Chapter 39: Past Promises and New Bonds

“Argh, damn it!”

Banaji tore at his hair.

Nothing was going right.

‘This wasn’t supposed to happen.

What do I do…?’

The capable people he’d relied on during prosperous times had been too critical of his plans, so he’d fired most of them out of annoyance.

He wondered if calling them back might help.

Then, a memory surfaced—words from Robert, the mine manager under his father.

“As I said, the gold veins were found with Lady Fine’s Divine Blessing—”

Robert had implied Fine’s blessing was involved.

Banaji had dismissed it as an excuse for failing to find new veins.

But what if Fine really was the key?

‘Was it truly thanks to her power?

Now that I think about it…’

He recalled that after Fine married into Rosaider, a diamond mine was discovered there, and its rights were offered to the king, making headlines.

It could be coincidence, but the timing was too perfect.

“Alright, I’ll write to Fine.

She was smitten with me—she’ll come running if I ask.”

A little kindness, and she’d surely bend to his will.

With a confident smirk, Banaji grabbed a pen.

*

In the early afternoon at Rosaider, Fine and Hawk enjoyed tea in her private room, savoring a rare moment alone.

“About Lily—she’s quite attached to you.

I was thinking, if you’d like, she could be your horse.”

“Really?

Lily for me?

I’m thrilled!”

Fine smiled at Hawk’s suggestion.

Lily was the foal born to Sherry, now a month old.

After the misunderstanding was cleared, Hawk took Fine to the stables to meet Sherry.

Captivated by Lily’s cuteness, Fine visited often, and the foal grew fond of her.

“She’s still a foal, but in a year, she’ll be ready for riding training.”

“I can’t wait.

I’ll need to practice riding alone by then.”

Fine had always used a carriage for travel.

But riding a horse would vastly expand her range.

The thought of galloping freely on Lily thrilled her.

“I’ll arrange a riding instructor, so bear with me.

Until then, I’ll teach you.”

“Not the knight corps’ instructors?”

Fine asked, curious.

Rosaider had many soldiers, including a cavalry unit requiring skilled horsemanship, with resident instructors.

“No way.”

Hawk stated firmly.

‘Maybe because it’d take time away from their duties?’

The cavalry’s primary role was combat training, so prioritizing that over teaching Fine, who wouldn’t fight, made sense.

But Hawk’s reason surprised her.

“Teaching riding requires physical contact.

The only man allowed to touch you is me, right?”

“What?”

Fine looked at him, startled.

“Promise me.

I’m the only one allowed to touch you.”

Hawk’s intense gaze held hers as he took her hand and kissed it.

‘He’s so possessive…’

His unreserved affection since they’d confirmed their mutual feelings sometimes flustered her.

But knowing it came from love, she felt no discomfort.

A knock sounded, and the door opened.

Fine, startled, pulled her hand back as Anna entered.

“My lady, today’s letters are here.”

“Thank you.

Who are they from?”

“Of course.

Let’s see… Lady Pompadour, Lady Miel…”

Anna read the senders’ names.

“And this one… from the Duke of Diner.”

“The Duke of Diner?”