Chapter 86

The Countess of Blia was indeed as sociable as the rumors suggested. She lifted the atmosphere by bringing up stories that Liliana would find amusing.

When Liliana laughed heartily, as if genuinely entertained, Countess Blia seemed to think the moment was right and brought up the main topic.

“By the way, is it true that you looked into the Duchy of Laove to prepare a gift for Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager?”

Countess Blia whispered softly, careful not to speak too loudly in case it might annoy Liliana and cause her to withdraw.

However, Liliana wanted this rumor to spread, so she spoke clearly, at a volume that those nearby could overhear.

“Of course. How could I prepare any gift for Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager?”

As Liliana spoke as if boasting, Countess Blia relaxed and returned to her usual tone.

“My goodness. It seems you and Her Majesty have a charming mother-daughter-in-law relationship. Isn’t that right, dear?”

The Countess nudged Count Blia with her elbow, prompting him to nod vigorously in agreement.

“If I may say, I run a small business, and it has been tough to establish trade with the Duchy of Laove. I never even attempted to buy goods; I barely succeeded in selling, securing only a small deal.”

“There’s no country more closed off than the Duchy of Laove. It must have required tremendous effort just to sell goods there.”

Count Blia seemed excited when Liliana praised him, puffing out his chest and clearing his throat. The Countess gave him a side glance.

She found her husband pathetic for seemingly willing to give away more information than they were getting from Liliana. Yet, watching Liliana’s gentle face, she too felt herself warming up to her.

“My husband worked hard to secure that deal with the Duchy of Laove. But to hear that Your Highness purchased goods from there, I feel nothing but admiration.”

Countess Blia spoke kindly, and Liliana covered her cheek with her palm, feigning modesty.

“Oh, you flatter me.“

“Was the jewel you gifted to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager one of those Spirit Stones I’ve only read about in books?”

“Yes, that’s right. It was a Light Spirit Stone.“

“It truly was a Spirit Stone! My goodness. Does the Duchy of Laove have its own Spirit Stone mine?”

Liliana deliberately pretended to ponder, resting her chin on her hand and drawing a long “Hmm.“ During this pause, Count Blia, his wife, and the surrounding eavesdroppers were on tenterhooks.

Liliana silently counted to three before finally speaking.

“Well, I can’t say whether it’s a mine or something else… In truth, all I did was pay for it, so I don’t know how Spirit Stones are produced. But, indeed, they are only found in the Duchy of Laove.”

This was only natural, given that no place was as rich in the spirits’ energy or had as many spirit summoners as the Duchy of Laove.

The Blia couple’s expressions showed a slight hint of disappointment at Liliana’s words.

If they could only obtain such beautiful Spirit Stones, they could significantly boost their business, but they could only be found in the Duchy of Laove.

Purchasing spirit-related goods from the Duchy of Laove was as tricky as plucking a star from the sky.

Still, the Blia couple continued conversing with Liliana a bit longer. Although they were disappointed not to have learned much about the Spirit Stones, they were captivated by Liliana’s bright aura.

After parting with Liliana, the couple clinked wine glasses with a close business associate and lamented.

“They say you can only get them from the Duchy of Laove. If there’s such an abundance of spirit energy, perhaps there is a mine?“

“But I heard that Spirit Stones are man-made.“

“Oh, really?“

“Yes, but if they can only be obtained from the Duchy of Laove… perhaps the creation of Spirit Stones is location-dependent.“

“Indeed. Her Highness also implied that it might not be a mine.”

People were eager to speculate about the Spirit Stones. The magnificent gemstones, which they had never seen and weren’t even sure truly existed, had captured the imagination of the nobles.

They had to suppress the urge to return to their estates immediately to investigate more about the Spirit Stones.

A New Year’s banquet was held the day after the year-end banquet. The Empress Dowager appeared in an even better mood than the day before, wearing a brooch made of a Dark Spirit Stone.

On the other hand, Beatty, who would have naturally been invited, did not show even a single hair until the end of the New Year’s banquet, citing illness.

People ridiculed her, saying she dared not wear the fake sun around her neck. Liliana was amused, thinking that Beatty might have fainted from frustration if she had attended.

* * *

“The trading companies are all sending people to the Duchy of Laove, trying to uncover the secrets of Spirit Stone production.

Since the Duchy of Laove will not easily relinquish the Spirit Stones, their value will rise, and if we release them to the market at the right time, the Rhenia Trading Company will quickly gain fame.”

A contented smile spread across Liliana’s face after reading Lady Liston’s letter.

The secret of Spirit Stone production was quietly resting in the Imperial Library.

