WMT | Chapter 24

The most ridiculous thing happened right after.

The duke leaned in and kissed the prince. He spoke softly.

“I feel so reassured knowing my wife is protecting me. But are they the only ones with malicious intent at this party? Seeing them enter without any hindrance worries me. What if we get attacked again?”

“Is that what you were worried about? It would have been nice if you had told me earlier. We could have taken quicker action to ease your anxiety, Your Grace.”

The prince comforted the duke, who was a head taller than him, with confidence.

“But don’t worry. The nobles of Summer possess noble characters that know no deceit. Even now, they will prove their innocence to ease your worries, no matter what it takes. …Isn’t that right?”

The last question was directed at the nobles.

“…Pardon?”

The nobles attending the party were overwhelmed. They had never experienced such audacity. The Summer royal palace was peaceful and dull, and King Jeremiah was indecisive by nature.

Nobles raised in a greenhouse were not accustomed to being threatened. However, the moment they saw the duke’s cold expression, they realized they were in danger. The threat to their lives was palpable.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

“We have always wanted to prove our innocence.”

“What could be more important than ensuring the duke feels safe staying in this country?”

The nobles spoke in unison.

The prince smiled brightly.

“Thank you for your loyalty. It reassures me. While I’m not worried, I trust you’ll remain within the palace until the investigation is complete.”

“…Yes. Of course!”

“Then enjoy the party.”

The musicians resumed playing, but of course, none of the nobles could enjoy the party…

── .✦

Wiss glanced at Theodore.

‘Why is he doing so well?’

He thought Theodore had a stoic personality, but he was good at playing along. He knew what to do without being told.

Wiss approached someone he had been keeping an eye on, while everyone else remained dazed.

Baron Pineck carried the impression of a scholar—someone who seemed out of place in the world, and yet, was remarkably skilled in business.

“Your Highness?”

“Are you Baron Pineck? I’m sorry about the passing of your parents.”

Baron Pineck, frozen stiff and thinking, Is it my turn?, replied in surprise.

“Th-thank you. If Your Highness is thinking of them, they would be pleased.”

He looked unsure if that was the correct response.

“It’s probably because of you, rather than me. How proud they must be—that their son is prospering the fiefdom even after the mines dried up. I’d like to know your secret.”

The Pineck Fiefdom had once been wealthy due to its silver mines. But when the mines dried up in the previous generation, the territory teetered on the brink of bankruptcy.

It was the current Baron Pineck who pulled it back from ruin. Having lost his parents at a young age, he inherited the family title and swiftly abolished road taxes and commercial permit fees, attracting the Royal Trade House and several workshops to settle in the fiefdom.

Baron Pineck swallowed hard.

“Your Highness, if you doubt my loyalty…”

“What are you saying? I asked for your guidance because I wanted to learn from your remarkable skills. It seems you don’t wish to share. Well, if everyone knew, it wouldn’t be a secret, would it?”

“Pardon?”

“How can I become your friend? I want to stay close with you for a long time. Surely you wouldn’t keep secrets from a friend.”

Wiss smiled and raised his glass. Baron Pineck clinked his glass in a daze.

“I’ll send you an invitation. See you again.”

“It’s an honor.”

‘Got him.’

Wiss, accompanied by Theodore, visited a few more tables. ‘Prince Wissmia’ was neither trustworthy nor intimidating to the nobles of Summer, but Duke Akazel was a different story.

“…The summer in Summer is unbearable! Especially for those working under the sun, isn’t it? So I thought of using the canvas used in the south to block the sun, and it’s really useful…”

“Interesting. Let’s partner with the Royal Trade House.”

The noble who was talking was flustered.

“Pardon? I wasn’t suggesting it for investment… But, Your Highness, are you in charge of the Trade House? Not that I’m doubting, but do you have the authority…”

Wiss pretended not to hear and spoke affectionately to Theodore.

“The summer in Summer is extremely hot, Your Grace. Even if your soldiers are elite, they are not immune to the heat, are they? I’m worried you might be concerned.”

“…I’m pleased that you care about my affairs as if they were your own, my wife. Yes. I’m concerned as well.”

“I thought you might be. I’m very happy that I can ease your worries. …What did you say?”

“Pardon? No, Your Highness. I’m honored that you show interest.”

