Princesses Sisters vs. King Yuhal

Greetings, father. It has been awhile.

Rania let out a sigh of relief when her sister showed up, because it was her sister who had asked her to come.

Arshia had originally planned to skip her return this summer. Her job as a teacher at Saint Mia Academy kept her very busy, and Mia had also given her a very important task: study on selective breeding to improve wheat strains. The Thanksharvest Festival was a big deal in Perujin, but Rania could dance at the event. She thought shed let her little sister take care of things this year, so she wrote a letter saying she wouldnt be coming home. What she got back was a surprise.

Father was acting strange, so I thought Id ask her to come back just in case.

Ah, youve come home. Im so glad. I see youre doing well, Yuhal said, shocked. But you didnt let us know you wouldnt be able to come back?

Yes, but I need to talk to you about something, so I came back.

You need to talk to me, you say?

Rania ignored her fathers scolding look and put a piece of fruit in her mouth as if she didnt know what was going on. Also, she didnt think she did anything wrong.

I mean, no matter how you look at it, were much better off with Princess Mia on our side.

She was sure of that. She thought back to what they had said earlier in the room. Mia had said that their method to persuasion came down to one word: trust. She had said very clearly that she had no plans to force Perujin to do what she wanted. Rania had been there and heard it herself. She then turned to look at the young guy standing behind Mia. Even though his glasses partly blocked his view, his eyes were still sharp and focused. Ludwig was one of the people Mia trusted the most, and he was one of the first to speak. When she first heard what he had to say, she was so shocked she could hardly speak. Soon after, there was a hot wave of anger. She had to force herself to stay quiet, but inside she was seething, thinking that a man like this, who would suggest using threats against us, doesnt deserve to be Mias subject!

Now, though, she could see very clearly what he had been trying to do. He had made her angry on purpose so she could hear what Mia really thought. So, Mia had made her position very clear, leaving no room for question in Ranias mind.

A man smart enough to serve so closely by her side I wonder what he can see when he wears those glasses. It must be some unshakeable truths.

Ive been teaching agriculture to children at Princess Mias academy, father.

So Ive heard.

Youve heard? Then, have you heard that she told me to find out how to grow wheat that can withstand cold?

Wheat that can withstand the cold weather?

Yuhal stepped back, looking as confused as all the other Perujin there. Even Shalloak just stood there staring.

Arshia gave a deep bow and then turned to Mia.

Princess Mia, Im sorry to ask after the fact, but is it okay for me to tell my father about my research?

The way her sister went out of her way to ask a strange question reminded Rania so much of the scene she was thinking about that she made the connection without even thinking about it.

Oh, I recognize this Ludwig and Arshia are both trying to do the same thing.

Arshia already knew what Mia wanted. She knew what made her want to work on making wheat that could withstand the cold. She even knew what she was going to do with the information she learned.

Wheat that can withstand in cold If something like this exists, it would be a very powerful weapon to have during cold-damaged crop-caused famines. While other countries had trouble getting crops to grow, the one with this strain would have normal amounts. So, knowing about this would usually be a secret, and it was definitely not something that should be talked about in a place like this.

At least, thats what Perujin common sense said.

Why wouldnt that be okay?

Mia raised an eyebrow, even though her calm response was completely out of place given that very sensitive information about Tearmoons national interest had just been revealed. She was so calm that it almost looked like she didnt realize how serious what had just happened was. After making sure Yuhal could see Mias confused face, Arshia continued.

With the help of my students at the school, Ive been looking into wheat strains that can grow in the cold. Every step we take toward ending hunger in the world brings me closer to my childhood dream. I believe its very important work.

Nonsense Wheat that can grow in cold temperatures? Theres no way something like that could exist.

Thats a strange thing to say, Mia said, jumping into the conversation. Cold-resistant wheat definitely exists, and Arshia and Cyril will find a way to grow it.

She said this with conviction, no, confidence, as if she knew what would happen in the future. It showed that they had a lot of faith in Arshias skills. Yuhal felt embarrassed when he found out that a Tearmoon princess seemed to trust his daughter more than he did.

But no matter what, it only helps Tearmoon. Yes, it is true that people will buy cold-resistant wheat to stay alive if it is made. There will be a lot of demand, and since Tearmoon is the only country with that wheat, it will be easy for them to get all of the profits.

Princess Mia plans to teach all of the neighboring countries about the wheat. Arshia answered her fathers point right away. What will it take to make you see that what she is doing is for the best? Why do you think she is letting me do all the talking?

Arshia is right. Rania said.

She stood up, understanding that if there was ever a time to talk about what Mia had done for her, it was now.

Princess Mia was an enlightening presence for me, too. She told me that once Arshia gets the wheat to grow, I should help get the word out about it all over the continent. When I was trying to figure out what to do with my life, she showed me how to move forward in a worthwhile way.

Rania could still see the bright path in her mind. It was a path she could be proud of taking because it led to a better life. Above it, the light of the Great Wisdom of the Empire shone, which would always be a guide for her.

Why wouldthats stupid Even if it were possible to make wheat that doesnt freeze, no leader would just give that knowledge to other countries. It matters too much Impossible

Yuhals goal had always been to make Perujin rich through farming, so this didnt make sense to him. The Perujins knowledge of farming was worth a lot; it was both their prize and their weapon. He couldnt believe that Tearmoon would be willing to give away something so important.

If necessary, she can take the results of her research back to Perujin, said Mia. After all, Arshia is a Perujin Princess. If she finds something useful in Tearmoon, it would make sense for her to want to use it in the farming in her own country.

Her smile was relaxed. Compassionate almost.

This is just an idea for now, but if you dont mind, Id also like to borrow some Perujin land and grow wheat that can withstand cold weather. Working together on this research project will be good for both of our countries, in my opinion.

At this point, even Yuhal had to admit that Mia was serious about making sure that people didnt go hungrynot just her own people, but people from all the nearby countries as well.

Hell understand it. He has to. This must have convinced him

But Ranias hope would not come true.

If you really are a princess who cares about everyone, then why? Why do you keep silent? Why do you let Tearmoon treat Perujin the way it does? Is it because you really want us to stay the way we are, as slaves to your empire? asked the King of Perujin, whose voice was shaky as he spoke through clenched teeth.