Chapter 21: 21

Zion might have been lying to him, as he had hidden most of the 400 gold coins he used to awaken his magic. If Zion had told him about his plan, Freed would have surely opposed it.

‘Even if Zion had asked for a loan first, the outcome wouldn’t have changed.’

Whether she offered it or Zion asked for it, Hanette would have to like him to grant such a request. To Hanette, money was always in short supply, so she must have sacrificed funds she had intended for other uses.

‘… This must remain a secret. If Duke Adelaira finds out, things could get noisy.’

Freed knew he could handle any friction with Duke Adelaira, especially since Hanette lent her own money out of goodwill towards Zion. However, probing too deeply could expose Hanette’s private matters, creating unnecessary complications.

‘Hanette worked hard to save that money. If it becomes public, it’ll cause her trouble and strain her relationship with Zion.’

It was best for Zion and Hanette to resolve this between themselves without involving Duke Adelaira. Informing them would only embarrass Hanette and complicate things further, especially since Zion and Hanette hadn’t even married yet.

‘If I were in Zion’s position, I’d keep this secret as well…’

“Lord, you don’t have to lend me the money. Just keep this matter confidential. Even if I can’t repay my fiancée, I don’t want to cause her any harm.”

“I understand your reasoning. You’ve thought this through.”

Freed immediately grasped Zion’s intentions. Zion was likely planning to repay the amount quietly but found no viable way and realized delaying would only cause Hanette more trouble. Thus, he reluctantly sought help.

“If you inform Duke Adelaira of this, I’ll deny everything. No matter what you say, my decision won’t change.”

Zion steeled himself to ask Freed for help. Hanette’s dwindling funds could disrupt the story’s progression. In the worst-case scenario, Zion planned to acquire Exceed Rain quickly and initiate a breakup, knowing Freed would avoid conflict between the families.

“You could be lying. To be certain, I should call Hanette and ask her directly. However…”

Freed managed to suppress a smile, satisfied with Zion’s answer. Zion, though helped by Hanette, was trying his best not to cause her any more trouble. This choice was risky, but doing nothing would only burden his conscience. Zion had taken the responsible route by seeking help while imposing conditions.

“You awakened your magic on your own. Though you used family funds, it wasn’t wrong if a family member used them wisely.”

Though unconventional, Zion had successfully awakened his magic. This allowed him to contribute to the family and expand his potential. More importantly, Zion’s late but determined effort justified the 400 gold coins spent.

“I trust you. I won’t ask how much you borrowed, what you bought, or what happened. I’ll give you 200 gold coins. Don’t forget this favor.”

“Lord…”

“Stay quiet. Say nothing. Didn’t I just say I won’t ask anything?”

“…”

Zion nodded in silence. Freed didn’t want to hear even a hint of the details, indicating he was willing to take full responsibility and keep the matter confidential. This demonstrated his trust in Zion, bolstered by Zion’s newfound magical ability.

“I said I’d overlook it last time, but I’ll let this pass too. However, there won’t be a next time. No matter the reason, I won’t give you more money.”

“… Thank you for your consideration.”

“Though this is a political marriage for the family, it’s also for your benefit. So, treat your fiancée well.”

“I understand.”

Zion had somewhat expected this outcome. Both families wanted the marriage to succeed, and Freed, being thoughtful and family-oriented, would likely support him.

‘In some ways, I envy the protagonist. Money just comes to him effortlessly.’

The information Zion had was based on the protagonist’s journeys across remote regions. The protagonist funded his travels irregularly by fighting monsters or enemies and using the money gathered by the White Apostle. This meant the protagonist rarely faced financial troubles, unlike Zion.

‘I rely on allowances.’

Though his allowance was substantial by normal standards, it was nothing compared to the protagonist’s potential, growth rate, and allies, especially the Magic Sword. Mastering Exceed Rain could help bridge that gap somewhat.

‘Maybe I need to expand my connections too.’

Excluding those who would align with the protagonist, Zion still had potential allies: Setinos Quasar, direct royalty, the Ternein Duke family, the Frandique Marquis family, and Duke Adelaira. These were influential individuals or groups.

