"...Ah!"
In the end, Countess Casper saw blood. She pretended not to notice, but her anxious feelings were so obvious that Cecilia couldn't help but laugh at her.
"Are you okay?"
“Yes, yes. It's okay.”
Countess Casper barely managed to raise the corners of her lips with her pale face. Her trembling lips were pitiful.
"Well, that's why there's talk that people who are deeply in debt are flocking to Driton."
“If it's Driton... is it the border?”
“Yes. The area adjacent to the border with Benia.”
Cecilia answered obediently.
“There's an abandoned mine nearby. But they said it wasn't closed because it was really unprofitable.”
"Then?"
Countess Casper asked Cecilia with a curious look on her face.
“There was a big accident once, and after paying off the compensation, there was no development cost. No one wanted to work nearby.”
"Ah..."
“But actually, I guess that place is a gold mine.”
Cecilia whispered softly, leaning close to Countess Casper as if telling a secret. For a moment, Countess Casper's eyes sparkled like stars.
“So, I'm looking for investors, and it's a secret that only those in the know know. That's what His Highness said.”
Countess Casper let out a small exclamation at Cecilia's words. If Eden had told Cecilia in detail, then the investment must have been quite good.
“Ah, that's the other investment project that Your Highness mentioned earlier…”
As Countess Casper muttered involuntarily, Cecilia raised her index finger vertically and covered her mouth.
“I shouldn't have told anyone, but Countess Casper is like a mother to His Highness. Aren't you?”
At Cecilia's words, Countess Casper nodded with a bright face.
“Just in case, I would like you to keep this a secret from His Highness the Grand Duke. I don't want to seem like someone who opens my mouth easily.”
“How could I possibly harm Your Highness?”
"Yes, I believe so."
Countess Casper looked satisfied at the trust shown by Cecilia. One might have been the satisfaction of having the young Grand Duchess couple in her hands, and the other might have been the joy of having the miserable family problems solved.
If her intentions behind her words were pure, and if the business was not doomed to failure, her joy would have been justified.
Cecilia smiled quietly.
In the end, Countess Casper saw blood. She pretended not to notice, but her anxious feelings were so obvious that Cecilia couldn't help but laugh at her.
"Are you okay?"
“Yes, yes. It's okay.”
Countess Casper barely managed to raise the corners of her lips with her pale face. Her trembling lips were pitiful.
"Well, that's why there's talk that people who are deeply in debt are flocking to Driton."
“If it's Driton... is it the border?”
“Yes. The area adjacent to the border with Benia.”
Cecilia answered obediently.
“There's an abandoned mine nearby. But they said it wasn't closed because it was really unprofitable.”
"Then?"
Countess Casper asked Cecilia with a curious look on her face.
“There was a big accident once, and after paying off the compensation, there was no development cost. No one wanted to work nearby.”
"Ah..."
“But actually, I guess that place is a gold mine.”
Cecilia whispered softly, leaning close to Countess Casper as if telling a secret. For a moment, Countess Casper's eyes sparkled like stars.
“So, I'm looking for investors, and it's a secret that only those in the know know. That's what His Highness said.”
Countess Casper let out a small exclamation at Cecilia's words. If Eden had told Cecilia in detail, then the investment must have been quite good.
“Ah, that's the other investment project that Your Highness mentioned earlier…”
As Countess Casper muttered involuntarily, Cecilia raised her index finger vertically and covered her mouth.
“I shouldn't have told anyone, but Countess Casper is like a mother to His Highness. Aren't you?”
At Cecilia's words, Countess Casper nodded with a bright face.
“Just in case, I would like you to keep this a secret from His Highness the Grand Duke. I don't want to seem like someone who opens my mouth easily.”
“How could I possibly harm Your Highness?”
"Yes, I believe so."
Countess Casper looked satisfied at the trust shown by Cecilia. One might have been the satisfaction of having the young Grand Duchess couple in her hands, and the other might have been the joy of having the miserable family problems solved.
If her intentions behind her words were pure, and if the business was not doomed to failure, her joy would have been justified.
Cecilia smiled quietly.
***
Instead of tying the tie, Eden rang the bell that was on the table.
“Your Highness. This is Enon.”
The door opened with a loud noise and Enon appeared.
“The agent sent from Venice has arrived.”
“Go now. Tell them to take him to the reception room first.”
