The imperial capital of the Calita Empire, the Palace of the Crown Prince
“Hmm.”
A long, slender finger flipped over a few cards before losing interest in them and letting them fall.
Most of the documents scattered on the huge desk were treated in the same way – glanced at, then discarded without a second thought.
Even in his silence, Crown Prince Raiden radiated a pressure that weighed heavily on anyone near him.
“Ahem...”
Duke Ludwig cleared his throat again, his voice full of urgency.
“Your Highness, please withdraw Soult’s cavalry before it is too late.”
“What do you say, Duke Ludwig?”
There were many reasons, but… would the Crown Prince, even with his facade of generosity, be willing to listen? A man who is naturally arrogant and arrogant?
The old Duke clenched his calloused hands into fists and began his explanation.
“Salt has always been an ally of our empire. Until now, the neighboring countries have stopped trading grains with it for fear of the power of Kletan. But the moment the invasion becomes clear, they will realize that the threat could easily turn against them.”
“This was inevitable, wasn't it?”
“However, Your Highness—”
Raiden waved his hand in the air lazily.
He looked frustrated by the expression on his face, as if he found the conversation too boring to continue.
“Duke Ludwig. I haven’t done anything yet.”
“…….”
"I only seek one thing. A frightened King of Salt who willingly surrenders everything. I also do not wish for my dear citizens to come to harm."
Duke Ludwig did not believe him.
To His Highness, citizens are nothing more than grains of wheat to be harvested to fulfill his ambition.
However, there was nothing more to say than that. The Duke had no choice but to withdraw.
And shortly thereafter—
Once again, the doors of the audience hall opened.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet, Your Highness.”
The man who stepped forward cautiously was none other than Marquis Stefan.
With a bright smile on his face beneath his stubble, he bowed respectfully. But his polite gesture was met by Raiden's cold voice that split the air.
"What is this?"
Did Duke Ludwig, who had just left, upset his mood?
Even at first glance, the Crown Prince's annoyance was obvious, and Marquis Stefan couldn't help but deepen his smile.
After all, today was a day he couldn't back down.
After a long wait, he now stood in front of the Crown Prince, his eyes burning with determination.
“I must convince His Highness no matter what.”
The Stephane Marquis family was an ancient and prestigious family that had long flourished in the luxury goods trade, selling expensive goods exclusively to the nobility.
But recently, their storerooms have become empty, and the enormous wealth amassed by their ancestors has begun to dry up.
Their financial strength alone is no longer enough to revive their collapsed businesses.
The situation had deteriorated to the point that Marquis Stefan had no choice but to bow to the Crown Prince.
And the reason for all of this…
“That damned Grand Duke Blair!”
The Marquis gritted his teeth silently, then straightened up and looked directly at Raiden. Then, with his most pitiful expression, he raised his voice.
“Your Highness, the business ventures run by Grand Duke Blair’s family are disrupting the market order of the empire!”
Hearing his words, Raiden, who was resting his chin on his hand with an indifferent expression, raised the corner of his lips in amusement.
“You're saying you're disrupting the market system?”
Even in his dry tone, Stefan could detect a hint of interest.
Raiden, who was absently stroking his chin, adjusted his posture and fixed his gaze on the Marquis.
“Did you know that the Empress herself personally supports the actions of the Grand Duke?”
“…I am. My wife even sought to meet Her Majesty, but was told not to interfere as it was just a hobby.”
“I feel the same way. My mother, who has been devoted to me for so long, has finally found a new and interesting hobby.”
There was a short silence between the words.
“As her son, I can’t stop her.”
“…….”
“Even if I find it a little annoying.”
The reaction seemed spontaneous and indifferent.
But for Marquis Stefan, it was a very important piece of evidence. His eyes sparkled.
So His Highness finds it annoying in the end! This is correct. Under no circumstances could he allow Grand Duke Blair to act inappropriately.
The rivalry between the Crown Prince and Grand Duke Blair was no secret – he was as well known as a stray dog in the street.
This was precisely the reason why Stefan chose the Crown Prince as a last resort.
“Lifelong hostility does not simply disappear.”
Stefan laughed inwardly as he recalled the past – when young Kaiyan, despite being the son of an imperial concubine, excelled in all fields and posed a serious threat to Raiden's legitimacy.
That arrogant boy had once undermined Raiden's position as crown prince.
Things didn't settle down until Empress Kayan sent for Blair following his mother's death. The sudden death of Blair's former heir has strengthened Kayan's position as the new crown prince.
Since Kaien had voluntarily stepped down from the Imperial arena before the official confrontation, doubts about Raiden's legitimacy as crown prince had not completely disappeared among the nobles.
This means that Raiden still holds a grudge against Kaien.
All Stefan had to do was take advantage of that.
As an actor would do in a well-written play, Marquis Stefan voluntarily knelt before the Crown Prince.
Your Highness! My family is determined to restore order to the market, whatever the cost. Please, trust us!
“That would be... annoying.”
As expected, the Crown Prince seemed hesitant.
Although his words suggested hesitation, his demeanor remained as calm as ever.
And that's exactly why Stefan felt victorious.
As his expression gradually relaxed confidently, Raiden finally spoke.
“…If it was for the greater good, my mother would certainly overlook my investment in your family business.”
“Exactly, Your Highness. After all, what you are doing is only an ‘investment’, not an intervention. Moreover, Your Highness will have no direct knowledge of how I use the money you provide.”
"Sure. I'll simply trust you."
Before Stefan could blink, Raiden's voice followed.
“Marquis Stefan, I trust your great business acumen.”
Why then?
Why did Stefan feel a shiver run down his spine the moment his eyes met the prince's gentle gaze?
“…I will not disappoint you, Your Highness.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
Raiden quickly turned his head away, watching his target with an almost meek expression.
But his eyes were shining coldly like shards of glass.
* * *
Finally, the long ban on going out and the period of forced rest have ended.
It's been almost a month - effectively the equivalent of house arrest.
Maybe my fatigue was worse than I thought, as the forced rest lasted longer.
And now, outside, the season has passed the transition period, settling into the cool embrace of late autumn.
“...haaah.”
It was late afternoon, the perfect time for tea.
I took a slow sip from my cup, letting the warmth sink into me, then let out a sigh.
Then I turned my gaze to the crimson leaves drifting endlessly behind the balcony railing, and fell into deep thought.
As the weather gets colder, people will naturally look for more indoor entertainment…
Yes, to be honest, during quarantine, I came up with something I wanted to create.
But I hesitated to bring up the topic, fearing it would lead to more work.
The weight of my current responsibilities was already wearing me down… I couldn't take it anymore.
Indeed, the people of the Grand Duchy might kill me before my sense of duty killed me.
Ma'am, the wind is very cold. Please come in.
At that moment, Bonita went up to the balcony, carrying a thick shawl in one hand and a huge pile of documents in the other.