I’ll Be the Heroine’s Competent Divorce Partner - Chapter 120
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 120
It was a contract we had made after all sorts of arguments in the past.
“The reason I requested to meet with you today is to explain the implementation of this contract.”
The Crown Prince spoke calmly.
Then he took out another document and placed it beside the contract.
“Let’s check this first. These are the items that have come in from the New Continent so far, and the amount converted to cash.”
“Ah, thank you.”
My eyes widened as I casually looked at the documents.
‘Wh-what is this amount? How many zeros are there?!’
It wasn’t like I had no experience handling large sums of money, but this was the first time I’d seen an amount this overwhelming…
This seriously looked like it could be half a year’s budget for a small nation?!
“5% of the profits from this amount will be distributed.”
“…”
I gulped and swallowed my dry saliva.
Even at 5%, it was truly an enormous amount.
Well, it wasn’t strange that such profits were made.
The Crown Prince had succeeded in pioneering the New Continent, accumulating vast wealth and making the Empire even more prosperous through that wealth.
Since it was an amount that would help the national finances, it was natural that even a portion would be a tremendous sum.
But when I actually witnessed all these numbers, I completely lost any sense of reality…
“Oh right, I’ve already deducted the taxes.”
But then.
The Crown Prince, who had been watching me quietly, added as if joking.
Only then did I regain some sense of reality.
‘He really is thorough.’
As I was nodding, I suddenly felt a subtle sense of unease from the Crown Prince’s words.
Wait. He said ‘I’ve already deducted’?
To my questioning gaze, the Crown Prince answered cheerfully.
“I mean that amount has already been deposited into Lady’s account. Oh, and here.”
The Crown Prince, as if just remembering, took out another thick envelope of documents.
“It contains tax-related supporting documents and the deposit certificate from the bank.”
As if saying “Tonight’s dinner is steak.”
It was just a casual voice.
“The tax office has already reviewed it, but just in case, I recommend hiring a separate lawyer to double-check.”
“…”
After being dumbfounded for a moment.
I quickly opened the document envelope.
Anyway, I wouldn’t understand the tax-related documents even if I checked them myself.
As the Crown Prince said, I could have a lawyer review them later.
What’s urgent right now is….
‘Let me check the deposit certificate first.’
I took out the deposit certificate with its ornate gold leaf embossing.
Below the endless stream of deposit amounts, the seal of Toscana Bank, the Empire’s representative bank, was stamped.
I simply couldn’t take my eyes off those numbers.
So, this enormous amount has already… been deposited into my account?!
‘My goodness, I really succeeded.’
No joke, it was enough money to leave the system without any regrets.
I could spend my entire life holed up in some resort with good water and fresh air, leisurely sipping lime mojitos.
Just as all sorts of sweet fantasies were blooming in my mind.
The Crown Prince suddenly spoke up.
“Actually, there’s one more thing I’ve prepared.”
What, what else did you prepare?
You’ve already taken care of the deposit so cleanly.
To me tilting my head in confusion, the Crown Prince calmly added.
“What if I were to bestow a title upon you, Lady?”
“Pardon?”
I doubted my ears.
But the violet eyes looking at me remained unwavering and calm.
“Currently, Lady, you’ve been expelled from the Laventess Ducal House, haven’t you. I thought that might make things inconvenient for you.”
“Th, that’s….”
Inconvenient? Of course it was.
Though I wasn’t the original Elodie, so I had no intention of remaining a ‘glamorous celebrity who enjoys parties’ like her.
Still, for conducting business, having a clear status would definitely be much better.
It would be convenient for showing my face at various events or socializing with High Society figures.
I had simply accepted that expulsion willingly as a sign of my intention to become independent from Laventess.
I had no desire whatsoever to grovel to David just to maintain my ducal daughter status.
“Do you remember what I told you before?”
“Which thing?”
“When I said I respect Lady Elodie.”
Come to think of it, that day at the Yusta Hotel when I suffered because of Marquis Bartsen.
His Highness the Crown Prince had said something while helping me.
‘Please don’t worry about what my uncle said. I truly find Lady’s actions up until now respectable.’
‘I’m not saying this because I want something. Your actions as a woman stepping into society and willingly speaking out against unreasonable things… I genuinely thought they were admirable.’
…Right, he definitely said that.
As I reflected on that day’s events, a resolute voice settled in my ears.
“I meant those words.”
“Your Highness?”
“Lady, you always go much further than I ever think. And I believe that Lady’s actions…”
The Crown Prince, who had trailed off for a moment, finished his words with emphasis.
“Could bring new winds to the rigid society of the Empire.”
Me?
It was something I had never even thought about.
Flustered, I quickly waved my hands dismissively.
“Oh my, aren’t you evaluating me too highly? I’m…”
“Lady Elodie.”
At that calm voice, I hesitated, feeling awkward for no reason.
The Crown Prince continued his words.
“You are someone who deserves to be highly evaluated.”
A calm attitude, as if simply stating facts.
In that moment, I realized.
‘I see.’
That man is sincere.
He truly… believes that I’m worthy of high evaluation.
“That’s why I want to prevent Lady from being unable to fulfill your own will due to being bound by social status.”
“What do you mean by that…”
“If you would permit it, I would like to bestow a noble title upon Lady. Would that be acceptable?”
For a moment, I even forgot to breathe.
The Crown Prince continued speaking gently.
“Fortunately, there’s sufficient justification for bestowing a title. Lady contributed to the development of the New Continent by providing a cure for the disease that was spreading through the fleet. However.”
The words that had been flowing smoothly stopped for the first time.
The Crown Prince soon let out a long sigh.
“I also think it might be burdensome for Lady in various ways. After all, noble society tends to be conservative.”
“Like our Elder Brother, you mean?”
To lighten the heavy atmosphere, I deliberately asked back playfully.
The Crown Prince, who had been serious throughout, also let out a chuckle for the first time.
“I can’t bring myself to say that’s not the case.”
The Crown Prince continued in a considerably softened tone.
“Since there’s sufficient justification, they won’t be able to openly oppose it, but there will certainly be people who disapprove. In that process, Lady might get hurt. So.”
Having started like that, the Crown Prince carefully observed my expression.
“I’d like to hear Lady’s opinion first.”
“…I…”
I clenched my hands tightly on my lap.
My mind was completely complicated.
‘Me… a title?’
It was a proposal I had never once thought about until now.
But if you asked whether I disliked receiving it…
‘As if.’
Receiving a title means that the range in which I can maneuver will become much wider.
It would be much more helpful for both my dress shop business and my social life.
And aside from such practical reasons.
‘I don’t want to lose.’
David.
Marquis Bartsen.
I don’t want to be pushed around by these narrow-minded nobles and waste the good opportunity given to me.
Running away with my tail between my legs like a frightened puppy was not an option.
However, there was one thing that bothered me.
“Won’t granting me a title become a burden for Your Highness the Crown Prince?”
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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