The Princess' Harem
Chapter 133: Viana’s Suppressed Anger

Chapter 133: Viana’s Suppressed Anger

The other nobles, most with stiff faces and tightly closed lips, nodded in agreement with Callisto’s statement. Some even dared to snort, showing their displeasure openly, a clear sign they felt the same as the Duke expressed.

These were men who saw Viana as a brave princess, an undefeated war hero, yet also a young, unmarried princess now living with her own ’harem’ of men.

That, they believed, did not align with royal ethics, nor with Elysia’s long-held traditions. What Viana was doing was not fitting for a princess of her pure bloodline.

Viana held back, but felt an almost uncontrollable anger. But she knew that showing emotion or acting defensively would only worsen things, or confirm what they wanted to see—an impulsive and uncontrolled young woman.

She felt the war she now faced was more exhausting and draining in a different way than what she had experienced on the battlefield.

"Honorable sirs," her voice was calm and authoritative. "I have requested a meeting with this council not to discuss my personal affairs, but for the welfare of our beloved kingdom. Our economy is starting to collapse, after being hit by the blight and the war. Our people are beginning to starve, beginning to suffer. Is the dignity of the throne, is the view of tradition, more important than the empty stomachs of our people?"

She then stood up, and with a long stick, she tapped several areas on the map on the table before her, which was full of notes and new details they had painstakingly gathered.

"I propose new mining expeditions, to utilize our untapped mineral wealth, hidden within our kingdom’s territory. We will also send envoys to neighboring kingdoms, rebuilding vital trade routes, long paralyzed by the blight and the war, and seeking new mutually beneficial economic allies."

Viana looked back at the faces of everyone, some of whom, including Duke Callisto, were looking at her cynically. Meanwhile, Count Lazarus was narrowing his eyes without looking at her, one hand stroking his chin, seemingly a little surprised to hear Viana’s proposed plan.

While observing all their reactions, Viana continued, "This is not about my dignity, sirs, or about my position. This is about the survival of all of us, and our descendants. This is about the fate of Elysia."

Arden then stepped forward with a straight and confident posture, though his hand holding the scroll of data trembled slightly. He began to explain the details of the plan fluently and clearly.

Numbers and projections about the enormous potential revenue from the mines to be explored, about beneficial trade agreements that could be made, about how everything they would do would lift Elysia from the threatening financial crisis.

He was a brilliant financial strategist, a true genius. Even the most skeptical nobles, the most stubborn like Duke Callisto, were tempted by what he presented. Even some of them, who felt that Arden’s position as a very young noble advising the future Queen should be filled by one of them, could not refute his presentation.

However, Duke Callisto could not resist interrupting. "An impressive theory, Master Daelis," he said, his tone pronouncing the word "Master" clearly mocking.

"However, these theories require real practice. Who will lead these dangerous expeditions? Who will guarantee the safety of our envoys? And most importantly, who will control the wealth that, if lucky, you will find? Do you plan to place your ’men of the harem’ in those important positions as well? Will we trade one instability for another?"

Viana felt Joel’s sharp gaze at Callisto from behind her, and she knew he wanted to jump at him, silence the old noble, perhaps physically.

But she gave a small signal to Joel and Reyes, to calm them. She had to show these nobles that Princess Viana Yanis was not just a warrior, but also a capable and strong leader.

***

The tension in the council room grew, with Duke Callisto’s questions testing Viana’s patience.

These were not just questions about logistics or future benefits for Elysia, but a direct challenge to her authority. A clear attempt to erode her credibility before the other nobles, especially before Lazarus, who was now covering his smile with his hand.

"Duke Callisto," Viana began in a calm and authoritative voice. "Every theory, indeed, requires real and precise practice. And that practice will be led by those who have proven their ability and loyalty to Elysia. The mining expeditions will be led by the most experienced explorers, and will be protected by troops led by Commander Joel."

She took a breath and continued, "The security of trade routes will be our top priority, led directly by Elysia’s military high command. And the flow of revenue and wealth, Duke Callisto, will be managed by Elysia’s royal treasurer, under my strict supervision, represented by Master Daelis, and will be used for the welfare of all Elysia’s people, not to enrich a select few."

She swept her gaze across every face in the room. "Regarding your concerns about my ’men of the harem,’ I remind you all once again. When this kingdom was threatened, by both blight and war, when all of you locked yourselves behind your respective fortress doors, it was they, these men, who stood by me, who risked their lives on the front lines. Are loyalty and courage not qualifications you value, sirs? I will not choose advisors based on blood or name alone, but based on talent, loyalty, and a genuine desire to serve Elysia."

Viana’s long words seemed to convey her anger, yet in a calm tone.

Suddenly, without a knock or warning, the council room doors burst open forcefully, swinging inward with a deafening creak. Everyone in the room jumped in shock, startled by this sudden interruption.

The few guards at the door could only look at the people who opened the door with frightened expressions.

And Eryndor, who turned out to be the leader of the Elves, calmly stepped inside with his authoritative aura. Behind him, four burly Elf warriors, their muscles bulging under their smooth skin, carried a large, heavy wooden chest.

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