Raised the Villainous Daughter and Ran Away

179. Liberation Method

The next morning.

The liberation of Barenberg began publicly in the courtyard leading to the palace.

The outer courtyard was crowded with imperial subjects and famous journalists, while the inner courtyard was filled with imperial officials and influential nobles.

[A year has passed since the end of the terrible war in which we lost our parents, children, and brothers.]

Raja’s voice resonates throughout the vast courtyard. It is a magical tool made by Descartes’ magic tower.

[Originally, Barenberg was supposed to be incorporated into the Empire’s regional power immediately after the war ended, but due to the opposition of the previous emperor, they continued to suffer even after the war ended.]

I heard that the remaining people of Barenberg were living among themselves in their own territory, but upon further investigation, I found that they were constantly in conflict with the people of the empire.

It doesn’t change the fact that we fought a war and shed blood.

[But now it is different. Through amicable negotiations with the first prince, Jin Varenberg, we have decided to compensate for the atrocities committed by the previous emperor, and Varenberg has also agreed to join the imperial forces and become a loyal subject.]

The people may criticize my decision.

Because the Empire killed the families of the Barenberg people and destroyed their homeland.

But those in the highest positions must choose the lesser of two evils in order to avoid the worst option.

I just did the best I could in a given situation to avoid making the worst of it.

[Therefore, I gave Jean Barenberg, the representative of Barenberg, the title and marquisate he deserved.]

Raja smiled, spreading his arms wide.

[From this hour onwards, liberate Barenberg. They will no longer be prisoners of war, but will be citizens of the Empire and loyal subjects of the Imperial House.]

The proclamation is over.

Barenberg was now a member of the Empire, not a prisoner of war.

Discrimination and persecution will not disappear immediately, but Raja promised a life of abundance… … .

Oh, by the way, there is no case where he does not keep his promises.

Raja has to keep his promise for himself, and more importantly, the Duke of Descartes is also attached to him.

[The representative of Barenberg, Margrave Jean Barenberg, please come forward.]

I, who had been waiting on the side, stepped forward.

The entrance to the palace, a high terrace overlooking the entire courtyard. Many people’s eyes were focused on me.

“As a representative of Barenberg, convey what you have to say. Your words will be spread throughout the empire by journalists.”

I nodded and stood in front of the magic tool.

[I am Jean Barenberg, the first prince of Barenberg.]

The journalists opened their notebooks and began to move their pens quickly. The crystal ball recording this moment was also reflecting back to me.

[Although they were not on good terms historically and even went to war, through consultation with His Majesty the Emperor, Barenberg decided to become a loyal vassal of the Empire.]

The Empire is the enemy of Barenberg. They were not on good terms, to the point where they were called hundred-year enemies.

but…….

[People of Barenberg. You may criticize me for making this decision, but remember this one thing.]

I made a choice for everyone.

[I just took responsibility as the last remaining member of the royal family.]

As the last remaining royal family member who must take responsibility for them.

“Are you done talking?”

“There is still one thing left.”

“I see. You have plenty of time, so take your time.”

I nodded and looked straight ahead again.

Now I should get to the most important thing.

An unrequited love that lasted for two thousand years.

My feelings that I could barely convey in this life.

A love that has finally come to fruition.

[I’m telling you this here. I’m planning to marry the Duke of Descartes.]

He put an end to that feeling in front of everyone.

[That’s all.]

After I finished speaking, I stepped aside.

Raja looked obviously flustered, as if he didn’t know I would say something like that.

“… I don’t think that would be a good choice in a public place like this.”

That’s what I was aiming for.

Because the purpose was to impress upon us that the existence of the country already belongs to Descartes.

“I decided it was right to block it in advance before getting caught up in a pointless political fight.”

The title bestowed upon me is Marquis.

A monster that had the power of a great nation called Barenberg, and had to make the empire tremble in fear.

An influence so great that there is no one in this world who does not know me.

There must have been a lot of annoying things.

“I see. Considering your influence, there must have been nobles who would swarm you, wanting to get a piece of whatever you had.”

Raja nodded as if he understood this.

“That’s all for now. I’ve given up on banquets and gatherings, so you may return, or if you have more business, you may remain in the palace. Do as you wish.”

Raja is overly kind. He tries to maintain good relationships in order to strengthen his position.

“Then I will take my leave now.”

* * *

After the liberation ceremony, I went straight to see France.

“jin!”

“France.”

She ran to me with a smile and hugged me, and I gently held her in my arms.

“I am now completely free.”

“And you can marry France.”

Frances, who was rubbing her cheek against my chest while laughing bashfully.

“But I didn’t know you would say something like that in such a public place.”

“I blocked it before it started talking nonsense. I’m France’s man.”

As I said that and smiled, Frances caressed my cheek and kissed me.

“I was a little embarrassed at the time, but I still liked it.”

And then they kissed again. This time, their tongues were mixed.

