Cahillen nodded. At that moment, the sound of footsteps outside indicated that the Second Prince, Eric, had arrived. As soon as the king gave permission, Prince Eric entered the dining room hastily. He was slightly disheveled in appearance.

“Sorry for being late.”

Prince Eric lightly patted Floria’s shoulder and took a seat beside her.

“What urgent matter requires you to neglect family commitments?”

“Ah, that…”

In response to the king’s sharp question, Eric rubbed his neck with his hand. It seemed like he was hastily making excuses. The queen anxiously glanced between Eric and the king.

“We discussed the relief project for the flood damage in the Humbert Territory, Your Majesty.”

Floria gently intervened, and when Eric nodded in agreement, she realized it was the right move.

“Indeed. Yes, Father. Unprecedented heavy rain is pouring in the Humbert Territory, causing an influx of refugees. Therefore, we are planning relief efforts to help them.”

“If it’s the flood in the Humbert Territory, isn’t it the task you, Cahillen, are handling?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Cahillen calmly placed his wine glass down and responded.

“I cannot sit idly by when I think of the suffering of the kingdom’s citizens. It’s a noble and gratifying task, Your Majesty. Something worthy of praise.”

The queen defended Eric, but the king’s uneasy expression persisted.

It was understandable, given that within the folds of Eric’s clothes, visible when he patted his neck, were traces of makeup. The queen gestured to Floria, who hesitated, and only then did Eric hastily adjust his clothing.

I quietly observed Floria, who pretended not to know anything.

“Slowly, Eric’s true nature is starting to reveal itself.”

Until now, Eric had shown a sincere affection for and love toward Floria. However, in reality, his romantic exploits were as significant as those of Gabeiss Parlon. His close relationship with Gabeiss was because their inclinations aligned.

Although Eric had genuinely loved and quickly fallen out of love with a woman, he could not forget Floria, even though they hadn’t been in contact for a while.

“Marriage is in my plans. As soon as possible. I can’t wait any longer.”

Cahillen decisively declared, as if there was no possibility of marrying Princess Ijolla.

“Still, one more time…”

“Your Majesty, haven’t you seen the First Prince speak like that before? It seems like he sincerely harbors feelings for a woman, and if you keep mentioning Princess Ijolla, it will be uncomfortable for him.”

The queen, who did not wish for Cahillen to marry Princess Ijolla and wanted to prevent the prince’s power from growing stronger, opposed the king. She was trying to hide her joy, but the king, who had a lot to say, eventually withdrew.

“Then, hurry up. Keep in mind that my health is not as good as you think.”
As a result, even though the king had been observing Cahillen’s reactions, Cahillen himself remained composed.

“Yes, doesn’t the First Prince also speak like this? Rather than that, please quickly have your meal. The food is getting cold.”

As the queen hurriedly tried to tie her knot, the king, glancing at Cahillen, nodded.

“It’s about business. Well, it’s time for you to fulfill your duties too. Take this opportunity to assist Cahillen well and learn a lot. It will be a great help for future management.”

The royal family valued honor above all. However, they were well aware that to maintain that honor, financial strength was necessary.

Bowing to others was often related to money. Therefore, from a young age, members of the royal family engaged in personal businesses, gaining experience by actively participating in management.

They also maintained their royal honor by being recognized for their abilities without unfairly benefiting from their status. The one who excelled at this was Cahillen.

However, Eric, who trusted in his wealthy external relatives, did not take the initiative in managing businesses. Instead, he immersed himself in leisure activities such as horse racing and hunting, earning disapproving looks from the king.

“Yes, Father.”

Eric responded gently, concealing his displeasure. While exchanging a few more words about business with the king, who turned to Cahillen, the king looked at Cahillen.

“How have you been lately? You haven’t lost your mind to a woman, neglecting your duties, have you?”

Although the king said this, he well knew that Cahillen was not the type to do so. His trusting expression was evident.

“While it’s true that my mind is in turmoil, I don’t neglect my duties. Lately…”

As Cahillen hesitated, everyone’s gaze turned to him. They were curious about what he, who never failed, was planning this time.

“I have been considering a mine.”

I glanced at Cahillen in surprise.

“Are you talking about a gold or diamond mine? There’s nothing better for increasing wealth.”

“No, I am interested in a mineral stronger than iron.”

“If it’s stronger than iron, are you talking about mithril? However, it’s so rare.”