TPHRU 64

Chapter 64…

The Crown Prince’s Skill.

“By the way, has Celine’s cousin in the Chalcedony Empire already become the adopted son of that count’s family? Do you think we can invite him to our engagement ceremony?”

Alexis asked the question without letting his dazzling prince-like smile falter.
Concealing his true emotions was something he had mastered since childhood—a survival skill that came naturally to him.

The engagement ceremony was only a month away now.
Not that he ever had the slightest intention of actually going through with the engagement.

“Well, yes. Our engagement ceremony. I’m sure it will be a wonderful event… My mother has prepared the most beautiful dress for me. I simply can’t wait to stand beside you, Lord Alexis, wearing it. Of course, my cousin will be attending as well, as the heir to the count’s family.”

Celine replied proudly, a blissful look spreading across her face as she repeated the words “engagement ceremony.”

“A future queen and a count of the empire, hmm? Your family is truly full of exceptional people,” Alexis said, further stroking her ego.
Go on, he thought. Tell me more.

“Yes, my younger brother Maxim is also working hard to inherit the Dupla Marquisate, and my grandfather says he’s very proud of us,” she continued.

“Your grandfather—would that be Baron Raymond?”

“Yes. Grandfather has many connections among the nobles of the Chalcedony Empire, and his major business dealings there seem to be going very well. He even said that once I become the crown princess, he’ll make further donations to the royal family.”

Celine was in such high spirits that she kept talking and talking, even about things no one had asked.

It seemed she had no idea how tense the relationship between the Kingdom of Rubellite and the Chalcedony Empire had become beneath the surface.
Moreover, the fact that Baron Raymond—who was also an arms dealer—was doing such thriving business likely meant that the Chalcedony Empire was purchasing large quantities of weapons.
It was even possible that Rubellite’s own weapons technology was being leaked to them.