Why would the Marchese want to hire cheap labor through the Ilamina Union?
It was clear.
“It must be because of the Imbros Guild’s chronic problem.”
In the past, once rumors spread that the Imbros Guild was making a huge fortune from its shipping business, it quickly became the main target – by land and sea.
More precisely, for the sector.
As the compensation value for delivered goods increased, the risks inevitably increased. At SALT, I had learned that the ever-increasing cost of hiring security was beginning to threaten their profits.
Naturally, the Imbros Guild Master was going to do everything he could to reduce labor costs.
Therefore, nothing compares to the manpower of the Union.
I, who had previously employed them to build dams in the Grand Duke's lands, knew very well how important the union's freely crossing border manpower was to the guild's operations.
However, despite this, the reason why the union of Ilamina and Imbros has not yet been linked is because of this…
“These days, if you're not introduced to someone, you rarely form any connections – especially with people from the Empire.”
The Klitan Empire is a true superpower that dominates the entire continent and influences its neighbors; Under normal circumstances, you do not need any outside help. But as the Imbros Guild grew and its logistics business expanded to regions beyond the Empire, things changed.
But that was just a matter for the guild itself.
The small, interconnected states did not deal easily with those from the empire.
In particular, Count Golbru of the Ilamina Union was extremely difficult to approach – he adhered to such an exclusive policy that he would not meet anyone unless they were introduced by a long-time trusted confidant.
“From the Marchioness of Imbros’s point of view, she will have no choice but to accept my offer.”
Click, click.
As the ever-growing weeds caressed my ankles, I found myself in the main garden of the Imperial Palace.
“…Well, I think it went well.”
"What do you mean by that?"
As I was about to enter the garden, a voice suddenly stopped me in my tracks.
I instantly knew who it was coming from without even looking.
“This is not a forbidden garden, so why on earth…?”
All the efforts I had made to avoid reverting to my previous steps suddenly seemed meaningless.
But I could not delay any longer.
“Crown Prince?”
“Enough of these stilted greetings.”
I, who was about to bow quickly according to proper etiquette, froze completely.
At that moment, my eyes met his golden gaze as he raised his hand.
“Not long ago... I was very rude.”
After a short silence, I managed to offer a hesitant apology, because I saw no sign of hostility in his eyes.
Besides, I belatedly remembered that during our last tea session, he had already shown me a great deal of goodwill.
“No, it's okay. Although I didn't expect you to enter my kingdom, miss.”
“I accidentally lost my way...”
“Hmm, is this true?”
As his slender fingers caressed his chin, Raiden leaned toward me. As we approached, I was overwhelmed by the light, woody scent of his perfume. After his soft, gentle gaze touched my body, he asked an unexpected question.
“What exactly are you?”
"…Yes?"
“Dear Grand Duke Blair used to describe the young woman as a social misfit, but now she seems completely normal.”
Ooops!
“It is simply that he has a rigid view of the world that makes his ideas generally difficult to understand.”
“And since he has never made his debut in high society—he lives in seclusion—he is somewhat ignorant of proper etiquette.”
Only then did I remember how the Grand Duke had described me during the last tea session, causing me to hastily abandon my perfect posture.
“Ha, ha, ha,” I started laughing lightly.
But what was strange was that the moment she met the Crown Prince's uniquely curved eyes, she felt an irresistible urge to laugh.
I prayed to God that it was just an illusion. Please, let it be so!
“You're late.”
However, as always, I tried to ignore that things were quickly getting out of control, and asked awkwardly, “What do you mean by that…?”
The Crown Prince, carefully observing my miserable efforts, replied in a calm tone: “I am somewhat lenient with those who have talent, so I would prefer you not feel embarrassed.”
"Yes?"
“It means you don't have to make an offer.”
“Ah, I…”
Thank God.
After sighing deeply, I continued in as calm a tone as I could: "...I'm actually an antisocial person. I'm very afraid of making any mistakes in front of Your Highness."
“Um.”
But the annoying and cunning Raiden did not care about my bold admission that I was crazy. In fact, he looked surprised, as if he had discovered something very interesting.
“If I stay like this, I will find myself helplessly stuck in it.”
Since there is no longer a Grand Duke to protect me like before, the only option is to leave as quickly as possible.
“Okay, I'll go now.”
"I am waiting."
Indeed, I was inevitably arrested.
Squeak - Forcing my head, which was completely still, to turn, Raiden, who had been standing still, gave a gentle smile.
“By the way, weren’t you supposed to return to the Grand Duke’s lands soon?”
“Ah, yes. That's right.”
“Were you originally staying at the Grand Duke’s residence?”
“Yes, yes.”
“So, you don't plan to stay in the palace?”
"No no…?"
Trying to get out of the situation, I just nodded and started answering the question that was directed to me. Perhaps he had anticipated my answer, so he explained his implicit question to me in nice detail.
“Isn’t it necessary to produce and distribute those cups? In this respect, the palace has a much better location than the Grand Duchy of Blair to the north.”
“……”
“In addition, my mother has great respect for you. This will be a great opportunity for you to become a consort of the royal family.”
Tempting, isn't it?
The way he presented the offer, with such confidence, practically screamed: Under no circumstances can you refuse this offer.
But his proposal did not end there.
"And if you stay here, you might as well find a suitable husband. Many promising young men constantly visit the palace."
But I couldn't give him the reaction he expected.
Because…
This raises suspicions!
What had just come out of Raiden's mouth was one of those opportunities that one might only get once in a lifetime.
If I were really just an insignificant secondary relative of the Belil family, I would have grabbed this opportunity without hesitation.
But...yeah, no.
“I apologize, Your Highness.”
I turned completely around to face Raiden, and my eyes met his shining golden ones directly.
“I'm afraid that won't be possible.”
"…impossible?"
His tone held the disbelief of someone not used to being challenged.
However, I didn't pay any attention to it and continued talking, my facial expression somber.
“Yes, that's impossible. The truth is...”
Just before I finished my sentence, an idea occurred to me.
Thank goodness.
“I'm deep in debt.”
"religion?"
“Somehow... I ended up owing Duke Blair an astronomical sum. In other words, I have so much debt that I can't even think about getting married...”
The Duke portrays me as a social outcast...