Chapter 29

The greetings to the prince were over.

After that, everyone who wanted to ride the self-driving machine pushed forward, forming a line to wait their turn.

Even my mother, who had been so worried about me, skillfully maneuvered the rotary without any danger. Perhaps those who are good at horseback riding are also good at standing and riding.

Under the watchful eyes of the worried knights, Prince Alexander also got on. No, it wasn't just skillful; he made the machine zigzag and even did a half-turn to face the opposite direction.

People with good motor skills are amazing! I felt a mix of envy and frustration.

After that, the knights who couldn't hold back any longer also started riding around.

At one point, they added coal and hot water, and the self-driving machine ran for a long time. What's impressive is that while it's not as fast as a horse, it can run without stopping.

After the commotion settled down, it was decided to have a discussion with the family and the prince. About what? Prince Alexander said, "I want to discuss this urgently."

In the parlor, the four members of my family and the prince gathered. On our side, we were wondering, "What could this be about?" Then, the conversation started rather abruptly.

"Let me get straight to the point. When commercializing the self-driving machine, I want to be included as an investor."

The room fell silent.

Why?

Our family has money. It's impolite to say, but we have what we have, so there's no choice. Having the royal family as investors would be nothing but trouble. My older sister's frown was particularly obvious.

"I'm not expecting profits. I can earn enough personally through the royal family's assets and Swallow Corporation."

"Wh-What? Swallow Corporation is Prince Alexander's company?"

Sister, you're being too loud.

"Yes. I studied the excellent launch and operation of your family's postal service. When I heard that industrial production using coal had started in the neighboring country, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to start a company. I couldn't resist going to see it for myself. After seeing the coal-powered factory, I was convinced that the future would be the age of coal. So, I secured an exclusive contract for coal imports on the spot."

Wow! I thought Prince Alexander was a gentle and calm person. I didn't know he had such a sharp business sense.

"When Marianne was running around the estate dealing with the drought, I couldn't just idly spend my time..."

Sister, please don't open your mouth in that 'Oh, you did?' way. It's too rude.

"Officially, I set up my friend Daryl as the company's representative and provided all the capital. During that time, the Landoria family's postal service helped me a lot. And Marianne, Daryl is the blond-haired man you mentioned."

Oh, right, right. That's dangerous. I almost asked Sister who Daryl was.

Father, who had been silent until then, asked, "So, why does Your Highness want to invest?"

"Indeed. If Harberry Twais learns about this self-driving machine, she will surely demand that the royal family take over production."

Huh?

I almost shouted out loud. Sister was almost standing up.

"Harberry, though still a fiancée, is preparing a bill to strengthen the royal family's authority, and my brother is also in favor of it.

Furthermore, if the Twais family lobbies, the bill to strengthen authority will likely pass through the parliament.

After the marriage ceremony next year, Princess Harberry will undoubtedly interfere in politics.

To prevent the royal family from forcibly taking over the production and sales of this self-driving machine, it would be more difficult for them if I, the second in line to the throne, were an investor. Otherwise, it could escalate into a power struggle within the royal family."

Hmm... I see. Those born with the right to inherit the throne are indeed well-versed in these power dynamics.

"Your Highness, may we have some time to consider?"

"Of course. I want you to think it over and give me a good answer."

With that, Prince Alexander stood up.

We saw him off to the front door, but the prince said, "Marianne, I want to talk to you for a moment," so the rest of my family excused themselves at the door.

We sat down in the gazebo in the garden, and Prince Alexander remained silent for a while. I was so nervous, I wanted him to say something.

Suddenly, he said, "You've really become beautiful."

As he said this, the prince took a strand of my hair in his hand and gently moved his gaze from my hair to my face.

He's so close. I haven't been around handsome men for four years, only well-dug wells, the village chief, the village grandmothers, and the children. I have no immunity to handsome men. I'm so nervous!

There are young men in the estate, but they are all busy working and don't talk to me. Also, being the daughter of the lord, I'm kept at a distance.

To hide my nervousness, I took a slow, deep breath, and then he quietly spoke from above my head.

"Next year, you'll be an adult. Don't you want to live with me? I intend to let you do whatever you want. I will protect you from the royal family's interference.

If my brother and his wife have a child, I will immediately become the head of the ducal family and focus on managing the estate. I will also keep a distance from the palace.

Marianne, please, give me the honor of seeing your smile up close."

Prince Alexander is on one knee, looking into my eyes.