The formation of the Emerald Army went quite smoothly.
No matter how special this team would become in the future, right now it was merely a royal private army of 300 men, nominally intended to monitor General Tyron.
This did not, however, stop certain people from reading too much into the name and making a few probes.
Among them was the second son of the Pers family, Hibberton Pose.
He was the primary person Mela was tasked with protecting and had remained quiet within the diplomatic mission until now.
“I am sorry, Young Master Hibberton, but the mission is about to leave the fortress and enter the borders of the Natural Forest. If you have questions regarding the establishment of the Emerald Army, why not ask the Emperor personally after we return to the Imperial Capital?”
Isabella looked at the agitated man across from her and silently set down her black tea.
In truth, Hibberton was indeed one of the partners she had her eye on.
Although the Pers family had already placed their bets on his eldest brother, that was the family’s choice, not Hibberton’s.
If she lost, Hibberton would, at most, live out his days as a wealthy man somewhere outside the Imperial Capital.
But if she won, the Pers family—having lost the game of imperial succession—would have to make Hibberton the new Family Head to survive.
The former was hardly a price to pay, as he was only the second son with no inheritance rights.
But in the latter scenario, Hibberton would gain the position of Family Head, something he otherwise could never touch.
Hibberton was not one to settle for the status quo.
No merchant would pass up a deal with such immense potential profit.
However, Isabella was in no hurry.
If this trip to the Natural Forest failed to resolve her greatest weakness, the throne would never have anything to do with her.
“How could a commoner like me dare to speak on the internal affairs of the royal family?”
The immense wealth of the Pers family had gifted Hibberton a handsome face.
When he smiled, he often set the hearts of noble young ladies fluttering.
Unfortunately, the Princess before him did not seem to care.
Hibberton was not discouraged.
Instead, he placed a pre-prepared Crystal Card on the table.
“But the construction of the Emerald Army was quite rushed. Your Highness has offered such excellent benefits to the soldiers that I fear the Imperial Capital may not be able to prepare enough supplies for you so quickly.”
“There are 1,000 gold coins inside. It is not much, but it should be enough to last until the capital releases more supplies.”
Isabella looked at the Crystal Card and pushed it back.
“My apologies, but I do not need it for now.”
Sending help in an hour of need was entirely different from adding flowers to a bouquet.
When doing business with these shrewd merchants, she had to be careful never to expose her weaknesses.
Hibberton’s expression showed obvious surprise.
But since Isabella had rejected him so bluntly, he felt awkward staying.
After a few moments of idle chatter, he returned to the Pers family tent.
“Mmm—”
As soon as Hibberton left, Isabella stretched her well-developed body.
It was a pity that such an eye-catching sight had no audience.
After stretching, Isabella felt much lighter.
Estimating that enough time had passed, she stepped out of the tent.
Although she had rejected Hibberton’s money, his words had indeed poked at her sore spot.
The mission’s supplies were all intended for trade with the Elves, and she really did not have much cash on her person.
She did not have any, but that did not mean others were broke.
“You want to borrow 1,000 gold coins from me?”
Wenidice, who had just woken up from a nap, had not even had time to wash up before a debt note for 1,000 gold coins left her head spinning.
“That’s right. The payroll for the Emerald Army must be paid by me, but I don’t have that much cash on hand. So, my dear sister Wendy, can you lend me 1,000 gold coins first?”
Isabella sat on the edge of the bed, her hands skillfully tidying the young girl’s messy silver hair.
Slowly, the girl recovered from her daze.
By the time she had processed the request, Isabella had finished braiding her hair into a delicate plait.
The young lady, now fully awake, thought for a moment.
She immediately threw back the covers and ran out of the tent with her two bare feet, not even stopping to put on shoes.
“I’ll go borrow it from my brother. Bella, wait for me here a moment!”
It was just borrowing money!
1,000 gold coins was not a huge sum; she just needed to act a little spoiled toward Theodore!
The Princess sat sideways on the bed, watching the girl’s retreating figure.
A glow of joy and satisfaction flickered in her crimson eyes.
Whoosh!
The silver-haired girl yanked back the heavy curtain of a tent, startling the man and woman inside who were currently sharing an intimate moment.
