Chapter 91
Riena hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.
“He… he has helped me a lot in the past. So I really want to repay him, but I wasn’t sure what I could do.”
“A gift, then?”
At Sharon’s words, Riena nodded.
“A gift would be fine. Actually, I thought—since the captain’s a bit uncomfortable due to his injury—I could help with some of his chores…”
Trailing off, Riena recalled Henry from a few days ago.
“You don’t need to go that far to protect me. Really, it’s fine.”
When she had reached out to hold him, Henry had stiffened instead, clearly disliking the idea of appearing weak.
“But I thought that might be overstepping, so I figured a gift would be safer.”
“Hmmm.”
Sharon propped his chin on his hand and hummed quietly. Outwardly, he seemed to be thinking deeply, but in truth, his mind was racing.
“Hmm… this probably won’t work…”
He was already imagining countless scenarios.
After all, the biggest source of conflict in the novels he’d read often came from love triangles.
“These things always seem to cause misunderstandings later on.”
Clearing his throat, Sharon asked casually,
“What kind of help did he give you, Riena?”
“He saved me in a truly dangerous situation. He’s my benefactor.”
Sharon let out a small sigh. Of course—one who saved your life is unbeatable.
“That’s all?”
“All? What else would there be?”
Riena tilted her head, as if wondering what more could matter.
Noticing the direction of Sharon’s thoughts, she furrowed her brows slightly.
“Sharon.”
Her voice lowered in a scolding tone, but Sharon waved his hand nonchalantly.
“I was just asking. You asked me for a gift recommendation, didn’t you?”
He rose from his seat.
“Let’s go.”
***
Three days had passed since Dante arrived in Arbern.
The day after his arrival, he spent the entire day handling work at the townhouse.
On this third day, he needed to visit the palace to oversee the final arrangements for the farewell ceremony.
Dante’s white car—almost a symbol of him—glided along the wide palace garden road.
The summer greenery was lush, and the palace gardens were in full display of opulence, reflecting the tastes of the royal family.
Dante’s gaze swept over the ornamental trees and the brilliantly blooming flowers visible through the window, his expression dry and measured.
Before long, the car slowed as it reached the palace gates.
“We’ve arrived.”
The attendant in the front seat opened the rear door.
Guards at the palace glanced at the Grand Duke stepping out with a familiar air.
Dante Venachert, known as the most impressive man in the kingdom, had suddenly appeared before them—it was only natural for them to be taken aback.
His suit was impeccable, not a wrinkle in sight, yet Dante compulsively adjusted his jacket buttons—a habit ingrained since childhood.
Without an attendant, he strode forward confidently.
Even when visiting the palace, he rarely brought aides, which the nobles often considered arrogant—but Dante paid no mind.
“Welcome, Your Grace. I will guide you to your office within the palace.”
The usher, waiting in advance, bowed respectfully.
As a legitimate member of the royal family and a Grand Duke, Dante naturally had an office within the palace.
Dante nodded slightly in acknowledgment and walked in with the usher.
“Is the Crown Prince in the palace?”
A low voice echoed softly through the corridor.
“Yes. He is currently in His Majesty’s bedroom.”
“Ah, visiting the sick.”
With a light scoff, Dante gestured as if to dismiss the comment, having already reached the office.
“Please call me if there is anything you wish to have done.”
The usher bowed deeply and quietly withdrew, just as he had when receiving Dante.
Dante lingered for a moment, gazing around, then slowly entered the office. Though no one had used the space in a long time, it was spotless.
Sunlight poured lazily through the wide windows. Thanks to prior instructions that no ventilation was necessary, the heavy fragrance from the lavish garden did not reach inside.
On the desk, worn slightly with age but well-kept, the documents related to the farewell ceremony were neatly stacked.
Dante sat at the desk with ease, beginning to read through the topmost papers.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting red-golden light through the windows, the office was quiet except for the sound of papers turning and the scratching of his pen.
Suddenly, another sound intruded—a loud, heavy footstep, as if someone stomped in annoyance.
Dante furrowed his brow.
Bang!
“You’re really here.”
The annoying presence was none other than Crown PrinceRichard.
Dante glared, raising only his eyes.
“Close the door and leave. I’ll come to your office myself later.”
Reich flinched slightly at the cold tone but straightened quickly and shrugged.
“Is that really necessary? You’d just be inconvenienced… Since I’m here, let’s just talk now.”
Dante clicked his tongue in irritation as Richard slammed the door behind him.
“Can’t you see I’m busy? Do you know whose fault all this is?”
“Don’t be so harsh. There’s been a lot going on at the palace,” Reich said, avoiding Dante’s gaze as he plopped onto the sofa in the center of the office.
“What do you want to talk about?”
Dante exhaled softly, flipping through the papers, his tone icy as if to say: Get to the point and leave.
Richard clenched his jaw to keep from flaring up.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the resort project? If I had known in advance…”
“How was I to know you’d hit me over the head, Your Highness?”
Dante’s sarcastic retort made Reich grit his teeth. He wanted to lash out, but…
“…It caused quite a commotion. Especially with the Prime Minister!” Reich snapped.
Dante raised an eyebrow, silently saying, So what of it?
It wasn’t as if he didn’t expect the Prime Minister to make a fuss. Regardless, no matter how loud the Prime Minister complained, Dante’s business wasn’t affected. That was none of his concern.
“I claimed that I had temporarily granted the business development rights… But still, the Prime Minister’s constant fussing seemed strange. Did something happen between you and the Prime Minister?”
“What’s strange about it?”
“The Prime Minister always kept an eye on you. But lately, since last year, it feels like he’s openly opposing you.”
Richard glanced at Dante.
“It’s as if… he has some kind of scheme.”
He swallowed nervously. In truth, Reich was anxious. Both the Prime Minister and the Grand Duke were formidable personalities.
That’s why he brought it up—to see if Dante might act first.
“Just leave it be.”
“What? Leave it be? If you do nothing, the Prime Minister could threaten both the crown and the Grand Duke’s authority.”
Dante raised his eyebrow indifferently. So what?
Richard let out a frustrated sigh, grinding his teeth inwardly.
“As you know, His Majesty won’t last much longer. Most of the ministers have already sided with the Prime Minister… One wrong move, and the royal authority could shake.”
“You’re the Crown Prince, yet you have so much to say to me, the Grand Duke?” Dante tilted his head, smirking.
“Exactly, Reich. I told you to stay quiet while I played along in that farce.”
Reich stiffened, clenching his fists. He still had pride to protect, it seemed. Dante eyed him coolly.
It had been the Queen and the Crown Prince who had first raged when Dante refused to grant him the Grand Duke title. He had no need to help them now. Besides, they had played a part in pushing Dante’s parents to ruin. Dante’s gaze grew icy.
“Surely that’s not the only reason you barged into my office, Crown Prince.”
Hesitating, Richard finally spoke,
“…Do you remember Miss Winfield?”
Dante frowned slightly before answering,
“Ah, the Prime Minister’s daughter, right?”
“Yes. Anaista is still unmarried.”
Dante chuckled quietly.
So the Prime Minister had pushed the Crown Prince to bring up something completely useless.
