🌻 🌻 🌻
EVERY day and night, a splendid gathering was hosted within the ship. It was as though an endless banquet continued during our journey.
Lucas had attracted the eyes of many, for he was a nouveau riche favored by the third prince. Gazes of envy, anticipation, jealousy, and interest were cast upon him. He acted befitting for this attention, splendidly shifting his demeanor and mannerisms for every person he met. He ensured Cano acted as a spy and had him remember every face. I noticed the pair of them discreetly discussing matters now and then.
Once we left the lounge, I addressed my husband.
“Lucas,” I began.
“Yeah?”
“You’ve again made me realize how skillful you are at socializing.”
Those were my honest thoughts after spending time with him at banquets over the past few days. Lucas had absorbed everything I’d taught him about etiquette, and he could blend in with the rest of the aristocracy quite well. His canary-yellow hair that shone brilliantly under the lights symbolized his pride, and when he acted meek, he dazzled even brighter still.
“It feels good to be praised by a daughter of House Karelia,” Lucas replied. He gave me a squinty-eyed smile, a kind expression he never showed to others. Another man approached us as we were chatting. “Baron Robertson,” Lucas said.
We stopped our conversation and turned to the man. We’d exchanged a few words with him earlier. Baron Robertson handled ceramics and manufactured them overseas to sell within our nation. He was the president of his own trading company in a maritime city of a foreign nation. He was the same age as Lucas and was one of the younger men aboard this vessel. He must’ve had good reason to break off from the crowd to approach my husband.
“You’re quite the popular man,” Baron Robertson said. “You’ve become more confident now that you’ve gotten a splendid wife.”
“Thanks,” Lucas replied. “You’re not doing too bad yourself.”
Baron Robertson gazed at the coastline in the distance and lowered his voice. “I’ve brought some news that may come as good or bad for you, Lord Stock.”
“And what would that be?”
“Lapisasther Kingdom will once again raise their brokerage fees.”
“What?”
“Because merchants have started to frequent their nation. Sure, they’re getting money, but the sudden influx of foreigners has caused a spike in crime rates. I hear they might raise customs and the transient occupancy tax soon, too.”
A flash of realization hit Lucas, and he smiled. “I see now…”
Baron Robertson winked and smiled. “Yep. I believe that you can conduct yourself quite well.”
“Thank you. I won’t forget this kindness.”
Baron Robertson smiled and turned to me. “Apologies, my dear lady. I didn’t mean to interrupt your intimate time with your husband. I hope you can continue to pick up where you left off now.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “I wish you a lovely night yourself.”
After watching him leave, Lucas turned to me. “Iris, do you understand what he’s implying?”
“This is simply a guess as a layman, but he’s implying that he’s passed along useful information. If you’re able to win over the royal family with it, he’s asking for you to accommodate him in the future. That’s what I’ve gleaned.”
“You’re just way too smart,” Lucas replied in amazement.
I hastily waved off the compliment. “I’d received a few hints. If memory serves, Baron Robertson manufactures ceramics overseas and imports them into our nation. In recent years, delicate and thin porcelain has been selling well amongst women as they use it for tea parties. But if one would want a pipeline with the Orient, it’s imperative to have ties to Lapisasther, which is nestled right between our nations. And if he came to you with that information… Plus, you handle much of his items as well.”
“You’ve got an impressive memory. I’d like you to handle one of my companies one day.” He drew my head close and stroked my hair as he continued, “Ever since I set foot on this ship, everyone’s been trying to win my favor. Because I look like I hail from Lapisasther, they all believe I can blend into that kingdom without any issues.”
“Lucas…”
“Only you and the people who serve me know the real reason I’ve boarded this ship. Only you guys are privy to my thoughts.”
I sensed a hint of vulnerability in his voice and nestled closer to him in an attempt to quell his fears. He started to speak quietly, the mask of an energetic, nouveau riche baron quietly slipping off.
“I’ve ridden on many ships until now. I’ve bluffed my way through some, made bold claims on others, and even made large gambles. But never have I been on a ride that made me this uneasy,” he said softly. His large hands enveloped mine like he was clinging to me desperately. It pained my chest terribly to see him suffer so. “I can only be there for about two weeks. No matter what reality I’m faced with, or if I can’t even track my father down, if I’m with you, Iris, I can endure it all.”
“You’ll be okay,” I assured him. “This is your first step, after all.”
In his arms, I looked up at my beloved. His fingers gently brushed against my neck, and he leaned forward, locking lips with mine. I felt someone watching us, but I entrusted my body to my husband and coiled my arms around his back.
Finally, we’d made it to Lapisasther.