Chapter 62
The Merchant Prince
It had been two peaceful days since Alex returned from the duchy, and for the first time in many weeks the royal palace felt calm and quiet, like a gentle garden waking up after a long storm. Soft sunshine poured through the tall palace windows, painting the marble floors in warm golden stripes that shifted and danced whenever a cloud drifted lazily across the sky. The air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the royal gardens and the faint, comforting smell of fresh bread baking in the palace kitchens. No urgent messengers rushed through the halls anymore. No sudden battles waited on the horizon. Just the gentle rhythm of everyday life—servants humming soft songs as they worked, birds singing brightly outside the windows, and the quiet happiness of a home that felt safe once more.
These two days had been strangely peaceful, like a kind gift from the Goddess herself.
Luna had already been sent to the Mage Corps Academy, a beautiful place nestled in a quiet corner of the capital where tall towers of white stone stretched toward the sky like friendly giants watching over the city. The royal mages there would guide her with gentle patience, helping her learn how to properly control and strengthen her newly awakened spirit magic. With the powerful manual Alex had given her—the one that glowed like captured starlight—her growth would surely be astonishing. Already the little girl's eyes sparkled with excitement whenever she talked about her new friends and the spirits that danced around her like playful puppies following their beloved master.
Leon had been placed under the training of the Knight Commander himself, a strong and honorable man who treated the boy almost like a little brother. Every day Leon practiced swordsmanship with fierce determination in the sunlit training yard. His small figure swung the blade again and again beneath the watchful eyes of the empire's strongest warriors. Sweat flew from his brow, and his arms trembled with effort, but his smile never faded. He was growing stronger, step by step, like a young sapling reaching bravely toward the sun.
Max, meanwhile, had finally returned to his own home to rest. After the long journey and many difficult battles, even someone as loyal and strong as Max deserved a few days of peace with his family. Alex could almost picture him now, sitting comfortably by a warm hearth with his loved ones, laughing heartily and sharing stories of their adventures under the flickering glow of firelight.
Alex walked slowly through the royal corridor, his boots making soft echoes against the smooth marble floor. Sunlight glided across the hallway like liquid gold, and colorful tapestries hanging along the walls showed scenes of brave heroes, peaceful kingdoms, and ancient dragons soaring proudly across painted skies.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Well… it's time to meet Selena."
He felt a quiet warmth rise in his chest.
After all… I should see how much she has earned.
---
Boutique Head Office
The headquarters of Alex's business stood proudly in one of the busiest districts of the imperial capital. The building itself looked elegant and lively, decorated with bright banners that fluttered like cheerful flags welcoming visitors. Large polished glass windows reflected the bustling streets outside, where merchants, carriages, and travelers moved like colorful currents in a flowing river of trade.
Inside, the building hummed with activity.
Merchants, assistants, and workers hurried through the halls carrying documents, fabrics, and packages. Their voices blended together into the pleasant sound of business and prosperity—like the cheerful hum of a marketplace filled with laughter and opportunity. The air smelled of fresh ink, sweet perfumes, and the faint magical sparkle woven into every cloth, jewel, and enchanted trinket displayed on polished shelves.
Selena stood waiting inside the main office, looking graceful and confident in her neat working dress. The moment Alex entered, she bowed politely, her eyes shining with respect and quiet happiness.
"How have you been, Selena?" Alex asked with a friendly smile that instantly warmed the room.
"Yes, I have been well, Your Highness," she replied gracefully. "How was your journey? We heard whispers of great things happening far away."
"It went well," Alex said calmly as he stepped closer. "Now I would like to see the progress you have made. You have worked so hard while I was away."
Selena nodded, her cheeks glowing with quiet pride.
"As you wish, Prince."
She opened a large, beautifully bound ledger resting on the desk and began explaining in her clear, steady voice.
"In the last two months we have expanded our boutiques into almost every important city across the empire. The business has been growing quickly, like a garden blooming under gentle spring rain. As you ordered, we have also started building a merchant trading company alongside it, with wagons ready to travel far and wide across the empire."
Alex listened carefully, his golden eyes calm and attentive.
Selena continued, pointing to the neat rows of numbers written across the pages.
"The total revenue over the past two months has reached 500,000 gold coins."
She smiled softly.
"From this amount, 200,000 gold has already been invested in opening new branches across the empire."
"Another 100,000 gold has been used to purchase supplies and beautiful merchandise."
"About 100,000 gold was spent on salaries and keeping everything running smoothly."
She gently closed the ledger, as if finishing a chapter of a satisfying story.
"That leaves us with 100,000 gold coins remaining—ready for whatever you dream next."
Alex nodded thoughtfully, a small smile touching his lips.
"Well… it's not a huge amount yet."
"But for only two months of business…"
"It's quite good."
"You have turned a simple idea into something strong and full of life."
Selena lowered her head respectfully, her cheeks flushing faintly with pride.
"You have done very well, Selena," Alex said warmly.
"I was right to choose you to manage this business."
"Your heart and hard work shine through everything you do."
But Alex continued speaking, his voice still gentle yet filled with quiet determination.
"However…"
"It is time to move forward."
Selena straightened slightly, sensing something important in the air—like the first breeze that arrives before a great journey begins.
"I want you to send a caravan to the Eastern Duchy," Alex said.
"Begin trading with them immediately. Offer them good, fair prices for wheat and other grains so the people there feel supported and hopeful."
Her eyes widened slightly with pleasant surprise.
"Then send the caravan further east," he continued calmly.
"Toward the Elven Forest."
He reached into his coat and placed a small glowing token onto the desk.
The token shimmered with soft green light, like a piece of the ancient forest captured inside crystal.
