* * *

“I’m sorry for the needless step. As I said, it was nothing. It was about investing in my mine.”

Given that Rosemary’s expression continued to be unfavorable, Luna comforted her.

It’s not about that. The investment was an excuse, and it seems like the Crown Prince is interested in Luna.

Even a mine investment, maybe even a mine acquisition. If so, they could meet frequently and for a very long time. In the meantime, he might swoop Luna away.

Not realizing the cunning intent of the Crown Prince, Luna seemed to favor him, which further depressed Rosemary.

However, without any concrete evidence, there was no way to reprove him.

“You didn’t ask me to come in the morning, right? Please make sure to let me know if he comes unexpectedly again. Even at night is fine. Understand?”

Now knowing it was no longer dangerous to meet Callion alone, there was no need to do so, but Rosemary seemed very intensely worried, so Luna agreed.

“By the way, how did the young lord become friends with the Crown Prince? From the conversation, it seems like they’ve known each other since they were young.”

Despite clearly stating they weren’t friends, Antes furrowed his brow but soon regained his composure.

Seeing him casually mention ‘friend’, it seemed like she might have been upset for not mentioning it earlier.

In short, it was brushed aside earlier due to the Crown Prince’s presence, but now it seemed more like a warning expression.

With that, Antes explained everything as is to avoid provoking Luna’s anger any further.

“I met Callion when I was ten. It was when I hit Fersen and was asked to pay a large settlement, and in my anger, I left home.”

In such circumstances, it seems like Antes, who was hurt and angry, met and was comforted. Luna, naturally anticipating the rest of the story, nodded her understanding.

“At that time, I was in the forest near the palace, and Callion, happening upon me, looked at my appearance and eyes and asked, ‘Are you that rumored madman?'”

“Ah…”

Luna sighed softly. Instead of comfort, it was a straight injury. Yet, it seemed like a scenario where he would comfort after confirming the truth.

Expecting so, she nodded, and Antes continued.

“So I glared at him, and he indeed started teasing me, saying ‘I knew you were mad.’ I tried to avoid him, but he followed me around for about three hours, even singing.”

“…”

“At the time, I was in a bad mood, so I beat him up a few times before returning to my quiet life. Making me annoyed enough to retutn home could be considered a good deed.”

There seemed to be a lot pent up, as Antes sarcastically narrated, talking quite extensively.

“Even afterward, every time I left home, we met, and he always annoyed me, which made my runaway episodes short-lived. It continued until I moved down to Vincent territory, almost tormented for over two years.”

“So, you left home as if you would never return, but came back before sunset, right?”

Realizing the unknown truth, Rosemary sighed softly. Callion was more eccentric than she thought, which left Luna momentarily speechless.

Yes. There’s no way a sane person would want to be friends with the Antes of that time.

“Should we really make a deal with him?”

In response to Luna’s worried question, Antes said it would be alright.

“Just make sure to check the contract thoroughly.”

Of course, it wasn’t that Callion was trustworthy, but the meaning was to do the contract well.

Seeing that the Crown Prince has held his position despite having several other princes, it’s fair to assume Callion also has abilities, though praise didn’t come easily.

“Is the curiosity over now? It seems like the young lady’s issue has been resolved, so I think it’s time to leave.”

Antes checked the time and asked. The tone was willing to answer if there was more to ask, but knowing he’s been busy since the end of the year, Luna shook her head.

He had many things, but he made time to come early to the mansion, so she couldn’t take any more of his time.

“No, not anymore. Thank you for sparing your precious time.”

Luna expressed her sincere gratitude. Although there were many tense moments, he helped her every time. Perhaps sensing Luna’s sincerity, Antes’s expression relaxed, the sarcastic tone while talking about Callion was gone.

Witnessing this, Rosemary felt a bit relieved. Despite the emergence of an opponent like Callion, the relationship between the two seemed quite good.

“By the way, what keeps you so busy? You have many employees at the guild, but it always feels like you’re short on time.”

In fact, Luna was also curious. She had heard that the issue had arisen and then disappeared, but wondered why it was still busy.

Upon this, Antes, who had put on a coat, chuckled as something came to mind.

“You’ll find out soon. We’re keeping it a strict secret just in case.”

A secret between lovers. It was a disheartening story, so Rosemary checked Luna’s complexion.

However, Luna was not concerned at all. In a situation where secrets had to be kept, she thought it was necessary to keep one’s mouth shut, not only to lovers but also to family and children.

“I thought it was over, but it’s still ongoing, isn’t it? Will you explain in detail when the time comes?”

She wasn’t uncurious, so Luna asked him to tell her later. Antes happily accepted it with a smile, as he planned to do so.

“Will do.”

* * *

Having meticulously gone over the documents organized by Callion multiple times, Luna proceeded to the official contract process.

She wondered whether to meet again or call Rosemary, but fortunately or unfortunately, the contract proceeded with only lawyers coming and going.

– Read the contract at least thirty times. Make sure to read it aloud as there are people who play tricks with contracts.

Antes’ advice was not forgotten. Since it was given in a very serious and solemn tone, Luna checked the contract very carefully.

Of course, since the other party was none other than the Crown Prince, there were no strange points. There was no reason for him, who seemed to earn money effortlessly, to deceive others.

“Luna, it appears that the Crown Prince has announced an investment in your mine.”

Royer handed Luna a newspaper he subscribed to. It caught her eye that the Crown Prince had started investing in Luna’s mine, creating new employment opportunities.

It was even highlighted that Luna was working hard with him for the development of the Empire. Her assistance seemed to be very significant.

“That was quick. The contract hasn’t been signed for long.”

“Thanks to this, Lady Luna’s good deeds will be widely known. You might even become the most benevolent person in the Empire, haha!”

Royer laughed heartily, but Luna just felt awkward. It wasn’t a benevolent act she had accepted willingly, so receiving praise was embarrassing.

Looking back, she remembered having a similar experience when she employed Tein’s colleagues in the mine.

‘At this point, should I really do something good…?’

She felt burdened unintentionally building a good image. Reading Luna’s thoughts as if, Royer suggested something.

“How about investing in charity? The Empire offers tax deductions equal to the amount invested in charitable causes.  I don’t think it would be a bad idea to take this opportunity to solidify your image.”

Is that so? The proposal was tempting; improving the image and receiving tax deductions was alluring. Moreover, she had something in mind regarding charity.

“How about a free hospital? Is it within my financial capability?”

It was indeed a hospital. Her father had struggled with the cost of medication when her mother had an incurable disease in her childhood.

Although her mother was a noble and managed to get the treatment, she believed commoners would have a different story, possibly losing lives over minor ailments.

“Oh…! A steady benevolent institution. A very good idea. We need to look into it in detail, but given your vast wealth, Lady Luna, it probably won’t be a problem.”

Royer asked for Luna’s permission to gather information immediately and disappeared from the greenhouse.

Luna, who had been dragged into benevolent acts every time, began to feel excited at the thought of actually doing something meaningful.

Just then, a carriage approached towards the mansion. By now, the sound of horse hooves was enough to identify that it was Rosemary’s carriage.

‘It’s not a holiday, what’s the occasion? Did she finish her duties early today?’

It was a bit early for that. Luna, finding it strange, moved towards the entrance.

Suddenly, Rosemary, who hurriedly got off the carriage, asked Luna straight away.

“Lady Luna! Did you hear the news? Did you? Did you hear?”

Not knowing what news got her so excited, Luna asked if it was about the newspaper.

“My business story?”

“No! Not that, the news about my brother and young lord Rodrian!”