New Novel: TWD: A Ranch at the End of the World
Chapter 89 - The Meal
Historia stopped in front of a large building with a sign that read Restaurant Thousand Flowers.
"Since it's still daytime, I was planning to order food without alcohol. That's fine, right?"
"I don't mind, I only drink at ceremonial gatherings anyway. But this place looks quite elegant. Were you planning to show me the kind of life the Queen lives in the palace, instead of a normal one?"
"You're trying to make fun of me, aren't you?" Historia knew that Gale didn't spend much time in his family mansion, so she said, "Even if you didn't have money, from the moment you became my fiancé, you've already ensured that you'll never have to worry about money. At least, not as long as you can spend as much as I do."
"Is that so?" Gale would have had his own ways of making money, just as he was doing now, even if he had been poor before. However, dreaming of getting engaged to a queen would have been impossible.
Everything Gale now has is because he holds power in his hands and is intelligent. If it weren't for that, he would have been cast aside by the adults long ago.
"Probably? Even if I have to share the money I receive with you, it won't be a problem. There's more than enough." Historia rarely used her money, so she was confident.
After taking charge of the government's finances on the island, Gale realized that the crown's wealth was beyond imagination.
Unlike noble families, who desperately accumulated wealth, the crown did not seem to lack funds.
But now that Gale thought about it, there would be no need to accumulate money either.
The Reiss family had controlled everything until recently, even the minds of the masses, so they could generate as much wealth as they wanted.
"Now that I think about it, having money seems useless." With a queen at his side, why bother amassing more fortune?
"Then how about we figure that out together? Let's start by eating." Historia did not agree.
"Alright." Gale nodded slightly.
Historia took Gale's arm and led him into the restaurant.
Feeling the warmth of her hand, Gale decided that, at least for today, he would forget about weapons and war.
…
Gale and Historia enjoyed a meal of spicy curry cuisine while chatting, and afterward, they strolled through the market, eating sweets and watching street performers show off their skills.
They continued exploring various parts of the city, simply enjoying themselves as if no worries existed.
Who knows how much time passed?
Before they realized it, the sun had set, and the streets darkened as shops began to light their lanterns.
Although neither of them said anything, both began retracing their steps back to the palace, walking a little closer than before…
Upon arriving at the territory completely controlled by Gale, a man approached him and reported, "Everything is prepared for tonight."
"Good, this time I'll go personally." Gale knew that sweet moments always came to an end, so looking at Historia, he said, "I have work to do."
"Alright, I promised I wouldn't ask things you don't want to tell me, but remember to talk to me and not forget that I exist." Historia wanted to always walk by Gale's side, not as an acquaintance, but as someone he could trust.
Gale nodded, gently stroked Historia's hair, and said, "Don't worry, I'll tell you everything later."
"Alright."
Even though night had fallen, the palace estate seemed more crowded than during the day. There was a strange and tense atmosphere in the air.
"Is something happening?" Historia asked one of her maids about it.
The maid, a bit nervous, said, "I heard that more enemy soldiers sent by Marley have been arrested. Everyone is nervous that the incident which wiped out most of the nobles might happen again."
"Anything else?" Historia knew that the purge of nobles had been initiated by Gale, so she doubted it would happen again.
"I'm not sure. In any case, you were supposed to dine with Commander Erwin and other high-ranking officers tonight, so you can ask them about it then."
"No, the less interest I show in what happens outside, the less pressure I'll receive from the war actions being carried out. I'll find out in due time what's happening." Historia clung to her role as a puppet; she knew she had zero control over what was happening, and she was fine with that.
If she could help Gale in this way, she would continue being that sheathed sword that would only be used by him and no one else.