HTNSA 126

Chapter 126

Felix answered with a serious face.

“Yes, why don’t we ask that guy for advice? He’s a fellow dragon, so he might know a lot.”

At that, Eila’s face lit up.

“Really? You’d do that for me?”

“Of course. His personality’s a bit quirky, but… if we ask, he should help.”

Felix, recalling the time he offered a tribute to Devens, sounded unsure.

But that alone made Eila beam with joy.

“Thank you! Honestly, I’ve searched through all the documents here, but I wasn’t sure if I’d find anything useful.”

Seeing the sparkle in her eyes, Felix smiled in relief.

“I’m glad I can help.”

“I had no idea how to take care of Piyo until now… this is such a relief.”

“If you’re that worried, how about bringing Piyo to the duchy? Seeing it directly would help with an accurate diagnosis.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes. Just tell me when you’re available, and I’ll contact my family in advance.”

As they talked, they quickly made plans. Then Felix, looking pleased, murmured,

“This works out well. My father’s been asking me to invite you to the mansion anyway.”

“The Duke? Me?”

“Yes. You’ve done so much for both of us.”

Eila fell silent, flustered.

Caught up in the excitement of possibly meeting the Red Dragon, she had completely forgotten something important.

Going to the Azenta Duchy meant meeting the Duke again.

And the Duke… still believed that she and Felix were in a relationship.

‘What do I do? That means I’ll have to pretend to be Felix’s lover the whole time I’m there? Maybe anywhere else, but at the duchy? That feels like a scam…’

Just the thought made her cheeks burn.

From what Felix had told her, it was clear everyone at the duchy adored him.

Being introduced as his lover in front of them was already embarrassing, but acting like they were actually dating was even more burdensome.

To be honest, ever since their kiss, her heart raced just from looking at him. How was she supposed to hide that and pretend it meant nothing?

Eila cupped her cheeks, trying hard to collect herself.

‘No, I’m going there to solve Piyo’s problem. Not because of some personal feelings. Definitely not.’

While she repeated those words to herself, Felix gently packed her things and said softly,

“All the problems are solved now, right? You should rest. We’re leaving for the duchy tomorrow.”

“Y-Yeah, okay.”

Judging by Felix’s demeanor, it really seemed like he made the suggestion with no hidden motive—he just genuinely wanted to help.

Eila quietly followed him, trying to calm her racing heart.

As the window opened, a heavy, muggy breeze blew in.

‘Feels like summer already.’

Taking a breath of fresh air, Piony turned to the carrier pigeon perched on the windowsill.

“…”

Before reaching for it, she cautiously looked around to make sure no one was watching. Then, she gently removed the bundle of papers tied to its leg.

A moment later, after reading the contents, she silently clenched her fist.

Inside the bundle was a short message confirming that the contract had finally been signed—along with the land deed for the Parun region.

‘Finally… The count kept dragging things out, and I was getting nervous. But I got it in the end.’

Now, she had everything needed to start the business.

The cosmetics producer, the recipe, and the land to grow the ingredients.

Piony carefully stored the message and deed in a secret safe, then sank into deep thought.

‘I need to contact the creator, Yulian, and have her start cultivating Momon grass right away.’

Since Eila had been tied up with so many matters, Piony was handling most of the business herself.

She had even provided the funds to purchase the land.

Running a business wasn’t easy, but for the first time, Piony felt a sense of excitement over something that was her own responsibility.

And this business had real potential to grow.

‘What about the logo? It should be simpler and more elegant than Flor or Sharon’s brands. The store should feel clean and healthy…’

To create a cosmetics shop that both nobles and commoners could access without hesitation, the approach had to be different from the start.

Just as she was humming and sketching out new ideas—

A familiar knock echoed through the room.

“Your Highness.”

At that voice, Piony froze and quickly looked around. Thankfully, she had already cleared anything suspicious.

Relieved, she replied.

“Come in.”

Before she finished speaking, the door opened and Lona entered.

Piony’s previously cheerful face turned cold.

“What is it?”

“You have a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

Piony furrowed her brow slightly.

Unlike the other royals who lived in the palace, she was still attending the Academy. Hardly anyone sought her out on purpose.

“Who?”

“Well…”

Just as Lona hesitated with a reluctant expression, Piony waved a hand.

“Never mind. I’ll go check for myself. Lead the way.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

Lona looked slightly displeased but soon bowed her head obediently.

When Piony arrived at the reception room moments later, she struggled to keep a neutral expression.

‘Of all people, it had to be Darian.’

The irritation didn’t last long, as a new suspicion surfaced.

‘Wait… isn’t Lona one of Darian’s subordinates? Why did she look so uncomfortable about him coming?’

She couldn’t read into it right away, but something was odd.

Reluctantly, she sat down.

Then she noticed how gaunt Darian looked—far worse than he had during the monster subjugation event.

‘…Did something bad happen?’

Suppressing her displeasure, she quietly spoke.

“What brings you here all of a sudden?”

Darian hesitated before answering.

“Well, I came to see your face.”

“…It hasn’t been that long since the subjugation. Already missed me?”

Hit with her sharp question, Darian only fiddled with his teacup.

‘He’s acting weird today.’

The Darian Piony knew was confident, composed, and mature—or at least appeared to be.

This nervous, uneasy look didn’t suit him at all.

Perhaps to change the mood, he brought up another topic.

“By the way, how are your friends doing? They went through some terrible things during the subjugation. I was worried.”

A plausible reason. Very Darian-like.

But Piony wasn’t easily fooled.

He had shown unexpected kindness to the Black Dragon and her friends, but that was undoubtedly calculated.

Darian didn’t offer kindness without a motive.

He was a man who tried to kill even his own sister for the throne.

After a moment’s thought, Piony answered calmly.

“They’re doing well. No injuries. Everyone’s fine.”

At her words, Darian looked visibly relieved.

“That’s good. I heard you all made it back to the Academy safely, but I was worried there might be aftereffects.”

Piony studied him in silence, then asked bluntly,

“…So, what’s the real reason you’re here?”

Facing her sharp gaze, Darian sighed deeply before reluctantly speaking.

“Actually… I promised your friends I’d reveal the truth about the incident. But since the person in charge changed, it’s hard for me to keep that promise now.”

Piony narrowed her eyes.

“Something happened in the palace?”

“Well… His Majesty ordered the Magic Tower to investigate as soon as he was briefed. I think he assumed they were the experts, since monsters were involved.”

Darian’s explanation was logical and sound—nothing to refute.

But oddly, his face looked unsettled as he said it.

Piony fell into thought, then asked again,

“So, you came all the way here just to explain that? Or is something else bothering you?”