•?••? ? ?••?•

Stay calm! Better to give a thoughtful response slowly than to ruin the mood with a hasty one.

There was a moment of silence, but Adhvan patiently waited without rushing her. Gathering her courage, Iva responded with a shaky voice.

“…I believe we should trade seeds.”

“Seeds?”

Adhvan raised an eyebrow.

She had read in a book that the Emperor showed minute reactions when intrigued by something.

Believing this to be one of those reactions, Iva pressed on with more conviction.

“Yes. I’ve heard that the winter tree herbs of Fenet have medicinal properties.”

She remembered this from the original work when Ray had been healed from a wartime injury. She had been particularly attached to that part and remembered it clearly.

“So, why not just trade the herbs?”

“Trading the herbs directly might be beneficial, but it would also give Fenet the upper hand.”

Adhvan subtly covered his mouth, likely concealing his expression.

“Many nations know the efficacy of Fenet’s herbs. If they decide to raise the price, we’d have to comply.”

“Bringing in the seeds, you mean.”

“Yes. Initially, the seeds might not even sprout, but I believe it’s a long-term investment.”

“Hmm.”

“If we invest time to cultivate a herb unique to the Bergen Empire, other empires might seek us out for the herb in the future.”

Even though Adhvan covered his mouth, Iva felt his demeanor soften.

“What do you think Fenet would want from us?”

“I’d wager they’d want wood.”

“And why is that?”

“It’s a cold country, so they always need warmth. I’ve heard that virtually every house has a chimney.”

This was also a detail she recalled from the original work. Thank you, dear author!

“They’re probably used to burning wood for warmth, hence a constant need for it.”

“But if we trade wood, our own supply will diminish over time.”

“That’s why I think it might be a good idea to buy seeds and substitute with younger trees that are less likely to grow.”

“Ah, buying to resell, I see.”

Still covering his mouth, Adhvan eyed Iva intently, an expression of satisfaction evident on his face.

‘I think she’d make an excellent match for Brother Claude.’

Adhvan had originally taken Julian’s words as a jest.

However, Iva’s answer to a question he’d asked many royals was by far his favorite. It made him reconsider the idea of a marriage alliance.

“Do you have a fiance, Lady Blanche?”

“Pardon?”

Personal questions during an audience? If she boldly asked him not to pry, she might just lose her head.

“No, I don’t.”

“I see. You’ve done well coming here today. Are you sure you don’t want a reward?”

“Yes, I wouldn’t feel right accepting a reward for something we all accomplished together.”

“Ha, very well. I understand your sentiments. Until we meet again.”

“Again? Next… time?”

Was he asking if she was married, then hinting at making her his second wife? I don’t like the idea of Claude and Julian becoming my step-children!

“You may leave.”

“Yes! Understood.”

Whereas she had casually sat on the sofa earlier, now she dashed out as quickly as a squirrel.

Even the usually stoic Adhvan couldn’t help but chuckle at Iva’s abrupt exit.

“Ugh, that felt like it took years off my life.”

“Did the conversation go well?”

“My God!”

Completely flustered by her private audience with the Emperor, Iva didn’t notice her surroundings. She jumped at the sudden sound of Flah’s voice nearby.

Holding some documents, Flah stood beside her with a sly grin.

“I did well. How long were I in that office?”

“About 10 minutes, I think.”

“Only 10 minutes? Felt like over an hour to me.”

“It was 10 minutes.”

Stiffer than Chase in his responses. It seemed like only such personalities were chosen as aides.

Iva awkwardly nodded.

“I’ll escort you to your carriage.”

“No need. I can find my way.”

“You might get lost since it’s your first time here.”

“I don’t often forget the road I came on.”

It was a little white lie. She just wanted to be alone. Being with Flah still felt like being with Adhvan.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave here.”

“Yes, take care.”

With a curt nod, Iva hurriedly made her way out of the imperial palace, half afraid she might be called back.

Flah watched her retreating form before knocking and entering Adhvan’s chamber.

“Has she left?”

“Yes, just a moment ago. How did it go?”

Flah placed the documents he had been holding onto the desk and asked.

“Hmm… I think next time, I’ll call her to the greenhouse.”

“The greenhouse?”

“She’s quite a useful young lady.”

Flah noticed the slight upward twitch of Adhvan’s lips and immediately knew what was on his mind.

She could very well become His Highness Claude’s princess consort. Flah pondered this as he cleared away the untouched tea that Iva had left.

Meanwhile, Iva’s mind raced with thoughts of escape.

“I need to get away from here. ASAP. At this rate, I won’t last long. Why is everything getting so complicated involving others?”

She was hurrying back to the mansion at a brisk pace when she heard it.

“Iva.”

A soft voice calling her name.

Recognizing the familiar voice, she turned around to find Claude smiling faintly.

“Prince Claude?”

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

•?••? ? ?••?•