“Um… … .”

While I was spending such a cozy time with her, I heard a sound from behind.

“… The atmosphere is nice.”

“Ahem, should I step aside…?”

It was Kazar and Ladea. Saying it like that makes me even more embarrassed.

“…Stop talking nonsense. Why are you guys the only ones? I can’t see Kale.”

“He’s still sleeping. He always wakes up late.”

No, you didn’t even participate because you were sleeping on such an important day? That’s a bit disappointing.

“Your Majesty, are you going back right away?”

When Ladea asked, Frances nodded.

“That’s right. I don’t want to stay in the palace for too long. I couldn’t sleep last night either.”

Kazar and Ladea pause and say, “Ah,” after seeing France’s expression.

I know what happened here because Ladrien showed me.

It must have been impossible to be comfortable.

“Let’s get out of this unpleasant place quickly. Should I prepare a carriage?”

“Helena has already prepared it. All you have to do is show up.”

“Then let’s go back quickly! Aren’t you busy with the wedding coming up?”

Ladea is changing the mood by acting up and acting crazy for no reason. I don’t think she really needed to go that far…

“Okay, let’s go. Bring Kale.”

After a while, Kale arrived and as they were moving to board the carriage, a tall tower appeared in a corner of the palace.

An old tower that would not be strange if it collapsed at any moment. The place where Ladrien stayed.

As she left, all the magic seemed to have disappeared, as no flow of magical power was visible anymore.

‘… What are you doing?’

Although there were unexpected casualties and many things happened because of Ladrien… … .

It’s all thanks to Ladrien that I was able to create all of this.

‘Well, I guess you’ll figure it out.’

Ladrien is a celestial wizard who has surpassed transcendence magic. I don’t need to think about it separately.

“Jin? Let’s go back now. To the Duke’s residence.”

While I was lost in thought, we arrived at the carriage. I opened the door, held France’s hand, and followed her in.

“Let’s go!”

The coachman’s signal sounded and the wheels started moving.

I asked on the way.

“When are you going to have your wedding?”

“I’ll upload it as soon as possible. I expect… … .”

Frances looked up at the carriage roof and tapped her cheek with her index finger. She seemed lost in thought.

“It will be done within a week.”

“…within a week?”

“I’ll skip useless formalities like engagement.”

Well then, it is possible… … .

“But doesn’t it take some time since it requires a lot of preparation?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve been preparing for it since you were locked in the basement.”

What the heck? While I was being held captive, a wedding was being prepared without my knowledge.

“Anyway, I’ve already prepared everything for the wedding, so don’t worry. You just have to stay still and wait.”

Frances said this and came close to me, kissing me lightly.

“But what will happen to me if I marry Frances? I won’t be able to take the position of Duke, and calling me Duchess sounds a bit strange.”

It’s a question I’ve had for a while.

I don’t know, it’s unusual for a woman to take the position of head of the household.

‘It’s true that I’m taking you in as my son-in-law.’

France is the head of the family, as she must follow the traditions and rules of the ducal family.

“It’s just the end for my husband.”

“…Your husband is the end?”

“Yeah. You don’t have to do anything.”

“… … .”

That’s just a pillar of support. I feel like a terrible person.

“You were the one who created all of this in the first place, right? So you don’t have to do anything about the family. Just be by my side as my husband.”

Frances said that and came back to me, showering me with hugs and kisses.

‘I feel like I have some pride as a man… … .’

It’s true that I finished everything before I ran away and there’s nothing left to do, but I feel a bit awkward just sitting still.

“Oh, there is something important.”

“What is it?”

“Night work.”

“ah…….”

This guy really looks like he’s going to be a pillar of support. I have to find something to do somehow…

‘Oh, there was that.’

Fortunately, I won’t end up being Frances’s pillar of support who does nothing.

“If I leave, there will be no one to take care of the Barenberg work, so I will take charge of that. Barenberg and Descartes will become one.”

I didn’t say anything wrong. Now that I have my own territory, I need someone to manage it.

“…so?”

“Yes. Because you can’t do it without me.”

“That’s too bad. I didn’t want to order you to do anything.”

It seems like their roles have been reversed and don’t fit the times…

I said to Frances, who was pouting regretfully.

“Ahem, we’ll have to run two houses now. Barenberg will be under Descartes’ control. It’ll be very busy, so I think it would be best if I helped out.”

If Barenberg and Descartes, classified as families, were to unite, they would have a power that would surpass any country.

Fortunately, I think I found my role.

“Yeah, if that’s the case, then there’s nothing I can do… … .”

Frances shook her head, her shoulders drooping. She seemed truly disappointed.

‘what?’

A chill runs down your spine. I know that, having seen her longer than anyone else.

There must be some ulterior motive behind not letting me do anything.

Yeah, it’s like you’re trying to make me into someone who can’t do anything without Frances… … .

‘…no way.’

This might be too much.