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“…A condition, you say?”
At my sudden use of the word condition, Angelica stiffened, as though caught off guard. She had probably thought the discussion was wrapping up smoothly, so it must have startled her when I suddenly brought up conditions.
But it wasn’t as if I was accepting her request purely for her sake. I happened to have something in mind already, and this seemed like the perfect chance to attach my own terms.
I smiled at her as she grew tense again.
“You don’t need to be so nervous. It’s not a very difficult condition.”
“Yes… What condition would that be?”
“From here on, what I’m about to say must remain a secret—not only from you, Lady Angelica, but also from your family. It’s something I don’t want announced just yet.”
“…? I understand.”
Her expression flickered with doubt at the word secret, but she nodded soon after. Seeing her wait calmly, I continued.
“I’ve recently started a business. It’s a kind of welfare project—one that provides investment opportunities and benefits, tailored separately for nobles and commoners according to their social status.”
“…! A welfare investment project…?”
“Yes. After what happened in Synadelli, I realized a few things. Originally, I wanted to focus solely on the commoners, but I feared there might be backlash. So I decided to frame it as an ‘investment’ opportunity for the nobility.”
“I see… That’s impressive. To think you’d plan something like that. But since it’s investment-based, wouldn’t it take a long time before you see any returns? Not to mention the upfront costs. Especially for the commoners’ side—it’s unlikely they’ll yield much profit compared to what’s invested.”
In that brief moment, she had already analyzed the project and given her own opinion. Very much like Angelica—clear-eyed, intelligent, and perceptive.
Noticing her cautiously watching my reaction, I chuckled softly.
“I have a reliable backer, so you don’t need to worry about the investment costs.”
“…Ah, of course.”
I glanced at Lucius, and she too seemed to realize what I meant, smiling awkwardly as she nodded.
“As for the commoners, I plan to start with relief efforts. The profits, I’m looking to the future for. If their lives improve through aid, and later they grow into capable individuals, the returns will naturally follow.”
“You’re absolutely right. What commoners need most now is basic relief to survive and safe employment. If aid distribution goes smoothly, then the rest will certainly follow.”
“Exactly. And for the nobility, I’m currently looking for suitable businesses to invest in. Preferably not the already wealthy ones, but rather families that are just starting out, or struggling and in need of support. That way, the help is meaningful.”
“That makes sense. It would be excessive to invest in families already overflowing with wealth. I agree—your support should go to those who truly need it.”
Her voice gained strength again, and her eyes even seemed to shine. Perhaps it was her background—being from a family that also ran businesses, she likely understood the struggles better than anyone. And maybe, since she was also receiving my help right now, she sympathized all the more.
Well, I’d explained the project enough. Time to get to the point.
“I’ve already chosen the first family and business to invest in. Do you know of a café in Synadelli called Roland, run by Baron Everitt?”
“Café Roland… The one famous for its flower teas? Yes, I know of it. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard much about it. In fact, when planning our new product, I thought about designing teacups that would suit places specializing in flower teas.”
“Oh my, really? What a pleasant coincidence—or should I say, fate.”
“Pardon?”
“When I signed the investment contract with Baron Everitt, he served flower tea in the teacup you gifted me. He was deeply interested in it.”
“Truly?”
I nodded with a small smile at her surprise.
“Indeed. He said it matched his café and flower teas perfectly, and even requested to purchase them in bulk if possible. When I mentioned knowing you, he asked if I could arrange it—he even expressed interest in visiting you personally.”
I could still remember the way he admired my teacup, Baroness Garnet’s, and his own, gazing at them with near enamored eyes. That kind of look couldn’t be faked unless one was truly captivated.
“So… would you be willing to strike a deal with him for your new product? He’ll need a continuous supply for his expanding café branches, and I imagine he’ll order in bulk regularly. A reasonable discount or special pricing would be sufficient.”
“…Is this the condition you ask in return for granting my request, Your Highness?”
“That’s right. I believe it will benefit you and your family as well. Café Roland has enormous growth potential, and Baron Everitt is someone trustworthy.”
I could say that with confidence—I had seen his pure passion firsthand. A man like that had no room in his heart for deceit. Nothing was absolute, of course, but for now, he was someone I could trust.
