Chapter 38

"But I was surprised. Your expression has become much brighter since your time with the Illuminati."

"Is... is that so?"

Lucrezia tensed, thinking that she was being indirectly called a wanton woman during her father's mourning period.

"It must be that the climate here suits you. You look much more beautiful now."

However, it seemed that Reisch had no ulterior motives and smoothly complimented her.

Lucrezia felt her cheeks flush and glanced at Lamirio beside her.

If she had changed, it was because of Lamirio, she thought.

"I am relieved that the war has ended peacefully."

"... Yes, I am also very pleased that peace has been restored without further delay."

"Your father... I am sorry for your loss."

Lucrezia was momentarily at a loss for words at Reisch's words.

She still didn't know how to feel about her father, who had died in the war.

"I understand your frustration. Please don't say anything. I also feel responsible."

When Reisch said this with a regretful tone, Lucrezia was taken aback.

"Such kind words, Your Highness!"

"However, if I had been more attentive, I wouldn't have been able to face you."

"Your Highness..."

Lamirio leaned in and whispered to Lucrezia.

"Have you known the Crown Prince before?"

"Yes. My father and I were both well-acquainted with him."

"Really..."

Lamirio extended his hand and asked for a handshake.

"I am Lamirio, Duke of Pastore. I plan to marry Lucrezia as soon as the mourning period is over."

"That's wonderful news."

His comment, as if he had just learned this, made her pause and look at them closely.

--- ... Is there a subtle tension between them?

However, there was nothing particularly odd about it. The conversation between the two flowed smoothly.

"Of course, I hope to receive even more support from the people of Reis..."

The conversation continued in a friendly manner.

--- Am I just imagining things?

Reisch had always been a good young man in public, but he often made unpredictable remarks and was known to be a strong proponent of war.

That's why when he said he wanted to meet today, she had been a bit anxious, wondering if he was targeting Pastore.

--- But Pastore is a bit too inland. Considering the logistics and costs, it wouldn't be worth maintaining it as an exclave.

While she was pondering his intentions, Reisch spoke up.

"This is my way of expressing gratitude. In Illuminati, the Seravalle family helped me in every way."

Lucrezia became more cautious.

--- Our relationship with them was only normal, and we certainly didn't help each other to that extent...

She realized belatedly that he was also referring to the foolish actions of Rosa and others, which had triggered the war.

--- Are you saying that we lost the port town because we were foolish?

Lucrezia felt a growing sense of disgust, but Reisch smiled.

"Compared to the Seravalle family's generous kindness, this is just a small token of appreciation, but I hope you will accept it."

Large boxes were brought out onto the terrace one after another.

Reisch picked up one of them and opened it to show her.

A diamond necklace, glittering in the sunlight and the reflection from the sea, was embedded in white silk.

These were the jewels that Lucrezia had kept in a safety deposit box.

"Is this all of your father's legacy? I would like you to confirm it."

Lucrezia, in disbelief, examined each box one by one.

While she didn't remember everything, all the major jewels were there. She had thought they would never return.

"Your Highness, you went to the trouble of bringing these back...?"

He had no obligation to return them. Although looting in war zones was increasingly criticized in the international community, there were no real consequences.

"It's the least I can do. Please don't feel obligated to return them. The favor you did me is immeasurable."

Reisch smiled brightly, seemingly without any ulterior motives.

"Then I will accept them. Thank you."

At that, Reisch smirked.

"If I offered you three times as many jewels, would you marry me?"

Lucrezia was taken aback.

"Considering the prosperity our country will enjoy after this victory, it would be a small price to pay."

Lucrezia quickly recovered from her shock.

--- So, you just wanted to boast about it.

He probably wanted to openly boast about the profits from the port town. However, as someone from Illuminati, she couldn't be too blunt.

He must have been feeling quite amused.

Lucrezia put on a serious face and quickly thought about how to decline.

"If Your Highness offers three times as much..."

An unexpected voice came from the side.

"To keep her, I would have to offer three times as much."

Reisch was delighted by this.

"An enormous amount of gold and silver will be in Lucrezia's hands. May I ask if you can afford it?"

"She is worth it."

Lucrezia was pleased by his clear statement and finally gave in.

"What do you think? Who will bring you more treasure, me or him?"

Lucrezia, with a mischievous smile, responded in a composed voice.

"Your Highness will soon have enough gold to fill all your ships."

She praised him and then said, "But..."

"To me, His Excellency the Duke of Pastore is invaluable, no matter how much treasure is offered."

Reisch shook his head with a laugh.

"It seems you've found a wonderful match. I'll take my leave now, a rejected suitor."

"Your Highness, why don't you come to our place? I will thank you properly later for bringing these back."

Lamirio pressed, but Reisch laughed and said, "No, it's not necessary."

"No, really, don't worry about it. I miss my homeland and want to return as soon as possible."

With that, Reisch left for his room.

About twenty guards and attendants followed, and the terrace suddenly became empty.

Lucrezia waited until he was out of sight and then jumped onto Lamirio beside her.

"Whoa, what's this?"

Lucrezia looked closely at Lamirio's face. He seemed genuinely surprised.

"It's unusual for you to cling to me so openly."

"But!"

Lucrezia tightened her expression. It was important.

"I was so happy."

She hugged him tightly, and Lamirio, though exasperated, smiled.

"I'm glad the jewels were returned."

"That's not it!"

Lucrezia became frustrated. Why didn't he understand?

"You said you would offer nine times as much for me!"

"Ah... well, I did say that, but I didn't really mean it..."

Lucrezia didn't really want it, but she didn't bother to explain, as it would be too much trouble.

She wanted to share this happiness with Lamirio a little longer.

--- Later, she received word that the Crown Prince had set sail from Pastore that same day.

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