(However, just how much detailed information could that Chairman get from just one look on my face? Right! He’s a cautious guy, but from the way he looks, he seems like he loves to take a gamble or two…)

I have a lot of thoughts, but I can only conclude this one thing.

(The chairman rejected me… This is an irrefutable fact.)

Rishe felt deeply dejected.

With the help of the Trading Company, establish relationships with dignitaries in various countries.

Avoid war by reaching out to those dignitaries.

Avoid war and live a long and comfortable life.

It was partly because of those goals. But now, more than anything else, the fact that her former boss rejected her was gouging her heart.

However, in the corner of that depressing feeling, something niggled at her.

(…What is it? It’s strange.)

“Speaking of dreamy marriages, Rishe-sama, how did His Highness court you?”

“Oh, I was wanting to hear of that too! All the girls in the castle are curious to know the story of Rishe-sama and His Highness Arnold. That’s right!

(The Chairman said they’re staying in an inn and would do some sightseeing. Why did you bother to tell me that they’ll be staying in Garkhain…)

“…Rishe-sama?”

As the maids stared at her curiously, one thing occurred to Rishe.

“I’m sorry everyone. I actually had a little trouble sleeping last night, so I think I’ll go to my room and rest for the day.”

“Oh, is that so? We’re sorry, Rishe-sama. You’ve been very busy…”

“No, you as well. Let me join you for the tea party next time!　I also don’t need dinner today.”

“Understood. We’ll stay away from your room so as not to disturb your rest.”“I’ll make you a cup of tea to help you feel better in the morning.”

After thanking the quick-learning maids, Rishe went back to her room and locked the door.

Holding a bunch of herbs in her hand.

*****

“Well, Chairman Tully, you’re drinking like a champ today!”

Kane Tully was walking through the streets of the Royal Capital of Garkhain with a few of his men.

He was in a good mood as he opened the buttons of his shirt and revealed his wide chest. Then replied with an air that looked like he was humming.

“The sake in Garkhain is good. I’m sure if we stock up on more and sell it in the north, we could make a fortune.”

“Forget it, Chairman Tully, this is a huge loss. You’ll only drink them all down on the way there.”

“Hahahahaha, you’re probably right!”

He joked around with his like-minded friends as they headed to the inn. He really would have liked to take a woman or two with him, but the circumstances today didn’t allow it.

“We’re short of drinks. As I recall, the first floor of the inn we’re staying at has been turned into a tavern.”

Speaking of this, they arrived at the inn they were staying at. The tavern inside was thriving, as joyful cheers could be heard outside.

“Nevertheless, are you feeling better, Chairman?”

One of his friends, who was completely staggering drunkenly, asked with a hiccup.

“Our customer was the Crown Princess of Garkhain, right? It was such a waste to reject such a business deal.”

“Stupid, we’d be losing a lot of money if we had that princess as a customer. You may be blind to it, but I’m not.”

“She’s just a girl of 15 or so. What the heck could have gone wrong?”

Tally snorted and raised his hand on the door of the inn.“Listen, that young lady is–…”

“Welcome back, Chairman!”

His drunkenness that made his head spin around cooled down all at once.

“No way…”

Looking at a picture in the tavern, Tull’s smile turned a bit cramped.

“I knew you’d be here soon…”

There was Lady Rishe, the Crown Prince’s fiancée.

“As I thought, you’ve invited me here. I’m honored.”

Seeing her smiling, Tully felt a rare surprise.

He had expected her to come, but didn’t expect it to be today. That was why he didn’t take back the woman who had hit on him either, just in case.

It was good that her visit was earlier than he had expected, but there were also a few things he didn’t anticipate.

“Would you like to join me for a drink?”

“…”

The girl’s coral hair was dyed chestnut, perhaps for the sake of secrecy.

Around her were piles of comatose men.

All of them were drunk with a glass of beer or wine in their hands. Some were propped up at the tables and others were snoring loudly.

“What’s going on with these guys?”

“It was a drinking game. They said if I won, they’d buy me a drink.

Rishe chuckled and tipped her glass.

“Don’t worry. I just want to continue the business negotiation with Chairman.”