Due to Alicia, who admitted it easily, Princess Valerie was rather embarrassed.

And at the same time, she was uneasy.

The reason for Alicia’s sudden change in attitude was unclear, and because of Alicia’s relaxed demeanor so far, it seemed like she might be hiding something.

“Well, I actually inquired with the Valua Imperial Family in advance. I wanted to know more about this engagement.”

“!”

Valerie’s face stiffened at those words.

Alicia, as if surprised by her reaction, covered her mouth with her hand.

“Oh my, could it be that the Valua Imperial Family is unaware of this engagement?”

“You!”

“Oh dear, Princess Valerie. Her Majesty, the Empress of the Britannian Empire, has already discussed the engagement, but the Valua Imperial Family, surprisingly, seems to be unaware. How do you plan to resolve this?”

Looking at the glaring princess, Alicia showed a worried expression.

As expected, her expectations were correct.

And there was a lot of help from many people until she became convinced that her expectations were very close to reality.

In front of Princess Valerie, Alicia lifted a teacup with a worried expression, hiding a smile that appeared on her lips.

The busy weeks that had passed in her mind went by in an instant.

It started from the moment she received Kate’s response after asking about the progress of the engagement between the Valua Empire and the Adrian Kingdom.

To Alicia Lancaster.

The strategic engagement with the Adrian Kingdom was being seriously discussed, and more than 80% of the conditions had been agreed upon, so they said.

However, the detailed conditions were still being conducted secretly, making it difficult to confirm.

It was certain, however, that the right to use the Sanoa Canal was included, just as they expected.

The Valua Imperial Family was aware of Princess Valerie’s intentions, but they were taking the engagement with the Adrian Kingdom very seriously, contrary to her wishes.

It seemed that Princess Valerie was acting unilaterally.

(Excerpt)

Alicia neatly folded Kate’s letter and put it back into the envelope.

Without realizing it, she tapped her lips with the letter envelope, lost in deep thought.

‘If I inform the Valua Imperial Family subtly, the engagement might become a non-issue.’

It seemed like Alicia had an idea of why Princess Valerie had brought up the engagement with the Britannian Empire.

If Britannia showed interest in this engagement and wanted to seriously consider it, even if the Valua Imperial Family opposed, it would be burdensome to withdraw considering the international relations.

‘Telling the Valua Imperial Family as soon as possible is the easiest way. However, the problem is…’

The issue was how Princess Valerie, who would become the queen of the Adrian Kingdom, would handle the matter of the Sanoa Canal. The negotiations with the Adrian Kingdom were not yet concluded, and if Princess Valerie opposed, even if Valua threw its support, it would be difficult to secure the rights to the canal.

‘No matter what the trade agreement with Turak Kingdom turns out to be, we need to secure the approval for the rights to the Sanoa Canal in advance. I should consult with Prince William about this.’

“Oh, really. Miss Lancaster knows how to catch my attention.”

William, seeing Alicia waiting for him in the VIP room of the salon, laughed brightly.

Seeing Alicia giving a proper greeting, he waved her off, asking her not to bother, and comfortably took a seat himself.

“So, what’s the matter? Why such a serious expression?”

“How is the agreement with the Adrian Kingdom regarding the Sanoa Canal progressing?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Even if there’s some loss, I would appreciate it if you could proceed as quickly as possible. Confidentially.”

“Is it confidential?”

“Yes. Especially so that the Valua Empire remains unaware.”

When the topic of Valua came up, William’s face became serious.

“Why?”

“It seems that the Valua Imperial Family is also very interested in the trade with Turak Kingdom.”

What Alicia said had some basis.
It was information gathered from various companies with whom I have connections when writing a consultation report on behalf of the royal family regarding the trade agreement.

The frequency of visits from the Valua Empire has increased, and there have been reports of large diplomatic missions.

Of course, it could be a visit for the engagement, but opinions suggested that it might not be a simple engagement discussion, given that many economic experts were involved.

“So, there’s something I’d like to ask Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“Are the Valua Empire’s conditions for approval limited to Eric’s personal security?”

“Considering that the princess is a skilled sorceress, it includes re-education and sorcerer exchanges beyond a certain level.”

“Is it official? For example, are there any documents that can prove it?”