The carriage passed by a park.
The crimson glow of the setting sun reflected off the pristine white snow, like the heated skin of a young girl stirred by emotion.
Much like the faint flush on Eileen's cheeks at this very moment.
"You're telling an outsider like me all this so clearly—won't that be a problem?" Ron turned to look at Eileen.
"Many people are already aware of this. The Christine family has never avoided or concealed it. A ducal house has the confidence to be open about such things."
Eileen explained calmly, "It's no different from an ordinary transaction. Promising talents marry a woman from the ducal family, which is equivalent to stamping a brand on themselves. In return, the family can confidently allocate certain resources to support them."
"When these individuals gain power and wealth, they, in turn, feed resources back to the Christine family. It's a win-win arrangement."
Ron rested his elbow on the window frame, lightly tapping his fingers against the edge. "If your father really proposes this tonight, and I agree… would you truly marry me?"
"Of course. That is my responsibility." Eileen spoke gracefully. "Besides, if the person is Your Highness Ron… at the very least, I don't dislike it."
Ron's expression faltered slightly. He withdrew his gaze from the passing scenery and studied Eileen from head to toe, as though seeing her anew.
The Eileen he had known before was merely Mia's etiquette teacher and best friend.
The one he had just come to know was Eileen Christine, a member of the Christine family.
Having arrived in this other world only three or four months ago, Ron felt unqualified to pass judgment on such family systems. In the end, he stroked his chin and quipped jokingly:
"So my charm has already reached this level?"
His muttered confusion echoed inside the carriage.
From the carriage passing the park came the restrained, lilting laughter of a young woman.
Half an hour later, the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Christine Count's residence.
The Duke of the Eastern Territory was already advanced in age and had long since retired to his eastern lands. Affairs in the Royal Capital had been handed over to his sons and daughters.
Hodge Christine, as the duke's son, had been granted the title of count upon reaching adulthood and possessed his own estate in the Royal Capital.
Ron followed Eileen out of the carriage. Led by attendants and maids, they made their way to the dining hall.
Hodge, in the prime of his life both physically and mentally, stepped out to personally greet Ron at the entrance.
"Your Highness Ron." Hodge, with his sharp wine-red short hair, greeted him proactively.
"Count Hodge." Ron returned the courtesy.
After exchanging polite pleasantries, Hodge led Ron to the dining table and arranged for Eileen to sit beside him.
Ron and Eileen exchanged a subtle glance. Thinking back to their earlier conversation in the carriage, the current situation felt rather amusing.
Noticing the eye contact between the two, Count Hodge raised a brow slightly, inwardly quite satisfied with Eileen's performance.
After taking his seat, Ron chatted casually with Count Hodge, while Eileen listened quietly, occasionally chiming in.
Before long, two maids carried over a large pot and placed it on the table.
Seeing the red inscriptions engraved on the pot, Ron's eyelid twitched.
Why were these people all the same?
What a waste!
If they had too many fire-element stones, they could've just given them to him!
Why waste them on a hotpot?
Why was everyone's first instinct in showing goodwill to him to treat him to hotpot?
He had invented the thing himself—he could eat it anytime he wanted. Now that he was a guest at their house, couldn't they at least serve some exotic mountain and sea delicacies so he could experience the extravagant life of great nobles?
Ron grumbled inwardly.
Outwardly, however, he put on a satisfied expression, eating hotpot while conversing with Count Hodge.
Count Hodge was an exceptionally articulate man. Each time a topic was about to grow dull, he would deftly introduce a new one. It was clear that someone capable of taking over most of the family's industries from the duke was no ordinary figure.
Only after several rounds of drinks, when both were slightly tipsy, did Count Hodge casually ask, as if offhandedly, "Since Your Highness arrived in the Royal Capital, have you encountered any troubles these past few days?"
Ron's mind sharpened. He knew the main act of the evening was only just beginning.
Still, he maintained a calm demeanor and joked lightly, "There are indeed some problems… For example, out of my seven wives, I've only met one so far. I miss the others dearly."
Eileen covered her mouth and laughed softly.
Count Hodge was momentarily taken aback before laughing as well. "With Your Highness's status, if you wished, why stop at seven wives?"
"No, no. One shouldn't be too greedy in life." Ron shook his head. "At the moment, I have my heart set on only one person."
When he heard the first half, Count Hodge's expression shifted slightly. But upon hearing the latter half, he felt reassured, his tone becoming more relaxed.
"Your Highness's character is something I truly admire."
"I heard that Eileen has been helping Your Highness select shop locations recently. I wonder if she has been of any assistance?"
The topic had finally been drawn in.
Ron stopped circling and said slowly, "Eileen has helped me greatly. Unfortunately, those shops were all purchased in advance."
"Oh? Such a thing?" Count Hodge raised a brow. "Someone is deliberately targeting Your Highness, perhaps?"
"Perhaps." Ron took a sip of wine, appearing indifferent.
Count Hodge was somewhat surprised. He had expected Ron to be angry. Nevertheless, he continued, "So Your Highness has yet to secure a suitable shop?"
"That's right."
"I see…" Count Hodge revealed a thoughtful expression before speaking again. "I happen to own several excellent shops. If Your Highness is interested, perhaps we could cooperate?"
The dining table suddenly fell silent.
Ron looked at Count Hodge. All he could see on the man's face was sincerity and goodwill.
"How does the count propose we cooperate? I could purchase one of the shops."
"No, no. If it were merely that, it would be nothing more than a transaction—not cooperation."
"Then what does the count have in mind?"
"I can provide you with a shop free of charge. Whether on Central Street of Peace Square, Triumph Avenue, Queen's Street, or Moonview Street by Lake Impash, you may choose as you please. I guarantee your satisfaction."
Ron took another sip of wine and waited quietly for him to continue.
"I can also provide communication channels with the major forces, helping you promote the plants from Ron's Wonderful Flower Shop to the desks of every high-ranking figure."
"If Your Highness requires it, the Christine family can assist you in the large-scale cultivation of those plants. Across the vast lands of the Eastern Territory, duke, you may personally select suitable soil."
"Furthermore, the incidents you encountered today will never happen again."
After Count Hodge finished speaking, silence once again settled over the table, broken only by the bubbling sound of the hotpot.
After a long while, Ron picked up his chopsticks, placed several slices of fatty beef into the pot, and, through the white steam, looked at Count Hodge.
In a soft voice, he asked:
"And what would be the price?"