"Why—why not?"
My voice wavered. I was completely taken aback by Bethany's unexpected answer.
I had assumed, of course, that I would be able to register it as joint property the moment I returned. Was there something wrong with my White Crystal Mine?
The resistance magic was gone now...
I thought ceaselessly. As if to cut through that spiral, Bethany shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
"Well... you two are not a couple yet."
"Pardon?"
I widened my eyes. Bethany burst into laughter. Then she explained more simply, as one might to a child.
"No matter how jointly held the property of the Grand Duchess of Vikander may be, assets are not combined simply by planning a marriage, My Lady."
"Did you not know? We are not married yet."
After Bethany, Edwin added playfully.
You cannot register joint property until you are officially married. Edwin and I are scheduled to wed a year later, according to the 'one-year grace period.'
Still, my eyes—which had been muttering in confusion—suddenly widened with indignation.
"But right now, I'm spending a great deal of the Grand Duke's fortune."
I was even more frustrated with myself for blurting that out. It was true. Simply because I was renovating Jeniv Street, I had already freely contracted everything from materials to workers.
"My Lady, I like this brick. What do you think?"
Dean—who seemed to have completely opened his heart to me—had been so excited every time he helped choose materials that he could barely contain himself.
"Even though I said I would economize, I've spent quite a lot."
I muttered as though making excuses. Edwin looked at me, bemused.
"No, Olivia. That's different. Why are we even discussing this here?"
"Because I believed the property was jointly owned—and used it freely."
Edwin sighed.
He had told her to increase the distribution, but this stubborn girl truly did not listen. Even the way she glanced at him was both endearing and heartbreaking.
Bethany spoke in place of Edwin, who was rendered speechless.
"My Lady, this is something Grand Duke Vikander had originally planned to do. I am grateful that you are leading the work as the prospective Grand Duchess, so please do not worry about the budget. As the person who manages Vikander's assets, I can tell you that even if you spent that much, it would be like taking a single glass from the sea."
I grinned at Bethany's confident words.
"That's right. It's simply that we haven't married yet—but I am effectively the prospective Grand Duchess. We have not only planned the marriage but set a date and are waiting for it. Still, I cannot register it as joint property?"
Bethany's mouth fell shut as she gazed into those sparkling green eyes.
There were certainly laws and regulations. But simply looking into those eyes made Bethany's resolve grow infinitely weaker.
These were the words of a precious, lovely girl who had brought back the Princess's treasure—the White Crystal Mine.
It was the moment when Bethany's heart softened completely.
"Oh—what about transferring it?"
Having said it, I thought it was actually quite a good solution.
To me, it was merely an arid, worthless mine. But it held such profound significance for Edwin and the Duchy of Vikander. It would be far better to have it registered as the Grand Duke's property—someone who could truly understand its meaning.
But the moment my words left my mouth, Edwin and Bethany called out to me with serious expressions.
"Olivia."
"My Lady."
"Yes?"
Confused by being addressed at almost the same instant, I looked between them.
Where should they even begin to address this?
Edwin thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"Let's take a nap first. We can talk afterward."
"I'm not sleepy."
"I am, Olivia."
Edwin blinked his eyes slowly, deliberately. Strangely, seeing his drowsy appearance made me feel sleepy as well.
I nodded slightly, and Edwin smiled sweetly before escorting me out. Bethany quickly followed behind us and opened my door.
The sight of my low bed made exhaustion wash over me—reminding me of how startled I had been earlier, seeing Bethany and Edwin pass through unharmed by the resistance spell.
Nevertheless, I kept my promise to Edwin.
"We have to talk when I wake up."
"As much as you wish. So sleep well, and come out rested. Agreed?"
I nodded at Edwin's words and entered the room.
"Olivia."
I turned around slowly at the sound of Edwin's voice calling from behind. He looked at me for a moment.
"Thank you."
I felt the weight contained in that single word, so I nodded and replied.
"You're welcome."
I grinned and stepped inside the room. Soon Bethany followed. Edwin relaxed at the signal telling him to leave me in her care.
And when the door closed, there was no trace of sleepiness on Edwin's face as he turned around.
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