# 20 - 20
* * *
“A 20-carat yellow diamond, extracted from the Anbejo mine and cut by the craftsman Vagret, has been Empress Iris’ most prized possession for 200 years.”
“….”
“Grandgery Castle with 20 rooms located in the southern resort and 2000 pyeong private beach.”
“….”
“20 chests full of gold.”
“….”
“Pick one.”
As I listened to the Grand Duke's voice, I only had one thought.
“Does the Grand Duke like the number 20?”
Or did he deliberately unite everything with twenty?
However, each one of them was an amazing gift that made my head spin.
No, actually, the word “gift” seemed a bit modest. It was a fortune that seemed unreal.
Was all this compensation to protect the memory of the deceased Grand Duchess?
“As expected, obsessive love is this terrifying.”
Someone once said that adding salt to sweetness makes it sweeter.
I now felt through immense wealth that adding mutual hatred to pure love becomes a love that cannot be exchanged even if I give the whole world.
If you choose the Yellow Diamond and sell it at the auction house, the amount will be huge, and the private castle overlooking the beach will be a dream for the common people.
20 chests full of gold was, wow….
Just hearing that made my lips curl uncontrollably.
That was lucky. Even if Tulia knew nothing else, she had certainly mastered etiquette.
What will you choose? Tulia.
I was sitting listening with a humble and polite expression, but in reality I was crying inside.
Because in order to achieve that A, I had to give up all those great things.
"serious."
After I finish speaking with the Grand Duke and return to my room, I will have to cover myself with a blanket and cry loudly
“Is this compensation to protect grandma’s land?”
For a moment, Grand Duke Fraser's eyebrows twitched.
If I hadn't gained that obsessive romantic interest, the Grand Duke's eyes would have been terrifying enough like a lion to crush me on the spot.
“But now it's not so scary?”
At least regarding matters relating to the Grand Duchess.
Grand Duke Fraser, who had been staring at me for some time, nodded his head as if satisfied.
“It's compensation for a young man who reminds me of the Fraser Family Code.”
"Show."
I continued speaking obediently.
“So, Grandpa. If I don’t want these three things, what will you do?”
“…?”
Grand Duke Fraser's assistant frowned. He had an expression asking if this kid had gone crazy, so I quickly added
I want different compensation. You can make the decision after hearing it.
"…Tell me."
“I don’t have a father to protect me now, and my mother also passed away.”
“….”
“Grand Duke Fraser’s Main Castle is as spacious as the Imperial Palace, and I need more dignity to protect myself.”
She looked at Grand Duke Fraser's assistant and spoke carefully but clearly.
I want to pre-order the “Direct Lineage” pendant. Oh grandpa.
“Under family law, direct lineage can be obtained on a person’s 16th birthday.”
Grand Duke Fraser raised one eyebrow.
“And yet you refuse the gift I offer you to ask for now?”
I asked cautiously.
“That… grandpa.”
I really asked because I didn't know
When is my birthday?
"…What?"
“No, since no one took care of me, I don’t really know my birthday either… I’m sorry.”
Even though I played for a very long time, I wasn't up to memorizing all the characters' birthdays!
Especially since Tulia was just a beautiful villain, how could I know such a thing as her birthday?
But it seems that my answer did not satisfy Grand Duke Fraser.
His gaze changed strangely again.
Like an icy sea where snowflakes began to settle.
Oh, why again? What didn't he like this time?
While I was busy reading the mood, wondering if I had done something wrong again, Grand Duke Fraser's assistant suddenly turned around.
"grandfather?"
“Indeed, in many ways...”
“...yes?”
“No, it's okay.”
An order to leave followed.
“Go and leave now.”
* * *
"my dad! "This is ridiculous!"
Viscount Lilius rarely raised his voice against the Grand Duke's aide, Fraser
He was in a state where the area under his eyes had turned black due to incurring a large debt due to his recent failure to secure the ownership of Statis Plain.
Maybe that's why. Since he had nothing left to lose, he did not hesitate to shout at the Grand Duke.
“Tullia has not given birth to her first child yet, and you are giving her direct lineage authority!”
Furthermore, Tedric was currently in a state where his direct lineage pendant had been confiscated, making the comparison even more obvious!
“How dare you raise your voice at me?”
Upon hearing the majestic voice, Viscount Lilius immediately bowed his shoulders and clasped his hands together.
He continued speaking in a calmer voice.
“But, Father, the Tullia matter is meaningless.”
“Why do you object to the decision made by the head of the family, Viscount Lilius?”
Tullia didn't learn anything good. You will belittle the direct lineage.
Upon hearing the words “He hasn’t learned anything properly,” Grand Duke Fraser instead remembered Tullia not long ago.
The area in which the imperial family, prominent noble houses, and trading companies invested most of their budget was the ancient language.
The amazing Tulia learned that ancient language so well through self-study.
“Maybe this kid really is a genius.”
Like her grandmother, who was dealing with more difficult problems.
Like the deceased Grand Duchess.
But Grand Duke Fraser quickly shook his head.
No, I must see the child as she is. Comparing her to other great talents is poison.
Because he did not know what Grand Duke Fraser was thinking, Viscount Lilius spoke forcefully.
Father, wouldn't it be appropriate, according to the family law, to appoint a tutor for Tulia, give birth to a new girl, and then give her a direct lineage necklace?
“Viscount Lilius.”
Hearing the stern voice, Lilius finally shuddered and closed his mouth
“This is my decision.”
“B-but daddy...”
“You will naturally undergo the basic exam first.”
“But...”
In the past, Lilius would have been reassured by those words.
But not now.
Tulia Fraser has changed a lot. More than just a patient who suffered a severe blow to the head
He felt an uncomfortable feeling that she would strangely even pass the exam to obtain the Direct Lineage Pendant.
Just as Lilius was about to say another word, he moved his lips.
Grand Duke Fraser put his hands behind his back and turned his head.
“And does Tullia Fraser know family laws better than you, Viscount Lilius Fraser?”
“…!”
The Grand Duke was referring to what happened during the voting meeting. In the end, Lilius' face turned pale
* * *
“Miss, how about this dove-colored outfit for today?”
"good."
Most of the dresses hanging in Tullia's closet had wide sleeves. It was normal for them to be decorated with lace, jewelry, ribbons, and the like.
But this outer dress that Adil brought now had fitted sleeves and a dark lining, making it practical.
'This means that ink stains will not be as visible.'
“The lady will pass the exam.”
Adel's words were warm.
Of course, she didn't know that Lilius and Aubrey had never given me a private tutor, which was why she was saying such things.
However, having someone who blindly believed in me and encouraged me wasn't a bad thing.
Your older siblings also passed the direct lineage exam with excellent grades. And of course you will succeed too, miss.
'Oh, right. They were both meant to be very intelligent.'
As twins, they were gifted individuals who possessed beauty and intelligence, as befits major male candidates.
Even though they were in the academy back then, they would come to the main castle regularly once or twice a year.
“They used to come to the Grand Duke’s birthday party, so they will come soon.”
I swallowed a sigh as I briefly thought about the relationship between them and Tullia.
“This won't be easy either.”
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