Chapter 111

When Marchioness Liston arrived, Liliana bustled around, fussing over the teacups’ appearance, suggesting they change the tablecloth and even adjusting the water temperature, which she usually didn’t care about.

While her attention to her guest was thoughtful, her restless movements did not align with royal etiquette.

Watching her, Marchioness Liston gently chided her in a soft voice.

“Your Highness, you don’t move around so busily in front of other royal elders, do you?”

At that, Liliana’s cheeks turned red.

“Of course not. I get a bit childish in front of my godmother. Please bear with me.”

Marchioness Liston broke into a satisfied smile at Liliana’s playful tone.

“As long as that’s the case, it’s fine.”

Marchioness Liston knew the other royals adored Liliana, so no one would likely criticize her small mistakes—they’d find them endearing. But the only one with whom Liliana acted so freely was Marchioness Liston.

With a subtle voice, Marchioness Liston asked,

“Was it Your Highness who requested Countess Marienne’s naturalization?”

“No. I would never have even imagined such a thing. I didn’t think I’d ever see my mother again. His Majesty must have felt pity for me when he saw me reading a letter from my homeland last time.“

“His Majesty truly cares for you.”

“…Yes, he’s always been very kind.”

Liliana covered her flushed cheeks with her hand, smiling bashfully. Marchioness Liston held Liliana’s hand and gently patted its back.

“In my view, His Majesty won’t stand in the way of you taking the position of empress. If you achieve notable accomplishments, like helping dismantle the Gabriel dukedom, it’ll create a strong basis for that long-awaited day.“

‘Helio quite likes Liliana.’

There was an unspoken understanding between them, though there had been no mention of the empress.

Still, Liliana resolved not to feel small simply because she was a princess from a small country. If she became someone genuinely worthy of being empress, Helio would have no reason to object.

Liliana nodded confidently, smiling. Marchioness Liston, just in case, took out the documents she had prepared and handed them to Liliana.

The documents carefully listed the spirit mages recruited by the Rhenia Trading Company so far, the spirit stones they had each created, and the total production to date.

As Liliana read through them closely, she noticed a few things.

“The more they train, the more spirit stones they can create. Even if some showed limited ability initially, those who work hard are worth the investment.“

“Yes. Particularly those who risked their lives to join the Rhenia Trading Company initially have shown excellent results.“

“Give awards to the high-performing spirit mages, ensuring everyone knows their achievements. Give them what they desire, whether it’s financial rewards or higher status within the group.“

“Understood, Your Highness.“

“And… wind spirit stones are definitely rare.“

“It seems inevitable, as only one spirit mage currently contracted with a wind spirit.”

Liliana recalled that Agrina had once mentioned the rarity of wind spirits. It hadn’t appeared in the original story, so she’d dismissed it at the time… but now it was an opportunity to be used for business.

“Select the highest quality wind spirit stone as soon as it’s created. We’ll release only one to the market.“

“You plan to emphasize its rarity.“

“Yes. If stones lack appearance, making them less marketable as jewels, take them to the provinces to enrich the land. Flooding the market with low-quality spirit stones would diminish their overall value.“

“I’ll proceed accordingly. How would you like the spirit stones to be priced?“

“At first, auction them exclusively. Thanks to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, the light and dark spirit stones gained quite the attention. Release them one at a time, and set the starting price high.“

“What price are you aiming for?”

Liliana rested her chin in her hand, considering before she spoke.

“Ten million gold.”

A hint of worry crossed Marchioness Liston’s face at the high price. Ten million gold was enough to buy a small townhouse in the capital.

“… Isn’t that too high?”

But Liliana smiled brightly, welcoming her reaction.

“Judging from your response, I think it’s just right. The price must be high enough that people can’t help but desire it. Sometimes, people want something precisely because it’s expensive.”

Marchioness Liston nodded, agreeing with that logic.

“Then I’ll proceed that way.“

“For the initial spirit stones on the market, it would be best to apply some ornamentation. Eventually, the price of spirit stones will inevitably drop, so it’s wise to avoid dissatisfaction among the initial buyers. Mark them as limited first editions, so their value remains preserved.“

“That’s a brilliant idea. You must have thought a lot about this.”

Liliana responded modestly to Marchioness Liston’s genuine admiration.

“I owe it to the people around me who always teach me.”

Liliana had many wise individuals around her. Marchioness Liston, Hesdin, and even Lucia were always there, offering advice. Liliana marveled every day at her own good fortune in having such connections.

As Liliana discussed business, a thought came to her.

