The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 18: Night of the Trap ☆

Chapter 18: Night of the Trap ☆

“Earl Silver, welcome.”

Duke Granblue entered the guest room, smiling at Earl Silver, who rose to greet him.

The earl was a middle-aged man with a rugged face, his eyes exuding intelligence and confidence.

His appearance suggested a successful businessman rather than a typical noble.

“Duke Granblue, I’m honored by your invitation.”

Earl Silver bowed deeply.

“It was a splendid dinner.”

“I sent an invitation, but we hadn’t received a reply…”

“A sudden change in plans—my apologies.”

The earl said with apparent regret.

“But I thought I could visit as the party was winding down…”

“No, I’m grateful you came at this late hour.”

The duke invited the earl to a fine chair and sat across from him.

The butler poured wine and quietly left the room.

“I heard this concerns financing…”

As the duke broached the subject, the earl raised a hand lightly.

“Before that.”

He glanced at the door.

“My adopted daughter should have arrived as well. May I have her greet you?”

“Of course.”

The duke was slightly surprised but agreed.

The door opened, and a young woman entered.

Lydia Silver.

The duke had glimpsed her at the party, but seeing her up close, her beauty took his breath away.

Golden hair, clear blue eyes, elegant poise.

She was perhaps sixteen or seventeen, yet her demeanor carried a refined maturity.

“Duke Granblue, it’s an honor to meet you.”

Lydia performed a flawless curtsy.

The duke instinctively stood, bowing courteously in return.

“Miss Lydia, my apologies for the late hour.”

“What a remarkable adopted daughter.”

The duke spoke sincerely.

“Her refinement as a lady is impeccable.”

“Thank you.”

Earl Silver was visibly proud.

“She is my pride.”

The duke invited Lydia to sit, and the three sipped wine while chatting.

“Duke Granblue, have you observed the recent trade trends among the five great nations?”

Lydia asked, setting her wine glass down gently.

“Yes, it’s been a matter of concern.”

The duke showed interest.

“The elves of the Brune Empire raised the export tax on magic crystals by 30%, significantly impacting our human nations’ precision magical device manufacturing.”

Lydia spoke in an analytical tone.

“My father says this is due to a secret agreement with the Darnia Duchy. They’re protecting their markets while reducing dependence on human nations.”

The duke raised an eyebrow.

“A sharp perspective. Few nobles see that far.”

“Economics is like magic—beneath surface phenomena lies a complex flow of power.”

She smiled.

“Have you noticed Skarge Kingdom’s iron ore suddenly flooding the market at low prices?”

“Yes, our blacksmiths seem pleased…”

“On the surface, yes, but this could deal a long-term blow to the Mountain Kingdom’s dwarven mines.”

Lydia traced a map on the table with her fingertip.

“If Skarge lowers prices short-term, some dwarven mines will become unprofitable and close. Once they’ve secured market share, Skarge will raise prices again—with fewer competitors.”

“An economic war, then.”

The duke nodded, impressed.

“And we can’t overlook the Elmalia Federation’s currency devaluation.”

Lydia continued.

“Their currency, the ‘Shell,’ dropped 15%, boosting exports of seafood and specialties. It appears as natural market fluctuation, but…”

“Deliberate manipulation?”

“The beastmen’s instincts are sharp.”

Lydia replied sagely.

“They’ve accurately predicted our declining food self-sufficiency and are positioning for future price surges. In five years, about 20% of our food supply will depend on Elmalia.”

“That serious?”

The duke fell into thought.

“Yet, these international economic maneuvers create new opportunities.”

Lydia shifted to an optimistic tone.

“For instance, investing in mana conversion technology. If my father’s magic crystal efficiency technology succeeds, it could offset the Brune Empire’s tax hike and restore our human nations’ technological edge.”

“I wasn’t aware of such technology.”

The duke showed keen interest.

“Conventional magic crystals lose 30% of their energy during use, but the new technology reduces that to under 10%.”

