102. Let’s turn the tables

He was a peculiar-looking man with neatly groomed white curls and a well-trimmed beard.

Bowing respectfully to Alphonse, he displayed the proper etiquette owed to a member of the imperial family.

“I am Helion von Bellog, the head of the Bellog Merchant Guild from the Kingdom of Mule.”

Alphonse’s expression stiffened at the unexpected appearance of this eccentric-looking merchant rather than the anticipated Duke Valtazar.

However, maintaining the composed and refined facade of a prince, he received the greeting with a calm demeanor.

“A pleasure, Bellog.”

His response was perfunctory at best, barely acknowledging the man. Still, Bellog continued speaking with a pleasant smile.

“I have heard that Prince Alphonse takes great interest in the empire’s trade affairs….”

Despite the man’s friendly tone, Alphonse’s brows furrowed slightly.

Unlike Raphelios, which had a thriving maritime trade centered around its ports, the Kingdom of Mule lacked a coastline and was not particularly active in international commerce.

While merchants did travel by land, Mule’s economy was nowhere near as prosperous as Delforges or Benuve, both of which had strong seafaring trade networks.

Fully aware of this fact, Alphonse responded with clear disinterest.

“And?”

“I have also heard that Raphelios boasts a vast collection of exquisite artworks, and that, through the renowned Pelton Port, the finest pieces from all over the continent are actively exchanged.”

“So?”

Despite Alphonse’s increasingly cold expression, Bellog pressed on enthusiastically.

“Our Bellog Merchant Guild can further elevate the prestige of such artistic treasures. If Your Highness were to consider our proposal favorably—”

Alphonse’s expression twisted into one of open displeasure, as if he had reached the limit of his patience.

Gold, iron, gemstones—had it been any of these, he might have entertained the conversation. But artwork?

And from a merchant guild belonging to a kingdom that didn’t even have access to a port? There was no way the prince would take such a proposal seriously.

Moreover, the Kingdom of Mule was the homeland of the Third Imperial Consort, a woman who had failed to bear an imperial heir and wielded no influence at court.

With no reason to show any consideration for Mule, Alphonse openly scowled, and the minor nobles, sensing his irritation, promptly stepped in to dismiss the merchant.

“Come now, His Highness does not have the leisure to entertain such trivial matters. If you wish to make a request, submit a formal audience petition to the Imperial Court.”

“But—”

“My, my. It seems the Kingdom of Mule has no understanding of proper protocol. Your Highness, let us move on.”

With those scornful words, the nobles turned their backs on the merchant and walked away with the prince.

Roselia, having observed the entire exchange, rested her chin on her hand in thought.

Then, as realization dawned, her gaze shifted toward the dejected merchant.

Bellog… The name had sounded vaguely familiar, but now she remembered.

She had seen it before in the original story.

In the future, Helion von Bellog would become the Marquis of Bellog, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Mule, and the founder of the continent’s largest and most prestigious art museum, the Bellog Museum.

As Roselia recalled, the original novel had only briefly mentioned these details in passing.

Since the main setting of the novel was Rugbeljet, the political affairs of Raphelios were not extensively described. However, as a major power, its significant events were occasionally referenced.

The most pivotal of these events was Prince Alphonse securing the support of Mule, Benuve, and Delforge to overthrow Prince Aaron and ascend as Crown Prince.

One of his key backers had been none other than Marquis Bellog, the future Prime Minister of Mule.

And yet, here was Prince Alphonse coldly dismissing that very same Bellog.

It didn’t make sense.

Then, suddenly, realization struck Roselia.

If Alphonse was treating Bellog this indifferently, it meant that their alliance had not yet been solidified.

Most likely, the prince would later reconnect with Mule through Empress Consort Gwenhilla.

Which meant—this was the perfect moment to disrupt their future relationship.

For Roselia, ensuring Prince Aaron’s succession to the throne was the key to reclaiming her original life as the second daughter of Marquess Euciliod.

She couldn’t afford to let this opportunity slip away.

Having made up her mind, Roselia calmly approached Marquis Bellog.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear more about your art business.”

The merchant, taken aback by the unexpected approach of a stranger, narrowed his eyes and asked suspiciously.

“Who are you?”

Meeting his wary gaze, Roselia extended her hand with a polite, composed smile.

“I am Viscount Bernas’ son, from Rugbeljet.”

