🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter : 29
“But we need to ensure Your Highness’s safety—”
Clang—
The sound of a breaking bottle echoed from inside, causing the attendants and royal guards to shiver.
“It seems the check has just been done.”
Enoch left the Second Prince’s room, giving a warning to the guards and attendants.
By now, there would be no further commotion until morning.
After handling the matter and returning to his room, he found Agatha sitting up on the sofa.
Seeing his wife waiting in the dark room, Enoch briefly smoothed over his slightly stiff expression.
“Did I wake you?”
“No, it wasn’t because of you.”
Drunken Fernand had called out Agatha’s name dozens of times at the top of his lungs.
“It was so loud I couldn’t not hear. I woke up shortly after you left.”
“I wanted to solve it without waking you, but I failed, it seems.”
“No, you handled it perfectly.”
Agatha smiled at Enoch for all his efforts, but it didn’t last long.
“The problem is the Second Prince.”
The more she thought about Fernand’s behavior, the more upset she became.
“How dare he think of coming here at this hour?”
He was a man who had countless mistresses, even a consort, and finally brought a child out of wedlock—but he never did anything to tarnish the prince’s honor.
“Ten years of not seeing him, and he’s even more foolish, it seems.”
The more she thought about it, the more infuriating it was, and her stomach churned.
“I’d say it’s more than just foolishness.”
Enoch brought her a warm cup of tea to help her calm down.
“It seemed he had no awareness at all of the responsibilities he held or the position he occupied.”
Agatha exhaled slowly, holding the teacup in her hands.
“Has His Highness returned to his room?”
“Yes. I personally escorted him back.”
“He wouldn’t have gone quietly. Did he cause any further trouble?”
Agatha scrutinized her husband, who outwardly showed no change.
But unless one looked very closely, this man—meticulous in self-control—would not reveal even the smallest fragment of his emotions once the matter was settled.
“There was nothing of that sort.”
Enoch gently laid the worried Agatha back on the bed.
“I’ve handled everything, so you don’t need to worry.”
After covering her with the blanket, he extinguished the lamp. In the surrounding darkness, only his low, tender voice could be heard.
“Try to get some more sleep.”
Feeling his warmth, Agatha murmured as if making a promise.
“I will make sure he pays for what he did.”
“Yes. Do so willingly.”
Though countless thoughts arose, Agatha said nothing and closed her eyes.
The rest could wait until tomorrow.
Enough rest would be needed to face tomorrow’s battle perfectly.
The next morning, negotiations began early.
At the head of the table sat Agatha, Enoch, and Fernand, observing as both sides actively exchanged demands.
“The tariffs on goods are too high.”
“In that case, we can increase trade volume in exchange for lower tariffs.”
“It would be troublesome if too much gold flowed out.”
They discussed adjusting the tariffs on certain goods.
“The number of docks seems insufficient for such large quantities.”
“They are still under construction. Within a few weeks, at least ten more ships will be accommodated.”
“Could two be designated as special zones?”
“You mean even when they aren’t being used, they should remain empty?”
Requests for exclusive docks were also made.
“We want to build a warehouse near the consulate.”
“Warehouses are planned to be concentrated near the docks. Is there a specific reason you need one at the consulate?”
Additional requests for convenience facilities were discussed.
Yet Agatha, with a gentle expression, enjoyed her tea, satisfied.
‘Perhaps the delegation also heard about yesterday’s commotion.’
Outwardly, it seemed like a fair give-and-take, but in reality, provisions heavily favored Agatha.
It was only natural—her own country’s prince had caused a scene trying to enter her bedroom while drunk.
The practical head, Count Montioll, who had been mentioned as the next Deputy Minister at a young age, and the entire delegation were subtly intimidated.
Even Fernand was unusually quiet. He no longer tried to engage in meaningless conversation, nor did he send lewd glances.
His gaze toward Enoch was sharp, and occasionally his face flushed, but nothing happened.
The more restrained-than-expected behavior of Fernand allowed the Nobillis retainers, prepared for battle, to achieve better results than anticipated.
