Chapter 29: Strategic Alliances

“No, not at all.”

Fine stated firmly.

She had not even a grain of sand’s worth of desire to offer blessings.

“What a coincidence.

Me neither.”

Hawk said, sounding bored.

“Let’s go.”

Taking Fine’s hand as if it were decided, Hawk headed for the exit.

He likely noticed her discomfort and wanted to get her out quickly.

‘Thanks to Hawk-sama, I was saved.’

When she squeezed his hand, she felt a gentle squeeze in return.

*

The day after the wedding, Hawk was at the royal palace for an audience with the king.

“Hawk Rosaider, presenting himself.”

Hawk knelt, lowering his head.

“Well done on the long journey.

Raise your face.”

The king, seated on the throne atop a raised platform, nodded magnanimously.

Hawk looked up at him.

“It’s been half a year, Lord Rosaider.

I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”

“I attended my wife’s family’s wedding.”

“Your wife, the Shot Marquis’s daughter?”

“Yes, precisely.”

Hawk nodded.

“How’s married life?”

“More enjoyable than I expected.”

Hawk’s expression softened.

The king, observing him, raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“To see you make such a face.

Marriage has changed you.”

The king chuckled, amused.

“On another note, I’ve brought a gift for Your Majesty.”

“Oh?

A gift from you?

That’s rare.”

The king leaned forward slightly.

“What is it?”

“A diamond mine.”

“A diamond mine?!”

The king echoed, stunned.

Murmurs rippled among the nearby clerks.

It was understandable—diamonds were rarely found in Vittore, making diamond mines exceptionally rare.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

“A few months ago, we discovered diamond ore in Rosaider by chance.

Further investigation confirmed a vein.”

Hawk presented a wooden box he’d been holding.

“If you’d examine this, I believe you’ll understand.”

Opening the box with a flourish, he revealed diamond ore from Rosaider.

A clerk took the box to the king, who picked up a piece, holding it to the light.

“It does resemble diamond ore I’ve seen before.”

“Experts have verified its authenticity.

If you wish, we can have it appraised again.”

“To think Rosaider has a diamond mine…”

The king, still incredulous, stroked his beard but held the ore tightly.

‘As expected, he’s hooked.’

Hawk smirked inwardly.

“As I mentioned, I offer the rights to this diamond mine to Your Majesty.”

“Truly?

Is that acceptable?”

The king’s voice rose with excitement.

“Of course.

In return, I have a request.

If neighboring countries learn of our diamond mine, they’ll covet our land even more.

We have no intention of yielding even a sliver of territory, but our warriors can’t fight effectively without proper logistics.”

“Quite true.

I’ll increase military funding for Rosaider.”

The king agreed to the increase without hesitation.

“I’m deeply honored.

I’ll continue to serve as Your Majesty’s sword.”

“Good.

I rely on you.

You’re a true loyalist.

By the way, these you brought today—”

The king glanced at the ore in his hand and the rest in the box.

“They’re for Your Majesty to use as you see fit.

Polish them into any shape you like.”

“I see.”

Joy spread across the king’s face.

‘It worked.

Just as Fine planned.’

The diamond mine offered wasn’t a large vein.

Considering extraction and polishing costs, the military funding would outweigh it in the long run.

Leaving the audience chamber, Hawk’s lips curved into a smile.