A Treacherous Courtier Manages the Empire Well

81 – The End of Romance

I’ve said it many times, but the Kinetic Hand and the Elementalists of the Iron Blood Legion were like gods in the construction industry.

Gods.

“Do everything in top quality. Top quality!”

In the capital city, a magnificent glass palace made only of the finest Karamba Mountain protected glass began to take shape. The iron skeleton was enchanted with permanent invisibility magic, and the structure was surrounded by glass, one by one.

Construction progressed at an incredible speed, and the completed glass palace was truly awe-inspiring. A dome-shaped building made entirely of glass, with no visible pillars or skeleton.

It was a truly magical structure that could make even nonexistent fantasies come to life.

“Let the tenants move in!”

And I brought in the most successful people from the capital’s social circles. Perfumers. Jewelers. Watchmakers. Luxury goods like high-end cigars and gloves. I spared no expense. It was never meant to be a place to save money. Everything was top-notch.

It was almost at the level of the royal palace.

And after months of preparation, the grand opening of the glass palace.

[New Release by Author Elloheena!]

[Debuts at #1 on national bookstore sales charts upon release.]

[Romance novel ＜The Glass Princess Story＞ rises as a new cultural phenomenon.]

The result of an attractive premise, a talented author, and aggressive advertising campaigns.

The romance novel, The Glass Princess Story.

The empire’s top princess and a commoner trapped in forbidden love.

And two lovers overcoming all kinds of adversities.

But in the final moment.

“Would I permit a commoner to marry!”

Due to the Emperor’s opposition, the two were separated.

The commoner painter was sent to prison, where he gradually faded away while painting the princess.

The princess, in the end, abandoned even her status to seek love, only to find a cold, lifeless body of her lover.

Ultimately, wailing, the princess followed her lover.

“Wow, this is such a cliché story… *sniff*.”

Such a common and cliché love story.

“Seriously, Randor. This is such a cliché story… *sniff*!”

“Hey, Karl Hansen, pass me some tissue. It’s a cliché-ridden romance story… *sniff*!”

“Don’t use them all up; I need tissue too. I can’t believe I’m crying at this age watching this.”

The exceptional skill of the first prize-winning author of a common and cliché story was truly daunting. The vivid emotional lines and the fantastic illustrations, honed by SK Magazine cartoonists, were creating a truly formidable synergy. Karl Hansen’s tears were a testament to how well it was written.

Anyway.

Thanks to word of mouth and various marketing efforts.

Elohina’s story of the Glass Princess became a post-historical hit.

I, Zilcera, adapted this story into a drama, with the best directors and staff from Macguffin Company during prime time. A drama composed of the best actors that could only be seen in cinemas began to take shape.

Naturally, public attention was focused on it.

The top hit, the best directors, the finest actors.

I was already curious about what the outcome would be.

And thus, the drama adaptation of the Glass Princess story unfolded.

“No, no… Don’t! Don’t leave! No!!”

“Please, don’t!”

“Oh, please!”

The drama, like the original novel, grew into a terrifying hit.

It was to the extent that both Karia and I, who had already cried once after reading the original novel, shed tears again while watching the drama.

The directors flawlessly brought the actors’ performances and already delicate emotional lines to the screen. And there was the drama’s OST, a poignant ensemble of sorrowful string instruments that not only stirred but consumed one’s soul.

And everyone knew the inevitable tragedy.

“[…You’re still lying. Why are you so quiet after promising to hold me when we meet again?]”

The final line of the dying lover, delivered by the emaciated princess, was staged with the lead actor’s stormy performance, making it as poignant as possible.

Well… what could have been done?

The day after the final episode of the drama aired, the streets were filled with swollen-eyed people of all ages who had cried all night.

The entire populace wept.

The well-crafted tragedy became a trauma deeply etched into the minds of the public.

The original novel and the drama both succeeded.

And the grand finale of this elaborate plan was approaching.

The Glass Palace Department Store.

While my drama and the original novel mercilessly assaulted the tear ducts of the populace, the Glass Palace business was causing a storm in the capital’s social circles. It was a story known only to a select few, but its influence was undeniable.

“Incredible…”

Everything was top-notch.

Watches, gloves, and canes for men.

Various accessories, dresses, and fashion stores for women.

Created with Ringhem’s sophisticated taste and the help of many artisans from the capital’s commoners, the Glass Palace captured the attention of the upper class in no time.

