Translator: Nox

Chapter 20

No matter how much I thought about it, there was no one who would pull something like this.

"How much was the investment amount?"

At my question, the moderator held up a blank sheet of paper.

"Per the investor's request, we recorded it as 'amount TBD' until the initial contract is finalized. But as you can see......"

He projected the pre-submitted account copy into the air.

A magic circle-like shape appeared with the balance inside, the numbers seemingly endless.

"We've confirmed it holds a considerable fortune, easily passing the conference threshold."

Good grief. Who on earth is it?

If someone had recognized my genius and boldly invested, that'd be great, but...... let's not forget our merchant group's ranking.

It'd be more convincing if their hand slipped while investing elsewhere.

'Anyway, I just need to secure my own gains.'

Thanks to the investor appearing at just the right time, I could slip away without lifting a finger.

I flashed a triumphant smile at the now-useless ballots.

"I'm the real deal here to make money. I even skipped the Imperial Palace Grand Ball just to attend this conference. I'm the perfect fit for today's purpose. Wouldn't kicking out talent like me be your loss?"

"What a sharp young lady!"

Lady Peruvia said.

The old lady had been watching Zikren and me bicker with sparkling eyes, full of interest.

"In comparison, our prince lacks maturity. Didn't you promise this king's aunt you'd stay hidden? How can you reveal your anger right away just because someone you dislike sat next to you?"

"That's not it. I was just following the rules."

Zikren pointed awkwardly to one side, where pamphlets were stacked.

"Didn't you see that? You have to get one per person from over there."

"Ah, I didn't know."

I leisurely fetched a pamphlet and opened it wide, blocking Zikren's blazing gaze.

"There's an introduction to Lady Peruvia's music box here too? It's so pretty! A traditional handmade craft with tons of care put into it?"

"That's right. Music boxes from other workshops aren't this intricate. You can tell the difference just by the sound, so many seek ours. Of course, to the big-shot merchant leaders here, it must seem ridiculously trivial."

Lady Peruvia nodded as she spoke.

"Exactly. This is what I wanted—to talk business like this. But the mood's gotten too heated. Allow this old lady one piece of advice. How about everyone calms down with a drink and restarts? My throat's been parched anyway."

"Understood, Lady."

The sweating moderator jumped at her suggestion.

"Everyone, a cocktail corner is prepared on the right terrace of the conference hall. As Lady Peruvia suggests, we'll take a short break there to refresh before resuming."

"Sounds good!"

Zikren shouted as if relieved. He immediately turned to me, his golden eyes blazing, and approached.

"Duchess! Let's talk!"

"Ah, I'm not thirsty."

Clutching the pamphlet, I slipped away like an eel and bolted.

Meanwhile, Zikren got surrounded by people.

"Your Highness! Give us a hint about this secret project!"

Chaos ensued.

He won't escape easily now, right?

I glanced back repeatedly as I exited the building entirely.

'Scary. So scary.'

Thinking of the immense power Zikren had unleashed earlier made me shiver.

Rules? Since when did he follow them? He just hated me sitting next to him unscathed.

'Releasing power right away upon meeting? Brutal.'

As Aldensis said, his injury must've healed ages ago. So sturdy.

Muttering inwardly while walking, I suddenly halted.

'Wait. Speaking of that injury......'

I recalled Duke Karnel's words to Luellian in the sanctuary chapel.

"The very night of July 13th when my daughter ran away and picked the flower. It seems the Second Prince was involved in some armed clash. Probably a duel."

Chills ran up my spine.

What if it wasn't a duel? What if Zikren had fought someone, and that opponent was Aristina?

'An accidental murder in the scuffle. Or a planned one......?'

With a transcendent's power, taking a life without a single wound on the body was entirely possible.

Terrifying scenarios flashed by.

'Plus, I didn't properly see Zikren's reaction earlier.'

Zikren wasn't good at lying.

If he suddenly encountered his murder victim at the event?

Even hearing via rumors that I was alive, he'd show agitation in that moment.

But he was pretending to sleep with his face covered by a straw hat, so I missed his initial reaction.

'Picking a fight over the pamphlet to hide agitation?'

I shuddered slightly.

Zikren was already a prime suspect candidate, now with 'alibi uncertain' added.

'And we're already enemies.'

Old memories resurfaced.

As a child, Zikren was a cute boy. Bright red hair, shining golden eyes, chubby cheeks.

He'd follow Aristina around persistently in that form, being a nuisance. Then......

"Hey! Aristina!"

Zikren approached with hands in pockets, sauntering as usual.

Oddly, his chubby cheeks were flushed pink.

Staring at distant mountains, he spoke.

"You......"

"What?"

"You know......"

After a long pause, Zikren squeezed his eyes shut and said,

"Wanna not marry a prince? I'll treat you real good."

"Pardon?"

Young Aristina was appalled.

"No way! Who'd marry a prince? I'm marrying the Crown Prince!"

Zikren's face turned as red as his hair.

"What? I hate girls like you anyway!"

They had an epic fight that day, unprecedented in palace history.

Afterward, they bickered every encounter......

Once Aristina debuted in society and scandals piled up, their conflicts worsened.

I recalled their last exchange.

"Cut it out. My brother has dignity to uphold, but I don't."

Aristina snapped at Zikren's retreating back, his golden eyes aflame.

"Oh yeah? So what? Gonna kill me? Go ahead, try it!"

Oh no, that mouth! This damn mouth!

I slapped my cheeks.

"......?"

Passersby stared in shock at the sound.

But recognizing me, they hurriedly looked away.

As expected on ball day, people were extravagantly dressed. Some wore small masks over their eyes.

Out for a breather mid-dance, probably.

As I stared, they flinched and backed away. But my thoughts were 180 degrees different from their assumptions.

'Whew, so many creepy things today, but the palace being crowded is a huge relief. Thanks, everyone.'

Noble men and women sat on benches in groups, laughing and chatting, whispering secrets.

I plopped onto an empty bench.

With people around, my anxiety faded, positive thoughts emerging.

'It's still uncertain. No evidence Zikren's the culprit—or not. Just ambiguous.'

And what could he do acting scary toward me? With Lady Peruvia and others watching, he couldn't make a peep.

I'd hide until the conference resumed, then slip back in. Even the mighty Second Prince couldn't do much.

'Ignore him and focus on my business.'

I opened the pamphlet from the hall and read meticulously from the start.

But......

As I finished one round and reviewed, someone spoke from behind.

"Merchant leader, want some good info?"

"Not buying."

My automatic sharp reply came first, then I froze.

'Wait. This voice?'

Not unfamiliar. Definitely......

A voice that shouldn't be here?

I slowly turned.

"My goodness......"

Amid passersby gaping, a tall man stood.

Not in holy robes but high noble attire, he looked entirely different from last time......

But that captivating black hair and eyes remained the same.

'Dear lord. Dodged one madman, ran into a crazier one.'

Stay calm.

I expected we'd meet soon anyway.

I gripped my bag tighter.

'That's why I prepared.'