The delegation from Maynucor, on the losing side, seemed ready to yield and finish the negotiations before Fernand caused more trouble.
“Perhaps we could share the naval patrol schedule to reduce costs.”
“We’ve decided to expand the Eastern Navy’s patrol areas. Would it be better to divide zones rather than share schedules?”
Thanks to these circumstances, the negotiations proceeded smoothly and swiftly.
“It’s already evening. Shall we conclude here and meet again tomorrow?”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
When the first negotiation session ended, Fernand, who had sat through it with a sour expression, was the first to storm out.
Agatha followed Enoch and whispered as they left.
“What could have happened overnight? It doesn’t seem like his mind suddenly changed.”
He wasn’t entirely repentant; his gaze toward Enoch was still not gentle.
Enoch repeated what he had said the previous night.
“Didn’t I say I handled everything?”
Having realized the stance of the Maynucor Emperor—who sent the prince—Fernand now understood it was time to remain silent.
Even more so because Enoch had told him directly, it was only natural.
Agatha murmured quietly, still unaware of exactly how Enoch had resolved the situation.
“I didn’t realize that was what he meant by ‘handled it.’”
She marveled at how he managed to rein in Fernand’s misbehavior.
‘If I had known, I should have asked what he did yesterday.’
Whether she knew the method or not, the result was satisfying and refreshing. Fernand even skipped the dinner.
“His Highness the Prince says he is tired and will rest.”
Count Montioll, who came alone without the prince, announced Fernand’s absence.
“Is he unwell? Should I call a doctor?”
“No. He really said he was just tired.”
The Count’s awkward expression made everyone realize Fernand was faking illness.
If he refused to come, there was no need to force him.
His absence was actually a relief to Agatha. With Fernand gone, the atmosphere became warmer.
“Count Montioll, if things continue like this, it seems we can conclude tomorrow, doesn’t it?”
“I think so too.”
With Fernand, the main obstacle, cooperating, negotiations concluded quickly as expected.
The Nobillis family secured large port usage fees, land and building rental fees, and full control of the new trade hub.
The Maynucor Empire gained moderate maritime fees, donations, and secured zones for trade routes.
Overall, it was a highly advantageous agreement for the Nobillis family.
“Please sign once you’ve confirmed all clauses.”
Fernand, who had kept silent all this time, stamped and signed the document.
After confirming his signature, Agatha took up the pen.
Once each party had a copy of the agreement, all procedures were complete.
“It went as you wished, Agatha?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Agatha handed the scroll to her aide and turned to face Fernand.
He hesitated, as if wanting to speak, but glanced at Enoch and fell silent.
Agatha preempted him before he could say anything unnecessary.
“I heard you’ll be leaving today. I hope you have a smooth voyage.”
That ended the private conversation between Agatha and Fernand.
After stamping and signing, the Maynucor delegation hurried preparations to depart.
Count Montioll, in particular, did not hide his eagerness to leave.
He seemed worried Fernand might change his mind and cause chaos.
“…Farewell, Marchioness.”
Thus, that afternoon, Fernand gave a brief farewell at the ship ready to sail, then boarded.
The Maynucor Empire’s ship, escorted by the Roxbard Empire’s navy, disappeared into the distance.
The long schedule had come to an end.
The island grew quiet once the Maynucor delegation departed.
With port and road construction finishing in a week, Agatha decided to spend the remaining honeymoon days there.
The days were uneventful.
Fishing with her husband, walking through the forest, enjoying horseback riding.
But these simple days thrilled Agatha—thanks to the man beside her.
Enoch Aratus.
From that day on, the two shared a strange, intimate atmosphere.
He said nothing, but having crossed a certain line, they shared a bed, and Agatha spent many hours in his arms.
Her extended time in the bedroom, falling asleep together as if it were natural, was because of this.
Days passed, and finally on the seventh day:
“Madam, the port city construction is complete.”
The regent, Phil Butler, reported the completion of the work. It was time to leave the island.