Lydia explained confidently.

“In numbers, the same amount of crystal yields about 28% more effect.”

“That’s… highly intriguing.”

“And the true strength isn’t just efficiency.”

Lydia lowered her voice.

“Military applications could extend magical cannon range by 1.5 times. Of course, peaceful uses come first, but… intimidation is a key diplomatic tool, isn’t it?”

The duke stared, clearly impressed by her insight.

“Miss Lydia, your knowledge and perception are astonishing. Even royal advisors might not grasp the situation so clearly.”

“Your praise is too kind.”

Lydia bowed politely.

“I’ve only been taught by my father that ‘true power lies in information.’ Reading the world’s movements and staying one step ahead is how a small nation or earldom survives.”

“Speaking of which, Duke Granblue, I hear you collect magic stones.”

Lydia sipped her wine, smiling elegantly.

“A little.”

The duke replied, and Lydia’s eyes sparkled.

“Do you know the dwarven proverb? ‘Collecting magic stones is easy, winning a woman’s heart is hard, and quitting ale is harder still.’”

She chuckled softly.

“My father shares the same struggle.”

The duke burst into hearty laughter.

“Spot on!”

“There’s also a joke an old elven mage told his apprentice.”

Lydia leaned closer.

“After casting a spell, the mage said, ‘There are two reasons not to botch a chant—first, the effect reverses; second—’ and then he turned into a frog.”

The duke laughed, crinkling his eyes.

“Brilliant storytelling!”

“There’s a curious custom in the demon nation of Darnia.”

The duke asked, and Lydia nodded.

“Yes, at their weddings, they vow, ‘I swear eternal love—at least for three hundred years.’ Short for them, but mind-boggling for humans.”

As the duke listened, sipping his wine, Lydia continued.

“In Skarge Kingdom’s winter, it’s so cold that spoken words freeze. Come spring, they thaw, and you hear all the winter’s conversations at once.”

She laughed lightly.

“The merchants’ lies must thaw the loudest.”

“There’s a tale of an ancient adventurer who reached the top of the Celestial Tower.”

Lydia lowered her voice.

“When the gatekeeper asked, ‘What do you seek?’ the adventurer replied, ‘Actually, I’m looking for the stairs down.’”

The duke laughed aloud, and Lydia smiled gracefully.

“They say never look into a basilisk’s eyes, but my father says, ‘Turning your back on a basilisk is even more dangerous.’ Indeed… being eaten is worse than turning to stone.”

Lydia’s conversation was intellectual, refined, and peppered with witty jests, making the duke laugh repeatedly.

“She’s truly remarkable.”

The duke was genuinely impressed.

“Despite being the same age as my daughter, such knowledge and worldly charm.”

“She’s inherited my knack for business, too.”

Lydia was slightly embarrassed, and it enhanced her allure.

As the conversation progressed, Earl Silver finally broached the main topic.

“Actually, I have a financing proposal for the Granblue family.”

The duke’s expression turned serious.

“I’d like to hear it.”

“The current market is harsh for noble families.”

The earl said quietly.

“Especially houses that have relied on the traditional magic stone business…”

The duke stiffened slightly.

He wondered how much the earl knew about his family’s situation.

“I’d like to propose a new business model.”

The earl continued.

“By combining the Granblue family’s fire magic stones with my developing technology, we can revolutionize the market.”

“New technology?”

The duke showed interest.

“Yes.”

Earl Silver leaned forward, lowering his voice.

“A convergence device that focuses the energy of fire magic stones into a single point. We’re succeeding in condensing diffuse thermal mana into a narrow beam of light.”

The duke’s eyebrows rose.

“That’s…”

“Imagine it.”

The earl’s eyes gleamed.

“Once perfected, this technology will produce a heat-ray weapon capable of incinerating targets hundreds of meters away instantly. It can pierce castle walls and armor.”

