Liliana looked at Estevan with a happy face.
“Let us go see the main event of the festival now.”
“The main event?”
“You will know when we get there. It is about to start.”
She grabbed his hand, left the riverside, and ran toward the hill.
The hill with the large zelkova tree was famous as a dating spot for couples.
When they climbed the hill, the streets of the Capital could be seen at a glance.
Besides the two of them, many couples had also come up the hill. They were there to watch the enchanting moment that would soon burst forth.
“It is starting.”
After a moment, bright fireworks shot up into the pitch-black night sky.
Bang, bang! The fireworks that burst and spread were truly fantastic.
Watching the scene, Liliana was grateful that she was alive again like this. Her gaze moved to the bracelet on her wrist.
‘It might be thanks to you.’
Back then, on that cliff, Liliana had chosen death. She had never imagined she would live again like this.
It was a coincidence, but also fortunate. This time, she could protect the people precious to her.
Estevan stared blankly at the sight of shimmering fireworks flickering in Liliana’s eyes.
Her eyes were so beautiful that he couldn’t look away.
It felt as if he would be drawn into those eyes that seemed to hold the stars of the night sky.
His grip on her hand tightened on its own. He felt that if he let go of this hand, he would feel very disappointed.
So Estevan firmly held Liliana’s hand.
Fireworks were bursting in both of their eyes.
***
The Founding Festival that lasted seven days ended.
The distinguished guests returned to their home countries, and Count Valentier and his daughter were brought to trial.
The three countries demanded severe punishment for the father and daughter.
Liliana read a freshly printed newspaper in the office.
The headline of the newspaper prominently featured the title, the atrocities of Count Valentier and his daughter.
“Serves them right.”
‘They say you reap what you sow.’
“They should know that if they harm others, they can end up getting hurt themselves.”
It was very satisfying.
Liliana turned the front page of the newspaper. Then a familiar face appeared.
[May Fairy, Lady Claire Lennox, chooses Princess Grace as her sponsor.]
That headline caught her eye.
“So it ended up like this.”
The newspaper included an illustration of Claire and Princess Grace standing together with friendly expressions.
“That’s good.”
She looked forward to Claire’s future activity in high society.
“You look to be in a good mood, Your Highness.”
Anna said this as she brought tea into the office, seeing Liliana’s pleased expression.
“It seems Lady Lennox chose Princess Grace as her sponsor.”
“Really?”
Liliana showed the newspaper to Anna.
“Oh my…”
Who was Princess Grace? She was the Emperor’s older sister and a heroine who once dominated high society.
“I heard she is very difficult… That is impressive.”
“Well, it’s good.”
This time, she only hoped Claire would walk a flower path.
“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“About Count Valentier and his daughter.”
“I know. It was in the newspaper.”
“It is so satisfying I could die.”
“Don’t be like that. One should keep a kind heart.”
“Your Highness finds it satisfying too, right?”
“A little?”
It was a little satisfying.
Liliana folded the newspaper while drinking the tea Anna brought.
The Founding Festival had ended, and today was a rare day of rest. She had also decided not to attend her Princess Consort lessons today.
“What are you planning to do today?”
“I have someone to meet.”
Liliana stood up from her seat and headed to the Sapphire Palace with Jennifer.
When they arrived at the Sapphire Palace, Estevan, who had finished preparing, was waiting for her.
“You are here.”
“Let us go.”
Before leaving, Liliana and Estevan disguised themselves as the Head of the Cats Merchant Guild and her guard knight.
Today was the day they were meeting Prince Ricardo of the Magic Kingdom, Baharus.
The meeting place was District J, where they had met previously.
When they arrived at the meeting place, Prince Ricardo was already there waiting.
“Have you given it some thought?”
Prince Ricardo let out a sigh.
“His Majesty the King has permitted it. We will give you adamantium. However, the condition is that this deal must be kept strictly confidential.”
“Alright. Then shall we sign the contract?”
Liliana took out the revised contract and showed it. Prince Ricardo carefully reviewed the contract with his aides, then signed it.
“With this, the deal is concluded.”
“I would like the magic stones to be sent as soon as possible.”
“Of course. We will send them as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with you.”
