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“Shall we go over the details of the contract, then?”
“Yes.”
Seeing Elam nod, I gave Jane, who was waiting behind me, a look, and she handed me the envelope with the documents I had prepared in advance. I took out the contract and extended it toward him.
“The overall idea, as I mentioned earlier, is the collaboration between Baron Evit’s Café Roland branch in Jun and this restaurant, Swan. The specifics are all detailed in the contract, so please read along as I explain.”
“Understood. But when was this contract drawn up? I only received the letter last night…”
“After sending the letter. I had to prepare it rather quickly, but it’s a proper contract, so don’t worry. I even had Lucius review it.”
After sending the letter to Elam and explaining the details about him and the restaurant to Baron Evit via the communication magic stone, the baron readily agreed to the cooperation contract. He had also been considering the dessert supplies, so he seemed genuinely pleased that this could be a viable solution.
I drafted the contract based on the terms discussed with him and had Lucius review it. Having handled numerous documents, he was familiar with contract procedures and meticulously ensured it was complete and thorough.
Elam’s eyes widened as he looked at the contract, his expression a mix of surprise and bewilderment.
“Of course, I expected Your Highness to have prepared this carefully. But… I am somewhat surprised that His Grace, the Archduke, reviewed it as well. That he would take interest even in this matter really shows how much he thinks of Your Highness.”
“Yes. He does think of me a lot. Honestly, the fact that I can now pursue a business I want without much proposal is largely thanks to Lucius. Without his help, I might have struggled to secure a contract with Baron Evit. While the funds are officially allocated to me now, it was Lucius who created the opportunity to meet the baron in the first place.”
“I see.”
“I also deliberated a lot when I first considered this welfare business. I knew it wouldn’t be simple. But Lucius supported me. He gave advice on noble investment ventures as well.”
“Really.”
“Beyond that, he explained every aspect of the contract and business that I didn’t know. For things he didn’t know either, he researched them deliberately and prepared materials in an easy-to-understand way. He even gave positive input regarding this contract.”
“Ah…”
“I rely on him in many ways. Without Lucius, I wouldn’t have had the courage to pursue this business. He never says what I want to do is impossible. From beginning to end, he listens, considers ways to make it possible, and provides support.”
“……”
“I am truly grateful and happy for that.”
Among all of Lucius’ unwavering support, what strengthened me the most was his ‘faith’ and ‘consideration’ for me. The freedom to act as I wished, paired with genuine belief that my ideas were valid.
Whenever I conversed with Lucius, I could feel how much he respected and cared for me. The emotions conveyed through his gaze alone were enough to melt my heart.
“…It seems, then, that His Grace loves Your Highness more than I imagined.”
“Pardon?”
Elam muttered this quietly, his expression slightly serious. When I asked, he seemed startled and quickly waved his hands.
“No, I mean—it’s not strange or inappropriate! It’s not that I assumed His Grace wouldn’t value Your Highness, but… it seems very different from how I imagined him.”
“Ah…”
I understood. He had likely seen the usual composed and reserved Lucius that everyone else did. Hearing me speak probably created a sense of dissonance. To people in this world, Lucius’ considerate and gentle side was still unfamiliar.
After a pause, Elam spoke cautiously.
“Honestly, when Your Highness first visited with His Grace, I was quite surprised.”
“Really? Why?”
“Well… I didn’t expect His Grace to come here with Your Highness. He has never come with a lady before, and I always assumed your relationship was purely political.”
“I see. Hmm… that makes sense.”
Listening to Elam, I realized his reasoning was valid. In this empire, the relationship between Lucius and Tiana is widely perceived as political.
Lucius, a leading noble figure, and Tiana, the daughter of the moderate faction’s head—publicly, their marriage is more a union of noble houses than a personal relationship.
Since their romantic connection wasn’t known, to the public, it could easily have appeared to be a political marriage. In fact, most might have assumed so.
‘In that sense, Lucius’ behavior after the marriage was rather unconventional.’
He attended social events minimally, only gathering necessary information. In my presence, he spoke cautiously around other noblewomen, so I never heard gossip about him. But hearing Elam now, it seemed discussions about Lucius were likely circulating—perhaps even positively.
“But my assumptions were entirely wrong. Even when I first saw you together, I thought that, but hearing Your Highness now, it’s clear that His Grace truly loves you.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Yes. He always appeared indifferent and cold. I couldn’t imagine him being so gentle as you described, but seeing him here with Your Highness makes it understandable.”
“Does he behave differently when he comes with me?”
He often joined me for lunch, though sometimes schedules didn’t align, and he would come alone. Before, I thought his solo visits were similar to when he accompanied me, but apparently not.
Elam shook his head.
“The atmosphere is completely different. When with Your Highness, he smiles all the way here. Alone, he is as indifferent as usual, even appearing bored—as if unsure how to spend his time alone.”
“Oh? I never realized. When he comes alone, he always talks cheerfully about the food he ate that day.”
“That is likely because he is in front of Your Highness. That explains his recent different behavior. I had somewhat expected it, but it’s still surprising.”
“Surprising?”
“That he… truly has someone he loves.”
Elam, speaking cautiously, continued with a serious tone.
“It may be presumptuous of me, but I never imagined he would have someone he truly loves.”
“Why did you think so?”
“He has fought many wars and achieved great feats, but perhaps because of that, he always seemed sharp and unapproachable. Rarely showing emotions and showing little interest in others.”
“Hmm, that’s true.”
I lightly nodded. It was true he didn’t outwardly show emotion, though his sharp demeanor was more about being cautious around unfamiliar people, not a lack of interest.
“Even considering the emperor, I assumed His Grace would have no interest in women. So I thought your marriage was merely a union between factions. But it’s clearly not the case.”
Elam’s face showed slight embarrassment. He wasn’t wrong in thinking so, but I couldn’t help smiling at his uneasy glance, wanting to surprise him further.
“Elam, do you know? Lucius and I have been lovers even before marriage.”
“Really?”
“Yes. For over two years. While it was politically advantageous, it was also a marriage we both wanted.”
“I see…”
Elam looked at me, eyes wide in astonishment. His pale purple eyes seemed to cloud slightly, and after a moment of thought, he spoke slowly.
“You… really loved each other.”
There was a faint tinge of bittersweetness in his voice. He stared blankly through his monocle, as if recalling something.
Just as I was about to ask what he was thinking, Jane, who had been waiting behind, spoke softly.
“Milady, it’s time to see Her Highness, the princess.”
“Oh? Is it? Oh my, time really flew by.”
Checking the clock on the wall, I realized it was already time for my appointment with Alexandra. I had been so engrossed in conversation with Elam that I hadn’t noticed.
Elam, hearing Jane, picked up the contract he had put down and said,
“Since your next engagement will be busy, shall we proceed? Could you explain the contents of the contract?”
“Of course. Let’s finish this first. Sorry for taking up so much time.”
“Not at all. I enjoyed our conversation.”
He shook his head lightly, smiling gently, and focused on the contract. I began explaining the contents immediately.
In the end, I never got to ask about the matter that had left him somewhat pensive until we finally completed the contract and stood up.
