Chapter 176
Chapter 176
"I can't believe this town has changed so much."
The silver-haired beauty's dark eyes sparkled as she glanced around.
Despite her somewhat haggard complexion, her beauty remained undiminished—every passerby in the MacLaine estate turned to look at her at least once.
However, her sole companion, a maidservant, couldn't hide her anxiety, unlike her seemingly composed mistress.
"My lady, are you truly alright? If something were to go wrong..."
"It's fine. He still hasn't forgotten me."
"But after the annulment..."
"Of course he'd be upset—his pride was wounded. But I'm certain. That man hasn't forgotten me."
When her mistress spoke with such conviction, the maid couldn't press further.
Riina sensed the maid's skepticism but remained utterly confident.
She remembered it vividly—
"The memories I made with Prince Logan in this beautiful, tranquil place... The precious moments left in my young heart... I didn't want to throw them away like this."
That moment when she had feigned tears.
The man who had gazed at her with eyes filled with every emotion in the world.
The fact that he had clashed so fiercely with her during the annulment only proved how much he had wanted her.
At least, that was what Riina believed.
So—
"Now, check me one more time. Do I look properly distressed?"
"Yes, my lady. Your makeup and attire are perfectly prepared, just as you wished."
Even the deliberately worn-out dress, chosen to evoke sympathy, only enhanced her antique elegance.
To the maid's eyes, Riina was undeniably beautiful.
"Good. I'll reclaim MacLaine and restore my family's standing."
Her confidence didn't feel excessive—at least not to her.
Of course, whether things would truly go as she hoped remained to be seen.
"Yes, my lady. I'm sure they will."
The lack of conviction in the maid's voice probably wasn't just her imagination.
But it didn't matter.
Even if I fail to restore my family's status, simply securing a place in this household's inner quarters would be more than enough for me.
With that thought, Riina steeled herself, adopting a sorrowful expression.
From this moment on, she would perform flawlessly—until she achieved the outcome she desired.
"Who?"
"Your former fiancée, my lord. Riina Ulvs..."
"No, I know the name—but why is she here?"
"She says she has words to speak with you directly."
"Hah?"
An absurd situation.
Logan recalled the recent rumors about House Ulvs.
A family that had donated its entire fortune to the royal family, been demoted in rank, lost its ancestral lands, and was effectively exiled to a remote territory.
Considering the dire straits they were in, the eldest daughter of such a house visiting him didn't promise a pleasant reunion.
"Forget it. Dwain, handle it politely and send her away."
"She insists she won't leave until she sees you in person."
"What?"
"We can't forcibly turn away a noble guest. Using coercion might invite unnecessary rumors."
"Force begets force, but... Hmm."
Though he retorted, Logan had to concede that stirring up trouble during such a busy time was unwise.
"Fine. I'll go see what nonsense she has to say."
Whatever drivel she spouted, he could just ignore it.
With that lighthearted resolve, Logan headed to meet his former fiancée.
Creak.
As the reception room door opened, those waiting inside rose to their feet in unison.
Among them, one figure stood out unmistakably—the woman at the center.
Riina...
Her silver hair shimmered, cascading down to her waist.
Her pale, translucent skin and obsidian-black eyes complemented it perfectly.
Her delicate features were as breathtaking as ever—enough to draw admiration.
Even her haggard expression and shadowed face, unseen in the past, evoked a protective instinct.
Her beauty had a magnetic pull, making even her plain, monochrome dress seem radiant.
If only one didn't know her true nature.
Logan smirked and stepped forward.
Riina bowed her head gracefully upon seeing him.
"It's been a long time, Prince Logan."
Though her dark eyes brimmed with sorrow, her movements betrayed no hesitation.
Pitiable yet dignified—whether genuine or an act, it was impressive enough that Logan found himself nodding involuntarily.
"Indeed. It's been a while, Lady Riina. But what brings you all the way here? I can't imagine a reason worth the long journey."
Her eyes wavered slightly at his cold greeting, but her reply was smooth.
"I've come to apologize for my past discourtesy and to establish a new relationship between our houses and MacLaine."
"Hmm, a 'new relationship'? Wouldn't it be better if Count Kairan Ulvs came himself for that?"
He prodded at a sore spot, but she had anticipated it—her response came effortlessly.
"My father collapsed from overexertion while striving to restore our house. Despite his insistence on coming, I persuaded him otherwise. I'd be grateful for your understanding."
Ah. Too proud to bow his head to an old friend or his son.
Logan could understand that much.
"How unfortunate. But..."
Not wanting to prolong the conversation, Logan pressed harder.
"MacLaine has no need for House Ulvs' assistance, whether in terms of salvation or otherwise. You must already know that."
"Yes. Of course, I know."
"Then state your terms."
"Pardon?"
"You didn't come empty-handed, did you?"
She hadn't expected him to cut straight to the point.
"Ah... Yes, yes. That's right."
Her dark eyes flickered before she launched into her prepared speech.
"As you know, House Ulvs has invested heavily in restoring our standing. But we haven't lost all our competitive edge. We..."
"Keep it brief, my lady. I'm rather busy."
"...The 'connections' House Ulvs has cultivated over generations as merchants are assets far greater than material wealth."