Angelica thought in silence for a moment, then finally spoke.
“A condition it may be, but this seems more beneficial for us, doesn’t it?”
“Does it? From my side, it supports my project; from yours, it provides a strong sales outlet. As long as it benefits us both, it’s a fair deal.”
“…May I ask something I’ve always wondered? Why are you so good to me? I’ve never been of great help to you, nor do we share much of a connection…”
“…They say that a single encounter can sometimes create a deep bond.”
“…Pardon?”
Of course, what I meant was the bond I alone knew from reading the original story in my previous life. But that was a secret.
I smiled at her puzzled look.
“From the first moment I saw you, Lady Werner, I felt a fondness for you.”
“At the tea party, you mean? But all I did was embarrass myself there…”
“Not at all. You looked lovely, calmly enjoying the tea party by yourself. And even when you quarreled with Lady Fizzette, your eyes never wavered—that left a strong impression.”
“I… see. I’ve been called dull and boring, but never that before…”
Her expression softened, her cheeks flushed, and she averted her gaze shyly.
Wait—was she embarrassed? Ah, my goodness. Our heroine is too cute. She’s showing me a side even the male lead hasn’t seen yet. Will Rayel get jealous, I wonder? Still, I couldn’t help but want to say more.
“You’re far more charming than you realize. You enjoy calm, refined settings, you think carefully about every detail, you’re polite, and on top of that, you’re beautiful. You should be more confident.”
“…Thank you. To hear you regard me so highly… it’s truly an honor, Your Highness.”
Her wide-eyed gaze made me realize I might have spoken too passionately. Lucius, beside me, looked surprised as well, but I ignored him and cleared my throat.
“Ahem. Then I can take it that you accept my condition?”
“Ah—yes, of course.”
“Good. I’ll inform Baron Everitt of the arrangement. And once more, I must insist: keep my involvement in this project absolutely secret. I’ll be using an alias, but I’d prefer my role not be exposed.”
“Understood. Please don’t worry—I will keep it strictly confidential.”
Satisfied with her firm reply, I glanced at the butler waiting nearby. His face was still slightly flushed as he nodded quickly and signaled to the servants.
“Then we’ll take our leave. Forgive us for intruding so early.”
With the discussion concluded, Lucius and I rose to leave. As it was nearly lunchtime, Angelica politely invited us to dine, but I declined.
“Today, I’d like to share lunch with His Highness—it’s been a while. Once the tea party concludes successfully, let’s dine together then.”
“Very well. I’ll be sure to invite you both at that time.”
She smiled softly at the sight of me linking arms with Lucius as we left the drawing room and boarded the carriage waiting outside. Angelica followed us out, and just before the carriage door closed, she spoke.
“I’ll set the tea party date right away and send you both an invitation list and formal invite.”
“Good. I’ll do what I can to help spread the word, so prepare with confidence.”
“Yes, please look forward to it. And… thank you, truly, for today.”
“I will. I’ll see you on the day of the tea party.”
I gave her a warm smile, and she returned it brightly before bowing. Then the door closed, and the carriage set off.
Through the window, I saw her still standing there, watching us go, not returning inside until we passed through the gates of the Werner estate. For some reason, that sight stirred a faint, bittersweet feeling in my chest.
Leaving the Werner estate, we headed toward the bustling city district. Since it was already lunchtime, I preferred to eat out rather than return to the ducal residence.
Lucius agreed easily, so the carriage turned toward the city. As we rode, I found myself smiling unconsciously, and he, watching me, finally spoke.
“You seem to be in high spirits, Tiana.”
“Yes, I really am.”
“…Is securing a deal with Lady Werner truly something to make you this happy?”
“Eh?”
Startled by the unexpected question, I looked at him. He was staring at me with a strangely forlorn expression.
“I’m glad you’re making friends besides Alexandra, but… I can’t help feeling a little odd about it.”
“Odd?”
I tilted my head in confusion, and after a pause, he murmured—
“It feels as though your attention is being taken away from me… and it makes me a little jealous.”
…Wait. Is he seriously jealous of another woman right now?
