With that I now have nine hundred gold coins. Enough money to buy a whole mid-sized castle.
After the luncheon, the heads of the three duchy as well as the king went to another room to further discuss matters regarding about the empire's hunger for war.
The duchesses and the queen also went to another room.
"Will you please tell me why I am wasting my time on you?"
"We have to pretend on the outside, you idiot. Don't tell me you don't even know something as basic as acting in a business relationship?"
He groaned.
We were lovingly(?) taking a walk in the royal garden. To make sure that people would think that we are indeed in love we need to do our own role. To make sure that people, who would gossip about such things, spread about the facade that me and Dereck made.
"Dereck"
"Yeah?"
"Can you go and get me some water. I am a bit thirsty"
"....Will you be alright?"
"Don't worry, I doubt that she has any motives"
"Okay"
I gently kiss his cheek before he went back to the palace to get some water.
I walk further inside the gigantic maze garden of the royal palace.
"If you want to talk privately this is your first and last chance, you know"
"I m surprised you knew I was here, Lady Dianna"
"I am quite used to being followed, Lady Pearl Veulad. So, what is it that you want to tell me? Perhaps something about what happened earlier at the luncheon"
"Not really. While I am curious how you knew about it, sadly, that is not why I am here"
"And you are here for what?"
"For one question: What is in the empire that you would be so willing to go to such an unfamiliar place?"
That is odd.
Pearl Veulad, only daughter of duke Veulad, was always portrayed as a cunning woman with an angelic features. So how come she is asking something trivial? There are a lot of questions that holds more weight after all.
Personal intuition?
Well, it doesn't really matter what the reason why she is asking something like that though.
"I want to read books that can only be red in the great imperial library"
"....."
"Do you think I am lying to you?"
"No. And that makes me even more curious about you"
"I am glad that I was able to caught your attention"
"Now that, that is a lie"
She said as she left after a blink.
As expected from the next ruler of the duchy filled with assassins.
I knew that I am inside a fantasy-romance novel right now but to think she can leave after a blink and seeing it for the first time in action is a bit shocking.
"Here is the water"
"Thanks"
"I won't ask what she ask but how did you knew she was following us? I was able to faintly sense her since I am used to combat but how can you?"
"I will tell you in exchange for ten thousand gold coins"
"Too damn expensive"
"That's the true worth of my knowledge. Wisdom is priceless, you know"
"Instead of being a scholar, it might be better for you to be a philosopher"
"It isn't funny, even if you meant it as a joke"
Two hours later, the head maid of the royal palace told me that I was being called by the king and to come to the king's office to talk with him and the heads of the three duchy.
"Your majesty, I have brought Lady Dianna Emond"
"Let her in"
I entered the king's office and the four stared at me.
"Sit. And be at ease, we are only going to ask you some questions"
I would be if father didn't had that look on his face which looks like he is ready to commit treason.
I sat down on the chair and crossed my leg.
The head of the Deltan duchy clicked his tongue while the king grinned.
"Lady Dianna Emond. What do you think about the war and about you being sent to the Vanifi empire?"
"My answer for your first question is that it would be better to become a vassal state before unnecessary deaths come. As for the second question... I don't really mind, honestly. As the empire have requested for me personally, it would only make sense that they would also treat me fairly at the very least. Not to mention, if we were to decline they can take it as a sign of retaliation which would only make more problems for us. No?"
As if I knew what they were talking about, the four stared at me with their mouths open.
But thinking that I went eavesdropping on them would be impossible since me and Dereck acted lovey-dovey in front of so many servants before entering the gigantic maze garden earlier.
"What a noble lady you are"
Father glared at the king upon hearing his words.
"Ahem, Lady Dianna, are you sure...."
"Yes I am. As I have said before, conflict will only arise if I don't go to the empire as they were the ones who have requested for my presence"
Before the duke of Deltan finish his words, I cut in.
"Now that that is settled I will be going back home with my brothers and mother dear. Also, father..."
"Yes, Bea?"
"I am almost finish at my little experiment so do finish your matters here fast as I am excited to give you a gift like no other"
I bolted away after slamming the door as hard as I can.
I still have other things to do.
I was able to feel it. My instincts told me. They screamed at me that if I were to stay there for a minute longer then they, except my father, would have stormed me with questions till the sun falls.
I can't possibly stay now that I am literally running out of time.