Chapter 2 – Part 3

“My Lady, it’s time for dinner.”

“Has it already gotten that late?“

“Yes. You were so engrossed in the books you didn’t even notice you were hungry.”

When she arrived at the dining room, her family was already there. Her father asked about the incident at the party.

“Oh dear. You should have been more careful. If you fall in front of everyone like that, His Highness might think you lack proper decorum.”

“Indeed, Count. This child always makes mistakes, no matter how much she’s taught.”

Matilda responded enthusiastically.

‘If my father knew how I acted with Cedric that day, he would faint.’

Eliana kept her expressionless as she continued eating, but then she heard Paul’s voice. He had started talking excitedly to their father about a promising investment opportunity.

“What is it? Let’s hear it.”

Paul, clearly eager, began explaining.

“There’s a new type of alcohol that’s become incredibly popular in the Kingdom of Tempton. It has a unique, addictive quality that the nobles there are completely taken with. There are already moves to import it into Moira, but my friend has connections with a skilled intermediary who can help us bring it in first. Once we do, it will be the most sought-after product.“

Paul’s eyes shone as if he was under some spell, passionately trying to convince their father. Eliana glanced at Count Austin, who seemed to be listening quite seriously.

“They’ll help us bring it in first?“

“Yes.“

“But dealing with Tempton is known to be extremely complicated.“

“The intermediary is competent, they say. I really want to invest in this, Father. Trust me with the money, and I’ll show you a return not just a few times but many times over.“

Paul’s fervor only grew as he spoke.

“As long as we go through, my friend, success is guaranteed!”

Matilda also chipped in a few words to support her son.

“Paul seems to have prepared thoroughly, Count. It sounds promising—perhaps you should back him?”

Eliana already knew this was a doomed venture.

‘That so-called capable intermediary is a fraud.’

Paul was on the brink of losing a significant amount of money. Panicked over the potential fallout, he eventually used every means possible to cover it up with Matilda’s help.

‘Seeing him scramble after losing ten million gold will be quite the spectacle. But what if I intervene now?’

She realized she could use this situation to her advantage, perhaps even to bring down both Matilda and Paul.

“Paul, what’s the name of this intermediary your friend introduced?“

Eliana’s voice cut through the conversation, causing all three to pause. Paul’s gaze shifted from their father to her, and he frowned as if her mere question annoyed him.

“I’m talking to Father here. Stay out of it and focus on practicing your dance steps.”

Paul retorted sharply.

“When importing goods from outside the empire, a single mistake in handling can lead to significant losses. It’s risky to deal with an intermediary without ties to our family.“

“What’s his name? I know most of the major intermediaries.”

Their father turned to Paul at Eliana’s words, requesting the name. Paul couldn’t avoid answering now.

“Jack Kernier.“

“Never heard of him.“

“You might not know him, Father, but he’s handled some big deals. You can trust him. But more than the intermediary, the business opportunity itself is outstanding.“

Paul’s anxiety was palpable, like someone on the verge of being conned.

“You should be cautious, Father.“

Eliana’s words drew sharp glares from both Matilda and Paul.

“Hurrying might not be the best idea.“

“Who said anything about hurrying?”

Paul snapped back.

“If we don’t act quickly, we’ll miss out on this great opportunity.“

“An unknown intermediary and an unverified business venture—sounds like a recipe for failure…“

“Eliana, why are you trying to ruin this? What do you even know about this field?”

Matilda cut her off sharply.

“Your tutor told me today that you were reading business books instead of studying history, playing around.“

Matilda folded her arms as if daring Eliana to argue otherwise.

“I wasn’t playing around. I answered all the history questions and had time left, so I read something else.“

“Paul has been receiving continuous education in business, unlike you. Even Hannah Adrienne praised Paul’s intelligence!“

“Did she really?“

“Yes, she did! Anyway, this isn’t something for you to meddle in.“

“I’m not meddling; I’m advising you to look at this objectively…”

Before she could finish, Matilda let out a dramatic sigh.

