INWY~49

Chapter 49

At Riena’s sudden words, every gaze turned toward her. Startled for a moment under the weight of their attention, she widened her eyes, then spoke again in her calm, gentle tone.

“I heard Sermar is a big port city, full of foreign merchants, trading companies, and travelers from overseas. So I was told the opportunities for earning money are much better there.”

“Bah, nonsense! Miss, have you ever been to Sermar? You’ve no idea how crowded it is! Pickpockets everywhere. What good is cleverness in a place like that? It’s no place for decent folk to live.”

One of the townsfolk who opposed the resort shot the words at her with irritation, clearly displeased.

Of course, even he could not deny that Sermar was far more prosperous. As his words trailed off, just as expected, other criticisms began to echo among the crowd.

“That’s right. I went to visit my cousin there not long ago and nearly had my bag stolen. The place is full of foreigners, sailors, and merchants—most of them of questionable character.”

Riena nodded as if agreeing, then added softly,

“Yes, that’s true. But that’s why I like Florian even more. You can still see the sea here, but it’s quieter, safer, and the natural scenery has been preserved beautifully.”

“Well… that’s why we stay here, even if it doesn’t make us rich.”

“Exactly. Young people keep leaving, but this is a wonderful place to live.”

As she praised Florian, the faces that had been tight with annoyance began to ease.

“And that’s why I was hopeful,” Riena continued. “If the resort opened, Florian might become known as a retreat. Not just for nobles, but perhaps even the royal family or foreign dignitaries. They might choose this place to rest.”

Her soft, measured voice grew more persuasive with each word.

Among those who had signed against the resort, there were surely people like Mr. Miles who simply wished to protect their hometown. But most were ordinary townsfolk.

The prospect of Florian becoming a holiday destination was different from the chaos of Sermar. If high-born nobles or famous figures came here to rest, then crime and disorder would hardly be a concern.

Riena’s gentle reasoning began to sway them.

“That’s why I was looking forward to the resort opening… But, well, it’s such a pity now…”

Her tone brightened as if carried by excitement, then faltered, her brows lowering in disappointment.

Murmurs rose at once.

“Now that I think of it, I heard the street lamps on that road were installed at the resort owner’s request. It used to be dangerous walking there at night, but with those lamps—it’s bright as day.”

“Really? People had been petitioning the civic council for years to put lights there, and they kept delaying it.”

“I didn’t know that… though, now that I think about it, the resort sent us local delicacies whenever construction noise caused inconvenience.”

“Plenty of nobles are wealthy, but how many bother with such things? Whoever that resort owner is, I’d like to thank him personally.”

“Come to think of it, I heard he’s someone of fairly high standing. Don’t know the details, but the workers were whispering about it recently.”

“Oh? Truly?”

And soon enough, a new sentiment spread among the people: pity for the good-hearted resort owner who had been treated unfairly.

Feigning an innocent look, Riena blinked her eyes and let the corners of her lips curl. Success.

There was no need to openly argue or condemn those who opposed the resort. Simply stirring a different current of opinion was enough to gain support.

For a moment, she was reminded of her days as the Grand Duchess.

‘Your Grace, there’s no need to be shaken by rumors. Sometimes silence is the better weapon.’

‘But Madam Margaret, won’t His Grace be mocked because of me? Will staying silent really help him?’

Margaret had smiled faintly then, speaking in her calm, deliberate way.

‘Silence isn’t always the answer. When that fails, there is another way.’

‘Another way?’

It had been simple—spread a new rumor. Shift attention, and public opinion would follow.

Stepping back, Riena quietly slipped away. She still had places to visit before sunset.

***

“Your Grace, you were magnificent!”

Inside the carriage back to the resort, Callis’s eyes shone with admiration.

“So that’s why you asked for Florian’s civic reports, isn’t it?”

He was recalling the day they had spoken with the lamplighter about the streetlights. At the time, the absence of lamps had seemed odd, but he never imagined it would connect like this.

Following Dante’s orders, Callis had telegraphed Behern Palace at once, and the next day, a report on Florian’s civic affairs arrived.

For days, Callis had wondered why Dante suddenly wanted those records. After all, the Grand Duke had pored over three years’ worth without comment—just a faint smile.

Only now did Callis realize—he must have uncovered evidence of Miles’s corruption. But wait—Miles had only become head of the civic council this year.

Puzzled, Callis frowned.

“But, Your Grace… Miles only became council leader this year. How did he embezzle funds before that?”

Dante clicked his tongue.

“All thanks to that fool, Mayor Lester.”

“…Ah.”

The answer was clear. Callis sighed, shaking his head.

“He trusted too easily. But then, his family has run that olive estate for three generations. He’d never suspect such betrayal.”

It made sense. And thankfully, Dante’s pressure had worked. Miles, once so defiant, had crumbled quickly, even falling to his knees.

If his corruption were exposed, he would lose not only the people’s trust but his place in his hometown. Whatever else could be said, his love for Florian was not entirely false.

By then, the carriage had rolled through the resort gates. When it stopped, the driver opened the door, and Dante stepped out with Callis following.

“Sir,” Callis said, checking his watch, “would it be all right to give you the evening report after your meeting with the manager?”

Dante gave a distracted nod and walked alone toward the annex.

The annex was essentially his private residence, quiet and empty of people. Hands in his pockets, he strolled lazily until he narrowed his eyes.

A woman stood waiting at the entrance, hands clasped before her, head bowed. Her face was hidden, but he knew her instantly.

“Riena.”

Her name left his lips in a low murmur. She lifted her head slowly, her brown eyes unwavering as they met his.

“What are you doing here? If someone sees you—”

The words faltered, cut short.

Because Riena suddenly broke into quick steps, hurrying toward him.

And the moment she reached him, she fired her questions at once.

“What happened? Is there no way to resolve it?”

“What are you talking about?”

His brows furrowed faintly at her sudden outburst.

But Riena’s fingers tightened. A surge of defiance rose inside her.

Always acting like he knows everything. Like he can solve everything on his own.

Frustration burned in her chest. She stepped closer, lifting her chin. She must have passed through a flower garden earlier, for a sweet fragrance clung to her, enveloping him.

“I heard everything today. About the civic council opposing the resort.”

Her gaze brimmed with concern as she looked up at him.

So that’s what it is.

Dante’s frown eased, and for a fleeting moment, the corner of his lips curved.

So cautious about others’ feelings—and yet she had rushed here, simply because she worried for him.

He swallowed the laugh threatening to rise and forced his expression back into sternness. Placing a hand gently against her back, he urged her forward.

Her body was warm, as if she had been waiting in the chill too long.

“Come inside. Too many staff pass by here.”

Flustered by his urgency, Riena nodded. She hesitated briefly, then obediently followed him.