As the sun began to set, Kalif quickly scanned his surroundings and hastened his steps.
It was because of a letter from Count Montrol that had arrived suddenly at the Crown Prince’s Palace early in the morning.
The content was nothing special, but the way the letter was delivered was unusual. It must have meant there was a secret story to tell.
There was no need for concern.
Count Montrol was closely associated with the Garnet Duke’s family, centered on the Empress, and was managing substantial funds. That alone was enough reason to meet with the Count.
He told the servant who had brought the letter to arrange a dinner with the Count at the Crown Prince’s Palace that evening.
Kalif picked up his pace toward the banquet hall ahead, quite looking forward to what he might hear through the Count.
Upon flinging open the doors of the banquet hall, the Count, who had arrived earlier, hastily rose from his seat.
“It’s alright. Let’s dispense with the formalities.”
Kalif smiled graciously, gesturing a few times towards the Count.
Whether the Count was indeed conspiring something, his tense demeanor gave it away.
The more that happened, the more casual Kalif acted. He kept recalling the image of Liurian that had come to mind when the Count had determinedly set foot here.
The effect was pronounced. A few meaningless pleasantries were exchanged, and the Count promptly got to the point.
“You must know that I own the diamond mine in the South.”
A mine?
Kalif’s dark eyebrows twitched subtly.
“The mine that straddles the territory of the Elia Kingdom and our empire, you mean?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The Count gulped dryly, nodding. Kalif looked at the Count keenly, tilting his head as if he didn’t understand.
“Is there a sudden problem with the mine?”
“…It hasn’t become a big issue since it’s happening far from the palace, but there have been ongoing issues with the mine.”
The Count hesitated, then finally spilled the words he had been keeping to himself. Only then did Kalif feel he somewhat understood why the Count had sought him out.
“What kind of problem?”
Kalif slightly lifted a smile, leaning back in his chair. The Count then took a sip of water and began to speak with a troubled expression.
“As Your Highness pointed out, that mine is located in both the Elia Kingdom and the Imperial Territory. Because of this issue, we negotiated with the Elia Kingdom long ago. Each mine owner would operate the mine without infringing on the border, that was the agreement.”
“Then isn’t that settled? You must have enjoyed quite a profit from the Imperial Territory’s mine alone.”
“Your Highness, diamond mining occurs underground. We have put much effort into not infringing on each other’s territory, but it is very difficult to determine where the Imperial Territory ends and where the Elia Kingdom begins.”
The Count retorted, rather indignantly.
Kalif slowly tilted his head. A habit when he was deep in thought.
“So, Count, you mean you no longer want to wrack your brains about this issue and you want full ownership of the mine, including the part that extends into the Elia Kingdom?”
“If you grant me this, I will give you part of the profits from the minerals.”
A rather radical response came back to a nonchalant question.
Kalif twisted his mouth into an amused smile. It was a matter related to territory, but the war had just ended, so negotiating with the Elia Kingdom was not a difficult issue.
However, it was necessary to find out why the Count of Montrol, who was a part of the Empress’s power, sought him out instead of the Empress.
“Count, it seems you have come to the wrong person. If it were such a matter, it would have been quicker to seek my mother. It is a matter related to the territory, how could I, who is merely a crown prince, be of any help?”
“I don’t think my judgment was wrong.”
The Count’s eyes flickered at the weak sound spat out with disdain. This look was exactly the real reason why the Count had sought him out.
“What’s the reason?”
“Your Highness has achieved an unparalleled contribution in this war with Elia Kingdom. It has been a great inspiration to the citizens of the Empire as well as the representatives of the Imperial Palace. I feel the same way.”
“You are longwinded.”
The sharp criticism from the Caliph momentarily crossed a look of confusion on the Count’s face. He hurriedly added, appearing desperate.
“His Majesty the Emperor always maintains neutrality to allow the two forces of the Imperial Palace to compete in good faith, but as far as diplomatic issues are concerned, he has always sought a peaceful solution.”
“If a war occurs, as in this case, regardless of victory or defeat, the burden that the Empire will take on will grow, and the increased burden will soon be directed at the citizens, that’s it.”
Male lead first thought she played hard to get, only to realize she
really disliked him
Short intro:
What she can’t stand the most is the streets full of effeminate men, especially that so-called top beauty whom she avoids at all costs.
Shen Yaoxing looks at Jiang Mingyue, who keeps approaching her with coy shyness.
Shen Yaoxing: Bro, don’t be like this, I’m really about to throw up!
She fears nothing in heaven or earth, except for him getting close to her.
*
At first he thought she was just using the trick of feigning indifference to attract his attention. Later, he learned that she truly despised him.
This dealt a heavy blow to Jiang Mingyue, and he vowed to make her, like everyone else, fall at his feet in worship!
***
Synopsis:
Before transmigrating, Shen Yaoxing only wanted to find a reliable man to spend her life with. Who knew that after transmigrating, she would become a reliable woman herself…
A forced misandrist, highly skilled, and reliable female lead
vs.
An initially aloof and arrogant, later morbid, obsessed male lead
_____
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