LVSMLA 29

Chapter 29

“I knew this would happen.”

I quickly pulled Callisto into a hug.

“No, baby. Who said that? I will never marry the First Prince.”

“Waaah… don’t get married, hyung… I’ll be good…!”

“I said I won’t. I really won’t. You don’t have to worry. I’ll handle everything, okay?”

I had no idea how I would handle it, but I spoke confidently first. Becoming the Crown Princess of Roen was not a small matter—no wonder it felt like the sky was falling for Callisto.

I sat on the bed and placed the still-sobbing Callisto on my lap, gently comforting him.

“My baby, why are you such a crybaby? Stop crying, okay?”

“Don’t go, hyung… sob, you said… we’d stay together forever… waaah…”

He said “forever,” even though he’d probably end up marrying Lawrence first himself.

Callisto crying so hard and begging me not to marry Roen was cute… but at the same time, it made my heart heavy.

Right now, I couldn’t see a clear solution. I could follow the original story and announce that I was an Alpha, but at this point, it was uncertain whether the Empress and Roen would believe it. They would definitely send a royal physician to confirm my trait.

Thinking about it, building up Winyates’ private army became even more urgent. If we had stronger military power, the Empress’s side wouldn’t dare act so freely.

I resolved to focus more on military strength as I continued comforting Callisto.

“Calli, I’ll figure something out somehow. So stop crying, okay?”

“Sniff… hyung is an Alpha… that guy is also an Alpha, so how can you marry him? So don’t get married… live with me. Okay? I’ll… sob… I’ll become an Omega…”

“I’m an Alpha?”

Suddenly, his words felt familiar.

Come to think of it, Callisto often dreamed about the future events of the original story, and he had said something like this before.

Back then, I brushed it off—but now, it didn’t feel so trivial.

I gently wiped his tears and asked carefully,

“Calli, did you see it in a dream? Did I awaken as an Alpha?”

“Yeah. You were really sick… and then you became an Alpha.”

“When? When did that happen?”

“Not long after your birthday… the Count said you were an Alpha.”

“Hmm… I see.”

It seemed like my awakening really was approaching.

But I didn’t know whether Etienne truly became an Alpha in the original story, or if the Count and Etienne had deceived even Callisto. For now, I could only hope it was the former.

Anyway, calming Callisto came first.

Only after I swore at least a hundred times that I wouldn’t marry Roen, and covered his swollen dumpling-like cheeks with kisses as if I would swallow them whole, did he finally stop crying.

Seriously, why is a future obsessive maniac so full of tears?

Well… it would be a relief if he completely avoided that obsessive route.

Not long after, unwelcome guests came to the Count’s estate.

Duke Harrington and Viscount Camois.

My father didn’t seem able to greet the Duke with a smile. His face was stiff as he told me to stay in my room instead of coming to the drawing room.

“It’s better if Harrington doesn’t see you, Etienne.”

But I thought differently.

Harrington was indeed interested in me as the Empress’s aide, but the fact that he brought Camois suggested this was likely about business—especially funding.

I couldn’t stay out of that.

In fact, in a situation where Harrington was acting aggressively, it was even more important to attend. You never knew when an opportunity to catch him would appear.

I shook my head.

“If the Empress truly wants the marriage, whether I meet him or not won’t change anything.”

“But still, Etienne…”

“Don’t worry too much, Father. He’s probably here about business. I want to know what’s going on too.”

“…If you insist, I won’t stop you. But if things escalate, you must leave immediately. Understood?”

“Yes, I will.”

I followed my still-worried father to the drawing room.

Duke Harrington and Viscount Camois were already waiting.

Harrington’s eyes gleamed when he saw me, but unlike my father’s concern, he didn’t directly bring up the marriage.

As expected, the matter was about funding for the new port.

“…That’s the situation. Developing the new port, building a shipyard, and constructing several ships—it’s quite costly. If the Count could provide some financial support, things would go much more smoothly. Haha…”

Viscount Camois rubbed his hands with a flattering smile.

My father remained silent, his face hardened.