“Eliana, enough.”

Their father raised his hand, signaling her to stop.

“Matilda and Paul are right. You should focus on your own duties. Prepare an elegant embroidery for His Highness, with the imperial crest prominently featured. That’s your task. Understood?”

Once again, her father sided with Matilda and Paul.

‘Of course, it turned out this way,‘ Eliana thought as she noticed Matilda smirk slightly, clearly pleased with herself.

‘Serves you right, just keep your mouth shut,‘ Paul mouthed silently, mocking her.

“Paul.”

The Count’s stern voice silenced Paul, who immediately stopped talking. That was all it took. A rebuke, followed by the same insistence.

‘Of course… Has it ever been any different?’

Eliana resumed eating, letting their doomed plan proceed unchecked.

‘Just shut up and marry someone to benefit the family.’

That was her father’s true intention. She had no intention of following it.

* * *

Eliana headed to the bank in the city center, accompanied by Mila and Knight Russell. The money her aunt had left her upon her death.

‘Use this when you get married, Eliana.’

Her aunt’s will had been clear, so Eliana hadn’t dared touch the money before. But now, she felt no hesitation about withdrawing it.

“Are you sure you want to withdraw the entire amount?”

The bank clerk asked again, as it was a substantial sum, though not a fortune.

“Yes, all of it.”

After retrieving the money, Eliana headed to a jewelry store—not the one patronized by the Leiberte but its competitor. The owner, Sadie, came out to greet her.

“Well, if it isn’t Lady Eliana of the Leiberte family.”

Sadie welcomed her warmly.

‘Eliana Leiberte, the daughter of Count Austin and the fiancée of the Crown Prince, coming here herself.’

Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Sadie led Eliana to a private room, asked about her preferences, and served tea and desserts.

“We’ve just released some beautiful new necklaces and bracelets exclusive to our store. Did you come because of that?“

“No.”

“Then, is there something specific you’re looking for? Just say the word, and we’ll bring it to you.“

“I’m looking to buy some gemstones.“

“Gemstones?“

“Yes, I want to purchase stones from the Kingdom of Tempton. Specifically, from the southern region of Azilend.”

Eliana made her request clear.

‘Gemstones? Most customers don’t seek raw stones—especially not with such a precise location in mind. They’re difficult to work with, after all…‘

Sadie’s brown eyes filled with curiosity.

“Of course, we do trade with the Kingdom of Tempton. But…”

“But what?“

“Purchasing the cut and finished jewels would be much more practical. You know as well as I do that raw stones require significant processing effort.“

“That’s fine. I don’t plan to have them processed immediately.“

‘Not going to process them?‘

Sadie’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“I’m just going to keep them. They’ll be my personal property.“

Eliana’s blue eyes gleamed brightly.

Sadie couldn’t help but think that her eyes were as beautiful as any jewel.

“I’ve heard that this store employs someone who frequently travels between Tempton and Moira. Someone named Briss Legrin. After many years of doing business, I’ve heard they’ve never let you down.“

Eliana wanted to shed the image of being just another naive noble lady. A little knowledge could go a long way.

‘Briss Legrin is currently just a trader between the two countries, but in the future, he’ll build enough trust to open his own brokerage firm.‘

“Oh, so you’re familiar with Legrin.“

“It’s not difficult to find out.“

Eliana’s expression suggested she knew even more than she let on.

“Are you purchasing these stones on behalf of the Count?”

Sadie asked.

“No, I’m buying them with my own money.”

Though her aunt hadn’t intended it to be spent this way, it was still Eliana’s money.

“I want them.”

Sadie knew well enough who Eliana was—the fiancée of the Crown Prince. Barring any unforeseen events, she was destined to become the future Empress.

‘Whatever she wants these stones for, it’s not wise to cross her.‘

“Is there a problem?“

“No, of course not. There’s no problem at all. If the lady desires it, there must be a good reason.”

Sadie shook her head.

“How much do you wish to purchase?“

“9.6 million gold worth.”