“Military applications…”

“More precisely, defense technology.”

The earl corrected.

“Even if Skarge Kingdom’s great army attacks, a few of these magical cannons could hold the front line. They’d burn down the enemy’s main forces before they could approach.”

“Such power… is it real? This could… change the shape of war.”

“Change it? It will end it.”

The earl smiled.

“What nation would wage war against a country with this weapon? It’s the ultimate deterrent.”

“For the kingdom’s security…”

The duke’s expression grew serious.

“And, naturally, the Granblue family’s status, holding exclusive rights to this technology, would be unassailable. Magic stone prices would soar.”

The earl added, stoking the duke’s ambition.

“A technology that brings both peace and wealth.”

Hope flickered in the duke’s heart.

If this were true, his family’s financial situation could improve.

“I’m interested in this proposal.”

“Excellent. Here’s the detailed plan.”

The earl presented a thick bundle of documents.

As the duke skimmed through, Lydia quietly stood and moved to the window.

Moonlight illuminated her profile, enhancing her ethereal beauty.

Reading further, the duke was astonished by the plan’s grandeur.

It was revolutionary but required substantial investment.

“This… demands significant funding.”

“Yes. But the returns will be immense.”

The earl said confidently.

“As an initial investment, I’m considering a loan of 1 million gold coins to the Granblue family.”

The duke looked up, stunned.

“1 million?”

“Yes. 500,000 immediately, with the remainder possible within a month after the contract.”

The duke’s mind flashed to the Frostheart family.

500,000 gold coins… exactly the amount needed to save Eleanor’s family.

Was this coincidence, or…

“I’m grateful for your generous consideration. But why go so far…”

“I believe in investing in the future.”

The earl said earnestly.

“A partnership with the Granblue family will benefit both houses.”

As the discussion continued, the night grew late.

Reviewing document details and debating terms, the duke felt his head grow heavy from fatigue and copious wine.

“It’s already late.”

Earl Silver said.

“Let’s continue the details tomorrow. I’ll take you up on your offer to stay tonight.”

“Of course.”

The duke stood, swaying slightly.

He hadn’t been this drunk in years.

“The finest guest room is prepared.”

“Thank you.”

Lydia rose gracefully.

“Thank you for a lovely evening, Your Grace.”

The duke bowed to her, summoning the butler to escort them to their rooms.

Then, he retired to his own chambers.

—

The duke undressed in his bedroom and lay on the bed.

His head spun lightly from the alcohol, but his heart was bright.

Earl Silver’s proposal held the potential to save not only the Granblue family but also the Frosthearts.

“I must apologize to Alexander…”

He murmured, recalling his son’s angry face.

Tomorrow, he’d explain everything.

That a way to save Eleanor’s family had been found.

As he drifted toward sleep, the bedroom door creaked open softly.

The duke squinted, calling out, “Who’s there?”

Entering without lighting a lamp was Lydia Silver.

“Miss Lydia? What’s wrong?”

The duke sat up, startled.

She stood in the center of the room, bathed in moonlight.

Then he noticed her attire.

A thin silk nightdress clung to her, revealing her body’s contours.

It was blatantly provocative.

“Miss Lydia, that’s…”

“Don’t shame me.”

She said in a frail voice.

Her face, lit by moonlight, showed a mix of confusion and resolve.

“But you’re…”

“I’ll strongly urge my father for additional financing.”

She approached slowly.

“500,000 gold coins… you need it immediately, don’t you? For the Frostheart family.”

The duke caught his breath.

How did she know?

“I can’t… you’re still…”

Lydia sat on the bed’s edge, placing a hand on his chest.

“This sturdy chest is wonderful.”

The duke’s reason screamed warnings, but the wine, her beauty, and the promise of financing weakened them.

“We… this is wrong…”

His words were feeble.

Lydia’s hand slid lower, gently stroking his groin.

His body began to respond.