Bellog’s skepticism didn’t waver. Upon hearing her introduction, he let out a sigh, his expression deflating.

“Unfortunately, we have no plans to expand into Rugbeljet just yet. But I appreciate the sentiment.”

As he turned away, Roselia’s voice rang out with certainty.

“Do you know of Zahart’s painting, Mother?”

Bellog froze mid-step. His entire body stiffened, and he slowly turned back, his expression one of shock—as if he had just heard something impossible.

The painting she mentioned, “Mother,” had originally been intended as an imperial gift. However, it had ended up in Roselia’s possession through Prince Asif.

It was one of the masterpieces of Zahart, the legendary genius painter of Benuve.

If Bellog had successfully secured his deal with Alphonse, that very painting would have been his first target—because, in the original story, it was later gifted by Marquis Bellog to Rugbeljet’s Crown Princess.

“But that painting was transferred to the Raphelios Imperial Family,” Bellog said cautiously, his suspicion clear.

Roselia met his doubtful gaze with unwavering confidence.

“It is in my possession.”

“Is that true?”

“Would I dare lie to Marquis Bellog?”

Bellog’s eyes widened.

She knew who he truly was.

At this point in time, he had yet to officially join the diplomatic mission from Mule, so his identity had been carefully concealed.

Yet this mysterious noble from Rugbeljet had seen right through him.

Roselia smiled meaningfully and spoke with conviction.

“I propose that the House of Bernas supports your business. And as a token of goodwill, I will gift you Zahart’s painting.”

Bellog’s eyes wavered.

As he hesitated, caught off guard, Roselia’s smile deepened.

“You’re offering me Zahart’s painting?”

She nodded.

“Only if you choose to side with me.”

TL/N: AT THIS POINT ROSELIA PLEASE GO WITH ONE IDENTITY, I CAN’T KEEP UP WITH YOU.

At Roselia’s words, Bellog lowered his gaze in thought. After a brief pause, he spoke with an uncertain expression.

“I have heard that the House of Bernas is one of the great noble families in Rugbeljet… But even so, they are hardly involved in the arts. Making such a decision so easily seems rather difficult.”

“There is no need for concern in that regard.”

Roselia’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she observed Bellog’s hesitation.

“If you conduct your art business through me, I can guarantee you direct access to Her Highness, the Crown Princess of Rugbeljet.”

“The— the Crown Princess herself?”

A direct connection to the Crown Princess of Rugbeljet was an unthinkable opportunity.

For a foreign merchant, requesting an audience with her would take at least half a year, assuming the request was even approved. Nobles from other nations rarely had such access.

Roselia noticed the flicker of uncertainty in Bellog’s eyes and pressed her advantage further.

“Not only that, but I can arrange for the finest artworks from Rugbeljet to be introduced through your merchant guild. I assure you, in a few years, these works will shake the entire continent.

Conversely, you and I can acquire some of the most famous artworks from across the continent and introduce them not only to Rugbeljet but also to Raphelios. A mutually beneficial arrangement, don’t you think?”

What she proposed was nothing short of Bellog’s dream.

However, even if she was from a grand noble house, she was still only a Viscount’s child. Bellog couldn’t help but doubt whether she had the influence to pull off even one-tenth of what she claimed.

“The trade industry of Raphelios is still tightly controlled by the Imperial Household and the Marquess of Euciliod…”

Before he could finish voicing his concern, Roselia’s smile deepened, as if she had been waiting for this exact question.

“If that is a concern, I can arrange for trade mediation through the House of Euciliod.”

The House of Euciliod—the pillar of Raphelios?

Not only was she connected to Rugbeljet’s Crown Princess, but she also had ties to one of the most powerful noble houses in Raphelios?

Bellog stiffened as if he had just heard something completely unbelievable.

Seeing his dazed expression, Roselia smiled confidently.

“So, what do you think?”

Bellog looked utterly stunned, his face filled with disbelief.

Roselia, of course, was also connected to Duke Valtazar, but she decided there was no need to mention that just yet.

“If what you say is true… can you prove it?”

“I will provide you with letters bearing the seal of the Marquess of Euciliod and the Crown Princess of Rugbeljet.”

Without hesitation, Roselia spoke calmly and decisively.

Bellog’s expression shifted once again—this time, into pure astonishment.

 

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