“Then, please provide special allowances for the cost of that luxurious villa.”

“Huh?”

William widened his eyes in surprise.

However, Eric continued his demand without paying any attention.

“Since I’ll be the one providing security, I should be the one to receive it, right?”

“Hey, how much is the commander’s salary, and now you’re asking for that?”

“I recently bought land to build a villa.”

“You, this guy.”

William stared at Eric with a bewildered expression.

Despite being close for several years, it was the first time Eric had made a financial demand.

“When did you start revealing your money?”

“A dependent family is about to be formed, isn’t it? I’m trying to save carefully.”

“Savings? You? Nonsense.”

Eric cheekily retorted, and after staring at him for a while, William gave up, clapped his hands.

“Okay, okay. I’ll give it to you.”

“Then, I’ll naturally accept it.”

“Hey, the one who has it is asking for more.”

Grumbling, William firmly secured the promise from Eric, who reluctantly accepted Princess Valeri’s personal security.

Three years ago, even though he admitted that his attitude was wrong, he recalled Princess Valeri’s arrogant behavior towards Eric, who scolded her.

“This is going to be annoying.”

Ten days.

William said it was just ten days, but if he had to spend those ten days with that princess, it might feel like ten years.

Although it seemed irritating just to think about it, he soon corrected his thoughts.

“I need comfort. The comfort that only one person can provide.”

Thinking so, a smile naturally appeared on Eric’s face.

William, who had been grumbling beside him, looked at Eric and finally opened his mouth.

“Eric.”

“Yes?”

“That thing you’re smiling about. Stop it quickly. You’re annoying because you’re unlucky, so go away quickly.”

Having convinced Eric, William immediately contacted Alicia and sent a carriage to bring her.

William considered the Turak trade agreement to be an important matter, so he treated Alicia with the utmost courtesy, even going so far as to ask Eric, the commander, for the princess’s personal security.

“Welcome, Miss Lancaster.”

“Hello, Your Highness.”

Greeting Alicia as if he were nodding and nodding, William hurriedly opened his mouth.

“Miss Lancaster. It’s about your proposal to utilize the Sanoa Canal. I want to actualize that now.”

“It seems to be the most effective way to reduce logistics costs for that purpose. The shortest distance through the overland route requires crossing a mountain, and the risk is too great.”

“That’s right. However, since the Sanoa Canal is monopolized by the four countries that own shares, it’s not easy for other countries to use it.”

“Yes. So, I suggested that we first obtain the consent of Adrian, the country with the largest share among the four. I heard that more than 65% of the crops have been ruined due to an untimely drought in Adrian. If we provide free food aid, it won’t be difficult to get their approval.”

“Convey your intention to Adrian as you suggested. Now it’s time to target other countries.”

William closed his mouth for a moment and stared at Alicia.

“I plan to get approval from Balrua. Then, we’ll have a 70% approval rate.”

“Will they agree? Won’t they try to intercept instead?”

“It’s conditional, but we got a positive response.”

“Really? Then, of course, we should accept it.”

“Thank you for understanding it so generously, Miss Lancaster.”

?”

Having heard William’s words, Alicia tilted her head.

It was not yet finalized, and Alicia’s opinion was not involved in the Balrua strategy.

So, it wasn’t a situation where thanks were appropriate.

Sensing Alicia’s doubt, William smiled slyly.

“In fact, Princess Valeri of the Balrua Empire will visit soon.”

“Yes.”

“She requested Eric’s direct protection.”

“Yes?”
“It might seem unreasonable for the commander to provide personal security, but it seems there is a lot of concern about the security of our Britannia these days. Considering the safety of the princess as the top priority, I am willing to tolerate matters related to the Sanoa Canal. That’s the intention.”

“Ah.”

In that case, it wasn’t a complete loss from the perspective of the Britannian Empire.

Although Eric would suffer.

Already, a troublesome expression came to mind, and Alicia smiled awkwardly.

“I did manage to persuade Eric, but please talk to Mr. Lancaster as well. Ten days. Just ten days will be enough.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll talk to him as well, Your Highness.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Lancaster.”

William smiled as if relieved.

Anyway, Eric accepted, and Alicia agreed to help, so he felt relieved.

“By the way, since we’ve met, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Harry mentioned that he met you a few times at the palace or the royal academy. Do you really not remember?”

“Ah. Yes. It must have been when I was young.”

“I see. Harry seems a bit disappointed.”

“Ah.”

Alicia smiled awkwardly.