049

While Alex was inside the room talking with Laura and the princesses, the king was on his way to the Count's estate. He had already informed him of his visit; however, he just hoped that he could make a deal with him. Around half an hour later, he arrived at the Count's estate and saw that his family was waiting outside. The king stepped down from his carriage, and the Count's family knelt down. The Count then said,

"Welcome to my humble estate, your majesty. I hope you've been in good health during the time I have not seen you. Now, how may I be of assistance to you?"

"Hello Count, it has been a while. It's just that I have a proposal for you."

"Oh? Very well, let's talk more in my study."

The king nodded at the Count's words and followed him to the study. The Count's family went back to their duties, and the Count sent the butler to fetch some snacks. The Count sat down and asked,

"Your majesty, what kind of proposition do you have?"

"I would like to purchase an area of the Blue Sky Lake that you own."

"…"

"Don't worry. If you do agree, I won't let you take a loss."

"I don't see any problems with that. What area would you like to purchase, and what are you offering?"

"I would like this area on the coast, and I am willing to offer a 20% tax deduction for 30 years."

"That is very desirable, your majesty. However, I will have to decline. Instead, I have a counteroffer for you: I shall give you the piece of land, and in exchange, I would like a piece of land in the central district."

"Hmm? That is agreeable, however, I have to remind you that you will still have to abide by the central district's rules. This would mean that I can give you the chance to buy it; however, you will still have to pay for it."

"That is fine with me, your majesty."

The Count stood up, smiling, and shook the king's hand. Although some might believe that the Count was taking a loss, it was quite the opposite. The Crown owned the entire central district with the exception of a few families. To own land in the central district, you would need permission from the Crown. This has proven to be extremely profitable, as the central district accounts for around 60% of the Crown's income. The king sighed and got up from the chair. That's when the Count's heir walked into the study and bowed down. He smiled at the king and said,

"Your majesty, I have a request."

"Oh? Well, I'm in a good mood, so I'll hear you out, Young Count."

"I would like to ask for Rosa's hand in marriage."

"Sigh! We have already talked about this. We will not be marrying the princess! You already have a fiancée chosen!"

"I know, father, however, I have fallen in love with Rosa!"

"Enough! We will talk about this at a later date! Go to your room this instant!"

"Tch! Yes, father!"

"I'm sorry you had to see that, your majesty."

"It's quite alright; however, I do wish you could curb your son's thoughts about my daughter."

"I understand, your majesty. Here, let me walk you out."

"Mhm, I'll be seeing you soon for the central district purchase."

"Haha! Yes, I plan on making a visit soon."

"Well, I will be waiting."

The king left the Count's estate with a happy smile. He had gotten what he came for and should be able to complete the deal with Alex. He arrived back at the palace shortly and burst into the room with a large smile, saying,

"Haha! I'm back, my beautiful daughters!"

When he opened his eyes, he found Lily and Rosa on top of Alex, while Laura was looking over at them, covering her flushed red face. His smile began to twitch until he couldn't take it anymore and yelled,

"What are you doing, you damn brats!!"

"Haha! I told you he would be mad!"

"Hahah!"

"Grr!! You two!!"

To understand this situation, we would need to go back half an hour before the king walked through the door. Alex was sitting down, talking with Rosa and Lily when Laura proposed a game.

"Hey, let's play truth or dare until the king gets back."

"I guess, however, it has to stay in this room."

"I know, I know."

"So who's first?"

"I guess I'll go. Lily, truth or dare?"

"Uhm, truth."

"Okay, is it true you stole father's crown a few times?"

"Hehe, yeah!"

"I knew it! I was the one always getting in trouble for it!"

"Haha! I know!"

"Grr!"

"Anyway, it's my turn now. Lucifer, truth or dare?"

"I guess dare."

"Hmm? I dare you to kiss me."

"Huh? That's not fair, sister!"

"Sigh! Alright, I guess."

Alex then shifted his position toward Lily. He gave her a small peck on the cheek and cheekily smiled at her. She was stunned for a few seconds, then pouted,

"Hey! I meant on the lips!"

"Maybe you did, however, you never said 'on the lips'."

"Hahaha! That's what you get!"

"Humph! At least I got a kiss from him."

"…"

"Anyway, Laura, truth or dare?"

This game went on for around twenty-five minutes. After Alex chose to do a dare at Rosa's request, it took a wild turn.

"I dare you to take a nap with me."

"Huh? Alright, I guess."

Alex, still confused about her objective, lay down on the couch in the room. Rosa, still slightly nervous, climbed onto his chest and lay down. That's when Lily heard the sound of approaching footsteps and swiftly made her way to Alex. She also lay down next to him and whispered to Rosa,

"Hehe~ I can't wait to see what father will think about this."

"Huh?"

Rosa, panicking, tried to quickly sit up, but in doing so, her body shifted downward. Laura, seeing the position they were in, felt her face flush. It was at that moment when the King rushed through the door. Rosa, seeing her father, quickly tried to get up, but it made her seem even more guilty. While Lily just held her head down in shame, Lily laughed at her father's reaction. That's when Laura coughed slightly and explained,

"Your majesty, this is simply a misunderstanding brought about by a game of truth and dare."

"Sigh! Why do I feel like I'll die from my own daughters before old age?"

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A/N

Hey everyone! Unfortunately I won't be able to upload on Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday. I hope you all enjoyed today's chapter! Have a good rest of your day or night!

If you like this book so far you should check out my other work, A Last Wish!