NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Princess's Proposal
The royal party was in full swing, with nobles mingling and the air filled with the hum of conversations and soft music. Despite the grandeur, I couldn't shake the weight of my bridge project. I knew I had convinced the king to trust me, but the real challenge lay ahead.
As I stood near the banquet table, sipping on a glass of wine, a voice startled me.
"Your bridge design was... fascinating."
I turned to see a young woman with fiery red hair and emerald green eyes, her presence commanding yet warm. She was dressed in a royal blue gown adorned with intricate embroidery, her posture regal yet approachable.
"You must be the king's daughter," I said, bowing slightly.
She smiled. "Princess Evelyn. And you must be Duke Leoric, the boy genius everyone is whispering about."
Her words caught me off guard. "Boy genius? That's a stretch," I replied, trying to mask my embarrassment.
She laughed lightly. "Well, they're not wrong. That bridge you proposed—it's unlike anything I've ever seen. I want to help."
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The Princess's Request
Later that evening, Princess Evelyn approached her father, King Aldred, as he discussed trade policies with his advisors.
"Father," she said, interrupting gently but firmly.
The king turned to her, his expression softening. "Yes, Evelyn?"
"I want to join Duke Leoric's bridge project," she said with a determined look.
The king raised an eyebrow. "And why, may I ask?"
"I believe it's an opportunity to learn," she explained. "His ideas are revolutionary, and understanding them could benefit the kingdom."
The king studied her for a moment before nodding. "If you wish to learn, then I will allow it. But remember, Evelyn, this is no mere hobby. Assist him seriously or not at all."
She beamed. "Thank you, Father."
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An Unexpected Assistant
The following morning, as I reviewed blueprints in the guest quarters, there was a knock at the door. When I opened it, I found Princess Evelyn standing there with a confident smile.
"Good morning, Duke Leoric," she said. "I'll be joining your project as your assistant."
I blinked, caught off guard. "Assistant?"
She nodded. "I convinced my father to let me learn from you. Don't worry—I won't get in your way."
It took me a moment to process her words. Having the king's daughter on my side could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it meant I'd have royal support; on the other, her involvement would draw more scrutiny to the project.
"Alright," I said finally. "But this won't be easy. If you're here to learn, you'll need to work hard."
Her eyes sparkled with determination. "I'm ready."
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Royal Support
The party ended, and the next day, the king fulfilled his promise. He provided me with a team of top engineers, state-of-the-art tools, a large workforce, and a personal mansion near the bridge site. The mansion was modest compared to the royal palace but far more luxurious than my office back in Wynthall.
The engineers, seasoned and skeptical, greeted me with polite nods. They didn't openly question my authority, but their sideways glances spoke volumes. To them, I was just a young duke with lofty ideas.
"Let's prove them wrong," I thought.
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Planning the Bridge
For the next three days, I buried myself in work, sketching detailed plans for the bridge. I designed the foundation to withstand the strongest floods and the cables to hold immense weight. Every calculation had to be precise.
Princess Evelyn observed quietly, occasionally asking questions or fetching supplies. Her curiosity and willingness to learn impressed me.
By the end of the third day, the blueprints were finalized. I summoned my team and explained the design in detail. The engineers, though initially skeptical, couldn't hide their admiration as I walked them through the plans.
"This isn't just a bridge," one of them muttered. "It's a masterpiece."
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Gathering Materials
With the plans ready, it was time to gather materials. The Terra Pup, my trusty companion, was key to this effort. I sent it to the nearby mountain range to extract steel and other minerals.
"Find the purest iron ore and limestone," I instructed, patting its head. The pup barked enthusiastically before bounding off.
Meanwhile, I scouted the surrounding areas for resources to produce cement. Using the formula I had developed earlier, I knew I needed large quantities of limestone, clay, and gypsum.
Accompanied by Princess Evelyn and a small team of workers, I inspected quarries, negotiating deals with local suppliers. Evelyn proved surprisingly adept at managing negotiations, her royal status helping us secure favorable terms.
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The Bridge Takes Shape
By the end of the week, we had stockpiled enough materials to begin construction. The Terra Pup returned, its golden fur shimmering as it dropped a pile of pure iron ore at my feet.
"Well done, little one," I said, scratching its ears.
I set up a small factory near the site to produce steel beams and cement. The workers, initially hesitant about my methods, soon marveled at the efficiency of the processes I had introduced.
"This isn't just construction," one of them said. "This is magic."
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Building Momentum
As the project gained momentum, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The skepticism that had followed me since the party began to fade, replaced by respect and admiration.
And Princess Evelyn? She proved to be more than just an assistant. Her insights, organizational skills, and unwavering support made her an invaluable part of the team.
For the first time since my reincarnation, I felt like I was truly making a difference—not just for Wynthall but for the entire kingdom.
(End of Chapter 5)