Chapter – 33
In truth, the establishment of a new maritime trade route was something Dalbert could welcome.
However, it was a different matter if the “main agent of the route’s development” was Dalbert rather than the imperial family.
And for good reason.
This mission wasn’t merely about using an existing path—it was about carving out an entirely new sea route on their own.
I should have examined Jerold Burns’s true intentions more carefully when he promised full support for maritime trade…
Dalbert had expected generous backing to promote its trade business.
Instead, they were suddenly told to pioneer a new trade route.
At this point, shouldn’t the imperial family be the one stepping forward directly?
Dalbert had already suffered greatly from pirates over the years. The risks involved were not something to take lightly.
Of course, if it was the Crown Prince’s command, they had no authority to refuse.
And so, if Dalbert was to risk itself once more…
Cedric intended to secure something substantial for his territory in return.
“There is no guarantee that the destination across the sea will truly be the Kingdom of Enrica.”
“Can we not simply rely on a compass? I even calculated the distance that would result from traveling by sea.”
“That’s precisely the problem. If we set sail knowing nothing about the western sea and trust only a compass, what if we run into an uninhabited island? And what if pirates—who have yet to discover Dalbert—are hiding there? We would only be revealing Dalbert’s existence for no reason.”
“The imperial family will not pretend ignorance of Dalbert. If pirates appear, we will dispatch troops and wipe them out cleanly. There is no need to worry.”
“Are you suggesting we turn Dalbert into a battlefield once again?”
“Is it not true that great gains require great risks? Consider the manpower and resources the imperial family has already poured into Dalbert.”
As the nobles from Dalbert began to shrink under the tense atmosphere, Count Curtis, who had been observing quietly, stepped forward to mediate.
“Now, Sir Hauser, why speak so harshly? This isn’t diplomacy with a foreign nation. Why weigh loss and gain so coldly?”
He soothed Viscount William of Dalbert, whose pride had been wounded.
“The people of Dalbert are imperial citizens as well. His Highness the Crown Prince would never stand by and watch Dalbert fall into danger.”
Once the heated mood had somewhat subsided, Jerold, who had been watching, pointed at Cedric.
“And what does the Marquis think? Dalbert is raising so many concerns—does that mean you desire something considerable from the imperial family? Tell us what you consider the most ideal solution.”
Cedric offered a polite yet dignified bow before speaking.
“After considering various possibilities, I believe that for the route development to succeed realistically, it would require not only significantly greater funding and military support than before, but also close cooperation with His Highness Crown Prince Alesto, who would personally oversee the entire process.”
The card Cedric ultimately chose was Alesto.
By declaring that they would act under the Crown Prince’s command, he was indirectly expressing his wish for Blossom’s formal entrance into the palace.
“And to devise a meticulous strategy together with His Highness… would not continued and consistent exchanges between us be essential?”
What Cedric sought to obtain, even at the risk of pioneering a dangerous sea route—
Was Blossom’s entry into the palace, and the prosperity of Dalbert.
If Blossom and his retainers entered the palace officially, Dalbert would no longer remain a powerless frontier territory.
Ruby stepped out briefly.
Since she now had a junior maid under her, she often found herself with spare time whenever Lady Asha left the Almond Palace.
She quite enjoyed having personal time.
Today, she intended to sell the sapphire she had received from Mr. Perel at a gallery.
To be honest, she had once expected that becoming a maid at the Almond Palace would allow her to receive bribes continuously.
It didn’t take long for her to realize that was wishful thinking.
After all, Mr. Perel—the first to approach the Almond Palace—had been killed almost immediately.
It had been an unspoken warning not to approach the Almond Palace carelessly. And it had proven quite effective.
She might regret the lost bribes a little, but in another sense, it was fortunate.
If someone approached her and began asking questions about Lady Asha, it would be rather chilling.
Not because she feared them.
But because as soon as she reported to Head Maid Mrs. Watch, that person would be dead.
Just like Mr. Perel.
Is it because I’m so faint-hearted that I can’t escape being a Gray Owl?
If that were true, it would be a bit unfair.
Even if she trembled in fear, she could still carry out her assignments faithfully.
She might not be confident enough to chat casually—but she was confident she would not retreat.
“…Oh? I forgot to bring the sapphire.”
Ruby had no choice but to stop by home, where she ran into her second younger sister, who was shaking out blankets.
“Huh? Why are you here at this hour?”
Heading upstairs to her room, Ruby answered vaguely.
“I forgot something.”
Her sister, Beth, began following her eagerly.
“Good timing. I wanted to ask you something…”
Ruby’s lips curved upward.
She already knew what her sister would ask.
Surely about the academy’s tuition. And if it was too expensive, she would probably say she would just find work instead.
Then Ruby could proudly tell her not to worry about tuition and focus on studying.
To savor her position as the breadwinner.
It really had been a good idea to take on the [Hall] assignment.
Giggling to herself, Ruby turned confidently toward her sister.
“What is it? Ask me anything.”
But contrary to her expectations, Beth’s question had nothing to do with the academy.
“You said you were reassigned to the Almond Palace before, right? What kind of person do you serve?”
In that instant, Ruby’s mind went blank.
“…What?”
Meanwhile, the physician Chino tactfully gathered his examination tools and excused himself.
“……”
Alesto stared blankly at the small lump under the blanket, where the Saintess was curled up with the covers pulled over her head.
What is this?
This adorable little creature?
The woman who had nearly collapsed because her heart was pounding too hard at his proposal.
And himself, who had panicked and carried her all the way here, fearing she might truly die.
It was so absurd he could only laugh.
Still, the fact that she was not in serious condition was a tremendous relief.
Though her malnutrition continued to bother him.
Fortunately, it could be resolved with proper rest and nutrition.
After we’re married, it would be best if I personally take charge of her care.
As Alesto was already imagining married life on his own—
The blanket rustled.
Was she too embarrassed to come out?
She really was shy, if one looked closely.
“How long do you intend to stay like that?”
Prompted, the Saintess finally peeked her eyes out from under the blanket.
“You’re still here.”
“Aren’t you hungry?”
“…I think I am. A little.”
Seeing that she had calmed down somewhat, Alesto suddenly felt mischievous.
If he teased her now, would she start flustered again, saying her heart was about to leap out of her mouth?
Or would she dive back under the blanket and turn into a stone?
Either way would be adorable—but food came first.
Walking in step beside Alesto, Asha’s smile refused to leave her face.
They said the world looks different when you’re in love.
She hadn’t realized it was true.
The orange glow of the setting sun, the early-rising moon still visible in the bright sky.
The leisurely drifting clouds, the common green leaves of trees, even the palace stone floors she saw every day.
Everything seemed beautiful.
In Asha’s eyes, Alesto was the quintessential romance fantasy male lead.
He was so gentle with her that she sometimes forgot he was a potential future tyrant.
Well—
Whether he was destined to be a tyrant or not, what did that matter to her?
There was always the cliché: “Warm only to my woman.”
The moment he proposed, Asha made up her mind.
I’m going to fulfill every romantic fantasy I’ve built up from reading countless novels!
