"I pick this one."
Upon seeing it, Andarc furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
There were dozens of diamond mines, emerald mines, and many more, yet, why did the Prince pick a colliery?
Shifting his gaze towards the young boy seated across from him, Andarc took in his appearance.
The Prince exuded undeniable handsomeness that was hard to ignore.
His cold cerulean eyes contrasted against his white hair, lending an air of stoicism to his face.
Andarc heard rumors about the Second Prince's cold personality, but seeing him in person only reinforced that notion.
Adrian's demeanor lacked warmth or friendliness, as he simply nodded his head in acknowledgment, without even a hint of a smile.
However, despite his reserved nature, he did not display any rudeness either.
Furthermore, the young Prince's maturity was truly remarkable, especially considering his tender age of ten.
Andarc couldn't help but be impressed by his understanding of the intricacies of the political world.
The way Adrian inquired about Andarc's faction indicated a deep comprehension of how politics operated, leaving Andarc in awe of his knowledge and insight.
If circumstances were different, Andarc would have eagerly welcomed Adrian into his family.
The Prince's remarkable qualities and maturity made him an ideal candidate for a son-in-law.
Nevertheless, their differing factions made any possibility of marriage between them impossible.
Andarc's heart sank as he reflected on the missed opportunity, a tinge of sadness washing over him.
Brushing off the distraction, he redirected his attention to the task at hand.
He couldn't help but question the Prince's motives for choosing a colliery over the more lucrative gem mines.
Was Adrian intentionally opting for a less conspicuous option to avoid drawing attention from the neutral faction?
With a heavy sigh, Andarc decided to voice his thoughts.
"Your Highness, there's no need to be humble. You have the authority to choose any mine, even the most profitable ones."
To Andarc's surprise, Adrian shook his head, his expression firm and resolute.
"No. I picked this one."
Adrian didn't give a fuck about those gem mines; his decision to choose the colliery was not without reason.
It held a significant connection to the invention he was about to create.
Nevertheless, his rejection only further deepened Andarc's confusion.
Summoning his courage, the man pressed further.
"Your Highness, could you reconsider your decision?"
"…"
Adrian shut his mouth.
Initially, Andarc offered him the freedom to choose any mine; however, when he selected a colliery, the man advised him to reconsider his decision.
'What the hell is wrong with his head?'
After a moment of silence, Adrian eventually gave his answer.
"No."
Andarc couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and admiration for the young Prince.
Their conversation had transformed into a battle of wills, with neither party willing to back down.
"Are you certain, Your Highness?"
"I am."
As an idea struck him, Andarc made one last attempt to sway Adrian's decision.
"Your Highness, a few months ago, I stumbled upon a mine during an investigation. To my surprise, it turned out to be a mine filled with Magic Stones."
Adrian arched an eyebrow, he was dumbfounded as to why the Duke suddenly brought this up.
Nonetheless, he decided to listen anyway.
"Your Highness, this mine is truly extraordinary. Magic Stones are exceedingly rare and valuable, possessing immense magical properties that are highly sought after throughout the continent. If word of this discovery spreads, people will undoubtedly flock to it in hopes of obtaining these precious stones."
"I see."
"..."
Andarc was left speechless, his mouth slightly agape, as he tried to process the young prince's lackluster response.
Any rational individual would comprehend the greater worth of the Magic Stone mine in contrast to a mere colliery.
So why was the Prince so resolute in his pursuit of the less valuable option?
Considering Adrian's persistence, Andarc decided to follow suit.
"Then I shall bestow the Magic Stone mine upon Your Highness—"
"Wait. I apologize for interrupting, but I must decline. I am only interested in acquiring the colliery."
With a weary sigh, Andarc attempted once again to reason with the young prince.
"Your Highness, how can I possibly present you with a colliery mine that yields the lowest profit as a gift?"
"I don't mind it, and you don't have to worry either. I will ensure that the price of coal rises in the future."
When the thing he was going to invent materialized, the price of coal would undoubtedly soar.
Andarc couldn't help but be impressed by the young prince's ambition; however, he also doubted the feasibility of such a plan.
After all, Adrian was just a 10-year-old boy.
How much influence could he truly have over the coal market?
Acknowledging the prince's determination, he decided to play along.
"That's an admirable goal, Your Highness. However, I regret to inform you that my decision is final: I have decided to bestow upon Your Highness the Magic Stone mine."
"…"
Adrian was utterly speechless by now.
Yeah, just like daughters, like fathers.
He now understood where that little, annoying girl inherited her stubbornness from.
"Your Highness, the value of my daughter's well-being far surpasses that of all these mines. I sincerely hope you comprehend the depth of my gratitude."
He understood Andarc's love for his daughter, but why did he change his gift?
Adrian really wanted that colliery!
With a defeated sigh, Adrian mustered up his gratitude and spoke, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation.
"…thank you so much for your generosity, Duke Florance"
Andarc let out a victorious smile, pleased with the outcome, and nodded in acknowledgment.
"You're welcome, Your Highness."
Adrian couldn't help but lament his loss as he looked at the colliery certificate in the folder.
'Damn! I can't believe I missed the opportunity to acquire a colliery mine right before my very own eyes!'
Fuck.
It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Shortly, Andarc rose from his seat, his smile still adorning his face as he prepared to take his leave.
"It seems I have taken up a lot of your time. Thank you so much for graciously sparing your valuable time with me, Your Highness."
"You are welcome."
"I will reach out to Your Highness once the document for the transfer of ownership is prepared for signing."
"I understand."
As they concluded their conversation, Adrian guided Andarc towards the entrance of the dormitory, their steps echoing softly in the corridor.
With a final exchange of farewells, Andarc ascended into his waiting carriage and went on his way.
When the sight of the carriage was no longer visible, Ferdinand, who had been standing behind him, asked.
"Your Highness, would you like something to eat?"
Adrian shook his head in response.
"No, I will be returning to the Academy as I have made a promise to my classmate."
Thanks to the Duke's unexpected visit, he had to abruptly leave his study group with his classmates and rush over here.
"I understand."
Thereafter, Adrian returned to the library at the Academy, his mind abuzz with plans on how he could use the mine to pave his way to wealth.
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