<span>(However, just how much detailed information could that Chairman get from just one look on my face? Right! He’s a cautious guy, but from the way he looks, he seems like he loves to take a gamble or two…)


    <i><span>I have a lot of thoughts, but I can only conclude this one thing.</i>


    <span>(The chairman rejected me… This is an irrefutable fact.)


    <span>Rishe felt deeply dejected.


    <span>With the help of the Trading Company, establish rtionships with dignitaries in various countries.


    <span>Avoid war by reaching out to those dignitaries.


    <span>Avoid war and live a long andfortable life.


    <span>It was partly because of those goals. But now, more than anything else, the fact that her former boss rejected her was gouging her heart.


    <span>However, in the corner of that depressing feeling, something niggled at her.


    <span>(…What is it? It’s strange.)


    <span>“Speaking of dreamy marriages, Rishe-sama, how did His Highness court you?”


    <span>“Oh, I was wanting to hear of that too! All the girls in the castle are curious to know the story of Rishe-sama and His Highness Arnold. That’s right!


    <span>(The Chairman said they’re staying in an inn and would do some sightseeing. Why did you bother to tell me that they’ll be staying in Garkhain…)


    <span>“…Rishe-sama?”


    <span>As the maids stared at her curiously, one thing urred to Rishe.


    <span>“I’m sorry everyone. I actually had a little trouble sleepingst night, so I think I’ll go to my room and rest for the day.”


    <span>“Oh, is that so? We’re sorry, Rishe-sama. You’ve been very busy…”


    <span>“No, you as well. Let me join you for the tea party next time!　I also don’t need dinner today.”


    <span>“Understood. We’ll stay away from your room so as not to disturb your rest.”


    <span>“I’ll make you a cup of tea to help you feel better in the morning.”


    <span>After thanking the quick-learning maids, Rishe went back to her room and locked the door.


    <span>Holding a bunch of herbs in her hand.


    <span>*****


    <span>“Well, Chairman Tully, you’re drinking like a champ today!”


    <span>Kane Tully was walking through the streets of the Royal Capital of Garkhain with a few of his men.


    <span>He was in a good mood as he opened the buttons of his shirt and revealed his wide chest. Then replied with an air that looked like he was humming.


    <span>“The sake in Garkhain is good. I’m sure if we stock up on more and sell it in the north, we could make a fortune.”


    <span>“Forget it, Chairman Tully, this is a huge loss. You’ll only drink them all down on the way there.”


    <span>“Hahahahaha, you’re probably right!”


    <span>He joked around with his like-minded friends as they headed to the inn. He really would have liked to take a woman or two with him, but the circumstances today didn’t allow it.


    <span>“We’re short of drinks. As I recall, the first floor of the inn we’re staying at has been turned into a tavern.”


    <span>Speaking of this, they arrived at the inn they were staying at. The tavern inside was thriving, as joyful cheers could be heard outside.


    <span>“Nevertheless, are you feeling better, Chairman?”


    <span>One of his friends, who waspletely staggering drunkenly, asked with a hup.


    <span>“Our customer was the Crown Princess of Garkhain, right? It was such a waste to reject such a business deal.”


    <span>“Stupid, we’d be losing a lot of money if we had that princess as a customer. You may be blind to it, but I’m not.”


    <span>“She’s just a girl of 15 or so. What the heck could have gone wrong?”


    <span>Tally snorted and raised his hand on the door of the inn.


    <span>“Listen, that youngdy is–…”


    <span>“Wee back, Chairman!”


    <span>His drunkenness that made his head spin around cooled down all at once.


    <span>“No way…”


    <span>Looking at a picture in the tavern, Tull’s smile turned a bit cramped.


    <span>“I knew you’d be here soon…”


    <span>There was Lady Rishe, the Crown Prince’s fiancée.


    <span>“As I thought, you’ve invited me here. I’m honored.”


    <span>Seeing her smiling, Tully felt a rare surprise.


    <span>He had expected her toe, but didn’t expect it to be today. That was why he didn’t take back the woman who had hit on him either, just in case.


    <span>It was good that her visit was earlier than he had expected, but there were also a few things he didn’t anticipate.


    <span>“Would you like to join me for a drink?”


    <span>“…”


    <span>The girl’s coral hair was dyed chestnut, perhaps for the sake of secrecy.


    <span>Around her were piles ofatose men.


    <span>All of them were drunk with a ss of beer or wine in their hands. Some were propped up at the tables and others were snoring loudly.


    <span>“What’s going on with these guys?”


    <span>“It was a drinking game. They said if I won, they’d buy me a drink.


    <span>Rishe chuckled and tipped her ss.


    <span>“Don’t worry. I just want to continue the business negotiation with Chairman.”