PLQYM | Chapter 44

The knights of Alosa, summoned by the princess’s command, hesitated as they looked at Lucian. Despite their princess’s orders, the man standing before them bore the golden and emerald pendant symbolizing the Chief Aide of Pranas.

And even without that, his face was familiar—he had introduced himself as the emperor’s Chief Aide when requesting entry earlier.

Moreover, the man didn’t flinch. He stood tall, exuding an air of authority that made it hard to approach him despite the princess’s orders.

“What are you all doing? Drag him out of here!”

Eloine’s sharp voice spurred the knights into hesitant action.

Just then, Lucian spoke calmly.

“I can negotiate the terms Alosa desires.”

Eloine’s gaze snapped to him, her narrowed eyes scrutinizing him as if to weigh his thoughts.

“You? Negotiate?”

“Yes, Princess.”

“Ha, so arrogant. Are you claiming a mere aide like you can sway the Emperor?”

“Not at all. His Majesty is not someone I could manipulate.”

“Then are you mocking me?”

Lucian shook his head slightly, meeting her gaze evenly.

“Your Highness, I understand your official reason for visiting Pranas was to open the mountain paths at the border.”

Eloine frowned at his words.

“What are you trying to say?”

“I know that’s not your true objective.”

“What?”

“What Your Highness truly desires is mining rights and the construction of railroads to transport those resources, is it not?”

“…!”

Eloine’s expression shifted dramatically.

Officially, the princess’s visit to Pranas was framed as an effort to improve diplomatic relations and open mountain pathways. Speculation had been rife, however, that there were ulterior motives.

Some gossips had even suggested that the visit might be about a marriage alliance, given the emperor and princess were both of marriageable age.

At Lucian’s words, Eloine furrowed her brows and raised her hand. The knights and maids in the room quietly left, leaving the two of them alone in silence.

“This is audacious deception.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment.”

“Such insolence.”

Despite her grumbling, Eloine’s lips curled slightly, as though she appreciated his boldness.

She sat down again, picked up her teacup, and began sipping the now-cold tea leisurely. Lucian waited silently, giving her time to finish.

Finally, she placed the teacup back on its saucer and looked at him.

“Well then, let’s hear your scheme.”

“Thank you, Princess.”

Lucian bowed politely before beginning.

“You’re aware that the rumors currently circulating in the capital are baseless.”

“And?”

“His Majesty believes the rumors will fade on their own and wants to leave them be. However, I think differently.”

“……”

“I believe time spent on this matter could be better used elsewhere.”

“So, you want me to act as bait in your stead? Alongside your emperor?”

At her sharp remark, Lucian merely smiled.

“What arrogance. Not only do you use your emperor, but now you want to use a foreign princess as well?”

“This is not about using, but proposing. His Majesty is prepared to reward Your Highness generously for your assistance. Perhaps even granting you what you desire most.”

Eloine said nothing, waiting expectantly for him to continue.

“Ten years of mining rights and twenty years of railroad operation rights.”

“Just ten years? Do you think that’s enough to make me agree?”

“Ten years is the maximum. There will be no further negotiation.”

Lucian’s voice was firm, leaving no room for debate.

He had always understood the political landscape of Alosa, particularly the relationship between the princess and her brother, the king.

“The princess is sharper than the king. It’s a relief her brother is on the throne.”

Heraith had said this once, and now Lucian understood what it meant. If Eloine had been the ruler, she would’ve been a formidable opponent.

“But that’s why it’s better if the princess takes the throne. At least she’s someone we can talk to.”

Heraith’s judgment had been precise. Lucian now saw what the emperor had in mind and how to bring that vision to fruition.

“Pranas will support Your Highness in Alosa’s succession crisis.”

“……!”

Eloine’s eyes widened in shock. For a moment, she was speechless, then suddenly broke into hearty laughter. It wasn’t the graceful giggle befitting a princess but a robust, carefree laugh.

Lucian stood quietly, his lips curling into a patient smile.

When she finally stopped laughing, her green eyes glinted with intrigue as she looked at him.

“Ten years will be enough. Consider it the down payment for this act of collaboration with His Majesty, and the twenty-year railroad rights will be a congratulatory gift when Your Highness ascends the throne. These will solidify your position.”

“Well, well. Did the emperor tell you to say all this?”

“All of this reflects His Majesty’s will.”

“Is that so?”

Eloine rose from her seat and approached Lucian, stopping so close that he could identify her perfume.

“Lucian Astro.”

“Yes.”

“The second son of the Astro family, appointed as the emperor’s personal aide two years ago. The only aide to earn the trust of that demanding and sharp-tongued emperor.”

Eloine studied him closely, her gaze unwavering. Using her fan, she tipped up his chin.

“This proposal may carry the emperor’s will, but the cunning behind it is not like him. He’s pragmatic but wouldn’t stoop to using his own marriage as a tool.”

“I don’t know what you mean, Princess.”

“Of course you don’t. That’s why he trusts you.”

“……”

“Before I consider your offer, let me make one of my own.”

“Please, go ahead.”

Eloine’s face lit with a radiant smile.

“What do you think, Lucian Astro? Would you leave the emperor and serve me instead?”

“…!”

For the first time since entering, Lucian’s composed mask faltered, his face paling.

Eloine was pleased by his reaction. Breaking through his stoic demeanor felt like a victory.

“I could grant you the greatest wealth on the continent—or even promise you a title as Alosa’s prime minister.”
Eloine smiled brilliantly at him.

Meanwhile, Nils Bowman marveled as he worked through his tasks.

It had only been half a day since Lucian returned, but the previously chaotic workload was already stabilizing. Franz Clan had disappeared, but Nils didn’t care—Franz had always been more of a nuisance than an asset.

“Sir Lucian!”

Lucian entered the aide’s office just then, and Nils quickly approached him.
“What happened?”

“It’s been resolved. Is His Majesty in?”

“He stepped out briefly with Chief Attendant Cliff but should return soon.”

“Good. Distribute these.”

“These? Wait…!”

Nils looked at the documents Lucian handed him and gasped, his face going pale.

He stared at the papers, then at Lucian, unable to believe what he saw.

“Is this… true?”

“Even if it’s not, we’ll make it so.”

Lucian replied coolly.

“Distribute them to all the major newspapers. Even the gossip magazines—except that one tabloid.”

“Ah…”

Nils nodded, understanding Lucian’s intent.

“First, send them to the top-tier publications. The second round can focus on the gossip outlets. Soon, the capital will be buzzing with this.”

“Understood. I’ll start immediately.”

Nils grinned and hurried off to execute Lucian’s orders.

Lucian watched him go, his expression momentarily complex before settling into calm neutrality.

“This should do.”

The quiet words left his lips unheard by anyone.