Chapter 62

"What, what did you say...!"

Bang!

Startled, Balderic knocked over his chair, which fell backward.

The other 2nd sons were also shocked.

What...!

Chief?

It was just a title, but it meant that Daemond would now be the one controlling the continent's white crystal trade!

"No, this can't be..."

"Even so..."

This time, it was the Astra people who were in an uproar.

Daemond had never cultivated close relationships with the other 2nd sons.

It was as if there was no chance of any benefits falling his way.

Thus, no one welcomed Daemond becoming the chief.

"It's unbelievable."

"Why him?"

"Why must it be Brother Daemond...!"

Daemond was currently on a roll, expanding his territory and gaining momentum.

If the ball of white crystal monopoly trade went to Daemond in this situation?

Not only Astra, but the empire, and indeed all the countries on this continent, would tremble before Daemond due to white crystals.

'Why? Why on earth?'

Balderic's face turned red.

His anger and inferiority towards Daemond boiled over.

'What has he done to deserve this!'

So, the other Astra people began to spew out words they wouldn't normally dare to say.

"What... Ha, Belain. Your brother is already busy overseeing the army."

He forced a smile and continued.

"Handling the white crystal trade? It's impossible for him to manage such a complex commercial transaction. Astra has many other excellent talents—"

Belain stared intently at Balderic, subtly undermining Daemond's capabilities.

Balderic flinched.

Though Belain had shown weakness due to Avino, he was still the first prince of a powerful nation.

Balderic, a mere 2nd son, couldn't stand up to such a strong presence.

Balderic couldn't hold Belain's gaze for long and bowed his head.

"..."

"I am a man of honor."

Belain looked at Daemond again.

Daemond met Belain's gaze without flinching.

He wondered what ulterior motives Belain had for making such a beneficial proposal.

However, Belain was genuinely expressing pure goodwill and gratitude.

To Daemond.

Or more precisely, to Eryllot.

"I will never forget that you saved my son today."

"It was my daughter, not me, who did it."

Belain smiled.

Some people believed that a child's achievements were the parents'.

But Daemond believed that the credit belonged entirely to his daughter.

That's why he had such a daughter.

That's why he noticed Avino's abnormality, which no one else had.

Belain smiled warmly at Daemond.

"Having such a daughter is your blessing."

"Indeed, my daughter is a blessing."

Daemond couldn't help but agree with Belain.

Eryllot was a stroke of luck for him.

Balderic restrained his urge to tear his hair out and go mad.

'What is this...! It's just a matter between children! How can you bring it into business!'

What kind of situation is this to appoint a responsible person like this!

The other 2nd sons also had poor expressions.

"..."

The 2nd sons glared at Daemond, their eyes full of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Daemond had always been outstanding, but only in terms of military prowess.

His overwhelming strength.

However, Daemond hadn't received proper recognition from the duke and had a limited budget, struggling to manage his territory.

But after returning from the war. Or rather, after Eryllot began to stand out, Daemond's status changed dramatically.

'Eryllot. What is that child...!'

'I could do as much as Daemond if I had a child like that!'

'Damn it. Should I have also found a daughter from a commoner?'

As the 2nd sons gritted their teeth, swallowing their jealousy, only Dione's mother, Basile, smiled gently.

Basile recalled what Dione had said about Eryllot.

"Eryllot is a remarkable child. Smart, strong, and cool... I feel like she can achieve something great. She already is, though."

"I've never heard you say such things."

"Mother, I... actually hated the bloodline education."

"What?"

She had never said such things before.

Caught off guard, Basile's mouth opened slightly, and Dione smiled shyly.

"My cousins all ignored me, called me a crow, and said I was stupid..."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was afraid you would worry..."

Basile felt her heart sink.

She had struggled to raise her only daughter well in this Astra manor.

But her daughter's heart was rotting away.

"Oh, Dione..."

"I hated crows so much. A few years ago, Eryllot changed that."

"..."

"Crows are Astra's symbol. They are very strong and cool."

"..."

"My cousins, who didn't know this, were the real fools."

"..."

"Eryllot's greatest quality is that she gives courage to those around her. I feel brave when I'm with Eryllot!"

Dione's last words, spoken with a bright smile, were still vivid in Basile's memory.

"That's why... I now love crows. I... love myself too..."

The timid daughter who always covered her face with her hair changed after meeting Eryllot.

Even a hedgehog loves its young, but Basile felt sad that her daughter didn't recognize her own talents and strengths.

But her daughter had changed and even said such brave words.

It was the first time.

So Basile liked Eryllot.

Not only because Eryllot changed her daughter, but because such a positive person was rare.

But the problem was...

'Father's reaction.'

Daemond and the Duke of Astra's discord was well-known.

Though it was said that the Duke of Astra favored Eryllot, it didn't mean that the discord between Daemond and the Duke had disappeared.

'Will he dislike it?'

But what Basile saw was completely different from what she expected.

Twitching lips.

Jaw clenching.

A relaxed gaze, pretending to be calm.

'Ah...'

Basile turned her head, trying to suppress her laughter.

'Should I also make a move?'

To Eryllot, not Daemond.

Hehe.

Basile pretended to cough, hiding her laughter, and pondered what gift to give Eryllot.

* * *

A few days later.

Today is the day the Aligio people leave.

