30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 46

The woman despised the press.

She detested journalists who acted as if they were the very embodiment of justice, often overstepping bounds with their rudeness. The way they wielded information like power and adopted a double standard, acting as though they belonged to the upper echelons of society, was particularly irksome. However, she did not deny the necessity of their existence. So, she read the newspapers daily, sorting out those she would eliminate and those she would continue to observe.

And now, the woman had decided to spare one particular media outlet she had recently considered exterminating.

"Isn't it charming that they've written such a pleasing line?" She mused, glancing at the article.

It was a third-rate article filled with flattery for the royal family, but its framing of the White Lion as a paragon of justice and its relentless criticism of mages seemed to give the publication a reprieve for another year.

...though next year might be a different story.

"Your uncle seems to be up to something amusing," she said.

"Oooh?"

She chuckled. "Not those useless fools bound to you by blood. How could they dare to call themselves your uncles? No, I mean Ihan, the only one this mother acknowledges as a true friend. Although he may not share our royal blood, he is a sworn brother that I have recognized. You must always show him respect when others are not watching, Arthur."

"Aaawuu."

"Are you interested too? Your eyes are sparkling. Well, I can't blame you. I'm excited to see what kind of battle my sworn brother will be waging."

"Oooh?"

"My dear son, remember this: watching the blood feuds of warriors is a thrilling break from monotony. I sometimes relieve my stress by observing such duels. Or perhaps, if someone dares to harm you, cutting off their head could be an interesting experience. It's a good method for a future king to relieve stress. There are times in this position when I wish to rip off a few heads myself...."

"Ooooh?"

She whispered sweetly to the child nestled in her arms, although the content seemed questionably unfit for a child’s moral education. Luckily, he was not yet old enough to understand her words.

Just then, the only person in the royal household who could offer a word of reproach spoke up.

"That is hardly the kind of thing to say to a child, Princess."

She turned toward him with a playful smile. "Albert, your footsteps are still silent as ever. Be mindful of that, or you'll frighten Arthur."

"I think he’ll find you more frightening than me in due time."

"What did you say?"

Albert, her butler, shook his head with a knowing sigh. He wondered if it was truly ethical to let the child stay near such a fearsome princess.

"You’ve been going out more often lately."

"I have my duties, after all."

"Always complaining."

"Hardly. Investigating lions in the heart of the northern lands is no small task, I assure you."

She, Princess Isis Ired of Pendragon, narrowed her eyes. Normally, she would brush off such complaints, but she could see the undeniable fatigue on Albert's face. For an Aura User of his caliber to appear this exhausted, his complaints were clearly not exaggerated.

"The North, troublesome as always."

"Perhaps you should leave that beehive alone instead of disturbing it."

"I have thought of that, but I do prefer to burn hives that bother me."

"...I wish you could temper that aggressive streak of yours."

"I’ve lived my whole life like this; leave it be."

If something bothered her, she would burn it down—honey or not. Ruthless and ever-efficient, her nature was undeniably harsh.

Of course...

‘She has softened a bit compared to the past.’

Isis had endured bloody family conflicts with her siblings since birth. Betrayed by those she trusted, chased by assassins more times than she could count. If she had retained any kindness in such an upbringing, it would’ve been suspicious.

Thus, she didn’t hesitate to spill blood or exile her siblings from the palace. Yet, recently, she seemed softer, perhaps thanks to a newfound friend who brought her more joy than the insignificant riffraff ever could.

Albert allowed his gaze to linger on the newspaper spread on the table.

There was an article featured prominently on the front page.

‘Heh.’

Albert chuckled to himself before speaking.

"I heard about it. He’s been quite lively, hasn’t he? Youth is indeed a wonderful thing."

"I might agree if anyone else old said that, but it doesn’t resonate coming from you."

"I’m not as young as I once was, I assure you. But, my lady, don’t you plan to intervene?"

"Why would I?"

"Oh."

Had it been her usual self, she wouldn’t have tolerated the presence of a mage, especially not one running rampant. It might even interfere with the mission she had assigned him. But this time, she was uncharacteristically calm. Undoubtedly, the mage annoyed her.

"Albert, you do know me well."

"Then..."

"But I will not get involved this time."

"...?"

Albert looked puzzled at her unexpected declaration. Was it possible that she was simply content to leave things as they were? But her next words clarified it for him.

"If I were to interfere, it would rob my sworn brother of the chance to raise his reputation."

"..."

"If he can build some fame from this opportunity, then it is to our advantage."

"Ah, you’re thinking of your brother."

Only then did Albert understand her reasoning.

"That fool undervalues fame. Despite his accomplishments, he remains content to live in obscurity. I can’t understand it."

"Hmm."

"What is that look for?"

"Nothing, I was just thinking you’re still in the bloom of youth, Princess."

"Enough with the nonsense."

"It’s just something I was thinking."

Albert now fully understood why she was refraining from intervening, even with a mage involved. She held knights in high regard and had always been dissatisfied with his low profile.

So, she wouldn’t interfere with the war game. It was a rare opportunity for his reputation to spread.

‘They call them fans, right? Noble ladies who support unknown actors, hoping they’ll succeed.’

Wanting to see her favorite performer succeed—some might call it fanhood.

‘Ah, our princess still has some innocence left after all.’

Albert felt pleased.

Though...

"Hmph, what a curious thing."

"Ooh?"