🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter : 37
At the Crown Prince’s words, the hall erupted into murmurs.
Unbothered, the Crown Prince leisurely continued speaking.
“I hear Duke Seind invested ten billion gold for his daughter-in-law’s business. I’m thinking of investing the same amount.”
Where did he even get that information?
I never intended to hide the fact that I received ten billion gold, but it’s not like I told anyone to spread it all over town either.
When I narrowed my eyes and looked at Duke Seind, he flinched and avoided my gaze.
Hmm. Still, it’s not a bad offer for me.
Of course, dealing with investors who pour in such massive capital always requires caution.
The more money they put in, the more likely they are to interfere excessively.
“Thank you for making such a generous investment offer. May I ask what led you to that decision?”
“It’s nothing special. I just thought that, judging by Lady Nacelle’s business sense, you’d manage this resort well too.”
The Crown Prince curled one corner of his lips into a grin.
“And wasn’t selling that gift set right here essentially a move made because you trusted me?”
At those words, I smiled softly in return.
“I’m delighted that Your Highness took a liking to Tardivna’s local specialties.”
Our gazes collided once again in midair.
I instinctively understood what that look meant.
So, if I made money using his name, I’m supposed to pay a commission?
After a brief moment of thought, I gave a small nod—just enough for the Crown Prince to see.
Satisfied, he broke into a pleased smile and sprang to his feet.
“Let’s discuss the details separately.”
He escorted his wife, the Crown Princess, and left the engagement hall first.
Before exiting, the Crown Princess glanced at me, then slightly flushed and turned her head away.
She must be embarrassed about having eaten Rediv tarts so enthusiastically in front of me.
Alright, then. Let’s wrap things up properly here too.
“Everyone, this villa and resort are always open to you. Please relax and enjoy yourselves today.”
Since the guests had no choice but to stay on the island for the night and leave the next morning, I gave them some free time before following the Crown Prince out into the garden.
“Please don’t slack off just because I’m gone—make sure to guide the guests properly.”
I didn’t forget to whisper that to Duke Seind and his wife before leaving.
They forced polite smiles and began tending to the guests.
Once I confirmed that, I continued walking—only for Harten to move close beside me and speak.
“If Jebif starts spouting nonsense, tell me, Eani.”
I snorted lightly.
“And what will you do if I tell you~?”
“I’ll punch him.”
“Oh my, I don’t want to turn my fiancé into a traitor.”
“I once saved Jebif’s life. Thanks to that, I received a Hero’s Medal that lets me avoid punishment once, no matter what. So don’t worry.”
“Hehe. You’d use such a precious medal for me?”
“There’s nothing in this world more precious than you.”
Trading light banter with Harten made me feel oddly reassured.
I always felt alone whenever I went to meet investors.
Of course, I had colleagues I worked with in the past.
But since I was the final decision-maker, I always had to shoulder all responsibility alone at crucial moments.
So this is what it feels like… to have someone backing you.
With that unfamiliar feeling, I leisurely headed toward the reception room the Crown Prince had entered.
And since today’s investor seemed fairly well-disposed toward me, I had a feeling this would be an enjoyable meeting.
***
“I’ll state my conditions first. Expand Rediv production by at least 200% from current levels. Establish a factory dedicated to processing it. And remit 1% of all Rediv and processed products to the imperial family.”
“…Wouldn’t it be easier for Your Highness to just run a Rediv farm yourself?”
“I’d love to, but I can’t exactly snatch away this island’s main promotional asset.”
The Crown Prince said this while downing an ice-cold Rediv beverage.
I smiled back while sipping my warmly brewed Rediv tea.
Once again, sparks flew as our gazes met.
“Expanding production was inevitable anyway, so I’ll gladly accept that. The factory doesn’t have to be on the island, does it? I’d rather not scar the island’s landscape.”
“Right. Choose wherever you’re most comfortable.”
“Then Weinah would be ideal—it’s close to the island, and there’s an industrial complex near the city. Will the imperial family officially cover the land and factory acquisition costs~?”
“Well, wouldn’t your wealthy in-laws take care of that?”
“Hehe. Wouldn’t it be far better if the ruler of the Empire supported it~?”
Agricultural products officially invested in by the imperial family could receive a special mark certifying them as top-grade imperial goods.
Naturally, products with that mark were sold as premium items at significantly higher prices.
The Crown Prince, clearly understanding what I was asking for, raised the corner of his lips.
“Don’t you think that’s asking for too much?”
“The art of negotiation is extracting more than what seems possible.”
“Interesting. I quite enjoy that kind of art.”
A rapid exchange ensued between us.
Meanwhile, an entirely different scene was unfolding beside us.
“Your Highness, you should eat plenty of this ice cream. I hear it’s something you can only taste on this island.”
“Mmm! Such a shame—it’s so delicious. Sorbet has a completely different charm from milk-based ice cream. I mustn’t get a stomachache, though.”
“The island’s physician… He doesn’t sit well with me personally, but his skills are excellent, so please don’t worry.”
Good. Harten is handling the Crown Princess well.
After confirming the peaceful scene, I focused fully on my discussion with the Crown Prince.
He too glanced over briefly before fixing his gaze back on me.
He likes the art of negotiation, huh?
That meant he intended to extract more from me as well.
So what will he demand?
Maintaining a relaxed smile, I asked,
“Do you have another condition in mind?”
“…How about having the Imperial Department of Agriculture research whether Rediv can be cultivated in other regions?”
“!”
My brow creased slightly at the unexpectedly heavy condition.
“Didn’t you just say you wouldn’t take away the island’s main promotional asset?”
“That’s why I’m asking. Not taking it without a word.”
At the Crown Prince’s sly smile, I slowly closed my eyes, then opened them again.
“‘Giving me a choice’… You’re not wrong.”
In this world of rigid social hierarchy, I was still merely the future daughter-in-law of House Seind—while he was the undisputed future ruler of the nation.
That said, the Crown Prince was close to Harten, and even in the original story, he was regarded as fair and just.
So even if I refused, he likely wouldn’t retaliate.
Still, turning it down outright would mean losing that premium imperial mark…
Picky nobles wouldn’t even touch fruit without the imperial seal.
While my resort primarily targeted middle-class families, Rediv was meant for all citizens of the Empire, regardless of status.
That was precisely why I had pushed the Rediv gift sets so aggressively earlier.
To sell fruit to nobles, that premium imperial mark is essential.
After taking a slow sip of tea, I looked straight at the Crown Prince.
“If I accept that proposal, the scales would tip too heavily in Your Highness’s favor. In that case, how do you plan to restore balance between us?”
“Oh? You dare to seek a balanced deal with me?”
“Of course~. I rather enjoy bold negotiations~.”
At my answer, the Crown Prince burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahahahaha!”
Leaning back comfortably against the sofa, he continued laughing.
“Well, boldness is fun—as long as it doesn’t cross the line! Had I known Lady Nacelle was this kind of person, I’d have issued an imperial order to Harten long ago!”
“An order to bring me? Were you not planning to give me a choice then?”
“Hahaha!”
After laughing a bit more, the Crown Prince composed himself and looked at me.
“A ‘new weight’ to restore balance, hm… Then how about this?”