“Just one night… and tomorrow, the contract will include an immediate 500,000 gold coin payment.”

Her whisper was sweet in his ear.

He could no longer resist.

Surrendering to the devil’s temptation within, the duke pulled her close.

He pushed Lydia onto the bed.

His large hands gripped her slender waist.

“Lydia… you’re still a child. This…”

He hesitated, but desire quickly overtook him.

Lifting her nightdress, the duke revealed Lydia’s smooth, white thighs.

He caressed her legs while his other hand kneaded her breast.

“Nn…”

Lydia let out a breath, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Her warmth and softness fueled his arousal.

Stripping off her nightdress, he exposed her naked body.

Under the moonlight, her stunning form was revealed.

The duke gasped. She didn’t look like a 16-year-old; her body was that of a mature woman.

Her pale, silky skin was flawlessly smooth.

“To do this… Miss Lydia…”

He whispered.

She nodded slightly, pressing his head to her chest.

His tongue circled her nipple, then moved to her abdomen.

He found her pussy.

Parting her labia with his fingers, love juices flowed out.

“So wet already…”

(So delicate… no, so lascivious…)

The duke was surprised yet delighted.

He alternated between her vaginal entrance and clitoris, teasing relentlessly.

Lydia writhed in pleasure, letting out sweet moans.

“Ah… y-yes… feels… good… Your Grace… more…”

Lydia pleaded.

She genuinely desired it.

When the duke’s tongue toyed with her clitoris, she cried out, twisting in ecstasy.

Her love juices dripped, soaking the sheets.

“Aaah! Your Grace!! I’m coming!! I’m gonna come!!”

Lydia arched back, screaming.

Sweat poured from her body as she convulsed violently on the bed.

She was a beautiful female drowning in immense pleasure.

“Nnaaah…! Ah… ugh… Your Grace…”

Her sultry cries continued, then she collapsed, exhausted, onto the bed.

Catching her breath, Lydia gazed at him with flushed cheeks.

“Your Grace… I can’t anymore. I feel like I’m dying…”

Her expression was filled with rapture and fulfillment.

Panting heavily, Lydia stared at the ceiling.

She surrendered to the sensation of her strength draining away.

The duke smiled beside her, gently stroking her hair.

“You were wonderful, Miss Lydia.”

He whispered, his voice laced with passion and gratitude.

Lydia nodded, resting her head on his shoulder.

Her body, still basking in the afterglow, craved the duke’s caresses.

“I… felt good too.”

She said shyly.

“Then let’s continue… the night is long for us.”

The duke stood, took out his member, and presented it to Lydia.

His erect cock, flushed dark red, dripped clear fluid from the tip.

“This is… an offering for your goddess’s temple.”

He spread his arms and parted Lydia’s legs.

Her pussy was exposed again.

The duke positioned his cock at her entrance.

“I’ll go slowly… so it doesn’t hurt.”

He said.

And then, he thrust his hips forward.

His cock penetrated deep into Lydia’s vagina, enveloped in hot slickness.

“Ugh… ah… Your Grace’s… thing… is inside me…”

Lydia looked up at him, her expression one of disbelief.

The duke smiled and thrust all the way to her depths.

“It’s alright… just bear it for a bit…”

He whispered in her ear, holding her close, waiting for his cock to settle.

Her pussy, dripping with love juices, tightly squeezed his cock.

Hot fluid soaked him with a gush.

Feeling her vagina loosen sufficiently, he began to move slowly.

“Ah… nn… it feels… good… Your Grace’s cock… it’s like it’s spreading me open…”

She moaned, her cheeks flushed with pleasure.

The duke was surprised.

Her insides were thoroughly wet, fully accepting his cock.

(This girl… she’s not a virgin?)

The realization that she had been with other men shocked him.

But at the same time, his lust was further inflamed.

Like in his youth, his restraint was slipping.

The duke shouted loudly and began thrusting vigorously.

He hadn’t had sex in years.

