Askin and Ian’s gazes locked in the air. Ian suppressed the shiver that ran down his spine and maintained his smooth, practiced smile.
"Then I’ll accept your offer," Askin said. "Let's draw up the contract."
"Of course. But I’ll need time to inform my father and finalize the details, especially since the amount has increased so significantly."
It was a reasonable request. But Askin’s expression hardened at what Ian said next.
"We’ll likely see each other at the Imperial Banquet for the Goddess Festival. Why don't we sign the formal agreement immediately following the event?"
*“At the Imperial Banquet, act properly as my granddaughter’s fiancé.”*
The memory of Duke Altsbeit’s oily voice filled Askin with a fresh wave of disgust.
"Is tomorrow not possible?" Askin asked, his voice low.
"Moving such a large sum of money requires significant security, as Your Excellency well knows. And I must consult with my father regarding the specialist for your sister."
Askin conceded the point. He knew Ian was already doing everything he could to help him escape the Altsbeit web.
"Fine. And I... I will repay this debt. In every way."
Ian smiled. He knew this man was destined for greatness. The Child family wasn't just lending money; they were investing in the future of the Empire.
"We believe a man of your caliber belongs at the center of the Empire, not buried in debt," Ian said.
Askin stepped out of the carriage. Ian watched him walk away, a small, fox-like chuckle escaping his lips.
'Hmm... he didn't even ask about the additional terms. Coming back to the Empire was definitely the right move.'
He set a mental note to keep a close eye on the "Vicious Princess" as well. It wouldn't do to let such an interesting player go unnoticed.
* * *
That night.
The darkness had settled deep over the Altsbeit mansion. It was ten o’clock, and I was still pacing the length of my room. My mind was a tangled mess of Askin’s tears, my grandfather’s threats, and the looming Imperial Banquet.
I grabbed a fur shawl and opened the door. I felt suffocated; I needed air.
"Princess? Where are you going at this hour?"
Jette was on duty. His blunt, honest face was a welcome sight after the masks of the earlier knights.
"I need a walk," I said briefly.
I headed down the hall, sensing Jette following me in silence. Normally the knights moved in pairs, but Jette was alone tonight. I was too tired to wonder why.
I wandered into the garden, my thoughts still locked on Askin. The way his eyes had trembled... the single tear. It was an image I couldn't shake. I was so worried about the engagement that I hadn't even noticed I’d reached the servants' entrance at the far end of the grounds.
Suddenly, I heard voices—the sound of a heated argument.
"I’m telling you! The Princess is keeping our Duke prisoner!"
'What? Who’s keeping who prisoner?'
I wanted to ignore it, but the claim was so absurd I couldn't resist. The original Charlize might have kidnapped a man, but I was currently spending every waking hour trying to figure out how to *avoid* him.
I walked toward the gate, my footsteps intentional and loud. The two men arguing—a royal gatekeeper and a man dressed in the simple livery of the Lemut family—stopped and stared.
The gatekeeper immediately dropped to his knees. "Princess!"
I ignored him and looked at the Lemut servant. He was trembling, his eyes wide with terror.
"Please! Princess! Let me see the Duke! I beg you!"
"Why are you looking for my fiancé here?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"H-his whereabouts are unknown! He came here today and never returned... we thought... we thought you’d imprisoned him!"
I managed a dry smile. "I don't have time for kidnapping today. He left hours ago."
The servant’s face went pale. "But... he hasn't come home."
He looked genuinely desperate. My heart gave a little jolt. Askin hadn't gone home? Where would he go in such a state?
"He’s already gone," I said, my voice softening. "Why are you making such a fuss? Did something happen?"
The servant looked like he was about to collapse. "Princess... I dare to ask... if you see the Duke, please tell him... Aria-nim is in grave danger!"
"What?"
I raised my hand, stopping Jette from dragging the man away.
"Explain yourself. Now."
"Aria-nim... she’s very ill! The local doctors can't do anything! We need the Duke!"
My blood ran cold. Aria. She was the only reason Askin was even tolerating me, and she was the sweetest person in this entire miserable world. If she died now...
'No. She can't die. My survival depends on her.'
I realized then that if the servant had come all the way to the Altsbeit mansion, things must be dire.
"Jette! Call the Imperial healing mage and our family doctor. Immediately."
I reached into my jewelry box—which I’d luckily brought with me—and pulled out three heavy, enchanted gold bracelets. I pressed them into Jette’s hand.
"Give these to the mage as payment. Tell them it’s an emergency. Go!"
Jette stared at me for a second, his eyes wide. "But... if the Duke finds out..."
"I don't care! Just go! Now!"
Jette nodded and took off like a shot.
* * *
It was nearly dawn when word finally came back. The healing mage and the doctor had reached the Lemut estate just in time. Aria had survived the crisis, and her life was no longer in danger.
I finally let out the breath I’d been holding since the previous night. The exhaustion hit me all at once. I collapsed onto my bed, my eyes closing before my head even hit the pillow.
I’d saved her. I’d saved my lifeline.