A man was walking toward me in a straight line. He had grayish-brown hair and a scholarly, kind face with long, fox-like eyes. Under one eye was a small, distinct beauty mark that made his gaze seem almost magical.
"It is a true honor to meet the most beautiful woman in the Empire here," he said, his voice languid and friendly. "Or should I say... it’s been a while?"
I didn't react, only raising an eyebrow. 'Who is this guy? He’s incredibly handsome.'
Between my fiancé and my tyrant brother, I was starting to think this world was populated exclusively by models. But this man had a different vibe entirely. His eyes were a pale, transparent emerald—a color I hadn't seen on any of the main characters in the book.
"Why are you pretending to know me?" I asked coldly.
"Oh dear. I see." The man smiled, unbothered. "Is today our first meeting since your return, then?"
I extended my hand, and he politely bowed over it, placing his other hand over his heart. It was a perfect display of etiquette.
"I am Ian Child, the eldest son of the Child family. It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Altsbeit."
'Ian Child?' The name rang a bell. 'Wait, isn't that the family my grandfather wanted me to marry into if things didn't work out with Askin?'
I studied his face. I didn't have any of Charlize’s memories of him, but given his looks and attitude, the original Charlize must have had some interaction with him. This was likely more of her karma coming back to haunt me.
I stayed defensive, instinctively raising my guard. "I’ve had enough conversation for one day."
I turned my back on him and climbed into the carriage without another word. As we pulled away, I looked back and saw Ian Child still standing there, his head bowed in a respectful salute. He stayed that way for a long time.
* * *
Ian slowly raised his head, a soft, mask-like smile remaining on his face. He rubbed his lips with his white-gloved hand.
'Hmm. What was that reaction?'
This was the first time he’d seen Charlize Altsbeit up close. He’d been busy with the family business, traveling between countries, but he’d heard all the rumors about the "vicious princess."
Her beauty was as legendary as her cruelty. People said she was a beauty that inspired a thousand years of love at first sight—and then tore that love to shreds.
'She’s like a poisoned apple,' Ian thought, looking toward the road where her carriage had disappeared. 'The most desirable fruit is always the one hanging just out of reach.'
"Count Child?"
Ian turned as his assistant called to him. He remembered why he was here today. "Let's go."
A few minutes later, he was standing before the master of the shabby castle, Askin Lemut.
"I am Ian Child. I’ve come in my father’s stead," he announced with a smile.
"...Has Count Child made a decision, then?" Askin asked.
"If my father had come in person, Altsbeit would have noticed before our plan could succeed. I was sent to ensure discretion."
"You don't seem like a fool," Askin noted. He was testing the Child family, and Ian knew it. He wasn't offended.
"Your Excellency, have you reached a decision? Will you accept our hand?"
The Child family hadn't come to offer Askin a loan with a forced engagement or impossible interest rates like the Altsbeits had. Instead, they offered a partnership. They would lend him a massive sum of money to clear his debts, with no interest and a simple repayment plan for the principal.
It was an offer that seemed too good to be true, and Askin knew it.
"I have one question," Askin said. "Why is the Child family willing to take such a loss to help us?"
For Ian, Askin Lemut was a pearl buried in the mud—a rare talent that only appeared once in a thousand years. Even if he was currently struggling, he was destined to shine.
"My father and I believe your skills are being wasted, Your Excellency. Call it *noblesse oblige*—we believe wealth should be used to support justice and ensure the world functions as it should."
Ian extended his hand. To him, Askin was a powerful man worth investing in.
"I know you’ve been treated unfairly, and that this debt is a weight around your neck. I want you to use your abilities for something better than just survival."
Ian’s smile was polite and seemingly harmless—his specialty.
"Besides, the Child family is one of the top five merchant families. We use the 'Yellow Road' that you’ve worked so hard to maintain. We feel we owe you a great debt."
The "Yellow Road" was a safe path through the dangerous western wasteland, named for the yellow dust of the region. Askin had subdued the monsters and secured the route when he was only twenty years old, opening up trade for the guilds.
Askin didn't respond immediately. Ian felt a flicker of doubt. 'My father said the deal was almost done. Is he having second thoughts?'
"I want to help," Ian continued, sensing Askin’s hesitation. "But I hope you understand that my family’s patience isn't infinite."
"How long do I have to give you an answer?"
"One week. If the deadline passes, we’ll consider the offer void."
Ian stood up to leave, his curiosity piqued. What was making this determined man hesitate? Ian had a bad habit of letting his curiosity get the better of him.
"Ah, I heard an interesting story on my way in today," he added, trying to sound casual. "It seems the Altsbeit Princess recently helped the flood victims on your estate?"
Askin’s eyebrows shot up. Ian was surprised by the reaction. 'Did I hit a nerve?'
"The villagers were so grateful they gathered local specialties and waited for her today. It seems the people of Lemut know how to repay a kindness."
Ian had seen the piles of goods as he arrived and had stopped to ask what was going on. The idea of Charlize Altsbeit voluntarily helping anyone was... unusual, to say the least.
But Askin’s reaction was what truly intrigued him. 'Why does he look so shocked?'
Ian bowed respectfully. "I look forward to your positive response, Your Excellency."
He walked away, his curiosity like a cat, scratching at the back of his mind.