Page 364 of The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen

Wolfgang Rui sat with a grim expression, waiting for the Crown Prince, his mind racing.

‘The rumors must have reached him...’

After all, an unfortunate event had occurred. Wolfgang knew the Crown Prince’s attitude would likely change. Perhaps today’s audience would even be canceled, he thought as he clenched his eyes shut in the heavy silence.

“Damn it...”

The western sea had frozen over. The western canal, the Empire’s largest trade route, where tens of millions of gold moved daily, had completely iced up.

The canal showed no signs of thawing, and the losses were staggering. Merchants’ cries over the lost time—and money—had traveled beyond the west and reached the capital, and now, the responsibility had landed squarely on him.

Wolfgang wanted nothing more than to rush back to the west to find a solution, but with this imminent meeting, he was stuck, only able to sigh in frustration.

‘It must be Desmund... There’s no other family capable of pulling such a stunt.’

As much as he wanted revenge, an appointment with the future Emperor was not something he could afford to miss, even for the world. He had to keep his emotions in check; only then could he properly enact his vengeance against Desmund.

‘Just wait... I’ll repay this humiliation in full.’

Smoothing his hair back, Wolfgang strained to find a way out of this tangled situation. Revenge on Desmund and a way to sidestep the blame.

In time, public sentiment would inevitably shift back.

Western commoners were on Wolfgang’s side, and with a few charity projects, the issue would blow over.

What truly concerned him was the Crown Prince’s knowledge of the western situation.

To the Crown Prince, who was looking for families to strengthen the royal power, this incident would be a prime opportunity.

The door creaked open, cutting through his thoughts. Wolfgang’s eyes widened as he saw who had entered without a knock.

‘He’s here...’

The future Emperor of the Empire strolled in, a radiant smile gracing his face as he approached Wolfgang.

Wolfgang quickly rose and bowed deeply to the Crown Prince.

“Wolfgang Rui, gatekeeper of the west, greets the Empire’s rising sun.”

The Crown Prince acknowledged Wolfgang’s greeting with a nod.

“It’s been a while.”

The maid brought tea adorned with golden emblems for the Crown Prince, whereas Wolfgang’s cup was plain, a stark reminder of their power dynamic. Wolfgang’s jaw tightened as he took in the sight.

‘He knows.’

Before the western disaster, Wolfgang had planned to address the Crown Prince as an equal, knowing the Crown Prince’s position was precarious despite his title.

Even though the eldest son was traditionally next in line, other princes were rapidly expanding their power, meaning if the Crown Prince ascended without strong alliances, he would be reduced to a mere figurehead. The Crown Prince was surely aware of this.

Yet, because of the chaos in the west, all his plans had fallen apart.

Forcing a smile, Wolfgang greeted him once more.

“Ah... I misspoke. Wolfgang Rui, gatekeeper of the west, greets the Empire’s radiant sun.”

“Pfft! I’m not even Emperor yet, and already you call me the sun? The Marquis seems to have his heart set on the future Emperor.”

The Crown Prince’s smile widened, his golden eyes sparkling.

“...”

Those eyes, capable of discerning truth from lies, seemed to coil around Wolfgang like a serpent, seeking to peer into his soul.

‘Stay calm...’

Wolfgang inhaled deeply, forcing his mind to focus.

The Crown Prince had arranged this meeting because he, too, had something to gain. Wolfgang steadied himself, determined to focus on the transaction at hand.

They were both here for mutual benefit—Wolfgang for access to the capital, the Crown Prince for unwavering support upon ascending the throne.

The Crown Prince took a slow breath and held his tea, breaking the silence.

“I heard something happened in the west. Is everything all right, Marquis?”

“It’s nothing serious.”

“From the rumors I’ve heard, it doesn’t sound like a minor issue. Shouldn’t you be there right now?”

“I assure Your Highness, I will ensure you have nothing to worry about regarding this.”

“Hm. It doesn’t seem to be a lie.”

The Crown Prince murmured, amused.

“If I were to request the Imperial mages to lend assistance, could they be of use to you...?”

Wolfgang clenched his fists as he considered the Crown Prince’s offer. He was testing him. Accepting the Crown Prince’s hand could mean surrendering too much control. Forcing a smile, Wolfgang shook his head.

“There’s no need, Your Highness. The matter in the west can be handled by the west. Your Highness’s concern for its safety alone will help us overcome this hardship.”

