The Executed Saint Reincarnates as a Princess and is Loved by Her Older Brothers - Episode 32

The castle of Rochelle, built with black bricks, has no trace of the splendor typical of nobility.

The wooden castle gate remains decayed, with no guards standing. The walls connected to the gate are crumbling in various places, and the moat is completely dry, showing no signs of having been filled with water. The drawbridge is still lowered, and the winch is completely rusted.

The modest castle is so dilapidated that it hardly seems like the residence of the Duke of Rochelle, who is renowned as a man of the times.

When Lionel once entered this castle, he sold off every last piece of inheritance left by the previous lord.

Even the historic armor and weapons displayed in the castle, the antique furnishings, and even a single piece of silver cutlery were all sold off without leaving anything behind.

While uttering words that are hardly befitting of royalty, saying that having a roof over one’s head is enough.

“But, but Your Highness the Second Prince, that would not be fitting for a duke…”

Without mercy or hesitation, the new lord attempted to peel off and sell even the custom-made paving stones cherished by the previous lord, prompting the retainers to rush in to stop him in a panic.

“Do you think this castle needs any authority?”

The ice-blue eye, resolute and unwavering, had an intimidating presence despite being only one eye.

Lionel originally lived in a rural mansion with his mother, hiding from the world, and even after his mother died and he was taken in by the temple, the priests treated him like a pariah and kept their distance.

I was only recently added to the royal family, and since I’ve never experienced the lavish and extravagant life of royalty, I have no regrets. Rather, a simple life suits me better.

Furthermore, Lionel himself took up a hoe and dug up the dried-up well within the castle.

At the end of the careful digging, there was a double bottom and a tightly sealed box.

What was hidden inside was gold bars and jewels.

“In the palace library, the memoirs of the previous lord were found.”

It was something Lionel stumbled upon by chance while secretly frequenting the palace library to support Juliet.

The memoirs of the late Duke of Rochelle, who was also the younger brother of the previous king, appeared to be trivial at first glance, but when carefully deciphered using the code-breaking methods passed down among the royal family, it revealed that the duke had hidden his wealth in the well of this castle.

The excavated treasure could be converted into a vast fortune equivalent to several years’ worth of tax revenue for the territory.

Lionel invested the entire amount of the buried treasure he had into the budget for the relief of the poor and the maintenance of order within his territory.

After the death of the former lord, the magistrates who had been controlling the Rochelle territory were surprisingly cooperative with Lionel. This was because Lionel did not eliminate them.

Lionel presented them with evidence of their embezzlement taking advantage of their lord’s absence, but did not hold them accountable.

“This land is so devastated. A capable villain is more useful than a powerless good person.”

Lionel appointed them to official positions and urged them to work tirelessly for the people.

“You can kill me if you want, but the next lord won’t tolerate your corruption. Would you prefer to have your heads severed from your bodies, or carry me and work for this land? Choose whichever you like.”

Lionel, who coldly pressed for a decision, should have seemed young given his age, but he no longer looked like a child.

Eyes like ice, knowing deep loss. A shadow so heavy it overwhelms, making one wonder just how much despair one must have endured to have eyes like these.

The retainers, in awe of the boy who possessed a fierce spirit no longer befitting a child, naturally knelt before him.

“We shall serve you, our Lord.”

The vassals must have felt that the Rochelle territory, which was becoming increasingly desolate, had reached its limit. For them as well, it would be more profitable if this land could recover.

Thanks to the efforts of the vassals who pledged their loyalty to Lionel with understanding, the weakened Rochelle territory gradually rose and developed thereafter.

When Lionel first took possession of the area, it was a desolate land strewn with sparse rubble and barren wasteland. Now, fifteen years later, it has completely transformed into a rich sea of greenery.

Along the ridges where the soil had been mounded, the potato plants were lush with leaves. The voices of people singing as they picked flowers grew louder and stronger each year.

As the sunlight poured down brilliantly, Lionel pulled the reins and gallantly rode the horse.

Patrolling the territory has been a daily routine for many years, but in recent years, there have been no major disturbances.

After galloping through the neighborhood while gazing at the peaceful pastures and lively farming activities from a distance, I remove the horse’s bridle and set off on the journey back to the castle.

“Lord!”

“Welcome back!”

In the castle town, several children were playing in a circle.

It seems that malnourished children are increasing in other regions, but the children here have good complexions.

Although they have succeeded in land reform, it is said that the Rochelle territory mysteriously avoids natural disasters.

Especially since Lionel became the lord, there have been no major disasters, and the children born are growing up healthy and strong.

A girl stepped forward in front of Lionel, holding a potato flower in her hand.

“Lord. When I grow up, please make me your bride!”

Lionel, who is taciturn, unfriendly, and one-eyed, does not have an appearance that would make children naturally warm up to him at first glance.

However, the children know that the current lord is the one who saved this land, and they have been helped many times by Lionel, who patrols the territory, whether they fell into a ditch or were about to be attacked by bandits. So, rather than being scared, they innocently adore him.

“Thank you.”

Lionel bent his tall frame and received the flower.

“However, I have no intention of marrying anyone…”

There is a woman I can’t forget, Lionel whispered, as his one eye gazed lovingly at the purple flower.