The bathhouse issue entrusted to Jamie was almost in the final stages.

During this time, Rishi built bathhouses with the brand name ‘Forest’ in various places, such as the outskirts of some countries, major cities, and villages.

In places with hot springs, she built hot spring facilities with a slightly different atmosphere from bathhouses.

Of course, near the square of Dakote City, where the Green Duke, no, Duke was located, a large bathhouse building was erected.

“The bathhouses will open simultaneously. Did you hire people to manage them?”

“I personally interviewed and selected trustworthy people.”
“Alright. On the day of the opening, we’ll have a party at every bathhouse. Allocate a budget of 200 million for each and prepare food and gifts.”

“Each 200 million? Iris, currently, there are only 21 bathhouses ready for the opening.”

“Is 200 million not enough?”

“No, it’s too much.”

To the immaculate Green Countess, 4.2 billion was an enormous amount of money, but to Jamie, who had lived modestly, the money was staggering.

Of course, buying land for the bathhouses and constructing buildings required an incomparable amount of money.

However, spending money on what remains after the land and buildings, and spending 4.2 billion on a party were different issues.

If it were a party for Rishi and Kei, 4.2 billion might not seem too much, but spending it for numerous unknown people was a different matter.

“Jamie, accumulating money is not the end goal. You have to spend it when the time comes to get even more in return.”

“…Of course. But…”

Is it really okay?

Jamie still had doubts about whether Rishi’s significant investment in the bathhouse business would succeed.

Although the bathhouse Rishi was operating had a completely different feel from other bathhouses, would people spend money on such things?

“No, no, Iris. I can’t open my mouth to the money you earned.”

“It’s okay, Jamie. I’m always ready to listen to Jamie’s advice. Just trust me this time.”

+++

Dieroff couldn’t sleep.

This severe insomnia had started since Meiri returned to Minas Aric.

No matter how tired he was, he couldn’t sleep, and if he briefly dozed off, he had nightmares. It was a nightmare where a giant beast attacked Dieroff.

A large forelimb trampled Dieroff’s chest, and sharp teeth shone brightly, as if ready to tear his throat apart. When he tried to escape and groaned, he turned his eyes, and there was already Meiri’s corpse with its throat torn apart.

Then, Dieroff screamed, waking up from his sleep, only to spend another sleepless night.

‘Cavrant Green.’

He heard the news that the Sacred Empire would grant the title of Count to Kei.

By now, Kei would have become a duke rather than a count.

In the past, he would have sincerely congratulated Kei, but now, his stomach churned.

‘Cavrant Green!’

There was no lingering affection for Meiri.

Meiri had acted foolishly and had lowered the dignity of the Minas Aric Kingdom.

Although she was not the only child, Dieroff felt more affection for her because she was his lovely and beautiful daughter.

Since the situation where Dieroff had to send an envoy with all kinds of precious gifts to Kei, his affection for Meiri had cooled.

This anger had nothing to do with Meiri.

‘How dare you…!’

Kei should not have acted like that.

The Green Viscount and the Viscountess should not have turned a blind eye to Kei’s actions in that way.
Helenah Green, the Viscountess, was the daughter of the younger sister of Minas Aric’s former king’s concubine. No matter how she married into the Green family, her homeland was Minas Aric.

Kei’s body carried the blood of the Minas Aric royal family.

‘This is treason!’

Dieroff had no intention of letting this matter go.

The Sharkran Kingdom would not always covet Minas Aric. The moment they made peace and formed an alliance, Dieroff decided that he would strike Kei first.

+++

Prince Dwayne Ashworth of the Stymore Empire discovered a white deer while hunting.

Ignoring the calls of his subordinates and knights, Dwayne, who was chasing the white deer, lost his way in the mountains.

Having spent a night in the rugged mountains, Dwayne, who had ridden his horse aimlessly, discovered a village.

‘When did I enter the territory of the Gabizar Empire?’

The Stymore Empire and the Gabizar Empire shared a border, and since their relationship was not bad, crossing the border was not a problem.

However, if it became known that Prince Dwayne had visited a rural village in Gabizar without saying a word, it might cause unnecessary suspicion.

Fortunately, Dwayne was not dressed flamboyantly since he was hunting.

After tying his horse to a tree, he walked towards the village, planning to have a drink and return to Stymore.

While walking along the path between the vast fields outside the village, he found a woman sitting quietly on the roadside.

With long and lush blonde hair, a petite face, and perfect features, she seemed like a doll with her azure eyes.

Dwayne swallowed dry saliva as she appeared unrealistically beautiful.

‘Has the white deer from yesterday transformed into a person?’

Such a foolish thought crossed his mind because she was unbelievably beautiful.

Dwayne quietly moved toward her. He was afraid that she might run away like a frightened deer if he made a wrong move.

As if sensing his presence, she turned her head slowly.

Her azure eyes briefly lingered on Dwayne’s face and rested briefly on his shoulder.

Dwayne had completely forgotten that the emblem of the Stymore royal family was engraved on his shoulder.

Soon, she stood up, gathered her hands in front of her, and gracefully bowed her head.

Just then, the wind blew, shaking her golden hair like a dream.

After giving Dwayne a sweet smile, she attempted to turn away.

Unconsciously, Dwayne approached and grabbed her wrist.

Her surprised expression, like a startled rabbit with wide-open eyes, was so adorable.

Dwayne felt that he could do anything for this woman.

“Uh, who are you?”

“This hand, please…”

“Who are you? Are you the white deer by any chance?”
In response to Dwayne’s foolish question, she smirked and let out a small laugh.

Soon after, she stared directly at Dwayne and spoke.

“Bryn. Call me Bryn.”

+++

Lord Caebrant Green returned to his mansion.

Everyone went out to the front gate to welcome the return of Lord Green.

With a graceful gesture, Kei raised one hand and pretended to greet the employees joyfully. Then, he approached Lishi, embracing her with both arms.

“Iris Green, Viscountess.”

Lishi smiled and patted Kei’s waist.

“Well done, my lord.”

“I know, Lishi. Sometimes, I feel like you’re my mistress.”

“Oh, did you just realize that now?”

Kei and Lishi chuckled, and the employees nodded approvingly at the happy couple.

“We’ve prepared a festival to celebrate the Green domain’s promotion to a viscounty. We’ll have a three-day festival throughout Dacote City, day and night.”

“Everyone will love it. Oh, but before that, there’s someone I want to introduce.”

“Someone you want to introduce?”

Kei, who had been embracing Lishi until then, separated from her and turned around.

Lishi also turned her gaze to where Kei was looking.

“I brought more of my subordinates from elsewhere because it seems like there will be more people targeting us in the future. From left to right, Randy, Randa, Ivan, and Chloe.”

Kei introduced the new recruits in order, but Lishi couldn’t take her eyes off the man named Randy, whom she introduced first.

Sky-blue hair, pitch-black eyes, slender and sharp features, and thinly closed lips with an upright demeanor.

It was the face engraved in Lishi’s memory.