Understandably so. Just days ago, the estate had been thrown into chaos because of the Roen Prince, and now they were asking for a loan.

But in truth, I had been aiming for this from the moment I introduced Camois to Harrington.

As he said, developing the new port required enormous funds.

In the original story, even after pouring in all of Winyates’ wealth, it wasn’t enough. They had to borrow from other families to finish the project—and when Eastern Continent trade collapsed, the unpaid loans came back like a boomerang, taking their lands as collateral.

So even if the partner changed to Harrington, the need for loans remained the same.

“Viscount, I understand your situation, but providing funds…”

My father began to refuse.

I quickly intervened.

“Since Winyates introduced the two of you, it’s only right that we help ensure the project succeeds, Father.”

“Haha! Not only handsome, but also noble in character. Truly worthy of becoming the First Prince’s consort!”

“…Duke.”

My father’s expression darkened sharply.

But I held his hand under the table and smiled sweetly at Harrington.

“If you provide proper collateral, there’s no reason we can’t offer the loan. Do you have land in mind?”

“Hm… since the amount is large, we’ve thought carefully. What about the Exeter region, where there’s a gold mine?”

The Harrington family had long operated mines.

The gold mine in Exeter still had reserves, making it decent collateral.

Still… that’s not quite enough.

Smiling brightly, dimples showing, I suggested,

“Since you’re already investing in the new port, wouldn’t it be better to secure more funds and build a few more ships?”

Harrington’s face lit up.

“That would certainly benefit us. Are you willing to go that far?”

“Of course. The additional amount isn’t too large. A small piece of land as collateral will suffice. How about the Bjorn region?”

“Bjorn? That’s no problem at all! You’re very easy to talk to, young master, haha!”

Bjorn also had a gold mine—but it was already exhausted.

However, a few years later, a copper vein would be discovered there.

By then, Eastern trade would collapse, and a new northern sea route would open.

All of Harrington’s projects would become useless.

And the collateral lands would fall into our hands.

Including not just gold—but an enormous amount of copper.

My father didn’t look pleased about lending more money to Harrington.

But perhaps because he had decided to support my judgment after the crystal glass business, he didn’t oppose it.

After Harrington and Camois left, he said,

“You must have your reasons. Handle Harrington’s matter your way.”

“Thank you for trusting me, Father. Everything will work out.”

There were many businesses ahead for Winyates.

Thankfully, despite my young age, my father fully supported me.

The crystal business was settling well, so it was time to expand into new areas.

I considered visiting the library, but suddenly felt heavy and tired, so I headed to my room early.

Maybe I had been pushing myself too hard lately.

After washing up, I entered my room—

Callisto was rolling around on my bed under the blankets.

He quickly looked up.

“Hyung… you don’t look well. Are you sick?”

Kids really notice everything.

His small hand touched my forehead, his expression serious enough to make me laugh.

“I’m fine. Just suddenly a bit low on energy.”

“You’re not fine! If you’re sick, you should rest! Why do you keep going out?”

“Haha… I was fine earlier. I’ll feel better after resting. Should we sleep early tonight?”

“Yeah. Let’s sleep.”

Callisto patted the spot beside him.

I lay down, hugging him like a stuffed toy.

It felt like I was coming down with a fever—my body ached and chills ran through me.

If it didn’t improve by tomorrow, I’d have to call Dr. Woodson.

There was still the issue with the Roen Prince… and business matters piling up.

I couldn’t afford to collapse now…

As my thoughts blurred, I fell asleep as if passing out.

I woke up to Callisto’s screaming voice ringing in my ears.

“Elsie! Elsie! Hyung is strange! His body is really hot and he keeps crying! Something’s wrong—please save him!”

I’m crying…?

No… I’m not…

With hazy thoughts, I barely forced my eyes open.

Callisto’s pale face came into view.

Seeing him so worried made my heart ache, and I reached out weakly.

“Calli…”

I tried to say I’m okay.

But only a groan escaped my lips.

Only then did I realize—

My whole body was burning like fire.

I wanted to reassure him, but I couldn’t do anything.

And just like that,

I lost consciousness again.