Chapter 43: A Blooming Scheme
Fine gazed at the vibrant flowers blooming in profusion.
“This mansion becoming a garden like this is unbelievable.
My lady, are you the reincarnation of a harvest goddess?!”
“Oh, that’s an exaggeration.
But I’m glad you’re pleased.”
“No exaggeration!
Everyone thought plants couldn’t thrive in Rosaider, yet here we are.
Crops are bountiful, and the people are so grateful to you, Lady Fine!”
Anna clenched her fists, passionately praising Fine’s achievements.
Unused to such praise, Fine felt a bit embarrassed but warmed by the gratitude.
“Anna, the sun’s getting strong.
Could you fetch my parasol?”
“Of course.
One moment.”
Anna nodded and hurried back to the mansion.
Once she was out of sight, Fine called toward the flowerbed, “Val!”
“Thanks to you, the plants are thriving.
Everyone’s so grateful, Val.”
From between the blooming flowers, Val’s head popped out.
As an earth spirit, he could appear anywhere with soil.
“My doing?”
“Yes, absolutely.
They’re all thankful.”
“Really?
Heh!”
Val scratched his cheek, grinning happily.
Fine felt her own joy rise watching him.
“By the way, that Naruto gold mine you asked about?
They’ve started full-scale digging.”
“Good.”
“Not good for me!
Why help that guy?”
Val pouted, hands on hips.
He’d always disliked Banaji and wasn’t pleased Fine had aided him.
“It’s groundwork.”
“Groundwork?”
“Yes.
He’s been terribly rude to me, so I thought I’d teach him a lesson.”
“Nice idea!
What’s the plan?
Can I hear?”
“Of course.
It wouldn’t work without you.”
Fine smiled brightly.
Anna returned with the parasol.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No, it’s fine.
Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.
Oh, today’s mail arrived too.”
“Do you remember who it’s from?”
“From the Diner Dukedom.”
Fine froze momentarily.
‘Got him.’
Once helped, Banaji would surely try to use her again.
There’s no better time to trap someone than when they’re convinced they’re in control.
“I’ll head back now.”
“Already?
I just brought the parasol.”
“Sorry, I’m thirsty.”
Fine smiled apologetically.
The letter took precedence over the flowers.
That evening, Fine visited Hawk’s room with the letter.
“Drink?”
Hawk stood by the sideboard, holding fruit wine made from this year’s harvest—low in alcohol, almost like juice.
“I’ll have some.”
Fine nodded, sitting on the sofa.
Hawk poured two glasses and sat beside her.
“You visiting my room this late is rare.
Progress?”
“Yes, look at this.”
Fine pulled the letter from her pocket.
It detailed the successful gold vein discovery at Naruto Mountain, a hope for continued alliance between the ducal and margravate houses, and an invitation to visit the Diner Dukedom.
“They’ve got some nerve inviting us to that mansion.
What kind of gall is that?”
Hawk muttered, incredulous.
Fine couldn’t help but chuckle.
The Diner Dukedom was where she and Hawk met—where she was locked in a lounge, accused of infidelity in public, all orchestrated by them.
Inviting her, the one they framed, was indeed audacious.
“Inviting both of us?
Ten to one, they’re plotting something.”
“Most likely.”
Fine nodded.
Banaji’s cunning wasn’t to be underestimated.
“So, what’s my clever wife planning?”
Hawk pulled her close.
“Planning?
I’m just offering a little advice.”
“Advice, right.
You only gave advice.
Whatever happens, the responsibility falls on the Duke of Diner.”
Hawk chuckled low in his throat.
“That’s my Rosaider wife.”
“Hehe, I’m honored by the praise.”
“You’re the best.”
Hawk hugged her tightly.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been to the capital.
It’ll be fun.”
“Indeed.
Let’s enjoy it fully.”
Hawk nodded, a knowing smile on his lips.