One can only obtain one magic stone if they bring gold of the same weight.
However, creating hundreds of light orbs using such magic stones is something that cannot be established even with financial resources.
“Oh, I’m lucky to be able to get Magic stone”
Agnes casually wet her lips with a glass of alcohol.
“Is the light orbs also lighting up the outer wall of the castle?”
Erica’s eyes widened.
“That’s right.”
Agnes nodded with a light smile.
“It costs much cheaper than a lamp, candles or oil, so it is quite useful.”
“How long does it last?”
“Hmm. The wizard said it can last up to three years.”
“3 years?”
“If you like it, shall I give you one?”
Agnes spoke with a benevolent face.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d give me. I don’t know if it’s okay to take something precious.”
“What? This is nothing.”
Soon after, a servant brought a box and offered it politely.
Agnes opened the box herself and told her how to use it.
“If you tap it twice like this, the light comes on. If you tap it again, the light disappears.”
“Can I see it, too?”
A blonde handsome man popped out from behind Erica’s back.
“Who are you?”
“He’s my brother, Milan Kiske.”
Erica introduced him with a soft smile.
“It’s an honor to meet you. Duchess Arpad.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you from Miss Erica, Sir Milan. You’re as handsome as I heard.”
“Ahaha. Thank you. The duchess is beautiful, too.”
He chuckled and gently pushed Erica aside with his shoulder, moving forward.
Agnes frowned slightly at the sight, but didn’t show any sign of displeasure.
“By the way, this is truly a fascinating object. What’s this called?”
He lifted the light orbs and examined it from all angles.
“It’s called light orbs made from magic stones. It’s a tool that emits light.”
“That’s amazing.”
He couldn’t take his eyes off the light orbs. Agnes made a servant bring another light orbs.
“If you like it, take one with you.”
“Oh, thank you, Duchess.”
He didn’t refuse. Like a child, he held the light orb and repeatedly turned the light on and off.
“Stop it because it’s distracting.”
Erica glared and hit him lightly.
“You stay still. Duchess. Do you have any plans to sell it?”
“I’m thinking about it.”
“If you’re going to sell it, please let me know.”
He emphasized the words over and over again with greedy eyes.
Agnes nodded half-heartedly.
Milan carefully held the box containing the light orb and walked towards other nobles.
“You’re good at acting.”
Agnes spoke softly as she saw Milan’s back moving away.
In fact, Erica already knew the existence of the light orbs.
Their conversation is pre-planned but she didn’t know Milan would pop up in the middle.
“There’s nothing I can’t do.”
Erica sipped her drink with a calm smile.
“What’s your relationship like?”
“Milan looks down on me, and I find him repulsive.”
“That’s not good.”
“The word ‘worst’ suits it better. We don’t even pretend to get along at home.”
Erica acted so casually that I was confused at the moment what she was saying.
“Is it that bad?”
“Since you were born as a princess, don’t you know better than anyone else?”
“I thought ordinary nobles would be different.”
“Human relationships are similar everywhere.”
Erica murmured as if she had lived at least ten years longer than Agnes.
“By the way, a few days ago, things were really chaotic.”
“What happened?”
“My parents finally found out how much debt Milan has from gambling.”
“Oh.”
Agnes let out a short exclamation. Erica continued to speak with an exciting tone.
“Since he didn’t have enough cash, he used the family’s estate as collateral. I’ve never seen my father shout like that.”
“Oh, the Marquis must be deeply worried.”
Agnes had to make an effort to suppress a rising laughter.
She forced her lips downward and imitated a solemn expression.
“But what can I do? He’s the precious eldest son and heir of the household.”
“So, did the Marquis manage to resolve it?”
“Yes. My father hastily drew up a promissory note and stopped it.”
“Promissory note?”
“We don’t have much cash to pay for it right away. Recently, my father invested all the money into expanding the business.”
“It would be nice if you came up with a good business in such a difficult time. For example, the light orbs.”
“That’s true.”
With a deep smile and fluttering eyelashes, Erica walked through the crowd.
