“So, you’re Hades’ aunt, right?”

Has there ever been such an awkward moment in the Grand Bazaar?

‘Why isn’t Hades saying a word!’

On the hexagonal table were strange desserts on small silver plates, and a silver tray shaped like grapevines adorned with delicate glass jars. The tiny glass cups held a warm liquid with the sweet and nutty scent of hazelnut, yet Hades stared at Hagnu with his fists clenched, ignoring it.

And she, despite receiving such a hot gaze, continued to pour and enjoy the tea as if nothing happened.

‘Kibaek isn’t losing to Hades. Is it because she’s a woman of Callep, or is it because she’s the woman of the Sultan?’

“Yeah. Is this the second time seeing each other?”

When Latifa awkwardly started the conversation, Hagnu smiled joyfully.

“I wanted to express my gratitude for helping me during the trial. When I was in Princess Asti’s palace, I tried to meet you, but I didn’t have the chance. Thank you so much for helping me then.”

Latifa quickly expressed her thanks, recalling Hagnu coming in to provide a breeze during Prince Tarek’s trial.

She then flashed a bright smile that seemed to shine like her blue eyes, her cheeks forming a deep dimple, which looked so refreshing. It seemed that dazzling beauty was also included in Callep’s bloodline.

‘But she resembles someone else more than Hades…’

With soft brown hair, innocent eye creases, and a cheerful smile.

Luhan Basilli.

Why does he come to mind?

“I wanted to see you too, but Karina never allowed it!”

Hagnu’s gaze turned toward Latifa, and gently, he took her hand.

“Isn’t your skin surprisingly white? Truly fascinating. Your blue eyes, small stature, and bright hair. Even my nephew, who has never shown any interest in women, can’t help but turn his eyes to you.”

“Hagnu, you’re even more beautiful.”

Responding to the direct compliment, Latifa smiled and replied, and in return, she removed the sapphire bracelet on her arm and placed it on Latifa’s arm.

It was a black velvet bracelet with a blue sapphire that looked even more prominent against the black background.

“If only you became Hades’ Fraulein instead of his wife! It’s not too late. I’ll give you this, so let’s go together.”

“What?”

“Latifa, take it off right now.”

Hades, who had been silent all along, banged the table, growling.

“It’s a joke. Ahaha! That guy, isn’t he as ugly as a puppy that lost its bone?! He was even worse when he was young.”

Hagnu, dressed in beautiful attire, playfully mocked Hades, who was elegant in appearance, and sipped hazelnut tea again.

“We prepared this place because of the top-secret. If it doesn’t suit your taste, that ugly puppy might bite you.”

When Hades released a threat, Hagnu sighed and pointed at Latifa.

“Hades, your Fraulein has caused unnecessary inflation because of her exceptional charm. You know that, right?”

“Inflation?”

As Latifa looked puzzled, wondering about the unfamiliar term, Hades, who was removing the black velvet bracelet from Latifa’s arm, responded.

“The story of the lunar goddess from the empire bringing luck to Prince Luhan is widely spreading. People tend to imitate if it looks good, you know.”
Hades also spoke with a furrowed brow.

“Weak-bodied and incomprehensible Imperial slaves are worthless as slaves. However, lately, they’ve been searching for them everywhere, claiming to be symbols of luck or something. The prices have become absurdly high compared to their original value. It’s all a bubble.”

“Can I just leave this be? Iota is trying to present the Golden Princess to the public. They’re packaging her as Tarek’s symbol of luck and prosperity.”

“Even so, it doesn’t concern me.”

Hades continued to tap his fingers without unclenching his fist.

“I found out a secret that the Golden Princess will wear the attire of the Macallian Artipicium and stand behind Tarek in the grand procession. The entire population of the Grand Bazaar and foreign guests will see her, unlike your silver Frauleins, who have been seen only by a few signs and royals.”

Certainly, as Hagnu said, Latifa had only been to places where signs, ceremonies like the nomination ceremony, or the coming-of-age ceremony of Amira, and the presence of princes took place, and she had never been shown to the public.

“Now her popularity will surpass mine.”

‘Indeed, the Third Princess, who had flown high in the Empire, has exceptional abilities even in the Grand Bazaar.’

“Goodness. The attire of the Golden Princess from the Empire too? Shalak must have already caught the scent of a new trade route from somewhere. It was a top-secret. Is it because he’s a prince even if it rots?”

Hades mumbled quietly, sticking out his tongue.

“A new trade route?”

“Well, Luhan will take care of it.”

Hades waved his hand, concluding the conversation hastily.

“But there’s one more secret. Luhan has been excluded from the administration of Mercatus this time. Tarek took his place. Oh my! Someone needs to step up and raise Luhan’s approval rating again.”

Hagnu, with a fresh smile, placed one hand on his cheek.