Chapter 52: Bringing Something Good

Chapter 52: Bringing Something Good

Countess Reese Aria widened her eyes as if it was ridiculous.

It was none other than because of Ian’s request.

“Don’t talk nonsense! You think I would do such a stupid thing?”

But Ian smiled nonchalantly.

“You have a lot of money, so you should lend me some.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Our Aria family is a merchant family. I don’t have a single penny to lend you with an uncertain future. Much less...”

It almost sounded like a threat.

However.

“Really? Then I’m in trouble.”

Ian propped his chin and stared at Reese.

Of course, he didn’t look like he was in any trouble. Getting anxious at the sight, Reese narrowed her brow.

“I am in trouble, so give me back my power!”

It went without saying.

How did he get the power, and how could she lose it in such a place?

‘That power is necessary for revenge.’

She couldn’t even give him a single penny.

That’s right, her family was supporting the Third Prince, but externally, she was supporting the faction that followed the First Princess.

In other words, if she were to lend money to the Seventh Prince...

‘The First Princess’s faction may find out that I am supporting the Third Prince while investigating me. I will be in trouble if I get caught.’

She could have been attacked by the faction of the First Princess and Third Prince on both sides.

As Reese moistened her lips in dilemma.

Ian smiled softly as if there was nothing he could do.

“Alright, then I can’t help it. Let’s just forget about the money. I will give back your power.”

“Is that true?”

Reese’s face brightened.

She truly didn’t expect things to work out this easily.

However, Ian’s gentle smile soon turned into a meaningful one.

“If you could answer one of my questions, that is.”

“!”

At Ian’s words, Reese chewed her lips.

As expected, it seemed that she could not just get it. But it was okay. Because it was only one question.

‘I’m sure you’re looking for information about the other brothers.’

She could give him as much as he wanted.

It was natural.

Even if Reese handed over confidential information, what could Ian do with only two factions and two knights?

Therefore, Reese replied bluntly.

“What is it? Do you want me to tell you the weakness of the First Princess?”

Ian shook his head and asked.

“Not that. Can you tell me what your relationship with Line is?”

Reese had an absurd look on her face.

“Line? Who is that?”

“Oh, you don’t know his name?”

Ian clicked his tongue. But he asked again, his eyes gleaming.

“He may have changed his name. Then, let’s change the question.”

“?”

“What is your relationship with Adria of Intellect, one of the three great dukes of the past, who has been destroyed for committing a crime?”

“!?”

It was then.

The moment that name fell, bloodlust surged from the frozen Reese’s eyes.

And at the same time.

Clink!

Hidden somewhere in her, she took out a dagger and rushed straight toward Ian.

***

“What the hell are they talking about inside?”

Meanwhile, Karan, who was shooed out by Ian, was anxious outside the door.

In fact, it couldn’t be helped.

‘If it’s Aria, it’s definitely a family that supports the First Princess.’

Why was she here? Was she going to help the Seventh Prince?

Listening close to the door, Karan became nervous. No matter how minuscule his affection for Garcia was, it would be a little awkward if the prince was hostile to the family.

That was why he tried to spy on the inside by any means.

Puck!

“Kugh!”

In an instant, a force strong enough to see stars exploded before his eyes struck his head.

“As a servant, it is against etiquette to eavesdrop on his master’s conversation.”

“Ah, Sir Galon!”

Karan grabbed his throbbing head and looked at Galon.

“I’m a servant. A servant needs to know his master’s business. Aren’t you worried about your master?”

Galon paused at the remark, and Karan smiled lightly.

“Right? So, just a little...”

But just then.

“Argh!”

A broom hit Karan on the head.

And.

“Stop messing around and sweep the floor, can’t you? Today’s assignment hasn’t been finished yet.”

“Sir Nathan!”

“And does it make sense to know all the secrets of your master?”

At those words, Karan gritted his teeth.

‘This guy keeps getting in the way of everything. I can’t beat this one.’

Even if they were both nobles, Nathan was a knight.

You can do that, no?

Noticing the implied meaning in his brother’s eyes, Karan smirked.

“Ohh, I didn’t know that Father would have an interest in being a sugar daddy.”

“It means to show the prince well the taste of money. Show him all that Garcia can give and how great the power of money is. He can never escape from it.”

It wasn’t a bad deal anyway.

This would certainly solve all of Ian’s problems.

And as soon as he used this, Ian would not want to let Garcia go.

However.

