[IFITAOAMV] Chapter 23

“How goes your business these days? I’ve heard rumours of a new product launch soon,” Genoa inquired, steering the conversation toward a subject of mutual interest.

“That is precisely what I came to discuss with you, Your Highness,” the Duke responded eagerly, as if he had been waiting for this moment. He presented a luxurious ebony box to the prince.

“I’ve brought this directly to you and His Majesty as soon as it was ready,” the Duke said, his tone dripping with anticipation.

At a subtle gesture from Genoa, an attendant stepped forward and carefully opened the box. A radiant glow immediately spilled out, illuminating the room.

“A wristwatch?” Genoa asked, intrigued by the shimmering object inside.

“Yes, Your Highness, a groundbreaking invention. No more need to fumble with pocket watches; you can check the time with just a glance at your wrist,” the Duke explained, his pride evident as he spoke.

Genoa barely listened to the details, more focused on the watch itself as he picked it up and placed it on his left wrist. The cool touch of the platinum watch band sent a small shiver up his arm.

“Simply fasten the clasp here, and it will stay securely on your wrist,” the Duke instructed, watching as the prince followed his directions. The sapphire and diamond embellishments on the watch sparkled brilliantly with each movement.

“This was crafted by the Empire’s finest jeweller, Karinan. Isn’t it magnificent?” the Duke added, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

The watch was indeed the most beautiful and extravagant timepiece Genoa had ever seen.

*As expected of the Shavini family, masters of wealth,* Genoa mused. Though the Peyton family, with their mines, held significant financial power, the Shavini family excelled in the business realm, always a step ahead.

“Only the Shavini family could produce something of this calibre,” Genoa remarked.

“It is an honour to have Your Highness recognize our work,” the Duke responded with a respectful nod.

“These gems appear to be of the highest quality. Did they come from the Peyton duchy?”

“Yes, they did,” the Duke admitted, but the mention of Peyton noticeably dampened his previously jubilant expression.

Genoa’s lips twitched in amusement at the Duke’s barely concealed discomfort.

“How reassuring it is to know that the Empire’s two greatest ducal houses control the continent’s gemstone industry. The future of the Empire is bright,” Genoa said, a hint of irony in his tone.

“...Indeed,” the Duke replied, forcing a smile.

Genoa idly stroked the wristwatch as he observed the Duke. The Shavini and Peyton families were both deeply entrenched in the gemstone trade, with Shavini focusing on gem cutting and Peyton on mining. Though rivals, the two houses were also interdependent—a fact Genoa planned to exploit to strengthen his own power.

The prophecy he had discreetly leaked served as part of this strategy.

Genoa’s sharp eyes gleamed with hidden intent.

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The Duke of Shavini headed straight to his study upon returning to his mansion in the capital. His aide, Nilson, followed closely behind.

“How did your meeting with the Crown Prince go?” Nilson inquired.

“Not everything I wanted, but I achieved some results,” the Duke replied as he settled behind his desk.

“It seems the gift you prepared was well received,” Nilson noted.

“The gift was a success. Both the Emperor and the Crown Prince were clearly impressed,” the Duke said, recalling their reactions.

“Being the first on the continent to own such a groundbreaking invention would certainly satisfy their need for prestige,” Nilson remarked. The “Charlotte” brand was the crown jewel of the Shavini family’s jewellery business.

“Now, we just need to ensure we recoup the cost of that watch,” the Duke added, rubbing his thumb and forefinger together with a sly grin.

“Did he say anything about marriage?” Nilson asked.

“Strangely enough, he mentioned that he’s planning to start looking for a crown princess.”

“That is excellent news! It’s what we’ve been waiting for,” Nilson said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Indeed,” the Duke agreed. They had been currying favor with the Emperor and the Crown Prince for some time, all in anticipation of securing the position of crown princess for the Duke’s daughter.

“Do you think he’s found the one mentioned in the prophecy?” Nilson asked, his eyes sharp behind his spectacles.

“The Crown Prince did say he intends to find his destined partner,” the Duke replied.

“It seems he has interpreted the prophecy,” Nilson concluded.

*The prophecy.* The Duke had spent a fortune in both money and manpower to uncover its details. When they had finally succeeded, the Duke had been elated.

*‘Find the owner of the jewel. Win her heart to gain salvation.’* 

It was clear why the prophecy was believed to refer to the crown princess—the mention of “her” made it obvious.

Moreover, the prophecy seemed tailor-made for the Shavini family. When it came to jewels, the Shavinis reigned supreme, and the Duke had a daughter of similar age to the Crown Prince.