“The work isn’t finished yet.”

“You leave work like this? Cold-hearted, really.”

“What are you saying? You didn’t come in for days because you were busy.”

“Oh, I lost.”

With both hands raised, Eric finally sat at the desk, observing Alicia, who was picking up a pen.

Seeing Alicia concentrating on her work, a genuine smile involuntarily appeared on Eric’s face.

“Oh, really. Will she continue like this?”

Even though Alicia pretended to be absorbed in her work, Eric seemed to have no intention of leaving.

Today was definitely a day when something had to be finished no matter what.

Pretending not to notice Eric, Alicia continued reading the same page for the third time.

However, Eric had already noticed that Alicia was unable to concentrate.

Alicia didn’t bite her lip, nor did she blink frequently.

And, above all, the page wasn’t turning.

“If you’re going to be like this.”

At that moment, when I felt a bit hurt, Alicia and Eric briefly made eye contact.

Without smiling as usual and turning his gaze back to the page he was reading, Eric smirked and stood up.

If he stayed here any longer, Alicia might get angry and personally kick him out.

“There’s no other way.”

Quietly leaving, Eric heard Alicia calling him.

“Come back soon, Eric.”

“I’ll be back.”

Seeing Alicia smile apologetically, the uncomfortable feeling he had tried to feel disappeared.

“I’ll come back early.”

Nodding, Alicia watched Eric leave the office.

As soon as the door closed, Alicia buried her head on the desk alone.

Eric was the only thing preventing her from concentrating.

She didn’t know when her feelings had grown so big.

So, even though it was awkward, it was still so nice.

Thinking like that, the face that was fine just a while ago was embarrassingly blushing again.

Really awkward, but that’s why it was so nice.

“······.”

“Why do you have to make such a blatant expression of annoyance?”

William chided Eric, who was sitting in front of him.

“Why me?”

“They want it from your side.”

William also sighed, furrowing his brows.
The visit of Princess Valeri of the Balrua Empire, which had been postponed with various excuses, was now notified as a personal visit.

So, don’t worry about anything.

However, from the perspective of the Britannia Empire, even if it was reported as a personal visit, they couldn’t ignore the diplomatic issues that might arise if something happened to the princess.

Thinking that she would come one way or another, the Emperor decided it would be better to keep an eye on her. So, it was officially processed as a visit, and the Balrua Empire Embassy was promptly notified.

However, things got complicated because they requested Eric for an audience and personal security.

“It’s already busy without this.”

“I know. Then don’t treat the princess so badly.”

Three years ago, when Princess Valeri came to the Britannia Empire for magical education instead of the Britannia Empire, Eric, who participated in the exam, had imposed sanctions on Valeri’s arbitrary actions.

Thanks to that, Valeri, who had excellent grades until then, barely passed the exam with a chin-up, and she strongly opposed and complained officially to Prince William.

Although it was covered up and passed through mediation by Prince William at that time, Valeri even went so far as to request personal security from the commander of the Britannia Empire’s Knights.

“Wasn’t it unlucky? Someone thought it needed to be said.”

“But still, there wasn’t anyone who said such a thing directly to the princess, right?”

“I only dealt with her as a magical apprentice, not as a princess. She herself clearly accepted that.”

“Maybe she was annoyed inside. Then, will the princess keep you as a bodyguard and officially torment you?”

It was a joking remark, but in the end, it was Eric who had to deal with it, not William.

Trying to soothe the heavily frowned Eric, William made an effort.

“Anyway, endure it for just ten days. Just for the peace between the empires and the continent.”

“…Your Highness. It’s a matter of pride for me to serve as the commander’s bodyguard for the princess.”

“I know, I know. But the emperor over there sent an official letter, right? It’s for the safety of the princess in case of the appearance of demons and wizards. Moreover, they say they will pay the security costs in cash. With that amount, you can probably build a luxurious villa.”

“I didn’t know our Britannia would be so easily shaken.”

“Yeah, why do you have to put it that way again?”

“So what is it?”

“…You catch on quickly.”

William cleared his throat and opened his mouth with a serious expression.

“The trade agreement with the Turak Kingdom, which borders the eastern border, you know?”

“Yes. I read the report written by Alicia.”

“That matter is about to crystallize. However, to reduce logistics costs to match the budget, they need to pass through the Sanoa Canal. Of course, that’s also your clever fiancée’s idea.”

“Ah, I see.”

Only then did Eric understand and nodded his head.

The Sanoa Canal divided the shares along with the areas of four countries as it was located along the border of the four nations. Among them, 30% of the shares belonged to the Balrua Empire.

“If Balrua agrees, we can save 40% of the existing costs by exceeding the majority.”

“Tsk.”

In the end, Eric, as if his head was hurting, swept his hair up.

“Ugh. Okay. Don’t vomit. Just ten days. Exactly ten days. Huh? Can’t you even do that? I’m asking you like this.”

“Sigh.”

Sighing and tousling his hair, Eric opened his mouth seriously.

“I have a condition, though.”