Chapter 40: A Calculated Response

Fine started, echoing the words.

The Diner Dukedom had changed hands, and Banaji was now its head.

“I don’t know what he wants, but to send a letter so brazenly now?

The Duke of Diner must have some nerve.”

A cold voice came from beside her, and the room’s atmosphere chilled.

Though polite, Hawk’s tone betrayed his deep displeasure, which Fine keenly sensed.

‘What could he want?’

Fine stared at the envelope, perplexed.

“May I read it now?”

“Of course.”

Hawk nodded, and Fine signaled Anna to leave.

She opened the envelope, revealing a letter.

—

Dear Fine,

It’s been a while.

I hope you’re well.

In the midst of daily duties, memories of you as my fiancée sometimes cross my mind.

As for me, I’m as busy as ever.

As head of the Diner Dukedom, that’s only natural.

Business faces trials, like a wind that tests true worth.

Only the valuable endure.

In simple terms, I’m being tested once again.

Times like these reveal the worth of those around us.

I want to give you a chance to prove your value.

Joining forces with the Diner Dukedom wouldn’t hurt the Rosaider Margravate.

You know the answer I expect.

I’m counting on you.

Banaji Diner

—

Handing the letter to Hawk, Fine asked, “What do you think?”

Hawk skimmed it and sighed.

“The Lilit gold mine, their main income, is rapidly declining.

So is their agricultural output.

Realizing your competence now?

Foolish.”

He set the letter on the table, tapping it with his finger.

“Arrogant.

Utterly infuriating.”

“I agree.”

Fine smiled faintly.

The letter dripped with Banaji’s arrogance.

He flaunted his status as duke, assumed Fine still pined for him, and expected her to be grateful for his attention.

“You’re not going to help him, are you?”

“No.

But just refusing isn’t fun, don’t you think?”

“True.

You’re a Rosaider now, Fine.

We can’t let such an insult slide without retaliation.”

“Hehe, exactly.”

Fine nodded.

“If you want, I can make him disappear.”

“No, I don’t want you to dirty your hands with someone like him.”

Hawk narrowed his eyes, lifted her chin, and kissed her deeply.

As she returned the kiss, Fine thought to herself.

As Hawk said, if she wished it, he’d erase Banaji from existence in an instant.

‘Crush your enemies thoroughly.

Seize what you want by any means.’

The Rosaider family motto, fitting for a margravate guarding the nation’s borders, was fierce.

But she didn’t dislike it.

“How should we teach him a lesson?”

“Do as you please.

I’ll back you fully.”

“Hehe, thank you.”

She wanted to make him regret this from the depths of his soul.

Had she been colored by the Rosaider Margravate’s ways, thinking like this?

Fine’s lips curled into a subtle smile.