I! Cleaner!

"Red wine eel, duck confit, apple pie, onion soup, potato stew... Hmm... and two more caramel custards, please!"

After calling in the waiter waiting outside and rattling off a list of dishes as if reciting cherished treasures, the Princess handed the menu to Leon, smiling:

"Though the names sound quite ordinary, the dishes at this place are really excellent. I strongly recommend you try them... Is there anything else you're particularly interested in?"

"No, that's enough."

After glancing at the prices elegantly written on the menu, Leon, whose teeth nearly ached, shook his head and said:

"You've already ordered plenty. Let's just have these... By the way, what's the occasion today? Why did you suddenly invite me to dinner?"

"Of course, it's because I miss you~"

In response to Leon's question, the Princess who had taken the seat opposite blinked her eyes, leaned forward slightly, and with her ample chest gently pressing against the table, rested her chin in her hand and said with a playful smile:

"When a couple is madly in love, they want to stick together every moment, and I'm no exception~"

"..."

Leaning back in his chair to avoid her slightly, Leon rubbed his temple wearily and said:

"Can't you just talk properly...?"

"Sure~"

Upon hearing Leon's request, the Princess's bright smile faded slightly, her graceful spine was instantly straightened, her swan-like neck raised, and she said in a calm and dignified tone:

"Your Highness, I order you in the name of the First Princess Veronica not to compete with me for my favorite red wine eel, and when the apple pie is served, you must cut it into small pieces and feed me with a fork, do you understand?"

"..."

Never mind I said anything at all...

Realizing it was futile to say more as he'd only end up being teased repeatedly, Leon had to proactively change the subject, saying:

"What are you planning to do about the Ministry of the Military? So many people oppose you, they've even publicly stormed the Prime Minister's residence and thrown stones at you. Are you still going to push forward with that selection decree?"

Upon hearing Leon's question, Princess Veronica was a bit startled. She then put away the humor in her eyes and replied softly:

"Of course, I'll keep pushing. Why wouldn't I do the right thing? Even purging junior officers isn't enough. Once this round of selections is done, I'll even target senior officers!

The Kingdom's Ministry of the Military has been in decay for far too long. Changing just some mid- to low-level officers isn't enough to alter the situation. If I don't seize this opportunity to inject some fresh, dynamic blood, any reforms by me and the Defense Minister will only be superficial patch-ups."

You're going to target even higher ranks?

Seeing the peculiar gleam in the Princess's eyes, Leon couldn't help but ponder along her line of reasoning.

The Kingdom's military structure is quite complex if you delve into it, but broadly speaking, it can be viewed as a hierarchy of marshal, general, colonel, captain, and soldier, just like the administrative system of governance, administration, documentation, assistance, and general affairs.

If a marshal is the head of the military, and a general is its backbone, then the colonel, captain, and soldier levels are the flesh and sinews.

The Princess wants to use Parliament to purge those semi-hereditary lower officer cadres, which is pretty much akin to ripping flesh from bone. Naturally, the vested interests within the military won't remain unresponsive. In fact, it's likely the officer protest at the Prime Minister's residence was silently endorsed.

"Are you sure you can pull it off?"

Curiosity piqued by the Princess's response, Leon, despite his growling stomach, inquired with interest:

"Although Parliament also wishes to limit noble power, your selection decree essentially strikes at the core of the nobility. They will certainly fight back fiercely. Do you think the Prime Minister and the Lower House will support you?" Enjoying the story? Discover more on MVLEMPYR.

"Indeed, they won't. Most MPs of the Lower House are profit-driven, neither willing nor able to meddle with the military. When it comes to interests with no direct benefit to them, they'll side with whoever offers the better perks."

After responding to Leon's question, the Princess curiously countered:

"Leon, do you have an interest in these political trades?"

"Not really interested, per se. It just happened to come up, so I thought I'd ask."

Is that so?

Seeing Leon's expression, the Princess couldn't help but slightly raise her eyebrows.

You think you're switching to a serious topic to avoid my teasing, so I'll follow the seriousness, don't you? Well, you've got it wrong.

"Alright then, since there's some time before our food arrives, I'll also indulge you with some insights."

Having a sly premonition of Leon's intention, the Princess blinked playfully before lowering her head slightly, feigning a gentle sob, and said:

"Thanks to my dear Prince, the military is currently under my command. So of course, I have to seize this opportunity to accomplish something.

In case I fail to win back a certain little man's affections and he decides he doesn't want me anymore, at least I would've left behind a reformed military department, not entirely wasted being bullied by him for so many days~"

"..."

Upon hearing the Princess's words, Leon couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. He then pointed at his nose and said:

"Me... bully you? Can you touch your conscience before making such claims?"

"Let me try."

With an amused blink, the Princess lightly pressed her hand over her heart, causing a surge of swelling waves, and with a gentle sigh, she said:

"Too thick, can't feel it."

"..."

"Are you staring at me like that because you want to help me find my conscience?"

"I won't!"

"Oh~"

Watching Leon opposite slightly close his eyes in embarrassment, unsure of where to look, Princess Veronica couldn't help but let out a light laugh. However, to avoid Leon becoming angry out of embarrassment, she sat up straight again and began speaking earnestly:

"In any case, I am determined to push the selection decree forward.

Out of the 37 generals in the Kingdom, 31 are of noble birth, and more than half of the colonels are also nobles. To them, military orders might not be as effective as their family head's commands.

Only by replacing a significant portion of these individuals and ensuring the smooth conveyance of military orders can I truly take control of the military. Subsequently, I'll use this to pressure Parliament and make the Lower House and other noble-dominated departments make concessions... Leon, what do you think?"

"I think... it's pretty good."

Somehow sensing that the Princess wasn't truly asking about political affairs but more about his "conscience" about her, Leon maintained a straight face, trying to steer the conversation back, and said:

"Power comes from the barrel of a gun. Strengthening hold on the military before implementing other reforms is indeed a wise approach."

Oh?

A little surprised by Leon's comments, the Princess's beautiful eyes shifted slightly before nodding:

"Your remark is quite... hmm...when I first approached the Defense Minister, it was also motivated by such considerations... Leon, let me ask you this: if you were this Princess, what would you do?"

What would I do?

Looking at the Princess leaning slightly forward, her gaze filled with hopeful anticipation for an answer, Leon instinctively glanced at her bosom and then quirked his mouth, saying:

"If it were me, I would rally a troop of guards to storm the royal palace, forcing your dad to immediately hand over the throne. Anyone daring to object would be hanged... Oh, and your brother would be shipped across the sea and made to marry a bunch of female monkeys!"

"..."