At Esteban’s sharp question, Klaus continued with a relaxed and nonchalant expression.

“I’m talking about cost and benefit. Every year, Lapellios sees countless talents emerging, who generate astronomical profits in the institutions and organizations they join.”

Klaus’s words left not only the Crown Prince but also the Crown Princess looking at him with wide eyes.

“That’s why in Lapellios, everyone wants to get involved in school construction. The returns are much more compared to the investment.”

Having said that, Klaus confidently looked at the Crown Prince and curved his lips leisurely.

“I’m making an investment. For those who will bring me profits in the future.”

At Klaus’s words, the Crown Prince suddenly burst into laughter.

Taken aback by his sudden laughter, the Crown Princess, Roselia, and even Closet were left with astonished expressions.

“Ah… typical Duke Balthazar… The nose for money and people is indeed remarkable. Alright, I think I’ll join in on this project too.”

The Crown Prince’s unexpected words caused Klaus’s brow to furrow.

“Your approval of the documents was already helpful enough…”

“No, what I mean is that the royal family will also invest.”

Klaus, already flush with capital, wouldn’t find the royal family’s money much help.

As Klaus pondered how to politely decline, the Crown Prince eased his concern.

“Of course, in terms of financial investment, it would be a drop in the bucket compared to the Ducal family’s capital, but my proposal is to designate the academy established by the Ducal family as a national academy.”

The Crown Prince’s suggestion left Klaus’s eyes widening in surprise.

The Crown Princess was equally taken aback by this unforeseen offer from the Crown Prince.

If the academy is built solely with the Ducal family’s capital, it would remain a private institution. But if the Crown Prince involves the royal family and invests some of the empire’s budget, the situation changes.

The difference in standing between a private and a national institution is significant.

Klaus began to seriously contemplate the offer.

Watching Klaus thoughtfully, the Crown Prince made one final proposal.

“There’s one condition, though.”

Klaus’s eyes turned questioningly towards the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince glanced briefly at Roselia before giving Klaus a meaningful smile.

“I would like to receive periodic reports on the progress of the school construction, but there’s no need for the Duke to report every minor detail personally. I would prefer to receive the reports through Antonio, a servant of the Ducal family.”

Roselia nearly jumped up in surprise but managed to restrain herself.

What kind of absurd situation is this? As she blinked incredulously at the Crown Prince, he continued nonchalantly, ignoring her.

The only ones at the table who knew her true identity were Closet and the Crown Prince.

Knowing her identity yet casually naming Antonio, Roselia suspected some ulterior motive from the Crown Prince and looked helplessly at Klaus.

Despite the clearly beneficial offer, Klaus seemed to be deeply contemplating it.

“Since you often visit the royal palace to meet the Crown Princess, couldn’t I just meet you then?”

“Do you insist on Antonio?”

“Yes.”

“Why is that?”

At Klaus’s persistent questioning, the Crown Prince smirked.

“I took a liking to him.”

At that moment, everyone’s expression froze.

Each had their own thoughts, but one thing was clear.
The Crown Prince’s comment was quite shocking.

The Crown Princess, who thought that Crown Prince Esteban had taken a liking to Roselia, appeared shocked at his sudden statement. Closet, fearing that the Crown Prince had realized Roselia’s true identity, wore a frightened expression.

Only Klaus remained, looking at the Crown Prince with the same cold expression as before.

Amid the silence that fell over the table, Closet suddenly hiccuped.

Roselia, looking worriedly at Closet, heard him mutter with a pale face, “I feel like I’m going to be sick…”

In the carriage, Klaus and Roselia sat side by side.

The Crown Princess had suggested that Klaus take her along, so Roselia, feeling like a lamb being led to slaughter, boarded the carriage.

Closet had left earlier in another carriage for the Ducal residence, feeling unwell during the meal.

Roselia, sitting anxiously, turned her eyes nervously, prompting Klaus to ask softly, “Where is your home?”

“Excuse me?”

“I need to know where to drop you off.”

Roselia, flustered, broke into a cold sweat.

The Duke, unaware of Roselia’s alias as Antonio, looked at her quizzically.

“Just drop me off at the Ducal residence, I’ll manage from there.”

She tried to sound calm, but Klaus’s expression darkened.

“At this late hour, you’re going to walk from the Ducal residence?”

“That… it’s okay…”

As Roselia awkwardly trailed off, Klaus frowned deeply and continued, “After what happened last time, you still say that?”