When Wissmia said he would do something, ten doubts would return, but when Theodore added his words, everything was neatly resolved.

“Phew.”

‘Done.’

The power dynamics needed to change, but for now, it was convenient to borrow Theodore’s influence.

In this state, it was clear it would take ages to establish the royal authority.

It wasn’t easy for a penniless royalty to be treated with respect. If you wanted loyalty, you needed to have a stipend to give to the knights.

The Summer royal family had no source of income. The biggest source was the taxes collected from the royal domain, but even that had been transferred to other nobles for various reasons.

And what about the Summer Royal Trade House, another source of income?

There was an astonishing problem there too. They weren’t doing anything that could generate profit.

‘Does that even make sense?’

Wiss was sure those guys were having fun with embezzlement and bribery.

What kind of nerve did they have to receive salaries? It was possible because King Jeremiah, the final manager, didn’t care.

To bring work to the nominal Royal Trade House, Wiss roamed the party. Having attached enthusiastic merchants, the Royal Trade House guys wouldn’t be able to avoid working.

“You’re impressive, Your Highness.”

Theodore’s adjutant, Jessen, approached with shining eyes.

Before the party started, he had reported separately to Wiss about the investigation.

The reason he judged that the three nobles colluded with the King of Palatine was different from Wiss’s. Wiss had only picked them based on circumstantial evidence, but Jessen already had information that the three nobles had worked as diplomatic officials in Palatine.

It hadn’t been long since the attack occurred. The fact that he could narrow down those whom the King of Palatine might have reached out to in such a short time meant that Jessen was highly capable.

He was incomparable to Wiss’s clueless guards.

‘Having someone like him under me would make things easier.’

“You’re the impressive one. Thanks to your understanding of how they were connected and your preparations, the interrogation was easy. I received help.”

“Your words are too kind. What will you do now?”

“They’ll have to cough up the price. They love wealth, so they must have amassed some fortune. Let’s see how much they’ll pay to save their lives.”

Jessen clasped his hands and let out a sigh of joy.

“Of course, Your Highness. We should think about whether to forgive them after we’ve retaliated, shouldn’t we?”

“Forgive?”

Wiss chuckled.

“Why forgive?”

“…Right! Of course!”

Jessen couldn’t hide his admiring gaze.

He was someone who understood well.

“You have a truly excellent adjutant.”

Wiss said to Theodore. It was almost painful that someone like him wasn’t his subordinate.

Even though he heard the compliment, Theodore’s expression remained stoic.

“Yes. Jessen is a capable and loyal adjutant.”

‘…?’

Didn’t he just praise him?

“He seems so.”

“How about me? Wasn’t I helpful?”

Theodore asked.

Wiss was at a loss for words and looked at him. If anyone had contributed the most today, it was Theodore.

Without him, they wouldn’t have even started.

“I’m jealous. Don’t just be kind to Jessen, praise me too.”

“…Pardon?”

As Wiss blinked again, Theodore took his hand. Their faces drew closer. Wiss was trapped in a firm embrace.

Their lips met.

It wasn’t a light kiss that touched and parted like when they acted in front of the nobles. Theodore was waiting for Wiss to open his mouth.

‘Is he crazy?’

Wiss’s face flushed.

This wasn’t something to do in front of others. At least not 300 years ago, it was unimaginable.

As he opened his mouth to refuse, Theodore’s kiss deepened. Theodore gently caressed him, making Wiss lose his mind.

Wiss, unsure of what to do, grabbed Theodore’s chest. He seemed to hesitate for a moment.

‘Is this crazy guy going to stop?’

Wiss thought, but then his mind went blank.

Theodore leisurely pressed his lips, then changed the angle and delved deeper.

Wiss wasn’t used to this. Receiving a kiss that took his breath away, confirming affection in such a tangible way.

The gentle touch on sensitive spots left him dazed. He briefly forgot where he was, and his legs gave out.

Theodore held him, so he didn’t fall. But it was enough of a shock to bring his runaway mind back. Theodore’s laughter was felt through their connected lips.

“Are your legs heavy? Shall I hold you?”

“Shut up…! Don’t you know shame?”

Wiss, blushing up to his neck, pushed Theodore away. As he panted, Theodore laughed heartily and hugged him tightly.

“Haha!”

Wiss, suddenly pulled into a crushing embrace, found himself unable to say a word.