After the meeting with Liam, a few weeks passed. During this time, I kept my focus on taking care of my territory while occasionally visiting the research facility to keep track of the progress on the firearm under development. Although there were still some aspects to be improved, it was already in a state where it would be possible to use it.
Besides, my partnership with Liam has been very successful. Our regular meetings have been productive, discussing business and sharing new ideas. Since we joined forces, my financial assets have significantly increased.
While I consider Liam a friend, I realize that he sees me as some kind of superior. I sincerely hope that over time, he becomes more comfortable in our partnership because I want our relationship to be based on equality and mutual trust.
In the past few weeks, I've dedicated quite a bit of time to my family, regularly going out for dinners and outings together. However, unfortunately, I haven't been able to find Emi during this period. Both of us have been busy with our respective responsibilities - me with taking care of my territory, and she apparently with other matters.
Though I haven't delved deeply into the matter, I could at least confirm that she wasn't involved in any dangerous activities. As these thoughts wandered in my mind, knocks on the door echoed in my office.
"Come in"
I said, and the door opened, revealing Oliver. After a slight bow, he began to inform me of the reason for his visit.
"Princess Emi and Crown Prince Albert have come to see you, Ren-sama"
Said Oliver with a serious expression on his face. I raised an eyebrow, wondering about the reason for their visit. I didn't recall summoning them or having anything that needed the attention of the royal family. Not knowing what to expect, I turned my gaze back to Oliver and gave instructions.
"Thank you for informing me. Please take them to the sitting room, and ask Hana to bring us some tea and cookies"
Hearing my words, Oliver made a slight bow and said.
"As you wish"
Then he closed the door and left to carry out the task. Meanwhile, I turned in my chair and observed the clouds moving through the window. I wondered if something had happened or if there was a problem they couldn't resolve. After a few minutes of reflection, a tired sigh escaped my lips.
(Well, I surely won't find out anything if I stay here)
With that in mind, I stood up and left the office, walking through the mansion's corridor towards the room where Albert and Emi were waiting for me. It didn't take long until I reached the door where the two of them were seated. I touched the doorknob and entered the room. My field of vision was filled with two beautiful individuals sitting side by side.
Emi was the first to notice me, followed by Albert. Sitting on the couch across from them, I looked at both and said.
"Oliver told me that you wanted to see me. Is there something wrong?"
Upon hearing my question, Albert started the conversation.
"I wouldn't say something happened, but we came here to talk about something important"
His expression was serious, and Emi also seemed quite concerned about the matter to be discussed. I straightened up, waiting for Albert's next words.
"The men who attacked you... we got some responses from Belfri. They said that a few days before the exhibition in Crystal, those three hooded men were seen in Belfri. However, as there was nothing strange about them, their movements were not hindered"
Albert said, sighing. Emi then took the floor.
"Although they were seen in Belfri, the king informed us that there have been no more sightings of them there. The other kingdoms say the same. They simply disappeared"
As I absorbed all the information that Emi and Albert had given me, the door opened, and Hana entered the room with a tray. She placed three teacups along with a plate of cookies on the table, bowing to Albert, Emi, and me before leaving. There was a lot to reflect on with the information that Albert and Emi shared, but the main question that remained was why they wanted to kill me.
It became clear that Edward was merely an informant, and besides Edward's petty motives, the three men were undoubtedly involved in something significant. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a plausible reason to justify their action. While these thoughts occupied my mind, Albert's voice echoed in the room.
"Well, I guess there's no use trying to think about that now. Anyway, we also came here to tell you something else"
Hearing Albert's words, I looked at him confused, as I couldn't think of another reason for their visit, or rather, I couldn't even understand their initial purpose in coming here.
"Something else to tell me? What is it?"
I asked, directing my gaze to Albert, who, in turn, looked at Emi, who was by his side. She nodded, then turned her gaze back to me.
"The official announcement of our marriage has been scheduled by His Majesty. At the beginning of next month, there will be a party where all the nobles will participate, and it will be there that our engagement will be announced"
Emi said, looking at me with her usual expressionless face. However, this time, I could notice a slight blush masked on her cheeks. Upon hearing this, I was momentarily surprised, not knowing how to react, as the previous events made me completely forget about this matter.
Noticing my expression, Albert chuckled and looked at me, while Emi seemed slightly embarrassed, although she didn't show it. Honestly, sometimes I think Emi has nerves of steel.
"Well, as you heard, it seems we will finally become a real family. I will be looking forward to it eagerly"
Albert said with a smile. Although, in a way, it was irritating, it was also undeniable that Albert truly seemed to care about us. This made a comforting feeling arise in my chest at the thought that my family would grow even more in the future. As I thought about it, Albert made a casual remark.
"I can't wait for the kissing part"
I take back everything I said.