‘If I stay close to Hanette’s younger brother…’

If he didn’t marry anyone else, maintaining his engagement as in the original story wasn’t a bad option. Hanette’s younger brother would eventually become the next head of the Adelaira family, indirectly connecting them. By then, he would have solidified his own territory and foundation, making it easier to break the engagement if needed.

‘I know who the heir to the throne will be… This isn’t a bad plan.’

In conclusion, Duke Adelaira made the right call regarding the succession. Hanette fleeing complicated things, but the successor wouldn’t be decided until later. It wasn’t until the mid-late stages that his older brother would marry the third princess.

Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, Hanette’s Room

Hanette finished her makeup and looked in the mirror. Unlike other noblewomen, she kept it simple, just enough to be presentable. The necklace still annoyed her, but she accepted it reluctantly, considering its 30 gold coin price.

‘I gave 80 gold coins after receiving 30. A big loss.’

She chuckled, stepping away from the vanity. Despite reconsidering her actions, she found she had acted on instinct, not reason. She had spent 80 gold coins to help Zion secure the item he wanted.

‘No, it was more like 80 gold coins wasted because the little fool got scammed.’

Though still regretting it, Hanette felt a strange sense of relief. She hadn’t figured out why yet, but she might have blamed herself if she hadn’t stepped in then.

‘What does he plan to do with those gloves? I’ll ask him later…’

A knock on the door made Hanette turn her head slowly. Zion, ready to leave, entered the room.

“Hanette, can we talk for a moment before we go?”

“What do you want to talk about?”

“You’ll see.”

Zion quickly locked the door and approached her. Hanette tensed up, but a natural smile formed on her lips.

“… Thanks for helping me that time. I wouldn’t have gotten it without you.”

“Of course you should thank me. Only someone like me could help you.”

“Why? Going to tell me I don’t deserve it?”

“I was going to, but now I’m not so sure.”

“…?”

Zion was momentarily taken aback by her unexpected response. Usually, she would have various reasons to provoke him, but now she showed a hint of humility.

“You needed those gloves, right?”

“Yes. I really needed them.”

“Then that’s enough. I don’t need repayment, just use them well.”

“I’m going to repay you. I’ve already got the money.”

Zion pulled out an envelope from his pocket. Hanette’s expression stiffened, recognizing its contents.

“To me, it’s 80 gold coins, but to you, it’s precious money. It’s better to return it quickly so you can be at ease.”

The envelope contained ten bills, each worth 10 gold coins, issued by the palace. While he added 20 more gold coins, it didn’t feel like a loss.

“… How did you get this?”

“I got it, so just take it.”

“Did you get it from Marquis Laird?”

“Can’t you just accept it? Why are you so curious?”

Zion deliberately avoided answering directly. He couldn’t reveal how he got the money, fearing she might refuse it.

“Explain how you got it.”

“How can I explain everything? Didn’t we agree not to meddle?”

“When did I say I wouldn’t meddle? Just explain it.”

“Why are you curious? I didn’t do anything wrong, so just take it.”

“I won’t take it until you explain.”

Hanette’s eyes were sharp and determined. Zion, like her, received an allowance, and getting 80 gold coins quickly wasn’t easy.

“Phew… I said I’d repay you. Why won’t you take it?”

“Because it feels shady. What are you up to?”

“You’re accusing me without knowing anything?”

“If you don’t like it, explain. Feeling guilty?”

“So you won’t take it?”

“Why would I take that money? I’ll just consider the 80 gold coins lost.”

“Hanette! 80 gold coins is a lot!”

“I know. You must have your reasons, but I have mine too. I won’t take it. Do you think I’ll fuss over money I already spent?”

Hanette briefly considered Zion’s actions. He probably approached Marquis Laird or his brothers, saying he borrowed money from her. If Duke Adelaira found out, things would get complicated, so they likely gave him money to quietly resolve it.

‘It would have been better to stay quiet.’

Though troubled, she didn’t show it. If Robbenz or Yenid learned about the 80 gold coins, they’d find out she had been secretly saving money. Depending on the situation, she might lose her allowance or have her money taken away.

While she understood Zion’s intentions, it felt like he was complicating matters.

‘The little fool doesn’t get it. I just wanted to help…’