"I have their identity token."
"Show this to the elves and they will allow our merchants to enter their territory with open arms."
"Trade mana stones and other goods with them."
"In return, bring back their rare fruits and magical herbs that glow like tiny stars beneath moonlight."
Selena listened in stunned silence, her eyes widening more and more with every word.
Alex continued speaking in the same calm, thoughtful tone.
"Then send those goods to Labyrinth City, where George is currently operating."
"In Labyrinth City, purchase mana stones from other merchants as well."
"And for now…"
"Provide them with some of the basic formulas they have been requesting."
"It will help everyone grow together."
Selena stood completely still for a moment before her eyes filled with amazement and quiet admiration.
DING!
+500 SC
"You have planned that far ahead, Your Highness?" she asked softly, her voice filled with wonder.
"Do you intend to take control of the empire's entire trade network—like a guiding hand directing the rivers of gold and goods?"
Alex smiled lightly, the golden light around him glowing just a little brighter.
"Well… you could think of it that way."
"But really…"
"I simply want to make sure everyone has what they need—fair prices, good friends, and a brighter tomorrow."
Selena bowed deeply, her heart filled with loyalty and determination.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
"I will make it happen with all my care."
---
After finishing the warm discussion with Selena, Alex left the boutique headquarters and continued walking through the noble district.
The streets felt alive with gentle energy.
Colorful stalls displayed beautiful goods.
Friendly laughter echoed through the air.
Small bells chimed softly from passing carriages.
"There is still one last thing to do," he whispered to himself with a quiet smile.
A servant hurried inside a luxurious mansion nearby, his polished shoes tapping quickly against the smooth marble floor. He bowed slightly as he spoke with respectful urgency.
"Madam, Prince Alex has come to meet you."
Inside the elegant room filled with soft cushions and blooming flowers arranged in crystal vases, a beautiful young noblewoman slowly stood. Gentle sunlight poured through the tall windows, lighting the room in soft golden hues and making the colorful petals around her glow like tiny pieces of spring.
A small, happy smile appeared on her lips.
"Prince Alex has returned?"
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Let's go meet him."
---
Alex waited calmly in the sunlit garden, where rows of bright flowers nodded gently in the warm breeze and a little marble fountain sang a soft, peaceful song as clear water danced into the air and fell back down like silver rain.
Butterflies fluttered lazily between blossoms, and the scent of roses floated gently through the warm afternoon air.
When Elara Blackthrone appeared, she looked as graceful as ever. Her elegant dress flowed softly around her like delicate petals carried by the wind, and the sunlight seemed to gather around her silver jewelry like tiny stars resting on her shoulders.
"How are you, Lady Elara Blackthrone?" Alex greeted politely, his voice calm and kind.
She smiled gently, her eyes sparkling with playful warmth.
"I am well."
"I thought you had forgotten me, Prince Alex."
Alex chuckled lightly, the sound warm and relaxed.
"How could I forget someone as beautiful as you?"
"Even during my journey, I occasionally thought about you and hoped you were safe and happy."
Elara's cheeks turned slightly pink, like the soft blush of sunrise touching the horizon.
"Really, Your Highness?"
"I also thought about you every day."
Her voice softened as she continued.
"I still cannot forget how you saved me that day."
She looked at him with shy determination.
"If you wish… I could even speak to my father about it."
"We could move forward."
"I could even wait six more years for you."
Alex blinked.
For a brief moment he felt completely lost.
…What is she talking about?
Why is she rambling about marriage?
Well… forget it.
"Lady Elara," Alex said quickly but kindly, trying to guide the conversation back to safer ground, "today I actually came here for business."
Elara tilted her head slightly.
She looked a little disappointed, though her gentle smile remained.
"Business?"
"Yes."
Alex nodded calmly.
"I need your help."
"I want you to use your influence and help Selena obtain trading rights for mana stones."
"It would mean the world to our plans."
Elara blinked in surprise.
Then she laughed softly, the sound light and sweet like silver bells ringing in the breeze.
"Well… you are still a child after all."
"You will probably need another three or four years to understand those kinds of matters."
She gave him a graceful smile filled with playful teasing.
"But this request is very easy."
"I will arrange it immediately."
Alex nodded gratefully.
"Thank you."
"Then I'll take my leave."
---
As Alex walked away from the mansion, the warm sunlight slowly faded into the softer glow of evening.
A familiar notification suddenly appeared before his eyes, glowing faintly in the air like a quiet whisper from somewhere beyond the world.
System Notification
Host, I think you are truly becoming a villain.
Alex frowned slightly.
"What do you mean?"
The system responded calmly, its tone sounding almost teasing.
"Even the Goddess says you are very skilled at using women for your plans."
"You keep using their feelings as tools."
"The Goddess says if you continue treating their hearts like playthings… she may strike you with a very gentle but firm reminder."
Alex blinked in disbelief.
He rubbed his forehead slowly with a small sigh.
"…What?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
For a moment he simply stared ahead.
Then he shook his head slightly and let out a quiet laugh.
"Well… forget it."
He looked toward the distant horizon where the sun was slowly setting behind the tall city walls, painting the sky in soft colors of pink, gold, and fading orange.
The evening wind brushed gently across the streets, carrying with it the distant sounds of the capital settling down for the night.
The pieces are moving perfectly now.
It's time to find the rest of the main character's companions.
And then…
His eyes grew calm and determined.
We will wipe out the Eclipse Covenant completely.
The wind carried the promise of new adventures ahead, whispering softly through the streets like a secret waiting to be discovered.
And Alex walked forward with a light but confident heart.
Ready for whatever the light would bring next.