[63] A Request

In the grand Costatine company building, today's atmosphere felt markedly different from usual. The employees and staff seemed more tense than usual, as they were expecting a special guest from the palace. Princess Ariel, renowned for her graceful demeanour and leadership, arrived accompanied by her two distinguished bodyguards, Luke Notos Greyrat and Silent Fitz. Fitz, a victim of the teleportation disaster that altered his fate, stood beside her.

The meeting between Princess Ariel and Fitz was something unexpected. Fitz had been thrown into the sky and landed directly above the palace grounds, specifically in the garden where Princess Ariel was being attacked by a monster. One of her bodyguards had perished while protecting her. In his panic, Fitz, who was falling from the sky, released a wind spell towards the ground, which hit the monster, inadvertently saving Princess Ariel, who was clutching her fallen bodyguard.

In Aurelia's room, the atmosphere was slightly tense—though it seemed that the tension was felt more by Princess Ariel's side than by Aurelia and her servant.

"I'm deeply sorry to hear about the death of one of your guards, Princess Ariel," said Aurelia, gently placing her teacup on the table. Her relaxed and unhurried manner made Luke, the princess's bodyguard, feel somewhat uneasy.

Luke wanted to protest Aurelia's seemingly disrespectful attitude towards the royal family, but the tension in the room felt almost palpable, radiating as a form of oppressive energy. This energy emanated from Carmel, Aurelia's servant, who had a large and muscular physique, standing at about 184 cm tall, with a calm demeanour but ready to act violently against anyone who threatened the lady he served.

"Fufufu~ Thank you, but I would greatly appreciate it if your servant didn't project such killing intent," said Ariel in a calm tone, though cold sweat began to form on her forehead due to the tension enveloping the room.

Aurelia sighed and glanced at her servant. "Carmel, stop that. You're scaring our guest."

Carmel immediately bowed respectfully behind her, apologising. "My apologies, My Lady. But it was the guard behind Princess Ariel who had ill intentions," he said in a calm yet obedient tone.

Luke and Fitz, who had been on high alert, felt a bit pressured and quickly corrected their posture. They realised they were in the presence of someone not only important but also impressively powerful.

"It's alright," Aurelia said. "You were only doing your job well. But remember, don't be too aggressive."

"Understood, My Lady," Carmel responded with utmost respect.

Princess Ariel was astonished by the scene before her. Aurelia's calm and relaxed demeanour, combined with her servant's power, seemed capable of subduing Luke and Fitz with nothing more than an aura of dominance radiating from them. Ariel was both impressed and slightly intimidated.

"This is truly surprising, Miss Aurelia."

"Hohoho~ No need to address me so formally, Your Highness. You are royalty, but I'm just an ordinary woman with an important position in this company," Aurelia responded with a tone that was friendly yet still filled with elegance.

"Small?" Princess Ariel nearly spat out the tea she was drinking. The Costatine company, which controlled 40% of the kingdom's economy, was considered small? 'Indeed, when I first visited this company two years ago, it only controlled 10% of the kingdom's economy,' thought Ariel, filled with admiration.

"By the way, Your Highness, what brings you to our company today? I apologise, but Chairman Raphael is currently busy with other matters. He will only be available to meet tomorrow," said Aurelia with understanding.

Princess Ariel reached for the teacup before her, sipping it gracefully. "It's nothing too urgent. I just wanted to say goodbye. I will be going abroad to study for a while, and I won't be able to protect you from the first prince's faction in the near future."

"I understand your concern," Aurelia replied calmly. "However, there's no need for you to worry about that. With Costatine's already strong position and significant support from other nations, the first prince's faction won't be able to interfere with us. If the worst-case scenario occurs and our properties are seized, it would cause a significant blow to the public's trust in their government."

Princess Ariel looked at Aurelia in surprise. What Aurelia said was indeed true. The Asura Kingdom could not easily take drastic measures against the Costatine company at this time. The company had made significant contributions to increasing the kingdom's revenue and the prosperity of the Asura people. The company's image was very positive in the eyes of the public, from the lower to the upper classes. Even some great nobles supported Costatine in the hope of opening branches in their territories. Purplehorse was one such example, where the region had become very prosperous and developed thanks to the presence of a Costatine branch.

If Darius, the minister and the right hand of the first prince, tried to do something significant against the company, the impact would be tremendous and detrimental. It would not only gradually destroy the economy but also shatter the public's trust in the government. In the worst-case scenario, it could even lead to a rebellion.

Princess Ariel sighed deeply, her expression a mix of relief and doubt. "That's all I wanted to convey. Please send my regards to Vice Chairman Raphael."

As Princess Ariel was about to rise from her seat, Aurelia suddenly said something that made her pause for a moment. "Is your decision to leave influenced by a suggestion from Pilemon?"

Luke and Fitz, who were already on alert, felt the tension rise again, but the sharp gaze from Carmel, Aurelia's servant, made them hold back.

"How do you know that information?" Princess Ariel asked coldly, her eyes sharply focused on Aurelia, who was still sitting casually with her legs crossed.

Aurelia merely shrugged, her indifferent attitude exuding a calming nonchalance. "Hmm… I don't know, just a guess."

Princess Ariel wanted to ask more, but she felt that continuing this conversation would only trap her in a disadvantageous situation. Aurelia had a way of speaking that made people feel pressured without having to do anything. Realising that further debate might only harm her, Ariel decided to hold back her questions.

As additional information, Costatine had an incredibly effective network of spies, including within Princess Ariel's inner circle. These spies not only functioned as protectors but also as valuable sources of information. They were the ones who successfully uncovered the last assassination attempt and provided crucial information to ensure the safety of Ariel and those around her.

With a slight nod, Ariel diverted her gaze and decided not to prolong the conversation. "Very well, I must be going now. Thank you for your time."

Aurelia lifted her teacup and gazed at Princess Ariel with a faint smile. "Safe travels, Princess Ariel. May your journey be successful and safe."

Princess Ariel and her bodyguards left the room with cautious steps, leaving Aurelia and Carmel behind. The atmosphere in the room returned to normal, though the tension that had just filled the air made everyone aware that the games of politics and intrigue remained beyond their reach.