Chapter 4: The Break

“Banaji-sama.”

Fine raised her voice.

“I don’t wish to cause more trouble by letting this commotion grow.

May I leave?”

Banaji snorted.

“No excuses left, so you’re fleeing in shame?”

“With all due respect, I’ve done nothing shameless.

If anyone’s shameless, isn’t it you and Reina, with your far more indecent relationship?”

Fine’s blunt words made Banaji’s face flush red.

“What did you say?!”

He raised his hand as if to strike her, but Hawk grabbed his arm.

“Raising a hand to a woman? You’re beneath a gentleman.”

“What?! Let go!”

Banaji’s eyes widened in shock as he shook off Hawk’s grip.

“Defending Fine only proves you two have an improper relationship.”

“I see. I understand your thinking.

Since we’re not getting through, I’ll take my leave.

One curious thing—your malice toward us was clear even before you opened the door.”

Banaji faltered but quickly sneered.

“What, did your Divine Blessing show you that?

How convenient, such an easy, self-serving blessing.”

‘What is Lord Rosaider’s Divine Blessing?’

Fine wondered.

Hawk glared at Banaji and strode past them toward the exit.

“So scary!”

“It’s fine. I’m here.”

Reina clung to Banaji’s arm, feigning fear.

“Lord Rosaider, the loan is off. Such a pity.”

“I never expected it anyway.”

Hawk spat out his words and left the room.

‘A loan?’

Fine’s eyes widened.

Maintaining an army required vast funds.

Rosaider, recently fending off invasions and beasts, must have strained finances.

With no notable industries, the countship’s budget was likely tight.

‘Did Banaji lure Lord Rosaider here with talk of a military loan? How despicable.’

Anger surged at the thought of exploiting those who risked their lives for the nation.

“Now then.”

Banaji turned to Fine with a smirk.

“Fine Shot! Our engagement is over!”

He thrust out a hand, declaring it boldly.

“…Understood.”

Fine lowered her gaze, took a deep breath, and left the room.

She had to, or her anger at this foolish man might explode.

To onlookers, her bowed head might seem like shock.

‘I’m finally free of that engagement. What a relief.’

Alone now, Fine walked forward, her lips curling into a smile.

“Hehe, hahaha.”

She had feigned distress, fearing that open joy might make them suspect a scheme and retract the annulment.

‘At last, I’m free of that man.’

She could barely contain her glee at outwitting them.

“Goodbye, you fools.”

Being liberated from that foolish, pathetic fiancé filled her with joy.

*

Leaving the Diner Dukedom, Hawk scanned the surroundings.

Unfortunately, the Rosaider Countship’s carriage wasn’t in sight.

He blew a whistle from his chest, and soon a four-horse carriage approached.

“That was quick, sir. Did the meeting go well?”

The casual voice belonged to Carl Windsor, Hawk’s trusted aide.

A lively man with reddish-brown hair and tanned skin, he was a commoner but highly valued by Hawk for his character and ability.

“The most unpleasant meeting of my life. The loan’s off.”

Hawk spat out the words and boarded the carriage.

Carl let out an “Eh?!”

“I thought it was a good deal.”

“Money can be found elsewhere.

If Rosaider falls into ruin and loses land to a neighboring country, the kingdom suffers most.

His Majesty wouldn’t let that happen.”

“True, but cash for new weapons would’ve helped.”

Carl frowned, aware of Rosaider’s recent military spending and high hopes for the loan.

But Hawk had suspected from the start that this sudden loan offer was a pretext to summon him to the capital.

At the Royal Academy, Banaji was the typical spoiled noble, using his status to control lesser peers.

A man who wouldn’t spare a coin for a starving child wouldn’t offer a massive loan without gain.