After Erica disappeared, nobles who had been watching around approached Agnes in a swarm and struck up a conversation.
“Duchess, will you give me a chance to see the shining object up close?”
“Hello. Duchess. I’m Louis Mepin from Everdon. The light orbs that you just showed to Mr. Kiske…”
Generously, Agnes handed out one light orb each to those who wanted to see them up close.
Everyone was captivated by the mystery of the light orb and couldn’t take their eyes off them.
“May I also request one, Duchess?”
A man with a bright and cheerful voice quietly appeared.
“Count Cellon.”
“It’s been a while.”
Emmerich Cellon is the count in charge of the southern border. With a powerful military force, his influence is considerable in the south.
Moreover, many members of his family have entered the palace over generations, actively participating in central politics.
“How could I refuse when it’s you asking, of all people?”
She jutted to the servant who was next to her. The servant walked up and handed the box to the count.
“Elemer too, you make a lot of amazing things.”
“Your face looks lighter than before. I guess it worked.”
At Agnes’s casual question, he let out a small laugh.
“My sister has seen great results. Her face brightened up so much that she could use it as a substitute for paper.”
“That’s good news.”
The two exchanged some light-hearted banter for a moment.
“How is the situation in the south these days?”
“It’s similar. It’s not surprising that pirates occasionally come to raid.”
“You’re going through a lot over there too.”
Instead of answering, he just laughed.
Just then, the orchestra began to play a piece.
Emmerich handed over the glass he was holding to the servant and reached out to Agnes.
“Would you care to dance?”
“Sure.”
He skillfully escorted Agnes. The slow tempo of the dance provided plenty of opportunity to converse while dancing.
“The last time I saw you was two years ago……. You didn’t grow at all.”
“What are you talking about? I’m average. Even the Marquis said I’m about the same height as him.”
Agnes retorted immediately, feeling indignant.
“Are you saying that Duchess Arpad and the Marquis are average height?”
Emmerich laughed and teased her.
As they reached a part where they had to do a turn, Agnes distanced herself from him. When she turned back, she lightly stepped on his instep.
“Ouch.”
“Was your foot there? I didn’t know.”
“Even though you’re short, your feet are sharp.”
“Oh, my height is average!”
Agnes roared. Unable to hold back, he burst into laughter.
“By the way, you haven’t changed a bit.”
Emmerich was somewhat similar in age to Chavolti, so the two often hung out.
They had met a few times when they were both at the palace.
“The duchess has changed a lot.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I was a little worried after hearing that you were marrying the Duke of Arpad.”
“What’s there to worry about? I’m living quite well.”
Agnes replied nonchalantly. However, Emmerich’s expression turned slightly strange.
“Do you know that I was the one who was supposed to marry the duchess?”
“Huh?”
“Prince Chavolti asked me to.”
“Chavolti?”
Agnes widened her eyes and looked at him.
Emmerich pulled her waist a little hard and whispered in her ear.
“At that time, Prince Sebastian’s movements were suspicious, so he sent me a letter of proposal.”
“What did it say?”
“To propose to the princess.”
Emmerich stared at Agnes so intently that it almost seemed rude.
“Cellon can protect the princess. I wrote down my consent, but unfortunately, I was a step late.”
But even if that letter had arrived on time, the outcome would have been the same.
Cellon was too powerful. Prince Sebastian, who viewed her as a potential threat, would never have sent Agnes to Cellon.
“So that’s what happened.”
Knowing that, Agnes shrugged her shoulders.
“If Cellon territory wasn’t too far away, the fate of me and the Duchess would have changed a lot.”
He said softly.
“No.”
She shook her head firmly.
“Even if I died and went back to the past, I would have come to Arpad.”
“How can you be so sure?”
There was strength in the hand that held Agnes’s waist.
At some point, the distance between the two had narrowed so much that they could feel each other’s breath.
“Count.”
At that moment, Laslo appeared. He grabbed Emmerich’s shoulder.
ohohoho laslo’s been sipping vinegar i see