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Chapter : 13
“That… that is…!”
“You intend to receive the royal grain, convert it into gold coins, and use it to pay off your debts, right?”
“Ah, no! Why are you accusing us like that?!”
“If not, then how did you plan to transport grain all the way from that distant region?”
“Well, through the royal portal gate…”
“Through the portal? How do you intend to cover the cost for transporting something that heavy?”
“We… when we return…”
“…….”
The voices of the knights gradually quieted, and the crown prince, who had been pressing aggressively, fell silent for a moment before speaking.
“You’re not seriously claiming you would ‘carry it by hand,’ are you?”
“…….”
When the knights remained silent, the crown prince said coldly:
“So you were planning to convert it into gold coins…”
“Enough.”
I grabbed the crown prince’s arm.
“Please stop accusing the knights of Rikesis. This is meant to be a gathering for the harmony between Rikesis and the royal family.”
“But it is they who are lying in such a setting.”
“Your Highness, you are surely here as an observer, correct?”
“…….”
Only then did the crown prince relax, and the knights of Rikesis gasped sharply.
At the same time, they jumped to their feet and, with a thud!, knelt on their knees.
“All the grain supported by the royal family will be given to Rikesis’ soldiers! We promise!”
“I believe you.”
After replying, I asked the knights:
“As the crown prince said, there are limits to transporting grain through the portal.”
“I… I didn’t know that.”
“……So could you explain the scale of the food shortage?”
The knights exchanged bewildered glances and whispered among themselves.
Then, with determined expressions, they shouted:
“Our soldiers and knights cannot properly deal with the monsters because they are starving. Please provide as much food as possible!”
I allowed myself a triumphant smile.
‘This should be enough.’
“From what I have heard, it seems the Duchy of Rikesis had to reduce its military due to pressure from neighboring lords.”
“Ah, yes! What Your Highness says is correct!”
“The details will be discussed with the Duke of Rikesis himself, but in brief, the royal family cannot stand by while combat territories like Rikesis reduce their military. Although the situation isn’t immediately critical, since Rikesis’ soldiers are starving, aid will be provided as quickly as possible…”
At that moment, the crown prince grabbed my arm, but I shook it off.
“To simplify the procedure, any additional costs will be borne by House Haim.”
Bang, bang, bang.
Having struck the gavel, I stood from my seat.
“Thank you! Your Highness, thank you!”
“Our Duke will never forget this favor!”
The knights approached me and bowed deeply, and I smiled with satisfaction.
‘They must know House Haim is my natal family.’
That must be why they are so grateful.
‘This meeting was a success.’
I gave the knights a brief greeting and left the roundtable chamber.
When I stepped out of the building at a brisk pace,
“Seems like there’s something going on in the Duchy of Rikesis, huh?”
At the voice, I slowly turned.
“…….”
I glared at the crown prince following me and spoke.
“Yes.”
“…….”
The crown prince stared at me intently, and I clenched my fist.
‘If I had just given the Duke money… he would have been suspicious.’
From today’s meeting, I needed to achieve three things:
- The crown prince’s lapse in vigilance.
I needed time to secretly get closer to the Duke of Rikesis. - The knights’ respect.
I had to be able to approach the Duke without interference from the knights. - The Duke’s reassurance.
I needed to ease the Duke of Rikesis’ concerns about his territory.
‘He always sniffled whenever money was mentioned…’
How could he play around with me when his own troops were starving?
‘And getting an excuse to interact with the Duke through aid from House Haim is just a bonus.’
In other words, I was just waiting for a natural opportunity to hand money to the Duke. But…
“Why did you bring armed royal guards?”
“…….”
The crown prince faltered, and I pressed on.
“Why did you accuse the knights of Rikesis and pressure them?”
“…….”
“Why did you refuse the Duke’s greeting?”
Today, the crown prince’s behavior was truly rude.
‘If the Duke and his knights weren’t so straightforward, he might have caused even more trouble.’
At that moment, the crown prince finally spoke in response to my reproach:
“Lutie, it’s because I was worried about you.”
“……Do I look like someone Your Highness should worry about?”
“Even so, I am a husband with a wife.”
He then stepped closer to me, and I held my breath.
‘He doesn’t like the Duke staying at my residence, huh?’
Once again, the endless “wife talk” made my blood boil.
“Since there is something to discuss, will you make time for me, my lady?”
The crown prince approached, but I did not step back.
If I avoided the conversation like last time, I would just be manipulated again.
Besides…
‘Why should I avoid it?’
“Follow me.”
I said, and strode toward the rear garden of my residence.
“Since it has come to this, it would be nice to have a chat after a long time.”
Despite his gentle words, Lutie did not look at the crown prince as we walked.
“…….”
The moment felt long.
‘Is this the same as before?’
No.
Before, I always made eye contact.
Amethyst-colored eyes shone toward him.
‘He must be angry. He came unannounced to observe the meeting and even intervened.’
Indeed, I had made several mistakes, so it was natural to be angry.
But it could not be helped.
After all, he was angry then, too.
‘How could he stay for three days at the Crown Princess’s residence?’
How could he leave his husband?
One, the problem wasn’t that serious.
‘Lutie is just feeling sympathy for the Duke.’
Their marital trust was that strong.
But…
‘Why am I feeling uneasy?’
Soon, a small gazebo appeared among the trees, and the crown prince hurried ahead and pulled out a chair.
“Sit.”
“…….”
Lutie stared for a moment, then plopped down.
She glared at the crown prince and spoke.
“So, what is it that you wish to say?”
“…….”
“You brought five royal guards, so I am very curious what you want to say.”
“…….”
“You’re not suggesting I send the Duke of Rikesis to the main palace, are you?”
At that moment, a twisted smile appeared on the crown prince’s lips.
‘Yes, the Duke of Rikesis.’
He had taken her.
‘He kept acting strangely.’
And it wasn’t just anyone—it was Lutie, his wife’s gaze.
“…….”
Is it paranoia to see everything as an intricate plot?
“If that’s the case, I refuse. It is my right to host guests in the annex.”
“No.”
The crown prince interrupted and spoke quietly:
“There is something more important than that.”
“……And what is that?”
Her amethyst eyes flickered, as if her expectations were wrong.
But she quickly regained her composure.
I wanted to shatter that calm.
“Do you know what day it is today?”
“……?”
Do you even know?
How I spend this day each month.
He took a step forward.
“……Your Highness?”
Then he dropped to one knee, looking up as if he didn’t understand.
‘The Duke did this.’
I recalled the scene I had witnessed in the dim room, making my blood boil, but I concentrated.
I had to reclaim the gaze that the Duke had taken from me.
“……!”
So I pulled his slender hand and pressed my lips to his fingers.
“The day of the royal couple’s union.”
I said.
As expected.
“……!!”
Seeing my wife’s eyes filled with immense bewilderment, he murmured in satisfaction:
“Shall we unite?”