"Hmm. But without even the minimal funds to utilize those 'great assets,' present-day Ulvs is..."
Each remark struck like a hammer to bone.
He's still sharp. I'll have to pour more emotion into this...
Riina bit her lip and bowed deeply again, her expression sorrowful.
"That's why I've come to ask for your help, Prince Logan. For old times' sake, please lend our house your aid just this once."
How much of that desperate plea is genuine?
Every gesture of hers felt like an act—Logan couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
Do I still have some lingering trauma from this woman? Or is she really just acting?
He didn't know—and didn't care to find out.
"Did you travel all this way just to say that? Your new territory is on the opposite side of the kingdom, isn't it? Why not ask someone nearby?"
Tears suddenly spilled from Riina's eyes.
She seemed startled herself, hurriedly wiping them away.
"...Ah, forgive me. I'm a bit overwhelmed."
Noticing Logan's wavering expression, she smiled inwardly while continuing mournfully.
"No one in this kingdom will aid a house that's crossed MacLaine. So, Prince Logan, please reconsider."
Seeing his crimson eyes flicker even more, Riina's lips curved slightly.
I'm certain. This man hasn't let go of me.
But—
Ugh, your tears make my skin crawl, woman.
Logan was shaken—but for the exact opposite reason Riina expected.
A beautiful woman's tears were indeed a potent weapon—just not against him.
Unconsciously rubbing his goosebump-covered arm, he sighed softly.
"'Crossed'? Weren't we just a broken engagement with compensation paid? That's all."
"Even proving that much would greatly help House Ulvs. I beg you."
Riina's face looked pitiful enough to burst into tears again at any moment.
At this rate, anyone watching would think I'm the villain.
He wanted to wipe away that face—the one that kept dredging up nightmares from his past life.
"But would that truly benefit MacLaine?"
House-to-house. Noble affairs ultimately boiled down to profit—and since there was none for him, he might as well end it here.
As expected. It won't be easy. But if I bring up marriage now, I'll look desperate. I can't do that.
Riina played another card—preparation for her next move.
"House Ulvs can use its connections to sell MacLaine's specialties worldwide, bringing you immense profit."
Logan's eyes sharpened.
"Oh?"
This was unexpected.
If she'd just offered a bribe, he would've dismissed her outright.
"Specialties? Go on."
"MacLaine's new weapons—which proved their worth in the civil war—are your true specialties, aren't they? Entrust them to House Ulvs, and we guarantee at least thirty times the production cost in profit."
"Ha...?"
"Not just within the kingdom—we have distribution networks spanning the eastern Small Kingdoms Alliance and even the western empires. Only House Ulvs can accomplish this."
So that's her game.
Logan's interest evaporated instantly.
"Let's pretend I never heard that. Have a safe trip back, Lady Riina."
He stood to leave—
"Prince Logan! For the sake of our past bond, please hear me out!"
Riina hurried forward and dropped to her knees before him.
Past bond?
Only anger surfaced at the words, making him sigh in disbelief.
Misinterpreting his reaction, Riina pressed on urgently.
"Especially those bombs—even if others see prototypes, they're disposable items they couldn't replicate. If you market them as luxury goods, MacLaine could become one of the wealthiest territories not just in the kingdom, but the world! Please reconsider!"
Her expression was the picture of sincerity.
But Logan's answer remained unchanged.
"MacLaine's weapons are not for sale, my lady."
He turned away coldly—
Good. I've made the standard proposal. Now for the real move...
With renewed determination, Riina blocked his path again.
"If that's unacceptable, I have a better offer."
"Oh?"
"I'll enter a marriage contract with you. That way, our houses can establish absolute trust and mutual benefit. What do you say?"
Her face radiated confidence.
The tearful expression from moments ago had vanished completely—replaced by utter certainty he wouldn't refuse.
Logan could only laugh at the absurdity.
"You seem to be under some delusion..."
"Huh?"
"That's an even worse offer than before. Not remotely appealing. Why would I marry you?"
Her confident facade cracked at his blunt refusal.
"Th-that's... Ah! If it's about the past, I—I'll apologize! The Douglas ducal house pressured me—I had no choice! If you want, I can show you the documents exchanged back then!"
Her sudden, unnecessary explanation made Logan snort.
"If you've nothing else to say, I'll take my leave. Safe travels, my lady."
Riina's face froze completely.
As Logan reached for the door—
"W-wait! Prince Logan!"
Her voice rose sharply, ringing through the room again.
Persistent, aren't you?
He sighed wearily—
"Prince Logan. Did you truly never love me?"
"...What?"
The unexpected question made Logan turn back incredulously.
"If—if it's because of your fiancée, I—I don't mind being a concubine! If you'll just have me, I'll do anything!"
Her mournful expression and tearful voice left him no choice but to respond with a rude laugh.
"Pfft—HAHAHA!"
Crying again?
You're truly something.
"HAHAHA—ah, sorry. Whew. Ahem. My apologies, but I'll say this to avoid any misunderstanding: I have zero interest in you, my lady."
"N-no, that can't..."
"It seems there's been some grave misunderstanding between us. I won't escort you out, but do take care, my lady."
He opened the door and bowed politely.
Riina stared at him for a long moment before finally biting her lip and fleeing the room like a startled deer.