If that happens, Growen will not get involved in the imperial succession conflict.

It might become known that Drean has come to Growen, but if he claims he was turned away and merely happened upon the magic crystal mine on his way back, that would suffice.

‘Give the Seventh Prince an opportunity, but it must not be known that Growen is involved.’

Most of those who followed Drean were mages, and all of them could potentially serve as military forces.

However, their manpower was insufficient to contend with other princes who had higher claims to the throne, and they also lacked the financial resources to draw in additional factions.

But if they could secure a large-scale magic crystal mine, the situation would change completely.

Not only could magic crystals serve as a source of military strength, but reporting this to the Emperor might also grant them formal recognition and a legitimate chance to enter the imperial struggle.

Yerpi, having organized her thoughts, murmured softly:

“It will also demonstrate the prince’s determination.”

Beyond the Domain of Winter lay the nest of monsters.

The magic crystal mine was located between the Domain of Winter and the monster’s nest, requiring constant defense against both roaming monsters and beastly creatures.

Moreover, it was said that the mine had already been occupied by monsters.

To fully control it, they would have to exterminate not only the monsters within the mine but also every monster dwelling in the intermediate zone.

“Growen has always refrained from interfering beyond its domain. That’s why, despite knowing about the vast magic crystal mine, they left it untouched.”

She explained that the magic crystals buried within could be worth as much as an entire nation’s annual budget when converted to currency.

Compared to Growen, magic crystals were several times more valuable in Kerast.

Securing the mine entirely would provide tremendous latent strength—though, of course, it would require risking their lives.

“We should casually mention this tomorrow. If the throne is truly what he desires, he’ll jump in despite the danger.”

“Hmm, I wonder. Should I tell him, or just drive him away outright?”

“What?”

Had Raymond’s feelings suddenly changed?

Surprised, Yerpi turned to ask, only for him to abruptly pull her arm.

Her body instinctively responded to his familiar scent.

The distance between them had suddenly closed. Glancing cautiously toward the sleeping Dante, Yerpi carefully raised her head.

Warm lips pressed against her ear.

Raymond’s uniquely low voice left behind a lingering heat.

“It’s because he came looking for you instead of me—that’s what irritates me.”

Yerpi’s eyes widened at first, then quickly understood.

This was Raymond’s way of expressing jealousy.

A strange, tingling sensation stirred within her—pleasant, yet slightly embarrassing.

It was an unfamiliar feeling. Being with him again, she realized she was learning new emotions all over again.

“Don’t think too poorly of me.”

Whispering thus, Yerpi wrapped her arms around his neck.

In response, his firm arms lifted her up. As if by mutual agreement, the two quietly slipped out of the bedroom where Dante slept.

They moved to Raymond’s private chamber.

The deep navy wallpaper, laced with dark gold accents, defined the room’s atmosphere.

Under the softly glowing light, the bed looked warm and inviting. After placing Yerpi down upon it, Raymond kissed her forehead.

“I’ll do as you wish, but for now, you must focus entirely on me.”

“…Alright.”

This was the first intimate moment they’d shared since guests had arrived at the castle.

Excited breaths passed between their overlapping lips.

An even deeper heat transferred from one skin to the other.

With rising body temperature, the bed grew warm in an instant.

***

The next afternoon.

Raymond invited the guests from Kerast to an evening banquet.

Abbus appeared visibly tense, likely because he had been advised to leave the previous day.

In contrast, Drean’s expression remained unchanged, though his eyes held a resolute seriousness, as if prepared to accept any outcome.

Once Raymond and Yerpi took their seats, and the guests followed suit, the meal began. Before lifting his fork, Abbus asked:

“I don’t see the young master today.”

“Dante is enjoying a picnic in the garden with a friend.”

“Oh, I see. I was hoping to meet him again—what a pity.”

Drean expressed regret, mentioning he had prepared a magic trick that Dante might have enjoyed.

He likely expected to be told to leave immediately that day.

But Raymond’s conclusion differed from his assumption.