Eden, who had been neatly tied, put on white gloves last. It was an outfit that had grown to show his presence as a member of the royal family. After all, it was different when the royal family was present at the negotiating table and when they were not.
“Have you prepared the negotiation document in advance?”
"Yes, you don't have to worry."
Eden asked as he walked down the stairs to the first floor. Enon answered immediately with a face of obviousness.
“This is Lord Eden Robana Burnett, the second son of Wyatt and Grand Duke of Burnett.”
It was when he was standing in front of the reception room door that the servant announced Eden's position in a boastful manner as if he was bragging about the good things he had.
“Meet Grand Duke Burnett. This is Cloud Felice.”
The representative of Emperor Benia bowed his head respectfully to Eden. Eden greeted him leisurely.
“Duke Felice. I am sorry to have met you on such an unpleasant note. I hope today's negotiations will conclude amicably.”
Duke Felice nodded at Eden's words. He was too annoyed by the situation where he had to take on the role of diplomat due to the incident that occurred in the border region.
“First of all, the Wyatt Royal Family protests the detention of the residents of Laner Island.”
“That…”
“On the surface, yes.”
It was when Duke Felice was about to explain to Eden that Eden calmly cut him off.
“The Imperial Family is not unaware that the problem lies with the island's fishermen, who have ignored the warnings of the Benia Navy and continued to fish.”
In Eden's calm demeanor, no regrets could be read toward Duke Felice or Benia. Duke Felice, who had expected an argument, expressed his agreement with a much more relieved expression.
"But I don't think it's just because fishermen can't give up their greed."
"What are you talking about?"
Duke Felice asked cautiously.
“Why do fishermen keep heading to the sea of Benia?”
Eden's fingers tapped the table as if playing an instrument. Duke Felice's eyes were caught by the long, straight fingers without his knowledge, and he became embarrassed.
“Is it simply because there are a lot of fish in that sea? Or is it a frog-like desire to do something more when told not to?”
“I think both apply. However...”
“However?”
In response to Eden's question, Duke Felice met Eden's gaze. Although Eden was of royal blood, Duke Felice was also experienced enough to serve as a diplomat to foreign countries.
"I guess it's because the border between the two countries is not clear."
Eden nodded at Duke Felice's words.
“I agree with the Duke. They just followed the customary maritime boundaries of long ago, and the exact borders were never officially declared, so I think it was natural for them to do so.”
Eden respected Duke Felice's opinion, while at the same time recognizing Wyatt's lack of management skills. Duke Felice looked at Eden with somewhat surprised eyes. He had guessed that Eden would come out like this.
"Well, I think it would be good to clear things up in this meeting."
“…”
“I believe you have already received information from the imperial family.”
Of course, with that clean face and the affluent environment, it was unlikely that he would have developed any stubbornness. Duke Felice readily agreed to Eden's words.
"That's why I prepared the negotiation document in advance."
At Eden's beckoning, Enon brought the negotiation paper. Duke Felice stared blankly at the paper spread out on the table. The content was simple.
Wyatt promises to respect Benia's waters in the future by restraining fishermen's activities and directing residents to the tourism industry. Any problems that arise in the future will be at Benia's discretion, but the fishermen who were detained this time will be released.
“Also, we want to make it clear that Laner Island belongs to Wyatt, to prevent future conflicts...”
In fact, the issue of ownership of the island was something that Duke Felice could not decide on his own. Although he was the agent, he was nothing more than the Emperor's parrot.
'If it's an island in Wyatt's imperial territory, then I'll tell him to take responsibility for it!'
But ironically, this time he was ordered to bring down the hammer on an island that was uselessly draining Benia's resources.
“Is there any clause that concerns you?”
“No. It's a clean decision.”
Because the existence of an island that was poor, had no resources and was always in conflict with its own people was of no importance to anyone.
"However, rather than just going with this negotiation document and releasing those who committed crimes..."
But he could not help but think of practical matters. Duke Felice secretly hinted at the idea of setting a reasonable price for the release of the captive inhabitants of Laner Island.
"I will pay their price personally."
Contrary to expectations that he would frown, Eden readily agreed to pay the price for releasing them.
Why are you so obedient? Is there another secret we don't know about? Duke Felice had a faint suspicion.
“Because the father of the maid whom your wife cherishes is included there.”
