Chapter 52
Even though she knew it wouldn’t work, Floria tried to shift the responsibility.
“Natalie doesn’t have any money, Floria.”
Her mother grasped her other hand.
Their combined grip was so strong it felt like her hand might break.
Natalie had married into a noble family in Altomole.
If even the royal palace couldn’t come up with 30 million lutes, there was no way a mere noble family could.
“In any case, I can’t do it.
I can’t bring myself to say that.”
“It’s something you obviously should do.”
Helia spoke through gritted teeth.
“Nothing is obvious.
I came here without a single coin of dowry.
Why can’t you do the same?”
Currently, the most powerful nation on the continent was the Principality of Sieff.
Even the tyrant’s influence had reached Altomole, causing trouble for her father, the king of Altomole.
When the marriage contract was finalized, truthfully, Altomole was supposed to send a massive dowry and various gifts.
But that didn’t happen.
Aidan didn’t demand anything from Altomole.
Perhaps he didn’t need to.
The Principality of Sieff was wealthier than any other nation.
However, the situation in the Principality of Pietz was different.
Even Floria, who wasn’t particularly knowledgeable, understood that.
Pietz wasn’t more powerful than Altomole, nor was it wealthier.
There was no compelling reason for a marriage alliance.
When Floria asked why she couldn’t just get married without a dowry, Helia frowned.
Fine wrinkles formed on her delicate forehead.
“If they insist on a dowry, why not marry someone else?”
“How can you say that?”
“Why not?”
“I’ve already fallen in love with him.
I don’t want any other man.”
Yet, earlier, the way she looked at my husband was quite intense.
Floria wanted to retort sarcastically, but she managed to suppress her twisting emotions and asked,
“Does he love you too?”
“Of course.”
“Then isn’t it fine to marry without a dowry?”
She couldn’t understand. Grand Duke Lionel, Helia’s intended husband, had lost both his parents and was in a position to decide his own marriage.
If they were in love, there was no need for such a large dowry.
But Helia’s thoughts differed from Floria’s.
“That’s not acceptable.”
Helia firmly refused.
“I want to give him everything he desires.”
“…”
“So,please, Floria, talk to Grand Duke Aidan.
We’ve looked into it, and he has more than enough money to cover the dowry.
Recently, minerals from the Principality of Sieff have been selling at high prices in distant countries.
The taxes are ample, and the income from the Grand Duke’s territory is substantial.
While 30 million lutes is a significant amount for us in Altomole, it’s probably less than what the Principality of Sieff spends on its military in a month.”
Helia seemed to know more about the Principality of Sieff’s economy than Floria did.
She spoke fluently about Aidan’s wealth.
Indeed,30 million lutes might be a trivial amount for Aidan.
But Floria disliked the idea.
She felt ashamed that her mother and sister had come here seeking money, and she didn’t want to burden Aidan in any way.
Floria sat silently, looking at Helia.
Despite her current troubled expression, her beautiful face still shone.
Yet, there were similarities between them.
Her mother also had thin lips, just like hers.
They were blood-related family members who had lived together all their lives.
They were cultured and had never killed anyone.
They had never even gotten a drop of blood on their fingertips.
But the fact that she felt more affection for the tyrant she’d only met a month ago than for her own family might indicate something was wrong with her.
Still, Floria couldn’t help it.
Firm words escaped her lips.
“I don’t want to.
I don’t want to ask him.”
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.