“Growen still cannot become the prince’s backer.”

“I anticipated that your decision would not change.”

“However, immediately sending our guests away seems like a matter worth further consideration.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Drean asked, puzzled. Raymond remained silent for a moment, causing Drean’s gaze to shift toward Yerpi.

Yerpi, who had just endured Raymond’s jealousy the night before, simply maintained a gentle smile instead of answering.

Finally gathering his thoughts, Raymond spoke before the appetizers were served.

“You are aware, of course, that beyond the Domain of Winter lies the monster’s nest.”

“Of course. It is thanks to Growen blocking that massive nest that Kerast enjoys safety.”

This was a fact acknowledged by every citizen of Kerast.

Yet the sudden mention of this topic caught Drean off guard.

Raymond quickly clarified.

“Recently, the number of monsters emerging from the nest has increased. Reports have come in of beastly creatures being harmed while traveling between the Domain of Winter and the monster’s nest. Since you’ve been described as an exceptional mage, I ask that you eliminate the monsters in the intermediate zone.”

Drean was momentarily flustered by the sudden request.

But only briefly. He soon began searching for the hidden meaning behind Raymond’s words.

“I’m not sure if a humble mage like myself could single-handedly defeat all the monsters there.”

“If it proves difficult, we can provide our own mages. That area lies outside Growen’s domain, in a neutral zone. Our mages enjoy research and exploration. Besides, untouched regions like that are more likely to contain magic crystals.”

“…Magic crystals, you say?”

Drean murmured to himself, a spark of realization flashing in his eyes. At last, he understood the hidden meaning behind Raymond’s words.

“Of course, there will be no compensation. Consider this a chance to erase the crime of unlawfully intruding into Growen.”

Raymond’s statement—that participating in monster extermination would excuse Drean’s illegal entry into Growen—was, in truth, merely a surface explanation.

If, after everything was resolved, news of Drean’s presence in Growen ever surfaced externally, it would be made to appear as though Drean had independently discovered the magic crystal mine.

“Opportunities to have one’s wrongdoing forgiven are rare. I’ve heard you plan to head toward the winter lands. Please, allow me to accompany you.”

Drean’s voice carried newfound determination.

This was a land where he had risked his life to reach.

Drean understood better than anyone that Growen’s full support wasn’t the only path to opportunity.

Of course, neither was the accompanying risk.

“Very well. Preparations are nearly complete, so we shall depart in five days.”

“Thank you for granting me this opportunity.”

Drean expressed his gratitude, his gaze directed toward both Raymond and Yerpi.

He clearly knew who had given him this chance.

Raymond seemed about to say something, displeased by the way Drean glanced at Yerpi—but Abbus was faster.

“Wait. Just a moment. The monster’s nest? You’re saying we’re going there now?”

Abbus’s face had turned deathly pale as he grasped the general direction of the conversation.

“I nearly died just getting here, and now you suddenly want to charge into the monster’s nest?!”

“We’re not entering the nest itself—we’re eliminating the monsters nearby.”

“That’s practically the same thing!”

Abbus, who had suffered every imaginable hardship while sneaking into Growen, raged uncontrollably.

Drean raised both hands with a calming smile, as if trying to pacify him.

“You may stay behind if you wish. If I die, someone will need to carry word outside…”

“Wait, just a moment! Don’t even utter such a dreadful thing!”

Abbus interrupted, making a face as if rinsing his mouth.

He then opened and closed his dry lips several times before finally replying at a snail’s pace.

“Haa… I will… follow as well.”

“Oh, your presence will be a great help. It was thanks to you that I was able to cross the ice wall and find the path.”

“…Yes. That’s right.”

Abbus was not a warrior, but a strategist and tactician.

He was the ideal supporter for a prince with strong initiative.

Though Abbus himself already looked like he hadn’t eaten meat in weeks, his loyalty to his master was unquestionable.

Moreover, Abbus understood one thing clearly—this was the only opportunity the rulers of Growen had offered.