf."

Among the many young men Duchess Emilia hired for the harvest a few years ago, Tomario, with his amiable smile and calloused hands, was the closest to us three. Despite his initial intimidating presence, a burly frame that loomed over us like a foreboding shadow, his warm smile and gentle demeanor quickly put us at ease. We soon realized he was just a gentle bear with a big presence. Despite Ivy's best efforts to hide her feelings for him and from us, we could tell she was quite taken with him.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances. Odette here will guide you to your quarters."

"It is good to see you, miss Lottie. We've only run into each other a few times in his highness' study so we couldn't get acquainted with one another. I hope we'll at least see each other more often while living under the same roof."

"Ah yes, l-likewise Sir Pervess."

I usually averted my eyes and kept my head down whenever he'd entered Nathan's study, but the current change in our circumstances means we will now undoubtedly see each other more often than we ought to. I should avoid him for as long as I can. It's best to leave now while they are busy chatting with Odette.

"Fati?" Ivy suddenly called, which caught Sir Tomario's attention, who twirled his head in our direction.

My heart dropped to my feet in an instant as I stood there frozen, unable to take another step forward.

"P-pardon?"

Their faces are as pale as mine.

"A mere slip of the tongue. I meant to call your name, Secretary Lottie."

Nice save, Ivy!

"O-oh, is that right, my lady? Haha..."

All three of us started giggling awkwardly, unable to carry on with the intended conversation. However, it seems we successfully diverted Tomario's curiosity at the very least. Phew!

"If nothing else, I bid your ladyships a great afternoon."

"B-but..."

"Leave her be, Clover."

"When will I ever get the chance to apologize? What if this tension remains between us forever?" Clover pouted in response.

"Don't worry, it will happen in due time. Just be patient."

I just hope that this tense atmosphere, looming over us like an angry dark cloud, disappears sooner rather than later. I miss her.

+++

A buoyant atmosphere crackled with the lively ambiance and the boisterous chatters of the people hurrying about. Preparations for the festival are in full swing, and it's truly remarkable to see nearly everyone contributing to make it a success. A vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells filled the capital city as street food vendors, musicians, and dancers all contributed to the festive atmosphere.

"I heard the hunting competition has just started. Who do you reckon will be crowned Hunting King this year?"

"I'd bet my money on the crown prince, but I heard he was forfeiting this year's contest."

They're talking about Nathan.

"I heard from a palace maid that he actually delegated one of his men to take part on his behalf."

"Oh? Who could that be?"

Who could that be, indeed? This conversation has sparked my interest. I want to hear more. Should I move closer?

"Ow!" an unfamiliar voice exclaimed next to me.

"Good heavens! My sincerest apologies, good sirs-"

"Watch where you are going, you wench! Ugh! How irritating!" the man grumbled in a foreign language.

Huh? Are these men...from Ecchelon?