Two-Faced Princess

“It’s almost done, isn’t it?” Apollonia looked at Uriel.

The night was shrouded in darkness, and they briefly met at the back garden of the royal villa.

The day Bianca received Eckart’s confession was coincidentally the day when she received the full contract from Count Aiter.

“For the next five years, no one in the empire can lay claims on the Dharmayu tea except for Your Highnes and Ran Island’s people.
Of course, it was put under someone else’s name.”

Uriel was a great messenger.
He delivered the news on behalf of Sid, who was away to take care of his wife.

“The rumor that someone was competing with the duchess to sign a contract with the count has already reached Bjern’s side.
Also, the prince has lost interest, so rumors about the broken engagement will come from there.”

“Any movement from my father?”

“I don’t think he’ll accept it, so it’s likely he’ll try to cut another deal.
The duchess is busy preparing for the hunting competition.”

It all went as expected.

Apollonia nodded contentedly.
“The break-up should  happen before the detailed report reaches my aunt’s ears.
The envoy will take care of that.”

“I asked Sid about how to deal with the Dharmayu tea.
No matter how much money is poured out, it’ll be difficult to sell it within the empire in the future.” Uriel carefully phrased his concern.

The purchase that was enough to buy 20 years of production of the Dharmayu tea was too big of a cost just to avoid the engagement once.

Apollonia smirked.
“Don’t worry.”

“Yes?”

“It’s going to sell very well.”

The documents obtained through Uriel showed a clear direction for Dharmayu tea business in Bjern.
It was wise, precise and guaranteed a lot of profit.
It was a plan that could not be acquired without accurately grasping the current trends.
Apollonia herself was awestruck.

“My aunt came up with this plan, so the success is already guaranteed.
We can just borrow her idea.”

“But the people of Bjern…”

“Soon, there will be a queen from this empire.
Someone who enjoys drinking Dharmayu tea.”

“Does Bianca Keaton enjoy drinking tea?”

“No, but I’ll make her.
I won’t let her go just like that, you know.
She’s going to listen to me,” Apollonia said, looking up at Uriel.

There were many ways to win people’s hearts, and guilt and debt was the most powerful among them.
And the future queen who received the crown prince’s heart must have felt guilty all this time.