But the very next moment, Duke Felice saw Eden's smiling face as he told the story of his wife. There was no falseness in the affection on his haggard face.
"I guess you really care about the Grand Duchess."
Eden did not answer, but Duke Felice read a sufficient answer there. Thus Duke Felice no longer doubted him. If he had simply said that it was goodwill for the imperial people, he would not have believed it, but if it was such a personal feeling, he thought it could be done.
“Fifty thousand deluts per person. That would be about the same as one gold nugget at the current Benia price.”
“…”
“Is it not enough?”
"No."
Duke Felice shook his head. The people Eden was trying to be free were not nobles, but commoners. It was not right to pay such a high price for their release.
Besides, Benia had no intention of giving up on their relationship with Wyatt.
“His Majesty the Emperor will be completely satisfied.”
In the blank space of the negotiation document that Eden had prepared with a satisfied face, he added a clause that he would pay 50,000 Deluts for each detained fisherman. He also left his signature on behalf of Wyatt. Duke Felice also wrote that he would leave his name on behalf of the Emperor of Benia.
“The negotiations were over in the time it took to smoke a cigar.”
Duke Felice looked down at the signed second copy of the agreement and chuckled.
"Thanks to the Duke."
Eden naturally praised Duke Felice's attitude and instructed Enon to take the negotiation document. Enon naturally took a copy of the negotiation document from the table and put it in a cylinder.
“I will report back to you as soon as I get back, and I promise to return safely all those detained under the name of the Felice Dukes to Wyatt.”
Duke Felice, emphasizing that the negotiations had been concluded in his own name, left Emperor Wyatt's villa.
"I knew you could do it in one go."
Enon, who had been standing next to Eden the whole time he was seeing him off, smiled proudly as if he had known this would happen.
“Then, let's take a little rest and then go back...”
“I plan to go back right away.”
Enon couldn't bring himself to ask what was going on and just blinked. Everything had been going on so hectic lately, so he believed he could relax now that the work was over.
But his superior seemed to think differently. Enon, who was in no position to say no, nodded after a short sigh.
“Your Highness. This is Enon.”
The door opened with a loud noise and Enon appeared.
“The agent sent from Venice has arrived.”
“Go now. Tell them to take him to the reception room first.”
Eden, who had been neatly tied, put on white gloves last. It was an outfit that had grown to show his presence as a member of the royal family. After all, it was different when the royal family was present at the negotiating table and when they were not.
“Have you prepared the negotiation document in advance?”
"Yes, you don't have to worry."
Eden asked as he walked down the stairs to the first floor. Enon answered immediately with a face of obviousness.
“This is Lord Eden Robana Burnett, the second son of Wyatt and Grand Duke of Burnett.”
It was when he was standing in front of the reception room door that the servant announced Eden's position in a boastful manner as if he was bragging about the good things he had.
“Meet Grand Duke Burnett. This is Cloud Felice.”
The representative of Emperor Benia bowed his head respectfully to Eden. Eden greeted him leisurely.
“Duke Felice. I am sorry to have met you on such an unpleasant note. I hope today's negotiations will conclude amicably.”
Duke Felice nodded at Eden's words. He was too annoyed by the situation where he had to take on the role of diplomat due to the incident that occurred in the border region.
“First of all, the Wyatt Royal Family protests the detention of the residents of Laner Island.”
“That…”
“On the surface, yes.”
It was when Duke Felice was about to explain to Eden that Eden calmly cut him off.
“The Imperial Family is not unaware that the problem lies with the island's fishermen, who have ignored the warnings of the Benia Navy and continued to fish.”
In Eden's calm demeanor, no regrets could be read toward Duke Felice or Benia. Duke Felice, who had expected an argument, expressed his agreement with a much more relieved expression.
"But I don't think it's just because fishermen can't give up their greed."
"What are you talking about?"
Duke Felice asked cautiously.
“Why do fishermen keep heading to the sea of Benia?”
Eden's fingers tapped the table as if playing an instrument. Duke Felice's eyes were caught by the long, straight fingers without his knowledge, and he became embarrassed.
“Is it simply because there are a lot of fish in that sea? Or is it a frog-like desire to do something more when told not to?”
“I think both apply. However...”
“However?”
