[IFITAOAMV] Chapter 24

“But then, why did he mention the Peyton family?” the Duke wondered aloud.

“Did he suggest them as a candidate for the crown princess?” Nilson asked, surprised.

Nilson's expression immediately hardened. "So, the Crown Prince might be weighing his options between the two ducal houses?"

"Precisely. Though outwardly he appears gentle, the Crown Prince is far more meticulous and cunning than even the Emperor," the Duke remarked. 

"He praised our watches but then inquired specifically about the source of the gemstones used in them," the Duke continued, a thoughtful frown settling on his features.

"An intentional mention, no doubt," Nilson agreed, his tone grave.

"The Peyton family does own mines, making it easy to tie them to the prophecy. And their daughter is around the same age as ours," the Duke mused.

"But the true owner of the jewels is the Shavini family. Simply mining the stones doesn’t make them jewels—without the art of refinement, they’re nothing more than rocks," the Duke declared firmly.

"Of course. Only with skilled craftsmanship and sophisticated design does a gemstone's true value shine," Nilson agreed, his words echoing the Duke's sentiments.

"Which is why the crown princess must be our Lilian. It's time to set the plans we’ve prepared into motion," the Duke decided, his tone resolute.

It was clear that the Crown Prince was playing the two ducal houses against each other, but the Duke was determined to prove that the Shavini family was the true master of jewels.

"I'll see to it immediately," Nilson replied, a sharp gleam in his eyes as he adjusted his glasses.

Just then, a light knock came at the door.

"Father, may I come in?" a cheerful voice called from the other side.

The Duke's stern expression softened at the sound of his daughter's voice. "Come in, Lilian."

The door opened, and a young woman with a sweet demeanor entered, her white hair shimmering with a faint silver hue as it cascaded around her. 

"I heard you returned from the palace, and I couldn’t wait to see you," Lilian said, smiling as she hurried over to her father’s side. Her fair cheeks dimpled adorably as she grinned.

Nilson, watching the warm interaction between father and daughter, discreetly excused himself and left the room.

"Come, sit here," the Duke said, patting the seat beside him on the sofa.

Lilian quickly took the seat next to him and looped her arm through his, causing the Duke's heart to melt with affection.

"Did everything go well at the palace? Did His Majesty like our new product?" Lilian asked, her light blue eyes—so similar to her father's—sparkling with curiosity.

"He was quite pleased. He even praised the Shavini family for its exceptional work," the Duke replied, pride evident in his voice.

"Thank goodness. I was so worried about it," Lilian confessed, letting out a relieved sigh.

"You worried over nothing. Charlotte is the finest brand on the continent," the Duke reassured her.

"I know, but winning the Emperor’s favour isn’t just about quality," Lilian pointed out, revealing the sharp intellect and perceptiveness that she had inherited from her father.

The Duke felt a surge of pride in his daughter’s intelligence, but also a twinge of melancholy at how quickly she had grown up.

"Most of all, I was worried that you’d be upset if His Majesty didn’t like it," Lilian added, resting her head gently on her father's shoulder, her round eyes drooping slightly in concern.

"Lilian, you don’t need to worry about that. Do I really seem so fragile to you?" the Duke asked, a playful tone creeping into his voice.

"No, you’re the strongest person in the world. You know how much I rely on you," Lilian replied with a bashful smile, her adoration for her father clear.

The Duke couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head fondly at his daughter’s words.

"I also met with the Crown Prince today and presented him with a gift," the Duke mentioned, noting how Lilian’s eyes lit up at the mention of the prince.

*She’s so easily smitten by him,* the Duke thought to himself, silently clucking his tongue.

"Did Your Highness like it as well? Being platinum, it must

"Yes, it suited Her Highness quite well."

"If I had known you were going to see Her Highness, I would have gone with you. Why didn’t you tell me?"

The duke chuckled at her sulky expression. 

"Raising a child really does seem futile sometimes," he thought, surprised at Lillian's reaction.

"Are you blaming your father now?" he asked, pretending to be hurt.

Lillian, startled by his expression, quickly embraced him. 

"No, it’s just that it’s been so long since I last saw Her Highness, and I was curious if the watch would suit her, so I felt a bit disappointed."

The fleeting disappointment the duke had felt melted away like snow as he watched his daughter smile with her dimples showing. 

"That being said, I have good news for you," he announced.

Lillian's eyes widened with anticipation. 

"It seems Her Highness is finally going to choose the Crown Princess."

"Really?"

When the duke nodded, Lillian clasped her flushed cheeks with both hands. 

"Father, does that mean I will become the Crown Princess?"

The duke had already informed her about the prophecy.

"Of course. It has been your dream since you were a child. I will make sure it happens."

"You're the best, Father. I love you."

As Lillian threw her arms around him, the duke embraced her, smiling contentedly. 

"The Crown Princess must be our Lillian," he thought with a determined gleam in his eyes.

***