Chapter 53.1
Chapter 53.1
Haroon Kisha leaned back, a relaxed posture belying the tension of the moment, his chin lifted slightly as if the conversation was finally proceeding as he desired.
“What do you want? Tell me everything.”
He rested his chin on his left hand, a stark contrast to the man who had just moments ago been deep in discussion with Bashar.
“You said you didn’t need help with your family’s debts?”
At his words, Crown Prince Aven’s gaze shifted to me. “Now that you mention it, the Hazel county’s debt is quite substantial. Are you still certain you don’t require assistance?”
As expected, he’d thoroughly investigated my situation. It was unsettling that the crown prince himself was concerned about the sheer size of House Hazel’s debt. He must have received reports painting me as frivolous and unconcerned with the family’s financial ruin, a picture that couldn’t be further from the truth. From his perspective, the situation must appear dire indeed.
With a slightly embarrassed expression, I began, “My feelings regarding the family debt remain unchanged. What truly matters now is not the debt itself, but my family’s…” I trailed off, a troubled smile playing on my lips, leaving the word “attitude” unspoken. The crown prince seemed to understand, though Haroon Kisha’s expression remained unreadable.
Clearing the debt at this point would only fuel my family’s extravagant spending. It wouldn’t solve the underlying problem; it would only postpone the inevitable. I had no desire to bail them out and let them repeat their mistakes. They needed to face the consequences of their actions. A darker thought crept in: Would they even learn from the experience if the county went bankrupt? Would they simply harbor resentment towards me? The thought made me frown, but Haroon’s voice thankfully interrupted my spiraling thoughts.
“You also refused the engagement with Bashar.” Haroon Kisha fixed me with a sly smile, clearly referencing our previous conversation and testing whether my stance had changed.
“Engagement?” The crown prince sounded puzzled. Haroon calmly explained our prior discussion and my current engagement predicament.
“I heard rumors of a broken engagement with the Duke of Asid. I wasn’t aware of any discussions with Bashar, however.”
“His Highness Haroon spoke lightly. More importantly, His Highness Bashar’s feelings on the matter weren’t considered.” I quickly added, sensing the crown prince was taking the matter more seriously than intended. Haroon, however, responded to my interjection.
“I wasn’t speaking entirely lightly. Someone who saved Bashar’s life is certainly worthy of becoming his consort.”
“In the Kingdom of Kishar, there’s a saying about repaying a life debt.” Crown Prince Aven clarified the cultural context.
“Regardless, I understand your engagement with the duke hasn’t been formally dissolved.”
“Your Highness is correct. I’m not yet separated from Hector… I mean, the Duke of Asid.”
“If your desire is to marry the Duke of Asid…”
“No, Your Highness. Relationships can’t be forced by decree.” I offered the crown prince a wry smile. While a royal command would force Hector’s hand, it wasn’t a path I wanted to take. It would be a hollow victory, unwanted by all parties involved. Besides, I thought, I have no desire to be bound to the man who betrayed me. My feelings for him had long since turned to ash. His betrayal and selfishness had erased Hector Asid from my heart.
“Then why not quickly break off the engagement and choose Bashar?”
“Your Highness Haroon, I appreciate the sentiment, but as I said, His Highness Bashar’s feelings…”
“Bashar would be amenable.” Haroon’s tone was firm, and I looked at him questioningly. He met my gaze with a knowing grin, as if certain of Bashar’s compliance. It felt as if he was exploiting Bashar’s inability to defy him.
“My desires concern neither the family debt nor my engagement.” I dismissed Haroon’s suggestion with a light laugh and continued, “Are you truly prepared to grant any request I make?”
“Yes. So tell me.”
“Indeed. You aided us in a matter that could have escalated into a national crisis. We are prepared to fulfill your request. What is it you desire?”
I looked up to meet the crown prince’s blue eyes, seemingly kind and gentle. But I knew that Aven Lefkindea, despite his affable demeanor, could be ruthless. He was, after all, the one who would depose the current emperor and claim the throne. Yet, even he had his troubles. So, it’s alright to ask for this much, I reasoned.
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