“It’s not always possible to report all matters in advance the previous year. A bit of flexibility is needed, don’t you think?”

“It’s more than just a bit.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. The financial state varies by territory.”

“……It’s not a matter of the financial scale of the territories.”

“Is that so? Then please enlighten me on what the issue is.”

As the debate between Gillian Krembell and Marquis Baroque continued, Kaiden, who had been smiling all along, interjected.

“……May I have a chance to speak?”

“Go ahead.”

The Emperor quickly granted permission, seemingly telling him to clean up his own mess.

“For the territories that are identified as needing repairs, I suggest allocating support funds based on necessity to ensure the projects are completed safely.”

“Hmm… Support funds. How much are you considering?”

“I propose a maximum of 50%.”

Then Duke Tria spoke up.

“This wasn’t a planned project. Even with 50%, some territories might struggle depending on available funds. You should consider up to 70%.”

“There’s a big gap between 50% and 70%.”

As Hedges looked troubled, Kaiden suppressed his urge to hit the back of Duke Tria’s head and said,

“We can target areas with frequent damage and those that haven’t been repaired in over five years, offering up to 50%, but if we reduce the scope, 70% might be feasible.”

“Your Majesty. In that case, wouldn’t it be better to discuss after understanding the approximate scale?”

“How long will that investigation take?”

Kaiden, feeling annoyed by the pleased look on Duke Tria’s face, replied slowly.

“……I’ll try to finish it within this month.”

As the atmosphere leaned towards pushing the project forward, Marquis Avalanche, who had been watching from the sidelines, spoke up.

“As expected, if the imperial family eases the financial burden, repairs will be much easier.”

‘That old man finally speaks.’

Displeased with this, Kaiden couldn’t help but add a little twist.

“……And naturally, there will be additional investigations into the appropriateness and use of funds for selected support areas.”

As Kaiden added this, everyone realized, ‘Of course,’ and understood.

Marquis Baroque tried to say something more, but the Emperor, not wanting to prolong the discussion, quickly intervened.

“Alright, let’s vote. Any objections? None, I assume?”

If anyone opposed even this trivial matter, they would be quite petty.

The Emperor looked around with that expression, waited exactly three seconds, then declared.

“Alright, passed. We’ll proceed once the investigation results are in.”

The Emperor dealt with the tedious matter as swiftly as roasting beans over a lightning fire.

* * *

After the meeting, Kaiden returned and openly expressed his annoyance.

“Those damned old geezers. The way they jump at the mention of money is unbearable!”

“It seems the meeting went in the direction you wanted.”

Terriard, who had been waiting in his office, chuckled as he spoke.

“Yes, it did. Ha, I should have put Lady Crient in front of those old men.”

When Kaiden mumbled, Terriard exclaimed in shock.

“What are you thinking of doing with Ellen?”

“Why? Doesn’t it sound fun?”

“Your Highness!”

Kaiden, as if just imagining it was amusing, spoke with a cheerful face.

“Imagine their faces when they’re caught off guard. It would be quite a spectacle.”

“Don’t involve Ellen in such fantasies.”

As Terriard spoke sternly, Kaiden shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, anyway, the lady’s contribution was significant this time. And it will be even more so in the future.”

He sank deeply into the sofa, leaning back until his head rested beyond the backrest.

“In truth, I was worried that the imperial family’s favor might be excessive… but as you can see, it was unfounded. It seems I do have an eye for people, just as Lady said.”

Kaiden chuckled as he spoke.

Unexpectedly, Terriard’s face hardened as he spoke.

“……I think giving the Crown Princess’s ring was too much.”

“You do? But you were so supportive earlier.”

When Kaiden asked, surprised, Terriard continued with a deep sigh.

“That ring belonged to the crown princess. It’s more than just something to be cherished.”

“I gave it so it would be seen that way. Seeing you react like this, it was the right decision.”

“But Your Highness―”

“If the lady doesn’t like it, she can just return it. If she wants to make it public, she can, if not, then not.”

“What will you do when you eventually bring in a crown princess!”

“Sir Cheshire.”

Seeing Terriard unusually emotional, Kaiden also spoke with a firm face.

“I have no intention of repeating my mother’s tragedy myself.”

