Chapter 71
If you were to ask which jewelry store in the empire was the most prestigious, ten out of ten people would point to Fabian. The number one wedding gift that young noblewomen most desired was also a wedding ring from Fabian.
Noblewomen from across the empire often flocked to Fabian to view the wedding rings, which featured various designs with a base of 3-carat diamonds. But today, there wasn’t a single noblewoman visiting Fabian. All reservations had been canceled to accommodate just one guest.
That guest was none other than Kazar Arcas Fortuna, the empire’s Fourth Prince.
Recently, after receiving word from his attendants, the store manager had brought in gemstones not only from the capital but also from other branches—Emerald, Peridot, Green Turquoise, and Green Sapphire. All of them were displayed on the third-floor exhibition hall.
Rubbing his hands together like a child, the manager said,
“All these were selected from master craftsmen. You will be satisfied.”
Kazar leisurely examined the jewelry cases before him. Each case displayed a variety of meticulously crafted green gemstones. After carefully inspecting the jewelry, Kazar pointed out a set including earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet.
“Pack this.”
“You truly have a refined eye. Pieces that perfectly craft a 3-carat emerald like this are rare.”
The manager’s face lit up. The speed of his hand-rubbing increased steadily.
“This one too.”
“Yes! An excellent choice. Green sapphires of this grade are hard to come by.”
“Pack this as well. And do you have anything else to recommend?”
“How about this? Doesn’t it complement the emerald set you’ve chosen? It’s by the same artisan.”
The manager, as if waiting for this moment, presented a belt encrusted densely with hundreds of emeralds. The knot was made of gold thread, catching the eye. It seemed almost as if it were made specifically for Eluana.
Seeing Kazar’s slow reaction, the manager then offered a hairband decorated with peridot.
“Or perhaps this?”
“I’ll take everything. It won’t take long to pack, right?”
“Of course. We’ll make sure the packaging is exquisite as well.”
While the beaming manager gave instructions to the staff, Kazar pulled out a pocket watch to check the time.
Everything was ready.
Soon, a line of opulent royal carriages followed behind, filled with gifts already loaded from previous stops in the capital before visiting the jewelry store.
The first carriage was filled with lavender flowers. The second carried luxurious fabrics, leather, and feathers of various kinds. The third, its interior hidden from view, stirred even more curiosity.
Kazar deliberately left the carriage windows open as it crossed the central square. People’s eyes followed the carriages.
Some whispered, “Is that the prince?”
The story of “the First Prince who turned into a pigeon at the magic shop and pooped” had spread across the empire. In the process, it had become distorted, with some only hearing “the First Prince pooped at the magic shop.”
Those who spotted the royal carriage assumed the prince inside was the First Prince. As soon as the carriage passed, actors planted along the route sprang into action.
“Is that prince the one who turned into a bird?”
“No. The one who pooped was the First Prince. That prince is the Fourth Prince. He treats even people like us as human beings.”
“What about the First Prince?”
“Turning into a pigeon was his attendant’s mistake. They say even his family’s heads were cut off.”
“Oh my! His whole family?”
“Yep. Apparently, they’re known for executing people so well, it seems like divine punishment.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if he never returned to human form in the empire?”
“Shh, watch your words. If you slip up, you might lose your own head.”
Similar scenes repeated wherever the carriage went. The planted actors performed energetically, and those watching passed the stories along to acquaintances. In this way, rumors spread, shaping a solid public image.
The carriage carrying the rumor slowly crossed the teleportation gate. Entering the Duchy of Spes, the agents inside the carriage laughed heartily.
“I feel all my tension leaving me. Even though I helped a little, the rumors have spread beautifully. I must have underestimated Spes’ abilities. If this continues, this fabricated romance will be known throughout the empire before sunset.”
“Since Eluana is involved.”
“Thinking about that ‘contracted engagement,’ I’m not sure it’s the best plan. It seems too advantageous for His Highness alone. There might be a trap.”
In truth, Line was uneasy about this engagement. It was a proposal with no alternative—an opportunity that could not be transferred to someone else, even if it meant taking risks.
“Even considering the trap, it’s still beneficial.”
“Yes. That’s right. Oh, this came from the workshop.”
Line handed over a small wooden box the size of a palm. Kazar opened it to find the items he had pre-ordered after returning from Aden, the lid engraved with a fish motif.
“Luckily, it came out just right.”
“Good thing we ordered in advance. Otherwise, it could never have been made in time.”
After checking that the items were as ordered, Kazar closed the box and tucked it into his inner pocket.
“Did the tail attach well?”
“It’s been following us since the first garden we visited. At least ten families seem to be trailing us now.”
Line chuckled.
The Duke of Spes was known for refusing gifts. Although the royal family wouldn’t outright reject him, any gift would likely be returned, and many probably laughed at the attempt.
