Then, Merilyn called out to me.
"My lady, there’s a guest here for you,” she said.
I had an idea about who it could be, so I opened the door. It was Max, just as I had expected.
"You came through the front door today,” I noted, letting him into my room.
He looked at me without saying a word. Then, he hugged me.
"You don’t like it when I use the window,” he said gently.
Somewhat proud of him, a chuckle bubbled out of me.
"So, you're not going to do anything I don’t like from now on?” I teased with a smile.
His expression stayed serious. "If you have something you don’t like, feel free to tell me.”
"I understand.”
He gently brushed his thumb atop my lips.
"I missed you today,” he whispered.
Before I knew it, he had wrapped his other arm tightly around my waist. He was obviously tempting me, but I was at a loss on what to do.
At that moment…
"My lady, please come out for a minute!” Merilyn shouted urgently.
I flinched in surprise.
"Another cup of tea for me please, Derrick.”
A man sat in the drawing room elegantly sipping on his tea. I sighed. No wonder Derrick hadn’t been the one to call me even though he was the one that usually came for urgent matters. Given who the guest was, he couldn’t help but attend to the man.
Noticing me, his expression brightened.
"Lady Floyen!” he called.
I was afraid that Max might leave my room after getting worried about me, so I decided to deal with this quickly.
"Welcome,” I greeted. "I was told that you have some pressing news to discuss with me.”
The man bore an intelligent appearance. He smiled warmly.
"Long time no see. How have you been?” he asked.
"Lord Elios,” I sighed.
He paid no heed to my impatience, flashing me a charming smile instead. "I’m sure I asked you to call me Fred.”
My brows furrowed. "I’m sure you didn’t interrupt me from my rest just to greet me and remind me of what I should call you.”
"Ah.” He nodded. "It’s nothing. Some criminals in our territory have fled to the village of Aden—the one under His Grace’s authority.”
Criminals? Taken aback, I asked for further clarification. "What kind of criminals are they?”
His demeanor remained relatively calm in comparison to mine. It was enough that I actually began to harbor some spite toward him.
"They’re a group of thieves that had committed murder and robbery,” he explained. "Most of them have been arrested, but the head of the group as well as some of their more infamous members have made it out.”
"How many are there?”
"Ten.”
Aden was a small town with a population of less than 50 when they counted last year. If only counting healthy adult men who could fight, there would be only about 15. It would be a different story if only one criminal had fled—but with 10 of them, there could be an attempt to attack the village. Why did such a serious matter have to arise while Dad is away…
I was lost in thought when Lord Elios began pressing me for an answer. "Our family organized a squad to subjugate the outlaws, but we’re unable to enter your territory due to the non-aggression pact. Therefore, we need your cooperation.”
I clenched my fists. Was it okay for me to make such an important decision like this? I hesitated for a moment. Then, I remembered what Merilyn once told me: "Please keep in mind that you must lead the family in the absence of His Grace, my lady.”
I glanced at Derrick. He was watching me without a word as if waiting for my decision. I could suddenly feel the weight of my position as the duke’s only child.
Everything I enjoyed was thanks to the people who trusted and followed this family. Rights came from duties, and I bore the responsibility to use my best judgment at a time like this.
"Fine. I will allow your squad to enter my territory,” I decided. He smiled and opened his mouth to say something. However, I stopped him before he could. "Just so you know, this is only on the premise that you can guarantee the safety of our residents.”
The smile disappeared from his face, and I knew why. After receiving my permission, his original intention was likely to attack not only the criminals but also the villagers in our territory who could be cajoled into joining the bandits.
"If you’re talking about compensation for any losses, we will make sure to—”
"No,” I interrupted firmly. "As I said, the safety of our residents comes first. I don’t care about compensation.”
He frowned at my unyielding stance, seemingly bothered.
"I don’t understand,” he said. "To obsess over the safety of a few useless civilians in a small town that doesn’t provide significant financial support to your territory like this...”
Suppressing my anger, I spoke as calmly as I could. "It’s a small town, but it’s still a place with locals who pay us taxes. The lord or the lady of a territory is responsible for protecting the people. That is why we have our rights.”
"Still, I would say it’s a waste of time to capture some criminals just to ensure the safety of—”
"I’ve heard that you, Lord Elios, are a scholarly nobleman who possesses great skill in swordsmanship. Your achievements are such that you’re already set to become the next prime minister. Therefore, it’s quite surprising that you have yet to devise a plan to subdue 10 measly criminals and protect some helpless civilians with a squad consisting of skilled soldiers and knights.”
Provoked, he glared at me for a moment in disgust. Then, he lowered his voice, muttering under his breath. "Interesting,” he said.
Unlike the gentle tone he usually employed, his voice sounded cold. Nonetheless, I was far from afraid. This was nothing compared to when my dad got angry.
Suddenly he smiled and gave in. "Fine. I will accept your suggestion.”
I nodded and turned to the butler. "Derrick, we’ll need some paper, a pen, and a seal. I will write a letter of cooperation in my father’s absence.”
Once he left the room, Lord Elios suddenly covered his mouth and started snickering.
"What’s so funny?” I demanded.
"Oh, I’m sorry.” He stopped laughing. "It’s just that… I’m more intrigued than I thought I would be.”
"Intrigued?”
Meeting my eyes, he asked a strange question in lieu of answering mine. "What will I be rewarded with if I follow your orders and manage to take care of the criminals without harming any of the civilians?”
A reward, huh... As expected from the calculative prime minister’s son. He wanted to profit from anything, it seemed. I frowned as I contemplated what to answer.
"Well, I don’t seek anything big,” he added.
"What, then?”
He gazed at me in silence for a moment. Then, he opened his mouth. "A handkerchief.”
I was dumbstruck. "I’m sorry?”
He grinned. "The hunting competition. It’s just around the corner. I want you to cheer me on.”