The Royal Palace of the Lorelan Empire.
Patricia walked through the restricted halls as if she owned the place.
Having been familiar with this environment since she was a child, she needed no guide.
Still, she could not wander the palace alone, so she reluctantly accompanied her guards toward a certain room.
It was a place where the nation’s key figures gathered to discuss the future.
Normally, it would be strange for Patricia, the Crown Prince’s fiancée, to be present among the Emperor, the Chancellor, and even the Crown Prince himself.
But no one here would dare voice such a thing.
This was the usual scene, something entirely ordinary to them.
“The sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor. The young sun, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I humbly greet you both.”
“Patricia, you’ve come. Please, sit.”
“Thank you very much.”
The chair she sat in was more ornate than the others, and it was clear at a glance that it was expensive.
The one occupying it was the Emperor of this country.
Though his hair had begun to show streaks of gray, it somehow only added to the mature charm he exuded as a man.
With a gentle gaze, he motioned for Patricia to sit beside him, so she bowed respectfully before taking her seat.
They were seated around a rectangular table.
The Emperor sat opposite the door, and diagonally across from him were Patricia and Alex El Laureran, the Crown Prince.
Alex glanced at her with his striking blue eyes before his golden hair fluttered as he turned his face swiftly toward the Emperor.
“Father. Today, let us finally conclude the matter of the slave emancipation.”
“I’ve told you before, you don’t yet fully understand why we can’t proceed with that.”
“The slaves are suffering now. They are citizens of this country as well. Why won’t you save them?”
It seemed this was exactly the topic Patricia had hoped to hear about.
Alex spoke passionately about the reforms he wished to implement, not caring about the tense atmosphere around him.
“Aren’t you moved by their plight? Forced into hard labor every day… no wages, meager meals. Their hands nearly suffer frostbite from the cold water they work with.”
“Even if we freed the slaves, what would they do afterward?”
“The state should support them. We are not so poor that we cannot afford it.”
“I have said many times that it’s meaningless otherwise.” With a heavy sigh, the Emperor shook his head.
Judging by their expressions, this back-and-forth had been going on long before Patricia arrived.
Unable to watch the weary face of the Emperor any longer, Patricia spoke up in the silent room, “If I may be permitted, I would like to share my thoughts on this matter.”
“…Ah, Patricia. There’s no need to be so formal. Speak your mind.”
From the moment she was chosen as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, the Emperor had shown her a certain kindness.
Even now, he wore a gentle expression as he invited her opinion, and Patricia thought it was fortunate that this man would be her future father-in-law.
For the sake of this kind man, and for the one who would become her husband, she stood and spoke loud enough for all present to hear.
“As for the slave emancipation system, I propose that this bill be approved.”
The room erupted in uproar.
They had just heard the Emperor vehemently oppose it, so how could she say that?
Though many accepted Patricia’s position, there were plenty who disapproved of a woman voicing opinions.
That was how low the status of women was in this country.
She could hear small, mocking whispers, but since the Emperor waited silently for her to continue, she pressed on.
“First, concerning the welfare of those freed slaves — many of whom are orphans — the land rendered barren by the war two years ago should be leased to them, with the promise of permanent residence.”
“…Indeed. That land is fertile for crops and has mines. But due to its proximity to neighboring countries, it is often feared as a frontline, so no one lives there.”
“They would pledge to work that land, and for three years thereafter be exempt from taxes until their basic needs are met.”
“…I see.”
“Food from that land, and the gems mined there, are important sources of revenue for the Empire. It’s better to overlook this loss for three years than to give up those future profits.”
An impressed murmur rose from the gathered officials.
All here understood the value of that land, and Patricia’s proposal was received favorably.
While the council debated among themselves, Patricia once again directed her gaze at the Emperor and said, “I understand many of the slaves are children without parents. It would be wise to build new orphanages and provide education.”
“…That is fine, but how do you propose to fund it?”
“We would have the Nobility donate.”
The once noisy room instantly fell silent.
They all knew the truth: Nobles would never contribute.
After all, many of them were the very ones who used slaves.
But precisely because of that, the perception of the Nobility had to be changed.
“I have already asked Lady Drake. When the orphanage is established, she will make a donation.”
“…I see. Many women respect her.”
Anyone involved in high society knew the immense influence of Lady Drake.
Whatever she bought or wore instantly became a trend, and everyone sought to own the same.
Some of those items were dresses designed by commoners, which many nobles despised, but they paid no mind.
“If she donates out of goodwill, young ladies will surely follow suit. When that happens, such actions will become fashionable among the Nobility. At that moment, one simply says this—”
What the Nobility valued most was pride and honor.
Knowing this, even a single phrase could shift their mindset.
“This is exactly the way of the Nobility.”
“…As expected of you, Patricia. We will consider your proposal seriously.”
“…Thank you very much!”
It was a joy to have her ideas accepted.
Patricia’s face brightened instantly, and she turned to Alex.
The policy he had been so passionate about was finally bearing fruit.
Expecting to see happiness in his eyes, she looked up—but his gaze was cold.
Ignoring the council’s ongoing debate over the bill, the two stared silently at each other.
She could not understand why he looked at her that way.
After that, Alex said nothing more in the meeting, and as soon as it ended, he left immediately.
Without once looking back at Patricia.