IWCVF 09

Chapter 9

The place they arrived at was a large hall. A chandelier sparkled from the ceiling, and luxurious paintings hung on the walls. Beautifully decorated dishes were placed here and there on the tables.

“Wow.”

Shiran looked truly impressed. The table was filled with many kinds of cakes.

“I prepared many cakes that Your Highness likes.”

I pointed to the whipped cream cake.

“It looks delicious!”

Shiran was delighted. It seemed like she could only see the cakes.

“I will eat too.”

Majin stepped in beside her.

“Sister, don’t eat too much.”

“Why?”

“Whenever you eat, you finish half a whole cake by yourself!”

“There are two cakes, so we can each eat half.”

“I want to eat more than that.”

They argued playfully while putting cake onto their plates.

Raiden, who had learned how delicious the whipped cream cake was, quietly took that first. I also quickly took my share before it disappeared.

“Would anyone like coffee before eating the cake?”

At my question, Shiran raised her hand.

“Coffee made by Celia is the best.”

Then Majin raised his hand, and Raiden did too.

I brought the coffee beans and brewed the coffee. Raiden’s eyes sparkled as he watched my skills. He had already tasted my coffee before.

“It’s been a while since I had Celia’s coffee.”

Majin looked at Raiden.

“You’re lucky. Celia makes tea and coffee for you.”

Raiden smiled at that.

“I am happier than I can express.”

Is that really true?

Hearing that suddenly made me feel shy.

Majin and Shiran liked coffee, and they usually drank only high-quality ones. They couldn’t tolerate poor-quality coffee. So I made sure to buy premium beans for them.

Not only were the beans good, but my brewing skills were unmatched.

“It’s really good.”

Majin said that while looking at the cakes. The whipped cream cake was the best, but the strawberry cake was also good. The cheesecake was decent too. Even Majin and Shiran, who had picky tastes, were satisfied. As proof, they didn’t leave anything behind.

“What kind of work have you been doing lately?”

I asked Majin, and he brushed his hair back as he replied,

“I’ve been working on building roads for carriages.”

“Roads?”

“Yes.”

He said that and looked at Raiden.

“Thanks to the money your father contributed to this project, the budget became very generous.”

The road project was a national project. Even if private businesses participated, they couldn’t collect tolls. So it was rare for anyone to join for profit.

But this time, it was a large-scale project, and the Emperor sought support from nobles. Most nobles contributed only small amounts out of obligation, since there was no direct benefit.

However, Artern acted differently. He actively participated and even offered to cover all the construction costs, telling others to use their contributions elsewhere.

Because of that, Artern caught Emperor Klipt’s attention.

“I heard your father donated because of your suggestion.”

Majin said, looking at Raiden.

“Can I call you Raiden?”

“Of course.”

“Is it true?”

Raiden nodded.

“I thought that if we contributed greatly to the road project, we might receive a title.”

“Why did you think that?”

“I believed that doing what others don’t would draw His Majesty’s attention.”

That wasn’t all. Other donations were also Raiden’s idea. Artern respected his son’s thinking, and Raiden’s prediction turned out correct.

“Raiden is smart.”

When no one else stepped forward, someone capable doing so would create a big impact. Raiden understood that well.

Raiden looked embarrassed at my praise.

“It’s embarrassing to hear that from you, Celia.”

He lowered his eyes.

“Baron Pellis listens well to his son.”

“My father is also very interested in the road project.”

“Oh? I’d like to hear more.”

“If roads develop, access to the capital improves, which means business in the capital will grow, right?”

“That’s true.”

“So while working with the palace on the road project, we are also exploring new investment opportunities. I am helping with that as well.”

Hearing this, Majin and Shiran widened their eyes. They probably didn’t expect Raiden to be this capable. He was planning for the future—truly impressive.

Majin admired him.

“Better than I expected. So, have you seen results?”

Raiden answered calmly,

“It’s not something I can boast about yet, but I made some successful investments.”

There was pride in his voice. Majin then looked at me.

“Did you know?”

“I heard about it during tea time conversations.”

Raiden had told me many things, thinking I would become his wife.

“If I had money, I would have invested too.”

Majin thought for a moment and asked,

“What did you invest in?”

Raiden hesitated slightly.

“Is it difficult to say?”

“I’m just nervous speaking in front of important people.”

He was already investing, so it wasn’t truly difficult to say.

“I bought land where the roads and cities meet.”

“When did you buy it?”

“Before my father announced the donation. When roads pass through, cities develop and land prices rise. Since our family was funding the project, I had confidence.”

Majin clicked his tongue in admiration.

“You’ve become rich in real estate.”

Shiran added,

“I should have bought some too.”

She muttered regretfully.

In truth, Shiran was very interested in money. Even as a princess, she wanted to run her own business in the future.

“Are you going to sell the land?”

Majin asked.

Raiden shook his head.

“I plan to turn it into a lively and enjoyable place.”

“A lively place?”

“I’m thinking of building inns, coffee shops, and places that sell simple desserts. A place where people can relax and enjoy themselves.”

He smiled at the end.

Majin thought for a moment, then asked,

“Do you need a business partner?”

“What do you mean?”

“I also need funds.”

Majin grabbed Raiden’s hand, his eyes full of expectation.

“How about working with me?”

Raiden calmly drew a line.

“Business should be done independently. If you need help from our family, we will gladly assist, but…”

“Working as partners with the Crown Prince would be difficult.”

“Why?”

Raiden hesitated.

I stepped in.

“That’s obvious—it would be uncomfortable.”

Majin tilted his head.

“You are a good person, Your Highness, but the problem is that you are the Crown Prince.”

“My status is a problem?”

“Partnership requires equality. If one side has too much power, the balance breaks.”

If he partnered with the Crown Prince, everything could end up following the Crown Prince’s will.

“I’m confident I can treat you equally.”

“That’s your perspective.”

I smiled lightly.

Know your limits.

I sipped my coffee and continued eating cake.

“That’s harsh.”

Majin said, then looked at Raiden.

“Then can you partner with Celia?”

Raiden looked at me briefly.

What would he say this time?

“Celia is special because she is my fiancée. I plan to spend my life with her, so of course we would work together.”

It was probably just a formal answer. I simply smiled politely.

“Look at you taking care of your fiancée.”

Majin narrowed his eyes. Raiden’s face turned red.

Why is he embarrassed?

“Hmm… how cute. Shall we men talk separately?”

Majin said.

“Are you taking Raiden with you?”

“Yes. We’ve eaten enough cake, so I’ll look around the Pellis estate with him. You can guide Shiran.”

He was being considerate, giving us time to talk.

“Then I’ll explore the estate with Celia.”

Shiran stood up excitedly and linked arms with me.

“Raiden, let’s go.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Raiden followed behind the Crown Prince.