The Letter from Uncle Zimmer

I finally received a reply from Uncle Zimmer!

The letter didn't include a name, but since it was addressed to the Albreon Academy of Economic Research, it had to be one of those three people.

With my heart racing, I read the letter from start to finish.

[To my beloved Arinell,

Arinell, when I heard that you had come to the capital, I couldn't help but wonder when I would finally get to see you again. I've been longing for it so much.

But I can't visit you right away. There's one thing I must mention first—the content of your letter.

Yes, you've always feared famine, haven't you?

Despite the weak evidence, your claim stirred a very genuine emotion in me. Every time I looked into your eyes, I wondered if it was true.

The first time someone has made me feel that way without relying on rational judgment.

And after much deliberation, I've decided to conduct a geological survey.

Actually, the investigation had already been underway secretly before you even arrived in the capital.

And I'll be traveling to the eastern region for a month to analyze the results.

Anyway, it looks like we'll meet again in about a month.

Right now, not seeing your face is incredibly disappointing, but I'm looking forward to that day more than you can imagine.

By the way, I know that you and His Highness the Crown Prince have become close. But Arinell, I also have a son. More options are always better, after all.]

……

I'll pretend I never read the postscript.

Anyway, since I had received the letter, I was thrilled to the point of wanting to run.

Uncle Zimmer listened to my story and is conducting a geological survey!

If the results of the survey match the original novel, it will truly save many people's lives.

But once I thought that far, I paused for a moment.

'Then…… the original story will be changed?'

The novel I Will Stop Being the Tyrant's Mistress was a trashy romance that focused on the tyrant. After the tyrant Parmes Aslet ascended the throne, the country sank into famine, people died in droves from starvation, the empire collapsed into extreme poverty, the slave market thrived, and the female lead Amelia was sold to Parmes. Parmes, blinded by love for Amelia, went on a rampage, worsening the empire, and the people trembled before his monstrous tyranny.

'But…… it's already changed?'

According to my calculations, in the original story Parmes Aslet ascends when I was thirteen.

"I wanted you to be happy about it, though. The reason I brought the plan forward was because I couldn't stand to watch you suffer any longer."

By advancing the plan, he had already ascended. Now I was only eleven years old.

If the geological survey succeeds and I can predict the famine, I could prepare countermeasures for the one two years from now.

Although it might be difficult to fully overcome the famine that lasts four years without any casualties, the country would implement various measures, and my Red Sugar Beet business would help too.

In that case, the city wouldn't fall into poverty, and the conditions for Amelia's appearance would become uncertain.

'……That's none of my business.'

My head was getting complicated, but I simply crossed my arms and summarized it quickly.

I wasn't reincarnated because I wanted to; I wouldn't suffer from this trashy original story.

I'd welcome the heroine when she appeared, but it was a hundred times more important that I stay safe than follow the original plot.

'And I don't want innocent people to die.'

"A masked ball?……"

It was the first time since Parmes took power that a grand ball was suddenly held at the imperial palace.

And it was a masked ball. A party where participants wore masks covering the upper part of their faces.

As the successor to the duke's family, I received an invitation.

Adam smiled faintly as he encouraged me.

"Due to His Majesty's golden rule, I can't explain in detail, but this party will definitely be a mood changer, miss."

When we arrived at the magnificent imperial palace by carriage, I saw noblemen and noblewomen gathering in small groups, all wearing masks.

Unlike the birthday of the Marchioness, most of the adult nobles looked to be over 80 percent.

I lifted my toes slightly and quietly listened in on the adults' conversation.

"It's only been a few days since the fireworks, and they're already having a masked ball. I thought the Emperor didn't like noisy events where many people gather. Why?"

"You didn't attend the balls much even when you were a prince, right? And only twice after ascending to the throne."

"Hmm…… Could it be part of a purge?"

"But after the third purge, he declared there would be no more noble heads to fall."

"We must definitely meet alive."

The blue-masked nobleman's voice trembled.

The purges had gone up to three?

My stomach churned.

I entered the ballroom wearing a silver dress tailored perfectly to my small frame and an elegant silver fox mask to match it.

"Wow……"

The ballroom was so spectacular that my mouth fell open on its own.

Beyond the incredibly vast interior, even the curtains, chandeliers, and tiny decorations sparkled and glittered.

Are those all gold? Or real jewels? My eyes kept wandering.

The nobles' attire was also splendid. Despite the masks, the incredibly beautiful sisters whose beauty couldn't be hidden strolled about in gorgeous dresses.

"For ladies who want to find their best match, this must be a rare opportunity. If this masked ball was held by imperial decree……"

A familiar voice sounded from behind.

"The Emperor must be here too?"

She wore an incredibly lavish red dress and a rose-shaped mask. It was Mrs. Piola, or rather, Lady Alence.

Her small stature and plump figure, along with the emerald ring on her left hand, instantly identified her.

"Lady Alence!"

"You're truly adorable. Your steps and posture have improved even more than last time. Hong-hong-hong."

The lady's eyes were filled with hearts, as if drawn by me.

The lady spoke freely when we were alone, but in public she used honorifics.

Since it was noble etiquette, I treated her like a teacher outside as well.

"Right? Now, even when I just put on a dress, I automatically do the dance inside. It's all thanks to you, ma'am!"

"Oh, so modest. It's because Arinell's innate talent supports it."

"Thank you for the praise, ma'am. But…… what exactly does that 'opportunity for ladies' mean?"

"The Emperor is still unmarried at nearly thirty, so there are many women who are aiming for the empress position. Perhaps as a candidate for your mother-in-law."

At the word "mother-in-law," I swallowed hard and showed a startled expression.

'I wasn't even familiar with the fiancé word, but father-in-law and mother-in-law?……'

Anyway, all these beautiful sisters were waiting for Uncle…… Parmes' selection?

'Well, he's so handsome, and since he was widowed, the terrifying nickname of tyrant doesn't seem to deter women at all.'

"That's why I'm sorry, but I probably won't be able to stay by your side. I'm someone who attracts unwanted attention from those who seek a marriage alliance with the imperial family."

Before her words ended, several women who had recognized her approached.

"Lady Alence!"

With someone of her caliber drawing such massive attention, getting close might mean being trampled to death.

"It's truly unfortunate, but we'll discuss it during the lesson. Oh, by the way, a hint: His Highness the Crown Prince was wearing a black mask……"

Before her words finished, voices calling her echoed.

"Lady Alence!"

"Oh my, what a beautiful dress! Amazing!"

"Oh, it's a great honor to see you here, ma'am."

The ladies flocked in droves…… In droves. I recited the dance steps I had learned from Lady Alence and eagerly distanced myself from her.

Step, step, step. It turns out I can move quite fast after all?

"Would you like orange juice or apple juice, cute young lady?"

As I exited the crowd, a voice rang out. Glancing around, I saw servants in plain white shirts and black pants.

The men held trays with multiple glasses, just like other servants.

"Apple ju……"

I was about to ask for the juice when I belatedly realized the familiar voice I'd heard earlier and flinched, looking up.

This voice……?

Under the flickering chandelier light, the face of a handsome man with brown hair and brown eyes appeared without a mask.

I widened my eyes and said his name.

"……Uncle Zimmer?"