Chapter 90

A magic stone mine was discovered in Ailugo, and it was no longer a secret that Hamir had become the chief supervisor. The international situation had stabilized, and as the development of the mine progressed, this was made public.

"Will His Highness Hamir give us the magic stones?"

In response to Liretren's question, Aristine smiled and shook her head.

The faction that supported Hamir as king had caused this commotion. Therefore, Hamir must have joined the plan to monopolize the iron.

But now Hamir is offering to help solve this difficult situation?

"There's no way."

"Then how...?"

"Don't worry. The magic stone business is a national project, after all."

Aristine smiled.

"Although Prince Hamir is the chief supervisor, it's ultimately the authority entrusted by His Majesty Nefter."

"What do you mean?"

"Yes, if we can persuade His Majesty, that's all it takes."

Nefter was a seasoned politician. He showed favor towards Aristine and supported the Mace business, but he wouldn't give up the magic stones just for that. If Aristine were to use some of the magic stones, they couldn't be used elsewhere. Nefter would certainly consider the opportunity cost.

'I need to guide this calculation in my favor.'

Aristine steeled herself. As the saying goes, even a tough horn can be pulled out with a single effort. Aristine immediately contacted Nefter. With little time to spare, she needed to act quickly.

Fortunately, she received a prompt response that she could be received immediately. After tidying up her appearance, Aristine headed to the royal palace.

The palace staff, who treated her like fragile glass, tried to dissuade her, saying she had to see the king today, but they couldn't stop her.

Upon arriving at the royal palace, Aristine was led to the game room.

'A game room?'

Was he playing card games with ministers?

'I hope I'm not interrupting anything.'

To persuade him effectively, a friendly atmosphere was necessary.

"Come in, Lina."

Nefter was lounging by the window, where the afternoon sunlight streamed in.

"I see His Majesty."

Nefter looked at Aristine and said casually, "I heard you were unwell."

"It's nothing for His Majesty to worry about."

Aristine replied politely and took a seat opposite him. However, Nefter, still lounging, said with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Is it not something to worry about?"

"Excuse me?"

"Parents worry even if their child has a slight cough."

Aristine pressed her lips together. Her heart felt warm and soft like a spring quilt, and she fidgeted with her fingers.

Nefter observed Aristine's slightly flushed cheeks. She looked like a shy girl, far from the image of a skilled politician.

"You've done well with the Mace business, I hear."

Aristine snapped out of her daze and looked up. Now wasn't the time to be distracted.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I thought you were just changing the Mace design, but I didn't expect you to create rust-proof iron. It was worth entrusting it to you."

"I'm glad to have lived up to Your Majesty's trust."

"But it seems there's a problem."

Nefter's expression didn't change, but Aristine didn't miss the subtle shift in his gaze. He was testing her.

Aristine smiled.

"It's not a big problem; I can solve it."

"You can solve it?"

Interest flickered in Nefter's blue eyes. He straightened up and looked at Aristine.

In fact, Nefter expected Aristine to come seeking help to resolve the abnormal monopoly. He wanted to see how logically she would point out the issues and how accurately she would identify the problems caused by the monopoly. He was looking forward to seeing how well this clever daughter-in-law could persuade him.

'But she says she can solve it.'

Nefter slowly stroked his chin. Aristine always exceeded his expectations, and each time, her actions brought him pleasant results.

'What will she say to surprise me this time?'

Nefter's gaze fell on Aristine, filled with interest, expectation, and curiosity.

Aristine swallowed and nodded.

"Yes, I can solve it."

Her tone was steady and confident. Her clear gaze met Nefter's directly. Inside, she was nervous and took a sip of the tea the palace staff had brought to hide her trembling.

The warm tea relaxed her tense body. Since Nefter had set the stage, now was the time to act.

"Your Majesty."

Nefter looked at her intently, his bright blue eyes standing out in the sunlight.

"Please allow me to purchase the magic stones."

Nefter's pupils narrowed and then widened. His eyes narrowed.

"Are you asking me to sell you the magic stones?"

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs leisurely.

"That's under Hamir's responsibility."

By delegating it to Hamir, it meant everything was Hamir's jurisdiction.

But Aristine couldn't go to Hamir. She would be rejected before she even started.

'Or rather, being rejected would be a relief.'

Nefter knew this well. Now, he was clearly testing Aristine.

"But it's ultimately the authority entrusted by Your Majesty."

Nefter carefully observed Aristine's composed response.

Magic stones were a resource coveted by all. The nobles were currently in heated debates over the rights to trade magic stones. While the extracted magic stones weren't invested in a single place, the distribution was limited by the state.

Now, Aristine was asking to be included in this limited distribution.

'What does the Mace have to do with magic stones?'

Was she coveting the treasure that everyone else coveted?

Or was she trying to give the Hamir faction, who had monopolized the iron, a taste of their own medicine?

