Dear Ex-Fiancé, I Hope You Regret Everything - Chapter 25

After that, I studied Haira’s culture and manners intensively. While handling the preparations for the engagement ceremony, a hectic month passed by in a flash.

Lord Skyford, now completely recovered, has been diligently practicing swordsmanship every day to regain the physical strength he’d lost during his convalescence.

(What if he gets injured after just recovering from that cold?)

I couldn’t help but worry, but then I remembered we have healing magic for such situations, which is quite convenient.

I wondered why we couldn’t just use magic to cure colds too, but apparently magic doesn’t work on common colds.

(How strange)

I stretched with a groan. Just as I reached for the mystery novel hidden among the numerous history books and etiquette manuals scattered across my desk, a knock echoed through the room.

I quickly pulled my hand back.

“Excuse me, Lady Iris. You have a visitor.”

“…For me? Understood, I’ll be right there.”

Fonmi has been serving me as usual since that day. Her composed work style always puts me at ease.

If I had a maid who was more familiar with me, I’m sure I’d be reminded of that day of betrayal every single day.

“…I shall pretend I didn’t see your hand reaching for that novel.”

“Ugh…”

(Still, she notices everything as usual)

In the drawing room were Lady Starelesska and Count Chaudan, both present together.

“Lady Starelesska, Count Chaudan, it’s been a month.”

“The engagement ceremony is finally tomorrow. I’m so looking forward to it.”

“I shall do my best to ensure all our invited guests enjoy themselves. So, what brings you here today?”

The two smiled at each other, their closeness undeniable. Could it be… I thought.

“We too have decided to become engaged.”

“My! That’s wonderful news! Congratulations!”

“We came today to share this news with you.”

The two kept exchanging glances and smiling repeatedly. The depth of affection that has grown between them over this past month appears to be immeasurable.

Count Chaudan exuded a mature composure and elegance that completely overturned my previous impression of him.

(After all, this is the man who came running for Lady Starelesska without even fixing his crooked glasses.)

“…Speaking of which, Count Chaudan, you don’t use Clear Glass, do you?”

“Eh? Ah, these glasses?”

“My apologies for the sudden question. I’m extremely nearsighted, so Lord Skyford had me wear Clear Glass…”

“Mine are magical tools, different from those that correct vision. That reminds me, I haven’t properly introduced myself yet. I’m in the business of petroleum exports.”

Petroleum is one of Haira’s major industries. That would mean the Chaudan family’s assets must be considerable. Just how extravagant must his ex-wife have been to exhaust such wealth?

He adjusted his magical tool glasses with a click and continued.

“These glasses allow me to examine geological strata. They’re useful for determining the best locations for mining, among other things.”

They can do that? Haira must be a country that has developed more through the application of magic rather than raw magical power itself.

Witnessing this culture that’s considerably more advanced than Isac’s left me utterly astonished.

“Since coming to Haira, I’ve been constantly amazed.”

“However, Haira shouldn’t just focus on selling to other countries, but must pay more attention to its own needs as well. Petroleum doesn’t spring forth endlessly. Eventually, this country’s resources will be depleted.”

(Now that you mention it, Lord Skyford expressed similar concerns before.)

Count Chaudan said “Therefore” and smoothly presented some documents.

“What are these?”

“I would very much like to market the orangettes I previously gifted Lady Starelesska here in Haira. This is the import plan for chocolate and oranges required for that. And this is the business plan for the confectionery shop that would manufacture and sell them.”

“Why are you giving these to me?”

“To put it simply, we’d like you to consider handling the processing and sales of imported goods with us.”

“Um… why me? I just happened to have brought the orangettes because they’re my favorite treat, but I have no knowledge about imports.”

“Of course, I’ll handle the details. Haira’s merchants all seem unable to shake off this ‘we’re doing them a favor by selling’ mentality. That’s why nothing besides petroleum does particularly well. Lady Iris, you could serve as the lubricating oil for this venture.”

“Because I’m from Isac?”

“To be honest, that’s part of it. More importantly, Lady Iris represents a new wind—you know things we don’t.”

“You’re overestimating me. If anything, I’m the one constantly learning new things here in Haira.”

“Exactly! So, wouldn’t this be a wonderful opportunity for us to exchange information?”

Lady Starelesska watched our conversation unfold with a cheerful expression as she sipped her tea. I felt a little envious for some reason. I rarely get to see Lord Skyford diligently attending to his official duties.

“But I can’t make this decision alone.”

“Of course, please consult with His Highness and His Majesty the King.”

It’s strange how Count Chaudan appears ten years younger when discussing business matters.

He wiped his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief. Seeing the sheer passion with which he was inviting me to participate made me want to cooperate even more.

(Perhaps iced tea would have been better)

I thought, and had Fonmi bring some.

Cool tea with ice cubes floating refreshingly in the glass was served.

Count Chaudan said “This is much appreciated” and drank it all in one go.

(I’m happy they’re trying so hard to recruit me, but will His Majesty the King and Lord Skyford even agree?)

I’m fully aware of how delicate my current position is.

As if seeing right through my thoughts, Count Chaudan said:

“I see this as an opportunity for Lady Iris to demonstrate to the citizens how much you can contribute to this nation’s interests. I look forward to your favorable response.”

Somehow, this has turned into quite the serious matter.