Chapter 92
“So, the part about welcoming a new Grand Duchess… it turns out he meant his own daughter as the bride, huh.”
It wasn’t exactly something Richard needed to broadcast. Eventually, everyone would find out once the matter progressed anyway.
Besides, Dante Venachert was sharp; he probably figured that any underhanded move would be ineffective.
That’s why he likely thought it best to just lay his hand openly. The fact that he’d prompted Richard to deliver the message outright seemed to confirm that.
Now was the moment. Richard, seizing the opportunity, added casually,
“After all, noble marriages are for the sake of family cooperation, nothing else. And Lady Anaista has both beauty and intelligence—she would suit the position of Grand Duchess perfectly.”
Dante’s brows twitched at the words spilling out without filter.
He barely restrained the curse threatening to escape his lips, then slowly spoke,
“This conversation has gone on long enough. Please, leave now, Your Highness.”
Richard had expected refusal, but he couldn’t accept such an easy retreat. He opened his mouth again, trying to persuade him,
“Then! How about at least an engagement? If you were betrothed to the lady, the Prime Minister wouldn’t keep causing trouble…”
“So why should I?”
Dante’s voice dropped sharply in irritation.
His golden eyes flared vividly.
“Why should I do something just for your benefit?”
“At the very least, pretend to consider my suggestion. After all, engagements can be broken at any time, can’t they?”
The prince’s trivial remark was now barely irritating Dante.
That was probably why the old man fussed over him constantly.
“My involvement in royal matters ends strictly with the farewell ceremony. I hope there will be no further need to summon me to the palace for this kind of nonsense.”
Richard frowned.
“Are you saying you refuse to fulfill even your duties as Grand Duke?”
“I’ve already done plenty. Just how much more do you expect me to do? I even repaid the national debt you defaulted on.”
“…”
“Don’t misunderstand. I repaid that debt out of respect for the royal family my mother belonged to.”
Four years ago, around the time he had just married, an explosion had occurred in a mine owned by the crown.
The mine was a major part of royal finances, and its shutdown caused a huge deficit.
The royal family tried to make up for the shortfall by selling state land and even issuing short-term national bonds—but it was never enough.
Eventually, Dante, who had just begun earning profits from his business, had to step in and repay the debt himself.
He hadn’t entirely lost out, of course—he also bought up all the state lands that had been sold off at a bargain.
Dante’s remark left Richard silent.
There was nothing left to argue.
Watching him clamp his mouth shut, Dante smirked faintly.
“So, stop posturing and just stay put, Richard.”
***
The largest district in Florian was the plaza market.
The noise never stopped: merchants shouting, onlookers chatting, nearby taverns calling customers.
It was a completely different atmosphere from the seaside area where Riena usually spent her time.
Various stalls and shops caught the eye with their countless items: tableware, small accessories, clothing, and decorations.
Sharon, who loved browsing, was on the verge of being overwhelmed.
“What about this?”
Today, she wasn’t here for herself! She held back her excitement, focusing on possible gift options in her mind.
The first thing Sharon pointed out was a men’s leather belt. Riena hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.
“It’s not bad, but…”
Meaning it didn’t suit her taste.
Sharon, now accustomed to Riena’s way of speaking, clicked her tongue and led her onward with a hint of regret. Soon, they were even walking arm in arm.
Riena looked somewhat awkward, but Sharon’s excitement made her link arms immediately upon arriving at the market.
Sharon was comfortable with such contact, and Riena, though surprised, secretly enjoyed the friendly gesture.
At first, Sharon had been cheerful too…
“…Riena, be honest. There was something you wanted but didn’t buy because it was too expensive, right?”
Sharon, slightly weary after a few rounds, asked with a puff of air.
“No, it’s not that… tired? Do you want to rest? I can take one more round by myself.”
Riena asked, lowering her eyebrows apologetically.
She did want to explore more, but the thought of being left behind surprised Sharon.
She stared blankly for a moment, then pursed her lips and shook her head.
“…No, it’s fine! Let’s just do one more round!”
It wasn’t that Sharon’s resolve had weakened because of Riena’s sad look.
“Okay, Riena. If you see anything you need while walking, let me know. I’ll buy it for you.”
Seeing her shy smile, Sharon lightly touched her chest. The memory of imagining her in private made her conscience prick, but she ignored the pang.
This time, Sharon warned that it was really the last round.
Riena laughed quietly and continued walking with her.
Meanwhile, a casually dressed man quietly followed them, observing—someone Calis had stationed beforehand.
Sharon and Riena, unaware they were being trailed, were too absorbed in browsing.
Finally, Riena stopped at a stall with some decent items and carefully examined them.
She was seriously considering the gift.
“Miss, how about this? It’s a silver pipe. A bit pricey, but it has that masculine charm…”
“I’m sorry. I don’t smoke cigars.”
Riena shook her head firmly. The stall owner awkwardly put the pipe down.
Sharon, watching the entire scene, clicked her tongue quietly. Riena was surprisingly particular. Usually, she wouldn’t have noticed, but now, judging by how she examined the goods…
After several rounds, Sharon had to keep reminding her it was the last chance.
Eventually, Riena reluctantly stopped and carefully looked over the last stall.
The stall owner, seeing her examine a small brooch about two finger-widths across, said,
“Then how about this! I got this from across the sea—well, not exactly, brought it via a chain of dealers… enamel painted…”
“This is a fake, isn’t it? And… it’s not enamel, just painted with clear varnish, right?”
“Eh…”
Her standards were high. Even among these mediocre goods, she picked the best one.
Sharon watched, eyes shining.
Riena wasn’t easily fooled by the seller’s words, and her keen judgment was impressive.
Finally, Riena carefully pointed to the item.
“I’ll take this one.”
“Well, it’s silver, so a bit pricey… are you sure?”
“Yes. I chose it because it’s silver.”
Riena smiled gently.
The excited owner quickly began to wrap it.
Sharon nodded to herself discreetly.
Riena was definitely different from the local people.
Considering she came from the capital, it wasn’t just a matter of region—it was the aura of a well-educated noble.
The seller, handing over the ribbon-wrapped item, asked politely,
“Miss, do you work for a noble family? Like a tutor…?”
“No, thank you.”
Riena answered vaguely, bowed slightly, and walked on with Sharon.
“Finally bought it!”
Seeing Riena hold the gift carefully, Sharon beamed.
She was finally heading home!
Riena smiled faintly, still holding the gift gently.
“I’m glad I found something decent. A bit pricey, but it’s a gift…”
Sharon, trying to ignore a certain image that surfaced in her mind, nodded enthusiastically.
“There was nothing particularly noticeable. What she did was simply choosing a gift with an acquaintance in the marketplace.”
“Oh, yes. About the gift?”
Calis tilted his head.
“Yes. She chose a men’s pocket watch. Seeing her wrap it with a ribbon, it seemed intended as a gift for someone.”
For a man? Calis nodded after a brief thought.
“Good work. Please continue your duties for the remaining week.”
After dismissing the agent who had completed today’s surveillance, Calis turned back.
There were still tasks to handle.
The Grand Duke’s orders required her to report every detail of the day by telegram.