Just as they came, the Astra direct line members all came to see them off.

Prince Belain and Prince Avino led the Aligio people.

Prince Avino looked at me with teary eyes, as if they were about to fall.

On the day of the kidnapping.

Prince Belain couldn't bear to leave Avino in the hands of others and slept in the same bed with his son.

Even noble couples often slept in separate beds, showing how much Belain cherished Avino.

The next day, Avino, waking up in his father's arms, heard the whole story from Belain.

After that, he ran to me to express his gratitude.

"Eryllot! You're my savior!"

After that, Belain didn't leave Avino's side, and Avino didn't leave mine.

Step, step, step.

Me—Avino—Belain

When we walked like a line of ducks, the Aligio people would come to plead with me.

"Prince, your schedule...!"

"There are things you need to check...!"

Since Belain wouldn't listen, they appealed to me.

Just like our territorial officials.

No, why are there so many people asking me for help everywhere?

"Avino. Shall we play together?"

"Sure! Father, go to work now."

"Avino, but..."

"Hurry up!"

"...Alright. I understand."

When I spoke to Avino, Avino spoke to Belain, and the subordinates were happy.

This funny scene repeated several times over the next few days.

Finally, the day of departure arrived.

Thump.

Avino grabbed my hand.

'Is he not afraid of his father's and twin's scary gaze?'

He's already glaring at me as if he wants to tear me apart.

Is it because he's a prince?

Other boys would tremble just from the look, but he seemed surprisingly bold.

Avino blinked his teary eyes and asked me.

'Ah, he looks like a black poodle again.'

"Can we see each other again?"

I, who am weak for animals, didn't want to disappoint the cute puppy.

'Of course, seeing each other again is natural in a business context.'

I nodded vigorously.

"Of course."

"Definitely. Definitely! See you again."

Definitely! Definitely!

While Avino, who was holding my hand desperately and shining his eyes, seemed fine, I was now scared.

'This is the first time I've seen such a fierce reaction.'

The twins and father's expressions were so fierce that I subtly let go of his hand.

Then I went to Prince Belain.

"Prince Belain."

Before I could speak, Belain bowed to meet my gaze.

I leaned close to Belain's ear and whispered.

"Servants gave Avino the hypnotic drug to erase his memory, right?"

"Yes."

"Trying to erase his memory... Could it mean the servant was involved in the civil war?"

"Perhaps..."

Belain must have anticipated this much.

But I had one more ace up my sleeve.

"Our maids said the servant's greatest fear is... the mistress."

"!"

"To bring in the drug without being caught, the administrative office's power is needed."

Do you understand?

'That your stepmother and the head of the administrative office are involved in the civil war.'

"Ah..."

Belain let out a sigh mixed with admiration and pain.

The noble's suffering and anguish passed, leaving only a kind smile.

Though Belain is a good person by nature, he seems to have experienced many painful things due to his high position.

Belain extended his hand to me.

"You truly surprise me many times... I will keep it in mind."

I shook Belain's hand.

"I hope it helps."

After letting go of his hand, I took a step back and smiled.

How he uses this information is Belain's problem.

I've given everything.

We all exchanged farewells.

Just as the Aligio people were about to leave.

Belain turned his head to look at his father.

"By the way, does Lady Eryllot have a fiancé?"

Father's expression twisted.

His fists were trembling.

'Oh!'

I'm tense, worried he might do something.

Fortunately, Father only answered quietly.

"None."

Though he said it with emphasis, word by word.

Prince Belain was genuinely pleased.

Avino, standing beside him, was also listening with shining eyes.

"Oh, really. No family with a marriage proposal?"

"None."

"Then—"

Father's red eyes glowed fiercely.

"There is no fiancé in Eryllot's life."

Belain was visibly shocked by this.

Father's expression is terrifying even to me, who is used to it. How must Prince Belain, who has only seen good things, feel?

"No..."

Before Belain could say anything, Grandfather interjected.

"Standing here for so long is a waste of time. Please go carefully."

I was surprised.

It was as if they were chasing the Aligio prince away like a street vendor.

Father didn't stop them, but even helped.

I've never seen them work so well together.

"Please go."

"Ah, I want to say goodbye to the lady...!"

"The carriage is coming."

"Lady..."

"Ma—! Car—!"

Thanks to Father's roar, Avino's voice was drowned out.

I was worried the Aligio people might be offended, but then I shook my head.

'Well, it doesn't matter. We've already gotten what we wanted.'

No matter how Father and Grandfather treated Belain, I was just happy.

After Belain, Avino, and the Aligio people left.

There will probably be a mountain of documents to process, but I don't care.

'I'm a ten-year-old child, so I don't have to do paperwork, right?'

That's the advantage of being a child.

Father is now in a paperwork nightmare.

Surrounded by mountains of documents, he is almost losing his mind.

He even asked me to bring him paper airplanes made from documents.

I hummed a tune as I ran around the duke's castle.

'If Father becomes the chief of white crystal distribution, how sweet that power will be...'

A sigh of longing escaped me.

'Power is truly the best.'

Father doesn't have power?

Now he does!

I covered my cheeks with both hands and giggled.

A few days later.

The results of this year's evaluation test were announced.

Who would be the top student?

'Who else?'

There's no twist.

The top student is none other than Eryllot Astra.

Of course, it was me!