Chapter 40: Banquet (2)

“His Highness Alex has a tough time, being the third prince and all. He has to go around various factions and be mindful of his actions,” Philbert said, watching Alex’s departing figure with a slight expression of sympathy.

“It’s like being a bat,” he added.

“Hey, don’t say such random things.” Rosa frowned at the sarcastic remark.

“Yes, well, it’s also a kind of political skill. But once he secures the position of Crown Prince in the future, wouldn’t it be irrelevant?” Rosa questioned.

“His Highness Alex as the Crown Prince? Unthinkable. It’s impossible without our support. The Arnaud faction is pushing for the first prince, you know, because politics is a complex and strange world,” Philbert explained.

“So, you always have to keep an eye on how the neutral faction moves,” Rosa understood, having successfully dealt with the neutral nobles.

“But Rosa, you shouldn’t worry about these things. You should sell bath bombs,” Philbert stated.

“Come to think of it, my dream was to own a small shop. When did it turn into such a grand ambition?” Rosa pondered.

(For some reason, I’m not as thrilled as I thought about the increasing profits. Am I repeating my past life? Am I becoming a corporate slave? I’m not being used by people, but it feels like I’m being used by money.)

The elegant life of a noble daughter was drifting away.

(This won’t do!)

Perhaps with her father’s money again, Rosa thought she might go on another shopping spree for jewelry and dresses.

“Rosa, the path of business is like that. It’s in the blood of the Croitzer family,” Philbert said with a determined look.

(So the Croitzer family, originally knights during the establishment of the country, is now a wealthy aristocratic family…)

“Sigh, I don’t like it at all. But it’s nice when the money increases,” Rosa admitted.

For Rosa, money equaled the Croitzer family’s escape fund.

It was then that Rosa suddenly realized.

“Indeed, it’s probably better for me not to engage in an engagement with His Highness Alex. Friction is likely to occur between factions.”

“Regardless of how things turn out, we’ll make moves to ensure our profit,” confidently stated Philbert, even though the result might be Rosa’s poisoning. Rosa shook her head nervously.

“No, no, let’s live in peace. We shouldn’t involve ourselves in conflicts.”

“What are you talking about? It’s not like our lives are at stake,” her brother said with a carefree laugh.

(No, but it might be only my life at stake.)

“Sigh, I wanted to talk with someone from the Arnaud faction, but it’s a pity.”

“Don’t you realize? There’s an invisible, thick wall there,” he replied.

Rosa was well aware of it. Even though she could exchange greetings with the Arnaud faction, there was absolutely no room for infiltration.

“Yes, I can see it very well. A wall of iron.”

Now, it depends on Helena and Hugh.

Rosa sighed and stood up.

“Dear brother, I’ll be on the balcony for a little while, enjoying the twilight. You, instead of business… no, engage in social activities.”

“What are you talking about?”

Philbert shrugged his shoulders, skillfully avoiding the approaching ladies as he moved away from Rosa, disappearing into the crowd of gentlemen.

Perhaps he intended to conclude some business negotiations if possible.

Despite being her brother, he was indeed quite business-savvy.

To organize her thoughts, Rosa headed to the balcony.

As she stepped onto the balcony, a magnificent view greeted her eyes.

Garden lanterns dotted the garden, and beyond that, the lights of the city sparkled.

Perhaps because of this, there were couples scattered around.

Sighing, Rosa moved to the corner to avoid disturbing the couples.

Feeling the night breeze, she cooled her head.

“Miss Croitzer.”

Suddenly being addressed while in a relaxed state, Rosa went into a defensive stance.

When she turned around, there was someone.