Agael had to send escort warships when importing iron ore from Smileland because the sea they had to pass through was notorious for pirates.

From Smileland’s perspective, it was natural to demand free protection by sending their own general cargo ships along with the escort warships instead of selling iron ore, which they didn’t have to sell.

However, with the disappearance of pirates, the need for escort warships also vanished. Smileland had no regrets about not exporting iron ore, but Agael, having lost Amata’s iron, found itself in a difficult situation.

So, Smileland likely raised the price of iron ore significantly or added other conditions, eventually causing the deal to fall through.

Therefore, the root of all these events was Kai’del Gongja, who eliminated the pirates in the pirate-infested waters.

“Then it’s because of Lord Gongja, right? No, isn’t it?”

Kai’del Gongja looked puzzled for a moment and then firmly responded.

“That is because of Lord Graian. I will confidently pass on the responsibility.”

“Ha…”

I barely held back a laugh at my bewilderment.

Then, squinting my eyes, I asked carefully,

“Did you foresee this much and do what you did?”

“Well…”

Kai’del Gongja avoided eye contact and coughed awkwardly. However, the hand covering his mouth clearly indicated he was smiling.

“What a terrifying person…”

His beautiful face somehow looked eerie.

But if it weren’t for him, I might not have known about the visit from Sasim until the end.

Hwangnyeo Palace was an isolated place, and Miliora was indifferent to politics, so I wouldn’t have known.

He calmly accepted my scrutinizing gaze and said,

“Why are you asking me why I helped again?”

“You probably won’t tell me, Lord Gongja.”

“Efficient conversation, enjoyable.”

I chuckled weakly. I couldn’t take back the information I had already heard.

He seemed like the type to be grateful for it, considering he would receive interest eventually.

“Anyway, thank you, Lord Gongja. It will be a great help.”

“Rather, it’s my pleasure.”

He gracefully accepted the farewell. I turned away from him and then turned back.

“Please convey my thanks to the Second Prince. I’ve done my best!”

I left him, chuckling awkwardly. The issue of the competition changed completely with Agael’s demand for iron ore export.

‘Whether to export the remaining iron ore in the empire to Agael or not.’

It wasn’t difficult to guess the answers of the two princes.

Absolutely not.

In the Amata War, both the Second Prince and the influential figures of the empire had made significant sacrifices for almost two years.

I learned about it while studying, but the scale of personnel and resources deployed there was enormous.

Dividing iron ore with the enemy that triggered the conflict was out of the question.
So, I had to respond in the same way. There’s no need to talk long.

Appealing to emotions, saying something like, ‘I cannot disregard Prince Grayan’s efforts and the empire’s sacrifices!’ is enough.

The sudden reversal of this situation was so surprising, but I decided to be satisfied with the most straightforward conclusion.

The next day, when I went to the library, my front seat was neatly organized.

Since our investigation was nearing its end, it was expected that Kaidel Gongja would not come to the library anymore.

Nevertheless, seeing the empty desk, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness.

…?

I discovered a box neatly placed next to my pile of books and cautiously opened it.

Inside, there was a thin, long pillow-like thing made of cotton.

I unfolded the card.

“It’s a trendy item at the academy. Good for a short nap while studying.”
“Does being handsome make your handwriting pretty?”

His neat and flowing handwriting may not be that great, but I carefully put the card back into the envelope.

Then, carrying the box, I returned to my room.

“You really do useless things.”

My tranquility was disrupted by the summons of Her Highness Milliora.

As I went to her bed, she had opened the wardrobe wide.

Looking at the wardrobe, she spoke to me.

“Pick a party dress. You, the maid, wouldn’t know, would you?”

“A party?”

“Her Majesty’s birthday party has been moved up three days. I don’t like the parties she hosts, but…”

She muttered discontentedly. It wasn’t difficult to understand why.

Because Her Majesty attends the party she hosts. Her gaze is scary and unpleasant, so she feels that way.

She turned around and said to me, “You know you have to dress well, right? Don’t embarrass me.”

Come to think of it, I had eleven dresses I hadn’t worn yet.

I arrogantly picked a dress from the wardrobe, thinking it would be appropriate.

But when I took out one, she frowned in annoyance.

“What did I ask you for! Are you preparing well for the competition? You’re good at that kind of thing.”

I didn’t know about my dress-picking skills, so her annoyance didn’t bother me much.

I couldn’t tell her that Aigael’s messenger had come, so I gave a brief answer.

“Yes. Don’t worry about the preparations.”