Chapter 188 I Can Properly Punish You!
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Today—a strikingly beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Sky Runner named Elma, serving the imperial family, arrived carrying a letter.
Ayumu watched as his own Sky Runner, Alma, was visibly surprised to see someone from her homeland. Breaking the wax seal emblazoned with the emperor’s family crest—a dragon with two heads breathing fire—he opened the letter.
It detailed the regular regional tours undertaken by the imperial family, and for the first stop of this prestigious journey, the old capital, Keldan, had been chosen.
The entourage included Princess Norfemina and the second princess Ronafermia, their bodyguards—the imperial knights—and around 320 Imperial Court attendants, including maids and butlers, all expected to be hosted properly.
Additionally, after departing Keldan, the second princess was scheduled to tour the northern territories under the leadership of the pro-military Duke Merizaev. Ayumu recalled the duke’s earlier lament during the military parade: that if Princess Ronafermia had been born a boy, Yugan might have been at peace under his rule. He couldn’t yet grasp the full meaning of that remark—but he would soon find out firsthand.
On the day of the royal tour, Ayumu greeted the two princesses as they descended from their lavish carriage, accompanied by attendants and a massive guard detail. Bowing respectfully, he said, “Your Highnesses, welcome… it is an honor.”
The princesses offered polite acknowledgments before proceeding along the red carpet laid for them, leading to their accommodations.
Although the scene was elegant, preparing for the princesses was no simple task. Before their arrival, Ayumu and his subordinates had to coordinate with the knights, adjust security measures, and ensure the rooms’ furnishings—from bedsheets to curtains—were perfect. Additionally, the meals for the princesses, their guards, and attendants all required preparation.
The tour was designed not only to test the loyalty of nobles by forcing them to spend lavishly but also to prevent them from diverting funds into military expenses. All costs fell on Ayumu’s side.
Still, the imperial family wouldn’t linger indefinitely. Once the ceremonial duties were completed, they would move on to the next location, leaving the region fatigued but ceremonially satisfied.
Once the princesses arrived at their suite, they seemed to relax, sinking onto the sofa. Ayumu, bowing and flattering them, said, “Your Highnesses, if there is nothing else you require, I shall take my leave. Please, enjoy your rest.” They consented, and he withdrew.
Naturally, only high-ranking staff like Ayumu and the attending maids could address the princesses directly. Others could only observe from a distance, and male attendants could speak to them solely for work-related necessities or when summoned.
In fact, the princesses only inspected Keldan’s streets from the carriage, which completed Ayumu’s duties for the visit. They would spend a single night before moving on to northern nobles’ estates, eventually returning to the provincial capital. Meanwhile, the kitchen was likely in chaos, preparing the meals for the knights and attendants, while Ayumu himself had the grim task of tasting and serving the princesses’ dishes—a Yugan tradition to prevent poisoning.
That evening…
”D-did they… eat it? (sweat)”
Having finished tasting and served the princesses’ meals, Ayumu received the horrifying report: Sasami had eaten the high-end Lukurusa melon meant for dessert.
”Sasami!!! What have you done!!!”
Worse, this particular melon was so rare it wasn’t available on the market.
(Calm down, calm down! Maybe… the princesses will forgive if I’m honest…)
No luck. Princess Norfemina might have forgiven with a gentle smile, but Ronafermia—the second princess, who had been in high spirits moments ago over unlimited black pepper—learned her favorite melon had been eaten and flew into a rage.
”Whip her!!”
Obedient imperial knights swiftly restrained Ayumu. He screamed, “N-no! Please forgive me, Your Highness!!” as they tied his hands and hoisted him into the garden, mercilessly whipping him.
”W-why is this happening to me?!” he wailed.
The next morning, Ayumu awoke to find Sasami crying beside him on the bed, seemingly remorseful after the brutal whipping that had left him nearly unconscious.
Through this ordeal, Ayumu finally understood Duke Merizaev’s earlier comment: Ronafermia was a leader capable of swift, ruthless decisions, willing to punish failures without hesitation.
”Terrible…” he muttered.
Of course, it was extreme to whip him over a melon—but the root cause was clear.
”I won’t forgive… Sasami…”
Later, witnesses reportedly saw Ayumu muttering Sasami’s name in curses from the bed while Sasami unusually offered apologies.
Incidentally, this event was recorded in later historical texts. In correspondence between the second and third Emperor Rai and Princess Ronafermia, the emperor reportedly wrote, “It is far too cruel to whip Sanai, who faithfully serves our household day in and day out. Rona, should you not treat your subordinates with mercy and generosity?”
To which Princess Ronafermia replied in writing, “I understand Your Majesty’s opinion… but I merely punished someone who failed to fulfill their duties. What, then, is the problem?”
Thanks to Ayumu’s steadfast refusal to reveal who had eaten the princesses’ prized melons, Sasami escaped punishment—a fact for which the people of Birene were said to be deeply grateful.
Notes:
• Sasami – Birene girl, small and sharp-eyed with messy brown hair | First in Ch.126 | Servant maid from the slums, does chores with chaotic energy | Has many starving siblings she secretly sends wages to | Bonds with Cocoa as her junior but constantly drags her into trouble | Meets Ayumu as part of the first servant group, wakes him with flying tackles and endless pranks | Unique note: loudmouthed gremlin who hides deep loyalty and homesickness behind mischief
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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