Wenidice looked at the man and woman engaged in a feeding game.
She silently pulled the curtain back and pinched her chin, lost in thought.
‘So my brother can make such a bashful expression…’
The sound of clattering bowls and plates echoed from inside the tent.
Once it quieted down, Theodore’s clearly embarrassed voice drifted out.
“Ahem. Little sister, you can come in.”
Wenidice played along, pretending she had seen nothing.
She gracefully pulled open the curtain and stepped inside.
Only her white feet, now stained with a bit of dirt, ruined the elegance of the moment.
Theodore immediately noticed his precious sister was not wearing shoes.
His brows furrowed as he spoke sternly.
“Wenidice, I hope you can take better care of your body. Do not—”
“Let’s not talk about that for now. Brother, is this my sister-in-law?”
Wenidice interrupted him impatiently.
She began circling the woman like she was looking at a rare treasure, admiring the person who was very likely to be her brother’s future wife.
Fair skin, a willow-like waist, and pale-gold curly hair tied in a high ponytail.
The valiant military uniform she wore from head to toe added a touch of heroism.
To put it simply—she was a striking, gallant beauty!
“No wonder you refused to go when Third Uncle tried to set you up on blind dates. So you like this type.”
Wenidice was overjoyed.
Back in the Imperial Capital, her uncle and aunt had been worried about Theodore’s love life.
After all, he had not had a girlfriend in years.
They had worried about what might happen if he took a wrong turn at the border where men outnumbered women.
Who would have thought her seemingly serious brother had secretly found such a beauty and kept it from her?
How wicked!
“Little sister… do not be rude.”
After such a disturbance, Theodore could no longer maintain his dignified front.
He could only wave his hand helplessly, signaling Wenidice to behave.
Could she not see that Eleanor’s face was red all the way to her ears?
“Okay, okay~”
Wenidice took a step back, pinched the corners of her nightgown, and performed a mock curtsy.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Wenidice Trenton.”
“There is no need to be so formal—”
Before Theodore could finish, his lover hurriedly returned the gesture, her face becoming even more flushed.
“He… Hello. My name is Eleanor Fox, from Red Peak City in the eastern part of the Empire. I… I have wanted to meet you for a very long time, Lady Wenidice.”
Eh?
Is something wrong with this situation?
‘Sister-in-law, why is your face so red? Why are you breathing so hard? Why is the look in your eyes so intense?’
‘This… this isn’t right, is it?’
Wenidice felt a bit intimidated.
She quietly took a step back, glancing past Eleanor to cast an inquiring look at her brother.
“Sigh…”
Theodore stood up to explain.
“The environment in Red Peak City was never good. For years, it was among the poorest cities in the Empire. But ever since you created Life Magic, the living conditions of the local residents improved instantly. Later, when you discovered that Mystic Pattern Red Ore could better preserve Life Magic arrays, Red Peak City—which is rich in that ore—suddenly became one of the wealthiest cities in the Empire.”
“Many residents there are very grateful to you. Some even ignored the City Master’s objections to erect a statue of you in the city center, where they go to worship every week.”
“Eleanor’s family… is among those from Red Peak City who received your grace.”
In fact, when he had first arrived at Windwhisper Fortress from the capital, the female soldier could not contain her curiosity.
She had frequently asked Theodore about Wenidice in private.
As a severe sister-con, Theodore was naturally not stingy about promoting his sister’s virtues to others.
Over time, the two had slowly developed feelings for each other.
It could be said that their romance began with their shared affection for the same person.
After hearing her brother’s explanation, Wenidice had no idea what to say.
She had only invented Life Magic because she wanted her own life to be more comfortable.
She never expected it to have so many ripple effects, let alone solve the romantic issues her uncle had been worrying about!
‘I really am amazing,’ she thought, putting her hands on her hips with pride.
“By the way, Wendy, why did you come here at this time?”
Theodore asked.
Based on his knowledge of his sister, she should have just woken up from a nap and be in a groggy state.
Even if she were awake, she should be heading for lunch.
Why come to him so suddenly?
Reminded of her mission, Wenidice remembered why she was there and spoke hurriedly.
“Brother, lend me 1,000 gold coins. I’ll pay you back when we return!”