A contract was promptly prepared.

“If this happens, the Riorza royal family can no longer claim any rights over Egrain. Do you agree?”

“Yes. She is no longer part of the empire.”

With the international lawyer’s confirmation, the king nodded calmly.

The surrounding nobles concealed their lips that muttered behind their hands.

It was a monumental deal that would leave a lasting mark in the history of the royal family. Exchanging land for a person, especially one they had tried to eliminate as a target, was incredibly advantageous.

The nobles who had quickly invited international lawyers, fearing Giovanni might change his mind, had brightened up.

Once documented, this deal would be finalized.

While there were still concerns about Giovanni’s autocracy, even if Khan opposed the contract, they had the document.

In contrast to the festival-like atmosphere among Riorza’s nobles, Kichef had a face so pale that he could have fainted at any moment.

He had never worried about blood pressure before, but now, it seemed to rise, and he felt like he would collapse backward.

Clutching his fist tightly, he barely restrained the desire to grab Giovanni’s thigh and beg him to reconsider.

Even though he felt like he might die from frustration, he was in a position where he could do nothing, just like Princess Lalahtu.

Joy, worry, anxiety, sadness, despair.

In the gazes filled with various emotions, Giovanni and King Hermann stamped the contract.

Kichef tightly closed his eyes, and the princess sighed, while the nobles raised the corners of their mouths.

Now, there was no turning back.

“With this, the Aesyon Desert, previously owned by Giovanni Doverkan, is now under the jurisdiction of the Riorza royal family.”

The king, smiling with a concealed grin, extended his hand for a handshake with Giovanni.

“Congratulations. I hope Egrain will be of great help to your empire.”

It was just a superficial remark. Giovanni, without showing any other expression, nodded briefly.

“Are you planning to leave her where you reside for the time being?”

To the king’s question, Giovanni lowered his head.

“I now intend to return to the empire.”

“No, so suddenly?”

Contrary to his words, the king couldn’t hide his pleased expression.

Already, Giovanni was becoming more and more annoying in his eyes.

Getting land for free, and even the undesirable Giovanni disappearing, it felt like an extraordinary day.

Now, there would be no more involvement between Princess Lalahtu and the prince. In fact, that was the most satisfying part.

The king made a somewhat regretful expression and uttered insincere words.

“There’s still much more hospitality to offer, so stay a bit longer, but…”

“Thank you for your kind words, but this is already a late departure.”
“Well, that’s true. You stayed longer than planned. I’m truly glad our land appeals to you.”

This should be respectful enough.

In case Giovanni decides to stay a bit longer in the kingdom, the king swiftly concluded the conversation.

“Then, please take your words and actions with you. I hope they’ll be of help on your long journey.”

“Yes. Well then.”

Nodding, Giovanni descended the steps of the spectator stands.

Further down, to the ground where the execution platform was.

Watching Giovanni’s diminishing figure, the king clicked his tongue.

“I thought he was no ordinary guy, but now that I see him, he’s a fool who can’t distinguish right from wrong.”

Feeling uplifted, the king threw words of praise to the nobles.

When Giovanni reached the floor, he stood in front of Egrain.

The executioners, who were slightly startled by his demeanor, automatically stepped back.

To Egrain, who had just been released from her bonds, he extended his hand.

His gaze met her thick and resilient fingers, and his face.

“Do I need to apologize again before touching you this time?”

“No need.”

At her words, he chuckled.

“Then, give me your hand.”

Egrain had a face with much to say.

Since it wasn’t the right place to rush her, he continued speaking.

“It may not be a foreign jurisdiction, but ultimately, it turned out as you wanted.”

“…….”

“You’ve become part of the empire. If you’re prepared, take it.”

“…….”

“It’s time to leave.”

Finally, Egrain opened her mouth.

“Will it not be regretful?”

He grinned at her question.

“What? The time you hesitated?”

He saw a smile bloom on her tired lips.

After a while, her white hand grabbed Giovanni’s firm hand.

Giovanni, with a smile resembling hers, firmly held onto that hand.

The image of the intertwined white and calloused hands seemed like a symbol of something.

The king’s orders were quickly executed.

Giovanni, as indifferent as usual, and Kichef, looking considerably uncomfortable, prepared to depart.

“It might be better to ride at the back.”

After sweeping his eyes up and down, Giovanni lifted me up and took a seat at the back.

Thunk.

The horse began to move. The people who were nearby automatically made way, creating a path. Their gazes were quite peculiar.