Many nobles were flocking to Hamir to secure the rights to trade magic stones. If Nefter were to give one of those positions to Aristine, he would lose an ally.

'That has significant meaning in political battles.'

Moreover, securing the magic stones would be beneficial in the future.

'But from the perspective of running the country, it's not ideal.'

It would mean wasting an important resource.

While many nobles acted to enrich themselves, it hindered the country's development.

Was Aristine choosing this method to gain political influence?

'But for some reason...'

Tap, tap.

Nefter's fingers slowly tapped the velvet-covered armrest.

'Lina's thoughts seem different.'

Aristine's gaze, which met his without flinching, showed integrity. She wouldn't have that look if she were just seeking her own political gain.

Nefter, seeing her earnest and desperate eyes, slowly spoke.

"I know the importance of magic stones, and I don't think you're just being greedy."

Aristine smiled.

Before she could explain why she needed the magic stones, Nefter said, "Shall we play a game?"

The waiting attendant shuffled the playing cards.

'Why a game all of a sudden?'

Her confusion was brief. Seeing the smile on Nefter's lips, Aristine picked up the cards.

Spades Ace. Next, Hearts 7.

Nefter picked up his cards. Aristine couldn't see them, but she was certain what they were.

Clubs Queen.

And the next card she would pick was—.

'Sure enough.'

Diamonds King.

Aristine looked at the water in the vase with floating flowers. The scene of her and Nefter playing cards was reflected in the water, showing both their hands from a wide angle.

'This scene appearing at this moment. Is this good luck?'

Aristine knew all the cards Nefter would get and how he would play them.

'Of course, if my actions change, His Majesty's actions will change as well.'

She had memorized the order of the cards. Even if the actions changed, the order of the cards wouldn't.

"Did you say this is your first time playing cards?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Normally, she wouldn't be a match for Nefter. But knowing the rules and the order of the cards, she could hold her own.

'This feels like cheating.'

Snap, Aristine flicked a card.

'So, should I win?'

Aristine had asked for the right to trade magic stones, and Nefter had suggested a game.

In this case, the implication was—

If you win, I'll grant your wish.

'Is that what he means?'

But if she lost, Nefter would be upset.

It was said that the ideal attitude when playing a game with a powerful person was to lose first.

'So, should I lose?'

Winning and making him feel good to be generous was the standard approach.

'Hmm...'

Aristine pondered, holding her cards. Unfortunately, the water mirror disappeared before showing the outcome or Nefter's reaction.

She tapped her nose with her cards.

"So, is the magic stone the key to solving the iron shortage?"

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Aristine looked at Nefter. His gaze, however, remained on the cards.

"Yes, it's a very important key."

Aristine rearranged the cards in her hand.

"Hmm?"

Nefter's eyes sparkled with interest.

He thought the Mace and magic stones had no relation. Could there be a connection?

Or was she referring to a political solution?

As if to provide a hint, Aristine smiled and placed a card down.

"With magic stones, we don't need the iron."

Nefter's eyes narrowed as he confirmed the card.

"Interesting."

The card game and Aristine's words became more engaging. After hesitating, he finally made his decision. Nefter placed his card on top of Aristine's.

Aristine picked up her card and placed another one down.

Nefter, frowning as he picked up a new card, looked at Aristine.

"Your Majesty."

Aristine smiled at Nefter.

"I can give you a move."

Her bold words made Nefter chuckle.

Did they sound arrogant, or like a child's playful trick? Maybe he was getting old.

"I'll fulfill Your Majesty's wish."

"My wish?"

Nefter leaned forward, holding his cards.

Now, Aristine wasn't just offering to give up a move. She was referring to the king's long-standing wish.

To remove the stigma of Ailugo being a barbaric nation.

"Will you give me a move?"

Aristine provocatively asked.

The king slammed his cards down.

"Let's see your hand."

Nefter wasn't talking about the cards. He was asking what Aristine could do with the magic stones. His attitude was clearly different from before, when he suggested the game without asking for a reason.

Aristine smiled and placed all her cards on the table.

"My hand is perfect."

* * *

Aristine left the royal palace with a light heart. The transparent sunlight flooded the garden, where blue trees and summer roses were in full bloom.

Aristine crossed the garden to where her carriage was waiting. A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of green into her nose.

Amid the green, something out of place caught her eye.

A hair color rarely seen in Ailugo.

Aristine had recently met someone with such platinum hair.

'This meeting is over, and I won't seek out His Excellency. I won't come here either.'

'Instead, if we meet again somewhere by chance, we'll be friends.'

The peculiar encounter flashed through her mind.

Aristine's eyes widened.

'Really met him, and by chance too.'

It was amazing.

Feeling her gaze, the man, who was in conversation with his group, looked at Aristine. Across the fragrant rose bed, their eyes met.

'Now, I need to earn money.'