I selected clothes suitable for a tea-time gathering and headed towards Luca’s palace.

Even though it was inside the palace walls, the distance was quite considerable, so I opted for a carriage. Naturally, Raven was accompanying me inside the carriage.

“Always causing trouble, Miyan, Raven. Just in case, I thought it might be safer for us to go together.”

“Your dad left the carriage for you. Why do you feel sorry? You don’t have to, Bella.”

“But it’s still because of my circumstances. It must be very uncomfortable for you. I’m always grateful, really.”

Now, expressing gratitude and apologies didn’t feel awkward at all. I looked Raven straight in the eyes, conveying sincerity.

Still not entirely comfortable with accepting emotions, Raven subtly avoided eye contact. However, summoning courage, he responded in a small voice.
“Oh my, please speak comfortably, Princess. But… is there anything on your mind? It seemed a bit noisy for a moment.”

I cautiously shared the story related to Raven with her when she inquired about the situation.

Upon understanding the situation, Layla nodded her head and said, “Normally, Luca’s words are correct. However, today is a special day, so it would be good for us to be together. Luca, would that be alright?”

“…If Mother says so, well, nothing can be done.”

“I thought you’d be against it, but you’re showing a decent appearance in front of your younger brother. Quite impressive.”

“I’ve grown up now, too. Look! I’ve grown a lot taller.”

In truth, Luca’s physique was on the smaller side for his age, but Layla acknowledged his words and patted his head.

While Layla had a strict image as a mother, seeing affectionate drops falling from her eyes suggested that she cherished her only child immensely.

After having tea in the greenhouse garden where Layla adored, we briefly toured the palace.

In fact, Layla’s formal residence was the mansion of the Danir family outside the royal palace. However, she would stay at Luca’s palace for about two weeks a month to spend time with her son.

“Seone doesn’t seem to be coming today. Actually, she decided it was okay to accompany you after seeing that she sent the child in her place. Trusting the precious princess alone is evidence enough.”

“Seone said that? Layla was close to my mother.”

“Close? It wasn’t to that extent. In fact, we were nothing short of the one and only best friends.”

As the conversation seemed to be getting a bit lengthy, Layla suggested a stroll in the garden.

Luca sent me to my room, called for a servant to guide Raven to the waiting room, and then, she adjusted her pace to match mine, moving slowly.

“In truth, there are a few secrets that only Daphne and I know. One of them is the secret wardrobe that the Princess possesses. I prepared that space for the princess, and I didn’t know how much Daphne enjoyed it while getting it ready. She wanted to give the princess a surprise gift. We stayed up all night contemplating each outfit, shoes, and accessories to fill it with. If Daphne sees how splendidly you’ve grown, how happy she would be… It’s truly moving.”

As Layla wiped away tears with a handkerchief and choked up, I found myself captivated by a strange sensation.

I had already felt, directly or indirectly, that the mother I had never seen cherished the baby who originally owned this body dearly.
However, listening to the story about Mom from someone other than Seone made it feel as if she would return any moment. Whether I was some existence in my past life, tears welled up as if she would warmly embrace me and console me with affection.

“When Daphne was alive, I made a promise. I promised to give you a gift when you had grown enough to communicate on your own.”

“A gift? What’s that?”

To be precise, it’s more like an initial investment than a gift. As you know, I am a businesswoman. A wise merchant never makes an investment that doesn’t benefit them.”

As she lightly flicked her fingers into the air, a long scroll-like document appeared as if it had been awaited.

Layla magically unfolded the document and showed it to me.

“It’s a certificate containing 10% rights to my business. It includes shares of mines, fertile land, and several mansions. It’s not enough, but it’s suitable as initial funds for your activities.”

“What? Are you really giving me that?”

Of course, it’s not for free. I can’t make such a big bet just for friendship.”

Swallowing dry saliva, I glanced through the contents of the document she handed me.

As Layla said, the things written on the paper were filled with things that an ordinary noble would find difficult to possess even once in a lifetime.

Being nothing more than a prince in appearance, I, who practically only had the Rose Palace as my property, was finally getting a stable source of operating funds.

“What does Layla want? Tell me your conditions. I’ll listen and consider.”

“I hope that the Princess will grow stronger. Of course, the target of that strength is the Repell family.”

According to her explanation, Layla herself didn’t have much ambition for power. The Danir family developed through mines and trade, and she simply operated the business without any big plans, intending to hand it over to Luca.

But from Layla’s perspective, even that would become difficult if Wilhelm ascended to the position of Lord, giving the Repell family tremendous power.

“To be honest, I don’t want Charlotte to wield too much power. For a merchant to make money, there needs to be a reasonable balance.”

“So you want to somehow prevent Wilhelm from becoming the Lord.”

“You are indeed wise. In fact, there’s another reason I’m concerned. It’s because of my son, Luca.”