In response to Eden's question, Duke Felice met Eden's gaze. Although Eden was of royal blood, Duke Felice was also experienced enough to serve as a diplomat to foreign countries.
"I guess it's because the border between the two countries is not clear."
Eden nodded at Duke Felice's words.
“I agree with the Duke. They just followed the customary maritime boundaries of long ago, and the exact borders were never officially declared, so I think it was natural for them to do so.”
Eden respected Duke Felice's opinion, while at the same time recognizing Wyatt's lack of management skills. Duke Felice looked at Eden with somewhat surprised eyes. He had guessed that Eden would come out like this.
"Well, I think it would be good to clear things up in this meeting."
“…”
“I believe you have already received information from the imperial family.”
Of course, with that clean face and the affluent environment, it was unlikely that he would have developed any stubbornness. Duke Felice readily agreed to Eden's words.
"That's why I prepared the negotiation document in advance."
At Eden's beckoning, Enon brought the negotiation paper. Duke Felice stared blankly at the paper spread out on the table. The content was simple.
Wyatt promises to respect Benia's waters in the future by restraining fishermen's activities and directing residents to the tourism industry. Any problems that arise in the future will be at Benia's discretion, but the fishermen who were detained this time will be released.
“Also, we want to make it clear that Laner Island belongs to Wyatt, to prevent future conflicts...”
In fact, the issue of ownership of the island was something that Duke Felice could not decide on his own. Although he was the agent, he was nothing more than the Emperor's parrot.
'If it's an island in Wyatt's imperial territory, then I'll tell him to take responsibility for it!'
But ironically, this time he was ordered to bring down the hammer on an island that was uselessly draining Benia's resources.
“Is there any clause that concerns you?”
“No. It's a clean decision.”
Because the existence of an island that was poor, had no resources and was always in conflict with its own people was of no importance to anyone.
"However, rather than just going with this negotiation document and releasing those who committed crimes..."
But he could not help but think of practical matters. Duke Felice secretly hinted at the idea of setting a reasonable price for the release of the captive inhabitants of Laner Island.
"I will pay their price personally."
Contrary to expectations that he would frown, Eden readily agreed to pay the price for releasing them.
Why are you so obedient? Is there another secret we don't know about? Duke Felice had a faint suspicion.
“Because the father of the maid whom your wife cherishes is included there.”
But the very next moment, Duke Felice saw Eden's smiling face as he told the story of his wife. There was no falseness in the affection on his haggard face.
"I guess you really care about the Grand Duchess."
Eden did not answer, but Duke Felice read a sufficient answer there. Thus Duke Felice no longer doubted him. If he had simply said that it was goodwill for the imperial people, he would not have believed it, but if it was such a personal feeling, he thought it could be done.
“Fifty thousand deluts per person. That would be about the same as one gold nugget at the current Benia price.”
“…”
“Is it not enough?”
"No."
Duke Felice shook his head. The people Eden was trying to be free were not nobles, but commoners. It was not right to pay such a high price for their release.
Besides, Benia had no intention of giving up on their relationship with Wyatt.
“His Majesty the Emperor will be completely satisfied.”
In the blank space of the negotiation document that Eden had prepared with a satisfied face, he added a clause that he would pay 50,000 Deluts for each detained fisherman. He also left his signature on behalf of Wyatt. Duke Felice also wrote that he would leave his name on behalf of the Emperor of Benia.
“The negotiations were over in the time it took to smoke a cigar.”
Duke Felice looked down at the signed second copy of the agreement and chuckled.
"Thanks to the Duke."
Eden naturally praised Duke Felice's attitude and instructed Enon to take the negotiation document. Enon naturally took a copy of the negotiation document from the table and put it in a cylinder.
“I will report back to you as soon as I get back, and I promise to return safely all those detained under the name of the Felice Dukes to Wyatt.”
Duke Felice, emphasizing that the negotiations had been concluded in his own name, left Emperor Wyatt's villa.
"I knew you could do it in one go."
Enon, who had been standing next to Eden the whole time he was seeing him off, smiled proudly as if he had known this would happen.
“Then, let's take a little rest and then go back...”
“I plan to go back right away.”
Enon couldn't bring himself to ask what was going on and just blinked. Everything had been going on so hectic lately, so he believed he could relax now that the work was over.
But his superior seemed to think differently. Enon, who was in no position to say no, nodded after a short sigh.
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