“……I’m sorry. That was out of line.”

With Terriard’s heavy apology, Kaiden sighed once and then spoke,

“We’ve known each other since childhood, right? I understand your concern. But these are decisions made for our own futures. My decision is final.”

“Yes. I’m sorry, Your Highness.”

“Alright. Now, let’s think of an appropriate gift to send to the lady. It seems the support fund will exceed the previously discussed 50%.”

With a bitter smile, Kaiden patted Terriard’s shoulder.

* * *

“Father, did you contact the designer from the catalog I gave you before?”

“Yes, you mean the Quincy Workshop?”

“Not just there, I also gave you the one from Olivier’s Boutique!”

“The designer from Olivier was greeted just the other day.”

“That was Marie!”

Oh, dear. Why are the names of these boutiques so lacking in individuality!

Daniel cursed under his breath.

Next week, the first ball of the social season opens.

Unlike other boutiques that would have had ample time to prepare their initial stock and get their operations on track, the Crient Trading Company, which had scrapped its planned designs and started anew, was still frantically busy.

In this season, any boutique would usually work overtime to produce stock, but the Crient Trading Company, more pressed than others, came up with a half-crazed strategy.

Artisans! Work through the night!

Double overtime pay, with bonuses based on sales!

We’ll leave a little less margin per piece than usual.

Because this time, we’ll practically monopolize dress sales!

She screamed with joy, and amidst those busy days, a familiar guest and a parcel arrived at Count Crient’s residence.

Sally, with an excited voice, called Ellen.

“Miss!”

“What is it?”

“Oh my, the young master of the Cheshire family is here.”

“Ted?”

Someone who should be working with the knight order in the capital came all the way to the Crient territory?

Ellen, wondering what this was about, went downstairs, accompanied by Sally, who continued to chatter in an affectionate tone—Oh, how handsome he’s become!—beside her.

“Ted!”

“Ellen. You look much better at home.”

Terriard, who had been waiting for her in the first-floor hall, spoke with a composed smile, quite like an older brother.

Though he had shown reluctance at the idea of sending a gift to Ellen, once Kaiden started choosing a dress, he became more enthusiastic about selecting a gift than the recipient herself.

[It seems the lady surprisingly likes flashy things.]

[And they suit her well.]

[How about this one?]

[It’s bright, but… doesn’t Ellen suit more intense colors?]

[That’s true. How about this?]

[That’s nice. Let’s keep it as a candidate.]

[Ah, this dress definitely needs pearls. Butler, go fetch everything made of pearls!]

A set of party dresses was completed, and Terriard was persuaded that it would be more appropriate to personally deliver it rather than send it through the post office to show sincerity.

“What brings you all the way here? Shouldn’t you be in the capital?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a surprised face.”

He lightly covered his smiling mouth with a slightly clenched fist and chuckled.

“I used to come often. You should be glad to see me rather than surprised.”

“Because it’s not the troublemaker Ted from the past who’s visiting. It’s Sir Cheshire of the imperial knight order.”

“Yes, yes. Everything the lady says is right.”

Terriard nonchalantly accepted her point.

When Ellen narrowed her eyes at him, unable to erase the faint smile on his face, he finally declared his surrender.

“Alright, alright. His Highness asked me to deliver something to you. Here.”

Terriard took a neatly wrapped box from his luggage and handed it to Ellen.

“This is…?”

“It’s for you.”

“Judging by the shape, it doesn’t seem like a box of documents. What is it?”

“The idea of a superior sending documents packaged like this is terrifying.”

“Ted, I’m really busy right now.”

“Alright. Open it quickly.”

At Terriard’s urging, an excited Sally opened the box she had received.

Upon seeing the contents, Sally couldn’t hide her admiration and let out a small exclamation.

“My goodness.”

When she opened the box, small boxes and a well-packaged dress were visible beneath the card on top.

<I sent this as it seems to suit you. See you at the palace.

―Kaiden Istazio.>

“Miss, it’s so beautiful.”

Sally spread out the dress.

It was a dress with a collar that cleared the neck and shoulder lines, impressive and aimed at the palace, which Ellen had prepared.

“Yes. It’s beautiful. I like it very much.”

Ellen confirmed it and smiled brightly, genuinely pleased.