The wallet was designed in a way that it was impossible to resist without opening it.

Various artisans from Ringheim and the Glass Palace had displayed numerous exclusive Glass Palace works that couldn’t be found anywhere else, with products that couldn’t be purchased again once sold, categorized by season and time period.

Moreover, to buy products at the Glass Palace, one needed an extremely expensive membership.

As all these factors combined,

“Oh my. Lady Longspelt Hofjak! That fan?”

“I bought it at the Glass Palace.”

“My goodness! Such an elegant design?”

“I couldn’t resist it as soon as I saw it. By the way, I heard that Lady Serard still doesn’t have a Glass Palace membership.”

“………I see.”

“What a shame.”

Whether one had a Glass Palace membership or not had become a determining factor in high society.

Wealthy men desired the Glass Palace’s suits, shoes, canes, and watches, while affluent women wanted dresses, fans, shoes, and perfumes made at the Glass Palace for social gatherings.

“The theme this time is ‘Melting Fragrance.'”

And on the stage set up accordingly, Ringheim was truly ecstatic. As soon as the Glass Palace was completed, he submitted several exclusive works, all of which received high praise from customers.

Especially, the limited edition collection of only six dresses themed around ‘Melting Fragrance’ was so exclusive that it led to a public altercation between the age-old Lady Hofjak and the Duchess’s daughter, resulting in a slap in front of everyone, showcasing its unattainable nature.

The revenue of the Glass Palace skyrocketed.

“hehehehe!!!!!”

Karl Hansen’s face bore a wickedly greedy smile that never seemed to fade, and Adran, with the increase in tax revenue, felt pleased.

“We can raise taxes this much? The prices will go up, won’t they?”

“We can afford such prices. Selling luxury goods is selling honor, Your Majesty. It’s not just about selling jewelry and watches. Your Highness.”

“…Impressive, Randor.”

“Ringheim. That lad is truly remarkable.”

Thus, Ringheim became extremely famous as a prodigious philanthropist who even caught the attention of the Emperor.

And as things progressed.

“Your Majesty Adran.”

“Yes? Randor?”

“It’s about Ringheim. This… this is not an ordinary feat. With such talent, wouldn’t it be appropriate to grant him a title?”

“Are you suggesting to make him a noble?”

“That’s correct. Throughout the generations, hasn’t the Empire bestowed titles upon talented commoners to recognize their achievements?”

“You’re right, Randor. Such social mobility was one of the driving forces behind early Aylam’s growth. With this level of influence, we can grant at least a minor title. Since you recommended him, proceed as you see fit.”

“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”

Ringheim was granted a minor title.

No nobles voiced any discontent with the Emperor’s decision. Knowing that if Ringheim were to be disappointed and cease dressmaking, there would be no noble who could withstand the terrifying wrath of his wife and daughters.

Thus, Ringheim smoothly became a noble without opposition from anyone.

And our project to send Celené off to marriage, which Ringheim and I conspired on, was also reaching its final stages.

One day,

Rumors began to circulate in high society that the capital’s star, Ringheim, was creating a new dress.

Not just any dress, but a single dress.

“A new dress?”

“A ‘Melting Fragrance’ themed dress. It was so exquisite. What will be the theme this time?”

The young ladies and noblewomen who were referred to as the capital’s beauties began to pay attention. Only one dress.

In a world where the foundation maker, who was currently riding the highest stock price, created the only one, it was the perfect material to ignite the desire of many people to possess it.

And the day of the dress presentation.

The noble ladies and aristocratic young ladies gathered in the glass palace like clouds.

They were all well-to-do noblewomen from the capital, or fans who loved Ringham’s products.

And in front of all these women, Ringham quietly presented his clothes.

“Ah!”

“Unbelievable!”

Gasps erupted from all around.

Calling it beautiful seemed inadequate.

It looked divine.

In reality, it was an item where Orichalcum steel obtained from the Bronze Dragon was exquisitely mixed between various high-quality fabrics and Carambasan silk. It was dazzling yet subtle, captivating the eyes without being ostentatious.

It wasn’t adorned with flashy decorations and dazzling jewels, but the subtle atmosphere itself was a garment with the dignity to overwhelm all other luxury items.

“This dress… is not for sale.”

And as Ringham showcased that beautiful dress that brought some emotionally rich young ladies and noblewomen to tears, he began to speak quietly.

“I have a confession to make. Ladies and gentlemen, I am a sinner.”

