Chapter 40
Among Duke Klaus’s major investments was in Zurchen.
If Elmur were chosen as the central city instead of Zurchen, Klaus’s finances would waver.
A faint smile played on Eshika’s lips as she looked out the window.
“It’s quite nice to know the future. You can make plans.”
Soon, she found herself contemplating the drawer containing the prince’s emerald ring.
‘If only it were a variable….
Even in Bridgette, emeralds as pure as these were rare.
It was an exquisite ring, worthy of admiration for its excellent craftsmanship and rare materials.
Of course, as the prince, he might not find it remarkable, considering the massive loot he brought back during the conquest wars to reclaim the old territories.
‘…Crown Prince haaa’
Prince Lesvan Deon Lucaine, with his black hair and cold golden eyes, was a beautiful and strong man.
He seemed interested in me.
The wasteland of Elmur, where Eshika lives, will yield dozens of times the profit.
The money would be enough to buy….. Klaus, which is exactly what she needs to make her second plan work.
But what will the Crown Prince think of her when he finds out she bought Elmur in advance?
Suddenly, she remembered what Resvan had said.
“Everything in the Empire belongs to the emperor. Duke Klaus is no exception.”
However, facing the question of whether she would back down from her plans, she remained skeptical.
Of course, she still couldn’t figure out his true intentions.
After all, Klaus was just a useless second prince supporter for him. Maybe he would turn a blind eye.
“…”
Lesvan’s impression was very strong.
With his cold and dignified appearance, slightly languid gaze, he exuded a mix of nobility and wild charm.
Even in books, the prince was only described by his actions, leaving his inner thoughts a mystery.
‘A characteristic of the masters, indeed.’
The spirits of the past were like that.
They are fierce, ferocious, sensitive, and mysterious.
Whether only such monsters became masters or if they changed after becoming masters was unclear.
Meanwhile, in the study, Kallian, engrossed in his work, suddenly looked up at the open door.
Yurie, carrying tea and cookies, was approaching.
With her bright blonde hair tied up, dressed in a maid’s uniform, Yurie’s face seemed somewhat pale.
“Your Highness.”
Placing the tea and cookies down, Yurie spoke with a gentle voice.
“Please take a break. I’m worried about your health.”
“Well…”
After covering the documents for a moment, Kallian looked at Yurie’s red eyes and said,
“I’m more concerned about your health than mine, especially after you said you stumbled on the stairs.”
A brief pause, and Kallian, looking at Yurie’s red eyes, continued,
“Take a break.”
Yurie’s red pupils shook for a moment upon Kallian’s joking words.
Soon, she blushed slightly and lowered her head.
“I’m fine, Your Grace.”
Yurie turned away, walking towards the door.
Kallian’s eyebrows twitched for a moment.
“…Wait.”
Hesitating, Yurie did not turn back to look at Kallian.
He didn’t notice the slight rise in the corner of her mouth.
“Is there any reason for your limp? It’s been quite some time since you were injured…,” Kallian said.
“I just… tripped.”
Yurie, avoiding eye contact, did not face Kallian, who looked concerned.
Kallian rose from his seat and walked towards Yurie with a stern expression.
Then, he lowered his body.
“…Duke.”
Kallian’s face, looking up at her from below, was enchanting, almost surreal.
Yurie blushed but didn’t stop Kallian from lifting her skirt.
Yurie knew what Kallian would see.
Though the wounds had healed, scars remained, and the sight was enough to make anyone flinch.
“This is…”
Indeed, Kallian’s eyebrows stiffened.
Yurie confirmed his reaction before stepping back a bit.
Standing up, Kallian asked Yurie,
“What happened?”
“Last time, I fell down the stairs…”
“It’s not just a regular injury. Even a child would notice that.”
Intentionally avoiding Kallian’s gaze, Yurie sadly glanced away.
Kallian observed her and wondered who could inflict such harm.
Yurie Anesys, delicate and gentle like a flower.
Sometimes unbelievably kind…
“…Is it Eshika?”
Suddenly, Kallian spoke her name.
If there was anyone who would harbor resentment against Yurie, it would probably be just one person.
Eshika, who had felt betrayed between Yurie and himself.
Kallian’s heart started beating faster.
Pound pound –
“Could it be… you’ve developed an interest in me?”
Eshika had claimed that she had no interest in him.
But if she still resented and envied Yurie…
Kallian’s eyes seemed to have realized something.
There wouldn’t be a woman who’d go to such lengths because of a man she had absolutely no interest in.
“Yurie, tell me properly!”