This Is Way Too Explicit (6)

Randall, Brissen Merchantry, and Pollun Merchantry… what's the relationship between the three? Does Tensil play a part in all of this? Bern had never really paid attention to Tensil, the holy nation that was located adjacent to Kailis. He didn't know what exactly was going on during this period of time. Thanks to that, Calian had to knit his brows and ponder what was going on at this time in Tensil.

If it has to do with merchantries, it must be about a trade item. If Brissen is willing to meddle with the royal family for his profit, it must be of significant value… ah!

Something of significant value. When his train of thought reached that point, he had his answer.

Calian smiled vaguely. It's the diamond mine.

All the pieces came together when he found the keyword. He recalled a conversation that he had with Chase back when he was still living as Bern. They had been talking about the fallen basket incident.

—It feels too unsophisticated to call it terrorism.

—Do you think that's all there is to it? Terrorism against a member of the royal family?

—Well, a prince was harmed… is there something else, Chase?

—Who knows? Give it a good thought.

The execution was too explicit and simple and stupid. It was as if they wanted everyone to know that they were targeting the prince.

The priests of a holy nation don't have much reason to buy diamonds. Tensil probably planned to sell most of them to Kailis. Since Tensil's merchantry would have been taking Randall into consideration, they would have preferred to sell the diamonds to Pollun instead of Brissen.

He had only figured out the answer to this problem now as Calian when Chase had figured it out all the way back then. The reason for Brissen targeting Randall was also cleared.

Brissen was trying to accuse Pollun of terrorism in order to claim commercial supremacy over the diamonds. After all, no merchantries other than Pollun could manage that big of a deal. If Randall is harmed, the King of Tensil would intervene. He knew that the incident would be concluded before any strange spots could be investigated. Lennon thought this through quite a bit, huh. I'm honestly surprised..

Having finished organising his thoughts, Calian shifted his gaze onto Melfir. Though Melfir would want to meet Calian as soon as possible, Calian couldn't let that happen. Since he found out how large-scale this incident was, he changed his mind and decided that he will take something that's worth the price of Melfir's life in return for saving him.

"Tell the event organiser that I won't be at the ball tonight," said Calian softly.

Yan turned to face Calian in surprise, and sighed worriedly as he looked up at Calian's saddened face that seemed to have taken a blow from Franz. "Yes, I will see to that."

"Sorry."

"You needn't be, Your Highness."

Yan nodded, looking even sadder than Calian. He would never know how guilty Calian felt as he glanced at Yan.

* * *

Rumein gazed blankly at the visitor, took off his glasses, and placed them on his desk. He had been sitting behind his desk ever since he had returned from the show.

"An unexpected guest," muttered Rumein..

The guest stood silently for a while before walking over to the couch. The clacking of the heels against the floorboard echoed throughout the quiet study. Rumein silently watched his guest.

Only after a considerable amount of time had passed did Rumein get up from his seat. He began opening the windows as if to chase out the scent of Ranieri that was starting to fill the study.

—Knock knock!

Just as he was about to finish opening all the windows, the grand chamberlain brought in a tray of tea and snacks.

Rumein lightly waved his hand. "No need."

Silica's eyebrows twitched. He was treating her like a completely unwelcome guest.

After making the grand chamberlain leave, Rumein walked slowly towards the couch and sat in the seat across Silica. His eyes were void of emotions.

Silica, in truth, was already used to it. This was how it always were ever since Freya had died..

"What business do you have?" asked Rumein, his voice containing as little emotion as his eyes.

"He's just a child. Please forgive his mistakes. Brissen will take the punishment instead."

Silica gritted her teeth. She had never expected to ever have to say these words to Rumein.

Rumein raised his eyebrows. Until now, she had never visited him directly no matter what Franz did. Silica never went as far as to say anything like what she had just said. Although Franz's actions today were quite deplorable, she would have never stooped this low if it were in the past.

"Forgive? What must I forgive?"

Of course, Rumein knew why Silica's attitude had changed so suddenly.

Calian. To be precise, it was because of Calian with Alan Manassil on his side.

Thinking about Calian reminded him of what Silica was trying to do as she sat across from him. He could also guess why she was telling him that Brissen would take responsibility.

She's probably thinking that it's more important to keep the nobles on Franz's side right now. That way, after Calian dies, the nobles wouldn't turn to Randall.

No matter what she would lose as punishment, she had the confidence to retrieve it after Calian's death.

—Please continue to disregard this issue.

Rumein chuckled as he recalled Alan's words. He chuckled in order to hold himself back from grabbing and twisting Silica's slender neck.

Did he just laugh?

Not knowing the reason behind his laugh, Silica showed slight surprise. Until now, Rumein had never shown his emotions in front of others. Yet now, he was laughing openly. Silica clenched her new fan.

Rumein asked again, "Alright, then. What punishment are you willing to take?"

There was no way that she would pull back her royal knights. She wasn't that desperate.

Silica recollected herself. "Since it was quite a memorable show, I believe he deserves a reward."

It was just as Rumein expected.

"Ah." It was truly a memorable show.

What Silica meant was that she would let Pollun Merchantry take some of Brissen's commercial supremacy. Rumein would decide on how much they would take depending on the size of his forgiveness, and the Brissen Family would have to accept.

"I shall have Franz walk with me to the ball today," said Rumein.

He accepted the trade.

After all, he knew that Calian would not die.