Saying so, Ringham descended from the stage and approached someone.

Once developing large arcane engines for large ships with the Gold Dragon atop the mast, he was kidnapped without even knowing and brought here with Karia.

Princess Celené.

Ringham approached Celené, who stood among the noblewomen and young ladies without understanding a word, and extended his hand to her.

The noblewomen and young ladies all held their breath for a moment.

Only Karia and I were standing single-file, observing all this from behind.

That’s how it was.

The current scene.

“Isn’t this like the story of the Glass Princess?…”

“The story of the Glass Princess, right?”

“Exactly! That scene where the protagonist confesses his love to the princess for the first time!”

It was a scene and dialogue that reminded everyone in the empire of a story that had touched their tear ducts.

“I, a sinner, harbor the desire to make the noble star of the empire, shining far above my station, mine.”

It was a line from the Glass Princess story.

Ringham had long held onto the line and entrusted it to me to deliver to the writer Ellohina, who then turned it into a hit novel and drama.

Celené, now understanding how the situation was unfolding, stood still.

Inside the grand glass palace, a dense silence descended to the point where the buzzing of flies could be heard.

The emotionally rich young ladies were crying, some were astonished by the fact that the Glass Princess story was real, and the noblewomen wore contented expressions.

And amidst all those gazes.

Ringham looked at Celené and knelt down.

“I am a fool and did not prepare a ring. I felt I couldn’t convey my sincerity enough. So, I simply poured all my sincerity into making this insignificant dress.”

It was a line from the Glass Princess story.

Of course, the original was from Ringham himself.

Since he personally delivered the line to me.

“Even if the end of this story is destruction, I will be fine. Just knowing that for even a day, the empire’s star has become my own star, I can live my whole life. Your Highness.”

Shock, astonishment, amazement.

But all those emotions were instantly overwhelmed by an overwhelming sense of happiness and joy.

Selene began to cry.

Hastily covering her eyes with her hands, the stars of high society began to murmur unattractively, yet no one gathered here blamed her.

There was no one with the mood to blame her, as everyone was either crying together, in awe, or congratulating, so there was no atmosphere of blame.

“The theme of this dress is eternal love. Selene. Will you wear my dress?”

The seamstress conducted a very seamstress-like public proposal.

Unable to hold back, Selene shed tears and kissed her love, and thunderous applause erupted without anyone caring who started it first.

“Tomorrow, the high society and newspapers will go crazy, won’t they?”

Karia, staring blankly at the two kissing while applauding, laughed wickedly.

“That’s right.”

That way, they could pressure Adran.

Silence filled the room. Even though the usual five people were gathered, it was unusually quiet.

Selene absentmindedly touched her lips with a vacant expression, Karl Hansen smirked contentedly, and Karia held her sister’s hand gently.

And Adran looked at me with a slightly annoyed expression.

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“Randor. It’s you? Are you behind this?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

Adran hesitated for a moment, then burst into laughter. I responded smoothly to that laughter.

“Have you forgotten? Your Highness? I am a lowly servant who climbed up to this position with my cunning. I am a sinister man who can scheme like breathing.”

“A member of the imperial family is marrying a newcomer noble without a title. It would have been a huge controversy under normal circumstances.”

“But there’s no controversy now?”

“No. The news and broadcasts are going crazy because the Glass Princess story has come to life. Crazy. If I oppose Selene’s marriage for tarnishing the imperial blood, won’t I get all the blame?”

“That was the essence of my sinister plot, Your Highness. You wouldn’t want to become an emperor like the final villain of the Glass Princess story, would you?”

“You damn bastard. Your plan is quite impressive.”

After rare profanity, Adran looked at Selene, who still had a vacant expression.

“Selene. Your Highness. A few months ago, you were about to marry a commoner man, with no gossip or political risk, which is an unprecedented situation in history.”

“Yes, brother.”

“Now, the most important thing is only one. Your opinion. Do you truly love that man?”

At those words, Selene started crying again.

Crying, she smiled.

“I love him. With all my heart.”

“Is that so.”

Adran stood up from his seat.

“You can’t be the villain in a novel, can you? Isn’t that right?”

After granting permission for Selene’s marriage, he left.

Upon hearing his permission, Selene began to sob even more, and Karia hugged her sister tightly.

Karl Hansen and I stood a step away, silently watching the two sisters.

And so, once again, I successfully turned a tragedy that was about to end into a happy ending.