“No, really. It’s not because of that. King Ragniero is inherently vile and sly, so he would have banned cameras sooner or later as retaliation for blocking the transportation route to the Solzberg Castle. It’s fortunate that we made a lot of money before that happened. It’s really okay.”

“…”

I moved beside Greyan and comforted him by patting his shoulders or gently stroking his head.

Greyan, quietly receiving the comfort, looked at me with eyes that seemed to say, ‘Whatever you ask, I’d do it…?’ It was that kind of gaze.

“Oops…”

Soon after, Greyan playfully rubbed his face against my palm. Moreover, holding my hand, he sequentially kissed my fingertips, the back of my hand, and the inner side of my wrist.

Every time his lips touched, I couldn’t help but flinch. My face must have been burning hot, like a ripe tomato.

“My decision might not have had no impact on this incident. So… I feel sorry for my lady.”

Raising his eyebrows slightly, Greyan gently released my hand. I quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it towards me, once again denying his words.

“No, it’s really okay? If you feel sorry and sulky because of this, I’ll get mad, you know? Marriage is a mutual commitment…! Remember that, I mean.”

Trying to say something embarrassing, I unintentionally stumbled over my words. While staring at me, who was blushing, Greyan soon smiled softly and gently kissed my forehead.

“…You’re truly generous, my lady.”

“No— well, it’s natural…”

“Still, since my heart is uneasy, if there’s anything you want or need from me, please tell me. Even if you ask me to lie on the ground and bark, I’ll bark.”

“Well, then, just be a wolf for 10 minutes…”

“Yes, 10 minutes is fine.”

It was agreed that a brief transformation wouldn’t significantly affect the curse. However, since the wolf persona could become stronger, allowing him to act like a dog, I sought understanding.

“…Actually, I like it.”

I spent an enjoyable time hugging and caressing Greyan, who had transformed into a wolf. Wolf Greyan sat when I told him to sit and willingly gave me his paw when I asked for it. He even wagged his tail and barked like a king!

After 10 minutes, Greyan returned to his original form, and I sighed with a bit of regret.
“My lady… It seems like you prefer me in wolf form more.”

“…”

Feeling embarrassed, I subtly avoided Greyan’s gaze.

“W-well… I like animals… Animals are cuter than humans, so what can I do!”

“Well then, my lady.”

“…!”

Suddenly, Greyan approached me. His smirk… It was not ordinary. The silver-gray eyes that easily captivate people were dangerously gleaming.

“From now on, will you play with me even when I’m in human form?”

“Uh… Well…”

I tried to move back, but my back was blocked by the sofa cushions, and there was nowhere to escape.

Slowly lowering his head, Greyan kissed my neck.

From this point on, it was rated 19+.

When the import and sale of the magical device invented by Princess Gloria, the so-called ‘camera,’ were banned, the merchants’ association in Ainestone strongly opposed.

The intermediate profit from importing and selling cameras was substantial.

Despite the fierce opposition of the merchants, King Ragniero enforced the ban, and some merchants who directly expressed dissatisfaction were even arrested for impure thoughts.

With this incident, the atmosphere within the Ainestone Kingdom quickly became gloomy.

Those dissatisfied with King Ragniero’s rule, led by the merchants’ association, began to emerge. Those who were already negative towards the king supported their influence.

Most of them were wealthy nobles who owned large estates, and among them were those who had financial ties to the Ainestone royal family.

They were people who knew better than anyone about the extravagance and corruption of the Ainestone royal family.

“Should we just watch this unfold?”

“King Ragniero is still in power, and even if one of his successors inherits the throne decades later, the tyranny is likely to continue.”

“The princes and princesses are all as corrupt as the king…”

“What if we gradually cut off the funding from our side? If we unite, it will have a significant impact on the royal family.”

“As long as there are no traitors among us, it’s a viable plan.”

“Let’s write a covenant. Why, isn’t there a covenant that’s worth risking our lives for? Of course, that magic has been forbidden for a long time… but if necessary, I can procure it.”

“…If we just write that covenant, we won’t have to worry about traitors among us.”

“That’s right.”

“Well then, Duke Calvin.”

Late at night, in a dimly lit room with only lantern light, all eyes focused on the man called ‘Duke Calvin’ who was sitting around the oval table.

Despite being well into his forties, Ruvellight Calvin, with his still charming face, smiled with ease, exuding a sense of leisure.

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Duke Calvin, please obtain the covenant of that alliance for us. By next Thursday midnight when the next meeting is scheduled.”

“Of course, and…”

Squeak, rising from his chair and pushing it back, Duke Calvin, who was known as ‘Duke Calvin,’ looked around at the people in the meeting room.
Everyone here was a powerful figure in the Ainestone Kingdom and a source of funds for the royal family.

If they united, they could wield significant power to confront the royal family.

Addressing such individuals, Duke Calvin spoke with a relaxed yet firm voice.

“I trust that none of you will betray us. Regardless of who betrays, remember that King Ragniero will be the one to execute that traitor.”

These days, Jade seems a bit off.

There are many instances where he responds absentmindedly, and he makes frequent mistakes in knight training…

‘Could it be that he revealed his location to his father, Duke Calvin…’

I should talk to him soon, but I’ve been too busy lately to find the time.

‘Can’t believe it’s already March 11th today!’

Oh no, it’s so busy!! Time has flown by without me realizing.

In just two days… the debutante ball will take place in Avalon, the capital of the Elowin Kingdom!

That’s right!

April’s debut in high society is finally just around the corner…!