“Ah, I’m late. I apologize.”

Entering the reception room, Duchess Maginé calmly swept her slightly disheveled hair behind her ears and smiled.

“I had a lot to deal with due to the recent commotion. I was quite busy. I truly apologize.”

In response to Duchess Maginé’s repeated apologies, Duke Belluna softly laughed and extended his hand.

“No, no need to apologize. There was a significant incident tonight, so it’s understandable. We are fine. Right, son?”

While swaying the fan, Duke Belluna looked at His, but he remained silent. His stiff and stern gaze, staring straight ahead, clearly indicated that he felt uncomfortable in this situation.

Duchess Maginé glanced at His with slightly narrowed eyes. She recalled Pablo, the author who had been vehemently speaking just a while ago, claiming that even Crown Prince Krycia was searching for Ant. If Pablo’s words were true, it meant that His also knew about and actively searched for the commoner lady. The situation was becoming increasingly intriguing.

Hiding these thoughts, Duchess Maginé gracefully poured tea. The subtle fragrance spread through the reception room, soothing the atmosphere.

“Have you considered it?”

Although Duchess’s voice was light, she couldn’t help clenching her teeth while waiting for an answer. Since capturing Duke Kiryan failed, the magic stone became even more critical to her.

“Well, I’m always thinking about it.”

Duke Belluna smiled gently.

“I don’t know about my son, though.”

Maginé turned her gaze to him, and His, unable to maintain silence any longer, spoke.

“What are you talking about?”

It was a voice filled with endless resentment, but Duchess Maginé responded with a wide smile.

“I’m talking about a magic stone transaction. Considering that you are the Crown Prince of Krycia, I assume you are well aware. Despite having abundant magic stone resources, Krycia has not yet undergone extensive development regarding magic stones.”

Feeling a sensation as if his neck was being strangled, His roughly grabbed his shirt collar.

“No matter how abundant the magic stone resources are, if you can’t develop in a place, it’s the same as not having any.”

His recalled explaining this to his mother multiple times. He didn’t want to come to Duchess Maginé’s debutante party because he expected something like this.

His face involuntarily frowned with discomfort.

“I’ve been rude.”

Duchess Maginé put down the teacup.

Although His was slightly surprised by the sudden change in attitude, he nodded immediately.

“Yes, let’s consider this conversation non-existent.”

“I should have shown my sincerity first.”

Duchess Maginé lifted a contract and a seal onto the desk. Pushing the contract towards His, Duchess Maginé continued to explain with a gentle voice.
“I promise one gold coin for each magic stone from Aouns. Of course, depending on the quality, you can renegotiate for a higher price.”

After saying that, she opened the box. Inside, it was filled with gold coins and promissory notes.

“Is this enough for the separate down payment for the Crown Prince?”

“Ha…”

His involuntarily let out a bitter laugh.

“Are you trying to buy me with this small amount of money?”

Despite maintaining a smile, Duchess Maginé’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“Is it insufficient? If the Crown Prince suggests the amount he has in mind, I am willing to adjust as much as possible, but…”

His looked down at the contract and the gold coins with indifferent eyes.

“It’s not necessary.”

“What?”

Duchess Maginé still seemed puzzled.

“Whether you propose any conditions or suggest any amount for the down payment, my decision will not change.”

“Son, think rationally. It’s an excellent opportunity for the national interest.”

“No.”

Ignoring Duchess Bellua, who had just spoken, His firmly cut her off.

“There seems to be no need to listen further, especially when considering the national interest.”

His stood up decisively.

“Son!”

Duchess Bellua tried to grab His as he stormed out, but Duchess Maginé restrained her.

“It’s alright, Duchess Bellua.”

Duchess Maginé reassured her while keeping an eye on His disappearing figure.

“Even for the Crown Prince, such a proposal may come as a surprise. As he thinks it over, he will realize how beneficial it could be to join hands with us.”

As they came out into the corridor, the cool air helped to cool down the lingering heat at the tip of their heads.

His slowly exhaled, trying to regain composure.

His mother’s words were not entirely wrong. It was a fact that Krycia had been negligent in developing magic stone resources.

Considering the national interest, cooperating with Duchess Maginé, who was knowledgeable about magic, would undoubtedly be a profitable deal.

The Empire, with its powerful force represented by the Istira Duchess, still had many unknown areas in magic, and there was a need for dependence on it. However, Krycia did not have that luxury.