# 60
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Long ago, it was known that the Emperor, in his youth, aspired to be a war hero for the dominance of the seas.
But Kenneth's father stopped this with diplomacy, making it less likely that the weather in Lintia was sunny all year round.
Basically, he didn't have much martial talent, so why would he pursue an unattainable ambition?
'Is he an idiot?'
Kenneth felt that if he had not been from the Empire branch, he would have fully understood the Republican point of view.
When the ruler is stupid and full of greed, everyone's lives become complicated.
Not being a perfect human being, Kenneth acknowledged that war could bring gains.
The problem is that Cremisa's naval power was not as strong as in the past, and blood would be shed for others while the Empire reaped the glory.
“More importantly, if war breaks out, the Port Elisia area will be gone.”
“Yes...the hotel and all businesses will turn to supporting the war.”
The ports from which warships could exit would enter the wartime system, meaning that the Cliffords would have to sacrifice part of their resources.
Bonus for that? Nothing like that.
If the Empire decided to destroy the Duke’s family under the pretext of “sacrifice for the nation,” it would be intentional.
‘If we do not surrender, our family will be accused of being unpatriotic.’
It is clear to whom that wealth will go.
“The spark must be crushed while it is still young. I entrust this place to you.”
“Okay, sir.”
“Where is Ariana now?”
He hasn't told Ariana yet that he's leaving soon.
Unlike the past where he had left without caring, he wanted to tell her properly this time.
Roger bowed and replied, “She is now with Lady Greta and Miss Clark. It is said that the ball gown was completed today.”
* * *
Before Lady Greta arrives -
“Hmm, the information you provided is certainly shocking.”
Edith clicked her tongue as she looked at her notebook.
Ariana and Edith were often together under the pretext of drawing designs for dresses.
Meanwhile, Ariana was intermittently revealing matters of the past.
What she lived and saw in the empire. Anything can be used.
But Edith's reaction made Ariana ask cautiously.
"What's the problem? Is it... not interesting?"
“Oh, no, it's not!”
The prince's double face was disgusting in an interesting way.
Although the political conflicts are harsh, the public has always thought that Andrew is a polite person.
“The biggest problem is the lack of evidence. Funnily enough, the evidence will only emerge if the prince himf appears.”
“But don't worry too much, ma'am.”
When Ariana fell silent, Edith rushed to console the grieving woman.
"I will look for other information. If it goes off in time, it will have a huge impact."
“Thank you, Miss Clark.”
Evidence, as you expected.
Ariana was frustrated by the unsolicited answer.
'But how can I show evidence of abuse?'
Due to the lack of evidence, no one in Clifford's family believed her at the beginning of her marriage.
But contrary to her mood, Lady Greta who brought the dress was as bright as the sun.
“I am proud that this is my greatest work, ma’am. I will help you try it!”
Although Edith's invitation was a pretext, Ariana recognized Lady Greta's skill.
The dark blue dress was sparkling, becoming lighter as it got closer to the bottom, decorated with white jewels at the chest and shoulders, sparkling like stars under the lighting.
Lady Greta clapped with an expression like a sated cat.
"Ah, as I expected! This color was made for you, ma'am."
“It's really nice, ma'am. But...”
Ariana looked worriedly at the jewels and ribbons on her shoulders.
'Isn't this over my clothing budget?'
Ms. Greta laughed gently, noticing Ariana's expression.
“The Duke has set aside a blank check for the budget of this dress.”
“Ah...”
“Haha, this may seem very materialistic, but a man who spends lavishly on a woman shows his love!”
Ariana smiled smoothly as if she agreed with this opinion, but she shook her head inwardly.
She knew that Kenneth was not stingy with her budget, but that was to keep up appearances, not a warm affection like love.
Ms. Greta was removing pins from the dress after adjusting it to fit Ariana's body.
“Ma’am, let me help you change...”
“Oh my God!”
Ariana, who was facing the mirror, turned around and was surprised.
“Sir Duke?”
She didn't expect Kenneth to be in the room.
Kenneth looked at her steadily, then turned his gaze to Lady Greta.
"Are you done?"
“Ah, not yet. We're still in the experimental phase...”
“Okay.”
“But I have completed the edits. If the two of you want to preview it together, I will withdraw.”
Lady Greta added quickly.
Ariana bit her lower lip as she listened.
What would a man do when he saw a woman's clothes?
But when Kenneth nodded, Ms. Greta and her staff quickly gathered their things and left the room.
The place, once bustling with activity, became surprisingly quiet.
Kenneth was leaning on the drawing room sofa, looking at her silently. His intense gaze made Ariana nervously brush her hair on the side, then stopped.
'Ah, I shouldn't look like a child like that.'
But when she quickly withdrew her hand from her hair, Kenneth got up and approached. Thanks to his long strides, he reached it quickly.
He stopped when he was close enough to hold her if he extended his hand.
Ariana blamed the sun because his eye color was too obvious.
“Seems appropriate.”
“Ah… thanks.”
Ariana couldn't meet his gaze directly and lowered her head.
But he gently held her face, holding her head up, so she had nowhere to escape. She was forced to confront him against her will.
Kenneth was usually expressionless when he looked at her, but this time something was different. She was afraid to think it was sympathy.
Kenneth asked in a low voice.
"Do you like it?"
"…Yes."
“And the jewelry?”
“I'll choose what suits me later.”
She hoped that would be enough. But he continued to touch and examine her stubbornly.
“Didn't you usually wear earrings?”
"No? Wear it-"
Ariana touched the ear he was examining.
Since arriving here, the weather was sometimes warmer than in the capital, so she avoided wearing heavy jewelry like earrings because they felt heavy.
She touched the small hole and answered without thinking.
“Oh, it's closed. It always happens like this.”
“Okay...”
Kenneth did not lift his hand from the soft nub of her ear.
Gently rub her little ear.
Only after suppressing his urge to bite, was he able to slowly remove his hand.
“…In a few days, I will have to be away temporarily.”
“What?”
“There is an order in the capital.”
Ariana's eyes widened and looked at him.
Didn't expect that.
Travel between the capital and the south takes days, and its absence now...
“Are you going to be gone long?”
“Depending on the situation.”
If the Emperor was trying to persuade Parliament, he had to stop it by any means.
On the other hand, Ariana held the hem of her dress anxiously.
'This shouldn't happen.'
Baby had not arrived yet, and his absence for so long would be a great loss.
Ariana bit her lip, hesitating, then carefully grabbed the edge of his sleeve.
“Kenneth.”
"Yes?"
“So, we...”
Ariana closed her eyes tightly and moved her lips.
This is the last time you'll shyly beg for a night together.
“Before you go, just be with me... with me alone.”
“Don't go anywhere else.”
Out of embarrassment, Ariana lowered her head.
“…While you are gone, don’t make me feel lonely.”
She couldn't have expressed it more directly.
After this statement, the room became deathly quiet.
She wanted to escape, but the heat that started from deep within her made her shoulder bones shiver. It wasn't just the heat of the sun, it was slowly exceeding the slight warmth.
In her sincere shame, she prayed with her heart for her daughter's soul.
Baby, please, can't you just give birth?
“Change your clothes.”
"What?"
When Kenneth's hand moved away from her face, the heat that had been tearing through her stopped. She felt the scolding again, and her body began to stiffen.
But Kenneth's expression, although cold, his blue eyes were filled with emotion.
“I can't ruin your new dress here.”
Ariana's lips trembled at those words.