Liliana never believed she could keep this secret forever. However, the greater the distance she could put between herself and the latecomers, the more people would associate Spirit Stones with the Rhenia Trading Company. That was all she needed.

When purchasing expensive goods, people always preferred to buy from familiar, reputable places, even if it meant paying extra to ensure safety.

Handing Lady Liston’s letter to Sophia, Liliana shifted her gaze to Agrina.

“How is the investigation on the Gathis River going?”

Agrina had a keen eye but was clumsy when serving others. She confidently said it was natural, considering her brother, Vail, had spoiled her since she was little.

Fortunately, Agrina was incredibly smart and had great potential as a secretary.

“We’re investigating it, but there’s nothing to criticize. The Gathis River has immense potential to become a grand canal. There haven’t been any droughts or floods recently, so the river’s width and current are extremely stable.“

“What about pirates…?”

“Well, we won’t know that until the canal is built. No matter how promising it is, all you see now are small fishing boats floating around. If pirates were satisfied with catching fish, they’d be fishermen, not pirates.“

“Sigh…“

“Why are you looking for flaws in the Gathis River?”

At Agrina’s question, Liliana leaned back in her chair and replied.

“To embarrass the Kingdom of Sagreen. Think about it.”

Liliana snatched the pen from Agrina’s hand.

“Look, this pen was originally yours.“

“Precisely. It’s a fountain pen I bought from my family’s estate. It was my father’s keepsake. How could you steal it from me?”

Liliana gave Agrina a stern look and continued.

“You said if I didn’t return this pen to you, you would hit me.“

“No, I wouldn’t dare. His Majesty the Emperor would surely—“

“Agrina!”

Liliana called out in frustration at Agrina’s constant objections. She put her hands on her hips and pouted, abandoning her silly analogy.

“The Kingdom of Sagreen doesn’t actually need the Gathis River. They’re just throwing a tantrum because they want Princess Lucia to marry their Crown Prince. They believe the Empire wouldn’t hand over the Gathis River, especially not at a loss.“

“That’s true.“

“But what if the Empire agrees to their demands and gives them the Gathis River?“

“And without canceling any debts? They might be slightly taken aback, but they’d accept it for appearances.“

“But what if, after receiving the Gathis River, they find out there’s something wrong with it?“

“They’d be extremely embarrassed. They would lose both the Princess and the river. What good is that? Wouldn’t that increase the likelihood of a war? Didn’t you say the Empire’s dignity would be tarnished if they just handed over the Gathis River?“

“Is dignity something only the Empire has? The Kingdom of Sagreen has its own dignity to uphold. They’ve caused a commotion over war, welcoming a noble imperial princess as their Crown Princess and reclaiming the Gathis River, but in the end, they achieve none of it. Isn’t that right?”

At last, Agrina seriously listened to Liliana’s words.

“Dignity is ultimately relative. If the Kingdom of Sagreen looks foolish, it won’t ruin the Empire’s honor. In fact, it would likely strengthen it. ‘Stupid Sagreen tried to climb too high and got put in their place!‘”

When Liliana emphasized her final point, Agrina nodded as if she understood, though she didn’t seem particularly impressed.

“But what’s the use? There’s no problem with the Gathis River.”

“That’s the problem!”

With this simple statement, Liliana slumped over the desk. It was no wonder Lucia had pondered over the Gathis River and ultimately sought out Helio.

While Liliana grumbled with her lush hair spread all over the desk, a knock sounded, and Minelli entered.

“Your Highness, Lady Liston urgently sent a messenger.“

“From my godmother?”

Liliana lifted her head, looking puzzled. She had just read a letter from Lady Liston a few minutes ago, so what news could have arisen so quickly?

Liliana took a small note from a servant of the Liston Marquisate.

“The House of Gabriel has come looking for the Rhenia Trading Company. They wish to meet with the head of the company personally.”

Liliana took a breath and immediately tossed the letter into the fireplace.

The House of Gabriel? Seeking out the Rhenia Trading Company? Could they have gotten wind of something about the Spirit Stones?

It wasn’t much of a secret that the Rhenia Trading Company was gathering spirit summoners, but they had presented a different reason on the surface.

Liliana was worried but couldn’t just stay idle, so she immediately stood up.

“I need to go right away, so prepare my attire—”

As she hurriedly gave instructions, something suddenly dawned on her, and she bit her lower lip. She closed her eyes tightly and spoke with difficulty.

“Prepare that outfit my godmother sent over.”

The outfit Liliana referred to was that one. Beautiful, mature, and at the same time…

“Oh my, that daring outfit?”

Yes, the daring outfit.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.