“Could I possibly take one of the wind spirit stones?“

“Of course. It belongs to Your Highness, after all.”

Marchioness Liston easily granted permission as if wondering why she’d even ask.

“Thank you, godmother. I’d like to give it to my little spirit.”

Clapping her hands in joy, Liliana was delighted. She felt terrible for not giving Chuchu enough attention lately and thought Chuchu would be happy to receive a spirit stone with similar energy.

* * *

As soon as Marchioness Liston returned, she sent the wind spirit stone. In a small box, the stone glowed quietly, filled with the essence of wind. Liliana hurried over to Chuchu, feeling excited.

“Chuchu!”

Chuchu, who was lounging on the windowsill eating chocolate as usual, jumped up. With hands on her hips and a sulky expression, she clearly seemed upset.

“Lily! Why have you been neglecting me lately?“

“I’m sorry.“

“Since you’re so busy, that weird lady keeps bringing me snacks!”

The “weird lady“ Chuchu referred to was Agrina. Although Agrina tried to hide her lively nature around Liliana, her love for spirits was genuine.

Every time she saw Chuchu, Agrina found her so adorable that she’d bring out her spirit, Bibi, encouraging Chuchu to become friends. Since Liliana couldn’t always provide snacks for Chuchu, Agrina, a spirit summoner recently joining as a maid, had taken over snack duties.

But Chuchu felt slightly hurt by this.

With an apologetic look, Liliana perched on the windowsill beside Chuchu.

“Did I keep you waiting long?“

“Chuchu is always waiting for Lily!“

“Oh my.”

Liliana widened her eyes, then chuckled softly at Chuchu’s adorable words.

Liliana took a small box from her pocket and held it to Chuchu. Chuchu, sensing something, set down her chocolate and clung to the box.

“What’s this? I feel the wind from this box.“

“You already know, don’t you?”

Liliana opened the box with a playful smile, revealing a dazzling spirit stone. Chuchu’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at it.

“A Spirit Stone…”

Slowly, Chuchu reached out her hand, looking almost entranced, like a fisherman drawn to the sea.

“Why didn’t I think of this?”

Chuchu mumbled softly as she placed her hand on the Spirit Stone. The peaceful wind within the stone leaned toward her touch.

Soon, a fierce wind whirled around Chuchu, loud enough to make sharp noises.

“Chuchu, what’s happening? Are you okay?”

Just as Liliana asked in surprise—

Clink!

The metal ball chained to Chuchu’s ankle shattered, disintegrating into a dark mist. The ball that had resisted all attempts to break it for over half a year shattered so quickly it was almost unbelievable.

“Oh, oh?”

As Liliana gasped, Chuchu rose into the air. Although still chained at the ankle, she seemed lighter without the metal weight.

“Can you fly now? Chuchu, have you regained your strength?“

“Well, it’s still a bit tiring because of this,“ Chuchu grumbled, gesturing at the chain on her ankle. But after flipping around midair a few times, her expression lit up with joy.

“Oh my, Lily! You’re the best friend ever!”

Chuchu rushed over, hugging Liliana tightly on the nose. Liliana stroked Chuchu’s back with her finger, smiling warmly.

“I didn’t expect this outcome. I just wanted to give you something familiar. Did the Spirit Stone give you power? Why didn’t you tell me?“

“I only remembered after seeing the Spirit Stone!“

“A memory? Did your memory return?”

Liliana asked in surprise, but Chuchu, hovering with arms crossed, shook her head.

“The only memory that came back is that I can consume Spirit Stones. Ugh, it’s frustrating!”

Watching Chuchu grumble, Liliana laughed gently.

“Don’t worry, Chuchu. I’ll find more wind spirit stones for you.“

“Really?“

“It might be hard to get a lot… but surely, there’ll be extras. Since they’ll be eaten, I can also ask for any defective ones.“

“I love you, Lily!”

Chuchu flew up and gave Liliana a peck on the cheek. The light kiss, lighter than a chick’s, made Liliana smile with contentment.

She was pleased to have finally done something to make up for the time she’d neglected Chuchu.

Liliana immediately wrote to Marchioness Liston, asking for flawed wind spirit stones.

But the next day, when she went to check on Chuchu, she found her sitting on the windowsill, looking heartbroken. To Liliana’s shock, the metal ball that had disappeared the day before was back on Chuchu’s shackle.

“Chuchu!”

Liliana rushed over, startled. Chuchu let out sobs, with tears falling from her lovely eyes.

“L-Lily! I… I can’t… I can’t fly again!”