Chapter 22: Strategic Bonds

Hawk acted swiftly.

That evening, Fine learned he’d found someone knowledgeable about minerals in Rosaider and commissioned an analysis of the stones.

“I hope there’s something valuable besides iron ore.”

“Indeed.”

Hawk nodded.

“But we must be cautious.

If veins are found one after another in Rosaider, other houses won’t stay quiet.”

“You’re right…”

Fine sighed.

Other houses meant the powerful nobles of Vittore, excluding the Rosaider family.

As a count protecting the nation’s borders, Hawk was permitted a formidable army, which already irked many nobles.

Adding mineral wealth could stir trouble.

They’d likely argue that Rosaider’s growing power made it a threat, demanding its influence be curbed.

‘That’s why Hawk-sama always balances the budget to barely avoid a deficit.’

The unease Fine felt when first reviewing Rosaider’s finances clicked.

The meticulous budgeting to hover at the edge of a deficit was deliberate.

Rosaider wasn’t as financially strained as rumored.

“I’ve been thinking— to deflect criticism from other nobles, why not enlist His Majesty’s support?”

“The king’s?”

“Yes.

What if we offered His Majesty the rights to one mine?”

“What?”

Hawk furrowed his brow.

It was a natural reaction.

Mine rights generated immense wealth, coveted by nobles.

Giving one away for free was unthinkable.

“Fortunately, my Divine Blessing lets me know in advance what a mine yields and its reserves.

If we offer the king a useful but modest mine, it shows our loyalty.

No other house could match that.”

“I see.

Sacrificing small gains for larger ones?

A clever strategy.”

Hawk grinned.

“Proposing to you was the right choice.”

“For bringing profit to the territory?”

“No.

For being beautiful, intelligent, and captivating.”

Hawk reached out, lifting a strand of Fine’s hair and brushing a light kiss against it.

“Wha—”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!”

Fine turned away abruptly.

“You should be sincere and honest with the one you love.”

“I’m always sincere and honest.”

Hawk tilted his head.

‘Doesn’t he have a lover named Sherry?!’

Fine was baffled.

“But I could strive to be even more sincere.”

“Exactly.”

“Alright, Fine.

Look at me.”

“Huh?”

As Fine raised her face, Hawk’s was startlingly close.

He cupped her chin, and their lips met.

‘Wha—!’

Shocked, Fine pounded his chest.

His trained body didn’t budge, and the kiss deepened.

“Why would you do that!”

Finally released, Fine protested.

“You said to be more sincere, so I showed it with my actions.”

His unapologetic response left Fine speechless.

“I hate unfaithful men.”

“I don’t cheat.

Rest assured.”

“I despise liars.”

“I’ll be sincere with you.”

Hawk let out a soft chuckle.

‘Which mouth is saying that?!’

She nearly blurted, ‘You went to see your mistress on our wedding day!’ but bit her tongue.

‘I don’t care anymore!’

Pouting, Fine saw Hawk laugh, clearly amused.