Liliana held out her hand, and Prince Ricardo clasped it.
“I look forward to it.”
Thus, the deal was concluded smoothly.
After Prince Ricardo left, Estevan asked a question.
“How do you plan to find a craftsman who can handle adamantium?”
“I have someone in mind. Let us go meet them together soon.”
“I still don’t know what you are thinking.”
“It is all for Your Highness.”
Estevan shook his head.
“The deal is finished, so let’s return now.”
“Yes.”
It was time to return to their original identities.
***
Liliana returned to the Ducal estate for the first time in a while.
“Welcome back, Liliana.”
Duke Dayan was the first to greet her.
“Your face looks better somehow.”
Her younger brother Cedric greeted her in a provocative tone.
“It’s been a while since we have seen each other, can’t you welcome me a bit?”
“It hasn’t been that long.”
“Even when you talk, you always make it annoying.”
“If you are dissatisfied, go back.”
“What?”
Liliana clenched her fist and waved it.
“You missed my fist since it’s been a while, right? Want to go for a round?”
Duke Dayan stopped her.
“Calm down. Isn’t this a rare visit home.”
“Fine, I will hold back.”
Liliana barely calmed her anger, then smiled brightly and hugged Duke Dayan.
“I missed you, Father.”
“I missed you too.”
“Nothing unusual happened, right?”
“Seems like the unusual thing is you.”
“Me?”
When Liliana pointed at herself with her index finger and asked back, Duke Dayan said with a smile.
“You and His Highness Prince Estevan have been appearing in the newspapers often these days.”
“Ah, you saw?”
“Just saw? He even cut out the pictures and put them in frames to keep them.”
At Cedric’s words, Duke Dayan narrowed his eyes.
“You seem to have a lot of free time these days. As it happens, there’s a pile of work in the office. How about you take care of it?”
“Me?”
Duke Dayan grinned.
“Of course. You’re the heir of the House.”
Emphasizing the word heir, he pushed Cedric’s back.
“Thanks to you, I can spend some quiet time with Liliana for the first time in a while. Thank you, Cedric.”
“F-Father.”
As if they had been there all along, the vassals looked back and forth between Duke Dayan and Cedric.
Duke Dayan pointed at Cedric with his index finger toward the vassals.
“Discuss today’s work with Cedric.”
“Wh-What? That is ridiculous! I also came to rest for the first time in a while.”
“Cedric, thanks to you, I can finally rest as well.”
When Duke Dayan gestured with his chin to the vassals, they smiled and each grabbed one of Cedric’s arms.
“Let us go, Young Master.”
“There is a lot to do.”
“This isn’t right! That is too much, Father!”
Duke Dayan lightly ignored Cedric’s pitiful protest and took Liliana’s hand.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Father.”
They both sat in the drawing room, sharing refreshments and chatting warmly.
Since there had been so many incidents, just talking made several hours pass in no time.
“Will you stay the night?”
“Yes, I plan to.”
“Come to think of it, Elisha didn’t come with you.”
Liliana smiled awkwardly.
“She wanted to come, but she said she wanted to enjoy the rest of the festivities to the fullest.”
“Is that so? Baron Lindel must be disappointed.”
“I suppose so. He must be very disappointed.”
In truth, she had suggested to Elisha that they go together. But Elisha was completely absorbed in dressing up and refused the suggestion.
“Why would I go to somewhere shabby like that? I’m not going. Give my regards to Father instead.”
These days, Elisha was busy spending money. Liliana didn’t know where she got so much money, but she was said to be buying luxury goods every day.
She wondered what would happen if she were discovered. But Liliana decided not to interfere.
Matters concerning Elisha were for Consort Isabella or Mikael to handle.
‘Should I at least give a small hint?’
Liliana sipped her tea, then asked Duke Dayan with a pleasant smile.
“Father, I have a favor to ask.”
“A favor?”
“I would like to use the Morinda Forest in our Duchy.”
“That place?”
“Yes, there are people I plan to bring, and they need a place to settle.”
“Is there a reason it has to be there? Couldn’t we just accept them as residents of the Duchy?”
“The ones I am bringing are from a different race, Father.”