The Crown Prince nodded with a satisfied smile.

“If that’s your stance, then so be it.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“Hm... yes...”

Wolfgang’s breath caught. He had underestimated the Crown Prince, thinking him a mere idle figurehead. But his shrewd words and probing offer had proven otherwise. The Crown Prince was, in fact, a rope Wolfgang needed to grasp to reach greater heights.

With his hand over his heart, Wolfgang addressed the Crown Prince.

“Wolfgang has always respected Your Highness’s dedication to the Empire’s prosperity. Entrusting this issue to Wolfgang and prioritizing your health would be the west’s honor.”

The Crown Prince sipped his tea and replied.

“Then you will be able to trust me more if you stay closer, won’t you?”

A smile crept across Wolfgang’s face, his doubts transforming into certainty that this meeting would indeed go in his favor.

The Crown Prince leaned forward slightly, suggesting a change of topic.

“Now, let’s set aside the dull matters and move on to something constructive.”

Wolfgang carefully lifted his cup, mirroring the Crown Prince’s smile.

“Agreed.”

The Crown Prince /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ began to speak, precisely addressing the very concerns Wolfgang harbored. He started discussing the issues in the west and what would be most beneficial for the region.

“I see the west in a positive light. Unlike other nobles, you don’t encroach on other territories. You stay in your place.”

“A well-behaved guard dog, after all, is one the master can love.”

The Crown Prince laughed heartily.

“Haha! You’re quite the wit, Marquis. So, in essence, you’re saying Wolfgang is a guard dog.”

“If my master, who provides me with food and shelter, asks me to be a dog, how could I refuse?”

“This is why I like you, Marquis.”

With a faint smirk, the Crown Prince addressed Wolfgang.

“So... how are things in the west?”

“Always peaceful and dedicated to the Empire’s prosperity.”

“Marquis, I’d like to make sure such a good dog becomes mine sooner rather than later.”

The Crown Prince’s words made Wolfgang’s heart race with excitement. Favorable signs were aligning.

He had initially thought he’d have to pay dearly for this outcome, but the Crown Prince’s unexpectedly warm response encouraged him to keep his calm and replied in a tone that implied he was open to assistance if offered.

“I didn’t want Your Highness to be troubled with minor distractions, but alas, nature isn’t something we can control.”

“Indeed. Who can control nature? Even the greatest mages cannot overcome it.”

“Exactly.”

“So, what’s most urgently needed right now? With the canal frozen, I imagine the losses are significant.”

“The canal will be restored within ten days. My only concern is that a loyal dog has been wounded by another’s hand.”

The Crown Prince gave a small smile at Wolfgang’s words.

“Desmund, isn’t it?”

“You knew?”

“I have many eyes in the capital. If it’s Desmund... you’ll need proof to take him down.”

“...”

Seeing Wolfgang’s expression tense, the Crown Prince smiled reassuringly.

“No need to look so troubled. I’ll handle Desmund.”

“How would you manage Desmund?”

“If there’s no evidence, we’ll simply make some, don’t you think?”

“Your Highness...! I didn’t hear that.”

“Strange... the Marquis’s face seems livelier with such a suggestion.”

The Crown Prince looked at him and said.

“I’ll ask my father to assign Desmund to a subjugation team for that western beast.”

“You mean...?”

“The beast is said to be quite fierce, yes?”

“It is.”

“Then the death of a grand mage would be a regrettable but possible tragedy, no?”

“Indeed.”

With a trembling heart, Wolfgang asked the Crown Prince.

“Desmund may not cooperate so easily.”

“Dogs must obey the Emperor’s command, don’t they? We’ll just offer an appealing position to sway him.”

“...Understood.”

“Leave that part to me.”

The Crown Prince, looking relaxed, gazed out the window at the vast estate outside. For a noble’s residence, it was grandiose to the point of excess.

“Any dog that bites its master must be put down.”

“...”

“Isn’t that right, Marquis?”

“Of course.”

Elsewhere, Olivia was idly picking her nose as she watched Ricardo.

“Ricardooo...”

“Yes, my lady?”

“What are you doing?”

“Oh...”

Ricardo smiled.

“Would you like to go on a trip?”

“Hmm?”

“I suddenly have a desire to see a lady in a bikini.”

He said with a mischievous grin, his expression full of playful intent.