“But, there is one condition to use it. Help the prince only when he is in trouble and desperate for our help. Never give help when he doesn’t need us.”

Karan nodded.

Well, the prince would agree to it that much.

‘This is the situation right now.’

Thus, Karan went straight to Ian with the card. It was because he got a message that Ian was looking for him.

And.

“Your Highness! Good news! The Duke’s card has descended! This is great! It’s a huge decision for him to give this to someone!”

Karan ran and was about to hand Ian Garcia’s card.

And yet.

“What? I don’t need it. Just throw it in the drawer.”

“What?! Why? With this, we can settle the money needed right now!”

He even used himself to help the prince in the process.

However, Ian smirked as if he were looking at an outdated thing.

“I met a better sponsor. It is also without any evil intentions.”

“!?”

Behind Ian was the middle-aged Countess Aria sobbing with slightly swollen eyes.

At the same time, Ian raised the corners of his mouth.

“Well, then, prepare everything I say from now on. This coming western empire enjoys dragon hunting, right? I shall treat the envoy to the meat myself.”

***

As Karan headed to Ian’s side, Nathan retreated right away.

‘I have delayed too much time.’

And when he was about to leave Crystal Palace.

“Nathan. Where are you going?”

“!”

Someone stood in Nathan’s way.

He was none other than Galon. Galon stared at Nathan, looking terribly displeased.

“The escort time isn’t over yet.”

“Well, I’m just going to get some fresh air. You are here as well. Then, I will be gone for a while.”

For a moment, Galon was about to stop him, but thinking that Ian might have given Nathan some order, he simply let him go.

Nathan then stealthily headed somewhere.

That place was the Lily Palace of the First Princess.

The First Princess and her aides were already waiting for Nathan.

“So, how is it going with the Seventh Prince?”

“It’s in a state of confusion. He went to Duke Garcia because he didn’t have the money, but I think he was turned down there.”

Her close aides greeted Nathan’s words in delight.

Especially Count Bondas, who had angered Duke Garcia.

“See? What did I say? Duke Garcia can’t think otherwise.”

“I guess there is no one who can help that serf.”

“At this rate, the Seventh Prince will tire himself out and let go of the Crystal Palace, Your Highness the First Princess.”

All of her close aides were rejoicing that it went as planned.

However, the First Princess asked Nathan, who was bowing, with sharp eyes.

“Is that all? Any other moves?”

“Garcia’s eldest son met the third son, a servant of the Seventh Prince. When I secretly eavesdropped on them, he told him to get ready to withdraw and leave the Seventh Prince at any time.”

“Is that so? Well done, Sir Nathan.”

Marquis Adelas showed his face behind the First Princess right then. He had an unimpressed look on his face, but his expression showed his satisfaction with Nathan’s good job.

But that wasn’t the only information Nathan had.

“You think the prince will go out to the royal road?”

“Yes, I think he will go soon. He asked to get his outdoor clothes ready.”

“It looks like this could be useful, Marquis.”

The close aides’ eyes glinted.

“He seems to be trying to get the money somehow. Of course, he can’t pass the test with this only.”

“If all goes well, the First Princess will be entering the Crystal Palace, so it would be a good idea to prepare the envoy reception in advance.”

“Oh! I heard rumors that the western envoy who was coming this time likes dragon meat. Wouldn’t it be better to reserve it?”

“Say something that makes sense. How hard do you think it is to find dragon meat? Why don’t we serve wyvern meat to the savages of the West for something like that? We would be lucky enough to get it.”

“That sounds good, too. Please proceed. I will leave it to you.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

While the aides were busy flattering the First Princess, Marquis Adelas asked Nathan as though he had done well.

“Well, what else do you need?”

“I feel like I have to show my ability to be trusted by the Seventh Prince. I need some training supplies.”

“Tell the servant.”

Nathan smiled.

“But what I need is a little expensive.”

“It doesn’t matter. I can do anything if you get the trust of the Seventh Prince for a while.”

Nathan was currently the First Princess’s most secret weapon. Therefore, the marquis was able to provide that level of support.

“Then, can I borrow a treasure from our family?”

“Treasure?”

“Don’t we have it? The treasure bestowed by the First King to the families who contributed to the establishment of the country.”

“Hmm... That’s...”

“I think it should be enough to earn the Seventh Prince’s trust, am I not right? It won’t wear out just because we use it.”

“All right, I will tell you once it is ready.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Nathan broke into a grin.