Didn't Plan to Become a Companion (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 31

Ricardo clicked his tongue without even trying to hide it. Julian had always openly ignored the Second Prince—but that was only before the Crown Prince had knelt and crumpled to the ground.

“Are you so desperate, now that death looms, that you wish to squander all your wealth?”

The Crown Prince looked at Ricardo with an innocent expression, as if he couldn’t understand what he meant.

“Isn’t that too easy a bet?”

“Really?”

Incredibly, the Crown Prince looked genuinely surprised. Of course, Ricardo wasn’t fooled by Stuart’s clumsy acting. But even if it was an act, that didn’t give him any reason to refuse the wager.

“I’ll wager my townhouse in Sevrang that Julian will approach the Second Prince before the latter even finishes a single glass of wine.”

The townhouse in Sevrang was the very estate Duke Rochester cherished most—home to his famed garden. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t Ricardo’s yet, but it was the family inheritance he would receive upon his engagement.

By now, crimson roses would be in full bloom at that townhouse, which the ducal couple visited periodically whenever the flowers changed. To bet that estate—the pride of Rochester—was proof enough of his confidence.

“Paquin… is it really that obvious?”

“Absolutely. Then, Your Highness, what will you wager?”

“No matter how opportunistic he may be, he still has some loyalty built up over the years…”

Ricardo let out a faint laugh. If there was one word that suited Julian least, it was certainly “loyalty.” After a brief pause, the Crown Prince spoke firmly, a hint of playful amusement in his smile.

“I shall offer the Schneider royal sword bestowed upon me by His Imperial Majesty.”

Ricardo’s face hardened slightly at Stuart’s outrageous betting terms.

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