Seeing the ivory-colored fortress through the window, a faint tension and thrill ran through the group. No one knew what awaited them at the end of the road.
As the carriage approached the Spes estate, the massive gate swung open. Agents monitoring the carriage hurried to report the gate’s opening. Meanwhile, Kazar was guided into the reception hall.
“Welcome, Your Highness.”
The Duke of Spes greeted Kazar. Taking his seat prepared for him, Kazar spoke.
“No need to worry about the eyes. The rumors about Prince Regis have spread well.”
“Today’s rumors will spread just as effectively.”
The Duke sat opposite him with a meaningful smile.
Tea was served, and as the servants stepped outside, the Duke’s expression hardened, revealing his imposing presence.
“I do not favor you, Your Highness. You hide too much.”
“Is that so?”
Kazar’s expression remained neutral.
“I knew about the Forest Guild. I understand it’s a legacy from the late Empress Eliza. But I did not expect Edelweiss. Nor did I anticipate that you’d bring its leader into your household under the guise of a guard.”
“She is my guard, indeed.”
“Have you completely mastered Edelweiss?”
“Well… can perfection really exist?”
“If you claimed complete mastery, I would have been disappointed. You seem to have other secrets, but I will not bring them up.”
The Duke was referring to the Blessing of Mana. After hearing in detail the situation Kazar had advised Louis about, he began to suspect him. Ignoring the preconception that Kazar was an inspector, all the circumstances fit—like how Kairon subtly covered Kazar’s movements.
Kazar only smiled slightly.
“A good idea. A relationship with no secrets never gets boring.”
“Since you are not truly betrothed to my daughter, I suppose it does not matter if it becomes tedious. Before you leave, I’d like you to sign one contract.”
The Duke presented a magical contract. After reading the fine print carefully, Kazar summarized it.
“Even if it is acting, avoid contact not pre-approved by Lady Spes. The timing of breaking the engagement is decided by Lady Spes. Be a fair emperor, strengthen imperial authority, and work for the empire’s prosperity…”
“That is correct, Your Highness.”
Though reluctant, the Duke of Spes agreed. His displeasure was clear, yet he did not oppose the contracted engagement.
“No need to worry. I am well aware of my circumstances.”
Kazar signed the magical contract willingly. There was no hesitation. He benefited from this contract. Eluana did not matter to him; the Spes family held the key to the agreement.
The Duke pocketed the contract and said,
“This is the first time the Spes family has exercised influence over the imperial succession.”
“There was no need before. Without the dragon’s blessing, it would not be surprising if the Spes family or the Marquis of Pegimul had taken the throne.”
It wasn’t flattery—just truth. Without the dragon’s blessing, either family could have usurped the throne.
“Since you’ve made an exception, prove your worth.”
The Duke handed Kazar a small envelope.
“This is a gift for you.”
Confused, Kazar opened it to find a receipt issued by the Spes family guild, covering an amount exceeding the gifts he purchased for Eluana.
“I want you to take this as a gift, literally.”
Realizing the gift had been reimbursed monetarily, Kazar was visibly displeased. The surrounding air tensed in response to his aura.
Yet, for the Duke of Spes, it seemed trivial.
“If you truly wish to give a gift, you can deliver it personally. Any future display gifts sent to the family will also be returned as receipts. You likely cannot use the full allocated budget because of the Empress’ scrutiny.”
Kazar finally understood the Duke’s intent.
He had been using the revenue from operating the Forest Guild. Although a royal budget had been allocated, receipts were reported to the Empress, so he only used it for clothing or necessities. All unspent funds had accumulated.
So this time, he placed no limit on the gifts he purchased—they were part of a budget that would otherwise remain unused.
“So, you mean laundering the funds?”
“In a sense. The more expensive the gift, the stronger the ‘madly in love’ effect.”
“Even so, it’s more than the purchase amount.”
“We added the artifact price used in Aden. And I heard you agreed to visit daily unless there’s a special occasion.”
“Correct.”
“Outside of these public displays, you will spend time with me.”
Just imagining it made Kazar feel nauseous. Repeating such uncomfortable moments would be harsh. After all, the aim was to separate Eluana from him.
“If allowed to use the library, I plan to spend time there separately.”
The Duke’s gaze shifted. A wave of intimidation spread, causing Kazar to frown.
“I understand you have not studied Imperial Governance.”
The Empress never allowed any prince other than Regis to study it. Kazar had only obtained a few books through Line.
“The Spes family teaches Imperial Governance to heirs. It would be natural to educate a prospective son-in-law as well.”
Kazar’s expression changed.
“You mean you’ll teach Imperial Governance?”
The Duke smiled.
“It will be a very valuable time.”
