Because of her surprise, her reaction was delayed. Even though Rishe immediately recovered and was flustered, Arnold muttered, “Hmm, it’s good.”

“Huh?!”

Her eyes went round. Arnold, on the other hand, gulped down what was left in the saucer.

“There you go, this soup is fine.”

“No way, it can’t be!”

Rishe tasted it again, but it was still too pungent and didn’t deserve any compliment. At the very least, it wasn’t a taste that could be served to others.

What were you thinking? How could this taste good?

After having doubts, I was flabbergasted.

Come to think of it, this guy also drank wine with chili just the other day. The spiciness was the problem with that one. Even the taste couldn’t be described as good.

Maybe, this guy has a problem with his sense of taste.

“Hey, you must be thinking of something improper.”

He retorted with such reluctance on his face. Nevertheless, even Rishe could see that this was Arnold’s concern.

“Thank you.”

“You’ve made me hungry. Let me help you. I’ll set the table quickly.”

Arnold quickly set the table. Then Rishe, who had finished preparing the evening meal, had to drink the rather strong-flavored soup with Arnold.

Rishe usually ate alone in the dining room at the main castle. Even on the journey to Garkhain, she didn’t eat with Arnold, who was always on the move giving instructions to the knights.

It was quite novel eating dinner face-to-face with him as a companion.

“Now,” After eating, Rishe, who had regained a bit of energy, finally got down to business.

“To put it simply, I’m gonna make the Aria Trading Company earn profits. In exchange, they have to fulfill some ‘absurd orders’ from me.”

“…”

It’s an overly broad explanation, but it was better than a lengthy and confusing one.

She gave a supplementary explanation to Arnold, who frowned.

“The Aria Trading Company will expand its power and become one of the world’s leading trade associations. In the future, only they will be able to stock commodities that can’t be bought or sold. Unique routes and so on are sure to emerge one after another!”

“After hearing about their performance over the last two years, I’ll admit that those guys are worth investing in. So?”

“I want that Trading Company’s power, so I contacted them, but they refused to do business with me unless I’ll show a hand. I didn’t want that to happen, so I’ve offered them an alternative.”

“The conditions are…”

“Within a week, I must devise a new business venture that’s profitable in the Royal Capital. If that meets the Chairman’s requirements, he’s willing to be a business partner.”

Arnold fell silent at the explanation, which didn’t tell him anything substantial.

Perhaps, he had countless questions he wanted to ask.

But just like Tully, she couldn’t tell him everything. Rishe’s plans must not be revealed to Arnold, more than anyone else.

After all, the war that Rishe wanted to prevent was something he would instigate.

I braced myself, but when Arnold finally spoke, he gave me an unexpected reply.

“I understand.”

“Huh?”

“I said I understand. I understand what you’ve done today and what you’re going to do.”

Such an answer made Rishe feel out of sorts.

“Your Highness, why won’t you ask what I intend to use the Aria Trading Company for in the future?”

“I suppose you’ve kept it a secret from the Trade Company, even when you’ve issued alternatives. So I don’t think you’re going to tell me.”

“You’re right.”

“More importantly, do you have any idea what business to do?”

Rishe was hit where it hurt and she looked down.

“I have a few ideas for the business itself. However, I still don’t know if they’ll be profitable in the Royal Capital. I have to know what kind of people live in the city, what’s the craze, and what’s loved.”

It’s a survey that would normally take some time. I think Tully knew that, and that’s why he gave me a deadline of a week.

“You mean, it’s going to be tough.”

“Yes.”

“Mmm.”

That meaningful reply gave her a bad premonition.

When Rishe looked up, she saw an utterly detestable smile on Arnold’s face.

“It would be fun fun watching you struggling.”

I knew it!

It’s still hard to read his motives, but I think I’m starting to understand parts of it. That nasty smile is just annoying when he’s picturesque because of his beauty.

While Rishe was thinking dejectedly, Arnold finally rose from his seat.

“As I have said before, you’re free to do as you please. I’m going back to the main castle now.”

“Okay, good night.”

“Rishe…”

Before he left the kitchen, he turned around.

“Have you met my brother yet?”

“Your brother, Your Highness?”

This was the first time that Arnold has ever mentioned his brother.

“I think I haven’t. I’ve never seen his face, so I can only say ‘maybe’.”

“Okay. But if he comes near you, don’t deal with him as much as you can.”

“Your brother’s name is Theodore-sama, isn’t it? Is there a reason for this?”

I’m not at peace with my own brother. I thought Arnold’s reply would be this, but then he said:

“That’s something you don’t need to know.”

“Oh…”

Then the door closed slowly.

****

The next day.

Rishe, who was heading to the fields while wondering what to do with her business in the Royal Capital and the survey she has to do in relation to it, found herself at a loss.

“Ri-Rishe-sama!! Please step back and return to your room.”

“His Highness will be angry! Please, we beg you!”

She looked down at the field, hearing the panicked voices of knights.

What’s going on here?

There was a boy lying down and napping peacefully on the soil that Rishe had tilled.

He was a neutral looking boy with black hair like Arnold’s, and a face so beautiful even with his eyes closed.