The amount of Lebron mined was limited, and unlike me, who knew from reading the original work that it could be crafted, the mineral was only circulated in its natural form. It didn’t reach the poor mercenaries and knights of the domains. Naturally, the price skyrocketed, fetching high bids at auctions.

However, Count Buell conducted business with the temple and the royal family under unprecedented terms.

He supplied a certain amount annually to the royal palace at one-tenth the price and promised regular support to the temple. He prohibited exports except to monster emergence countries and regulated export quantities.

In other words, the support was the long-cherished desire that Count Buell truly wanted to fulfill, his fortress, his achievement, his unique value.

Of course, Devon also knew its significance.

“God has given us the mines for a reason, Etrisha. We mustn’t overlook that fact.”

He watched as Count Buell took my hand and asked me to continue the support when I received marriage approval.

Devon sneered, shrugging his shoulders as if he didn’t know. The teasing corner of his mouth was infuriating.

Unfortunately, he knew too well how to provoke me. That’s why he first targeted the Mepidian family, and now the Buell family.

Just seeing how he managed the marriage and ran the count’s estate without any major issues proves he’s not entirely foolish. At least when it comes to playing with people’s emotions. No wonder so many women were ensnared by such an empty man.

I took a deep breath to quell my boiling anger and slowly opened my eyes. When my turbulent emotions had settled, I spoke in a cracked voice.

“What do you want?”

“What I want.”

Devon chuckled, then circled the desk with his hand. He approached me, hands clasped behind his back, and whispered low.

“On the day of the banquet, I will come to fetch you. Then you will step into my carriage as the most beautiful countess in the world.”

Devon, looking at me for a moment, seemed as repulsive as a monstrous creature from a bestiary.

“And throughout the banquet, you must stick close to me. After it ends, follow me quietly to the Duke Dien’s residence. To end the scandal and quiet the rumors of our discord.”

“And after that, you’ll throw me out?”

Devon burst into laughter, twisting his eyes. He shook his head as if amused and looked down at me with pitying eyes.

“What are you talking about, wife? I’m not going to divorce.”

“Weren’t you planning to take the estate and divorce me after fabricating the scandal?”

“Well, maybe at that time.”

Devon’s sinister gaze swept over me as he stroked his cheek with the back of his hand.

“Didn’t I tell you? You became quite attractive as another man’s woman.”

“You’re insane.”
As I glared and spat out my words, Devon’s eyebrows twitched. He subtly moved his hand, which had been caressing his cheek, and suddenly grabbed my hair, which was tied up high.

“Ugh!”

A suppressed voice escaped my throat as my body staggered significantly.

I regained my balance only after facing Devon’s angry eyes.

I felt a surge of fear and humiliation. If Devon decided to throw a punch again, I’d be utterly defenseless. This was Devon’s territory, and there was no one to help me. But still, I refused to submit, staring back at him with stubborn defiance.

Looking away or cowering seemed like losing to such a despicable person.

“Bring the testament verification certificate to me quietly once it’s available. And then, like before, you’ll foolishly pretend not to know about my infidelities.”

Devon trembled his lips, wearing an angry smirk.

“If it’s late, I might just sell the mines to some foreign tycoon crazed for money and flee into exile.”

Devon harshly released my hair and straightened his collar. He sighed deeply, snorted, and headed towards the door.

Eventually, with a loud bang, the door closed, and I loosened my tied-up hair, feeling deflated like melted ice cream. A hollow laugh escaped me.

I regretted the time I believed and lived with such a man, feeling not just a waste but an injustice.

Sighing, I brushed back a few strands of hair that had fallen to my forehead and lifted my head, staring hard at the firmly closed door.

‘You think you’re the only one with leverage, Devon.’

Having repaid the scandal with scandal, it was time to return the threat with a threat.

I tidied up my disheveled appearance and confidently lifted my head. There was much to prepare for the upcoming banquet.