Chapter 2
“Is Duke Callahan an arms dealer?”
Marie, the maid fixing Lena’s hair, asked excitedly.
The other maids standing nearby also looked thrilled.
“I heard the Callahan family is richer than the Adelen royal family.”
“They say war always follows wherever Duke Callahan goes.”
“But are all arms dealers that handsome?”
Lena chuckled at their gossip.
“All those rumors are nonsense.”
“No, my lady. My cousin works for the Huber Viscount family, and she told me that the Duke is a Zaet agent.”
Everyone gasped at the mention of Zaet.
Lena’s eyes widened.
“Zaet? You mean that secret lobbyist group?”
“Yes, my lady. That mysterious organization.”
The continent was divided into many countries, including Adelen.
While diplomacy and trade were the official ways for countries to interact, there were also more secretive methods—political manipulation, inciting civil wars, and even assassinating influential figures.
At the center of these dark dealings was Zaet.
Everyone knew the name, but no one knew exactly who the agents were or their plans.
“They say Zaet was behind the assassination of the former emperor of Kalben.”
“And now, there are rumors they’re targeting the Adelen royal family.”
“Does that mean a war is coming?”
The maids’ faces filled with worry.
Lena thought about the deep blue eyes that had playfully flirted with her on the terrace last night.
‘Maybe it wasn’t just a simple flirtation.’
If he was a Zaet agent, he must have approached her on purpose—because soon, she would officially become part of the royal family.
That meant today was her chance.
There was a banquet in the palace this afternoon, attended by noble guests from different countries.
‘I need to test Duke Callahan.’
The maids’ hands slowed down, sensing the heavy atmosphere.
Lena clapped twice.
“Enough with the gossip.
Get back to work. Marie, loosen my corset a little. I have to watch the hunt later.”
Just thinking about the hunt made her head hurt.
In Adelen, women didn’t participate in hunting.
While the men disappeared into the forest, the women sat at tea tables, waiting and cheering for their partners.
‘Cheering? More like sitting around, freezing in the cold spring wind.’
Lena sighed, thinking about Iluan.
His poor shooting skills meant his hunts always took forever.
Waiting outside in the chilly air for hours didn’t sound appealing at all.
The Trie family’s carriage arrived at the palace.
Servants greeted them and guided Lena to the banquet hall.
As she entered, she was shocked.
More translators were standing behind Iluan’s chair than actual guests at the banquet!
Iluan noticed her and gestured to the seat beside him.
“Sit here. If you have trouble understanding anything, ask me.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
(Not that I’ll need it.)
She bit her tongue to stop herself from saying that aloud and took her seat.
Across the table, she locked eyes with Duke Callahan.
‘So, he came too.’
A familiar, playful smile appeared on his face.
He looked at her as if he already knew exactly what she was thinking.
Lena quickly turned away, pretending not to notice.
Duke Callahan, or rather, Gerard, smirked.
His agent, Jan, had given him a brief report on Lena.
Lena von Trie
The only daughter of Count Trie engaged to the Crown Prince.
Relationship with the Prince: only formal, not affectionate.
Special skills: Horse riding. Hobby: Reading.
Highly popular in high society.
Nowhere in the report did it mention the fire he had seen in her last night.
‘She hides herself well. Impressive.’
Gerard studied her closely.
The meal itself was boring.
Iluan, the Crown Prince, should have been leading the conversation, but he looked completely disinterested, even when important diplomatic matters were discussed.
A Denusian diplomat bragged about his country’s progress.
“Our roads are fully developed, even in rural areas. This is the age of automobiles!”
While a translator whispered the words to Iluan, it was Lena who responded.
“For automobiles to spread that widely, you must have secured a large supply of oil.”
“Exactly! We recently discovered a huge oil reserve on Kisha Island and are preparing for drilling.”
Kisha Island lay between Denus and Adelen—strategically important for both nations.
Lena turned to Iluan.
“Your Highness, since Kisha Island is close to Adelen, wouldn’t it be wise for us to start an oil business there as well?”
Duke Callahan nodded.
“That’s a good idea. Even if Adelen doesn’t have many automobiles yet, securing oil reserves early is a smart move.”
Lena’s face brightened.
But Iluan’s expression darkened.
“Adelen has breathtaking natural landscapes. I refuse to pollute them with cars and oil.”
He turned to Lena and muttered through clenched teeth.
“I told you not to act so smart. Just shut up and eat.”
The translators pretended not to hear, while the foreign guests exchanged confused glances.
Gerard’s eyes narrowed at the Crown Prince’s behavior.
Lena swallowed her anger—she was used to this treatment.
Without her leading the conversation, the banquet hall fell silent.
Gerard took a sip of his drink.
‘Lydia’s report was correct.’
Adelen’s royal family was in a pathetic state.
The former emperor had been dead for five years.
By now, Iluan should have taken the throne, but he had neither the interest nor the ability to rule.
‘That’s why his sickly mother has been ruling in his place. And now, he needs his fiancée’s help to hold onto power.’
Iluan’s ignorance was painfully obvious.
Lena had been trying to secure Adelen’s future, yet he silenced her because of his pride.
Adelen’s royal family was already crumbling.
It wouldn’t take much to push them over the edge.
‘But what about you, Lena?’
Gerard’s eyes stayed on her.
Last night, she had been bold and fearless.
But here, in front of her fiancé’s insults, she was silent.
After the meal, Iluan took Lena for a walk through Fontaine Forest.
He said nothing for a while, but then suddenly snapped at her.
“Why do you always have to show off?”
His voice was full of irritation.
Lena calmly looked at him.
“I wasn’t showing off. I was discussing Adelen’s future.”
“I told you not to talk back! Just admit you were wrong!”
“I wasn’t wrong.”
“You think you’re the Crown Prince? You should be begging for my forgiveness.”
“I’ll apologize when I do something wrong.”
Iluan raised his hand, about to slap her.
But instead of flinching, Lena lifted her chin.
“Go ahead. Hit me. If we break off the engagement, that would be great for me.”
Iluan hesitated—he couldn’t afford to lose her huge dowry.
Instead, he turned to her maid.
“If the lady won’t be punished, then the maid will take her place.”
His guards grabbed Marie.
A loud slap echoed through the forest.
“Stop!”
Lena’s voice trembled with rage.
Just as the guards raised their hands again—
BANG.
A gunshot rang out.
Blood splattered.
A soldier screamed, clutching his wounded hand.
From the shadows, a familiar voice spoke.
“Oh dear. I meant to shoot a bird, but my hand slipped.”
Lena turned quickly.
Walking toward them was Duke Callahan.
His deep blue eyes met hers.
She exhaled in relief.