He never thought he could experience such passion again.

Lydia’s vagina was hot and moist, clinging sweetly to his cock.

“Ah… aah… it feels good… more!”

Lydia responded with sultry cries, moving her hips in sync with his.

She begged.

The duke obeyed her words, thrusting harder.

The sound of flesh slapping—smack, smack—echoed through the room.

“I’m coming… I’m coming again…”

She let out a loud cry, reaching climax.

Her figure was lascivious yet beautiful.

“It’s… good, feels so good…”

She repeated over and over.

The duke began to feel the urge to ejaculate.

The pleasure of her vagina and the excitement of a 16-year-old girl’s body nearly broke his rationality.

(I can’t go back…)

He murmured in his heart.

And with one final thrust—

“Lydia!”

The duke called her name loudly, releasing thick, milky semen.

He poured it deep into her vagina.

Lydia writhed in pleasure, accepting it.

After a long time, he pulled his penis out.

A torrent of cloudy white fluid gushed out.

Seeing this, the duke felt aroused again. It wasn’t enough…

His cock, far from softening, grew even harder.

“Lydia… I want more. Is that alright?”

He asked in a plaintive voice, already re-entering her before her reply.

Lydia clung to his back, letting out sultry cries.

“Ahh! Your Grace, it’s amazing, too good!”

(Such… lascivious words.)

His head spun with shock and excitement.

Lydia combined the allure of a mature woman with the pure charm of a maiden.

Her overflowing love juices soaked his hands and arms.

The sensation drove him wilder.

Her vagina was tight, gripping him firmly.

He pistoned fiercely.

“Ahn! I’m coming! Coming, coming, coooming!”

(Such shameless cries.)

The duke, lost in excitement, forgot himself.

Releasing semen into her vagina for who-knows-how-many times, he collapsed off her.

Lydia’s crotch glistened, drenched in white fluid.

Seeing her lascivious state, his cock stiffened again.

As he pulled her close, she let out another cry.

“Your cock’s still hard… it feels too good… too much…”

Lydia murmured, breathless.

The duke chuckled, whispering in her ear.

“A special night… just for you, Miss Lydia…”

They sought each other again, with him ejaculating inside her multiple times.

He came inside her at least five times.

“Lydia… you’re an incredible woman. You’ve made me young again!”

His vigorous thrusting shook her naked body.

The duke continued, caressing her nipples and earlobes.

“I… I’m going crazy… ahh!”

Lydia moaned loudly, clawing at his back.

A massive climax approached, her vagina contracting.

Her pale skin flushed, she reached orgasm.

The duke released simultaneously, calling, “Lydia…”

Their sweat-soaked bodies lay entwined on the bed.

The afterglow of their affair quietly enveloped the room.

The duke kissed her forehead.

—

As satisfaction gave way to returning clarity, the duke was struck by the gravity of his actions.

She was the earl’s adopted daughter.

And at an age no different from his own daughter.

This was an unforgivable act.

“Miss Lydia, I…”

He searched for words, but Lydia smiled calmly.

“Let’s keep it our secret.”

She said, touching the earring by her ear.

“My earring… it has a recording function.”

At those words, the duke’s blood ran cold.

“What…?”

“Tonight’s events, all recorded.”

Her expression changed.

Gone was the innocent girl.

Only a cold, calculated gaze remained.

“Is this… blackmail?”

The duke’s voice trembled with fear and anger.

“I wouldn’t call it that. Just insurance.”

Lydia said coolly.

“If tomorrow’s contract doesn’t go well… this footage might reach the palace.”

Despair.

It filled the duke’s heart.

He considered calling the guards but stopped.

In this situation, with a naked girl in his bed, who would believe him?

There was no escape.

Lydia rose gracefully from the bed, donning her clothes.

“Good night, Your Grace.”

She smiled and left the room quietly.

Left behind was the duke, wrapped in fear and regret.

—

The next morning, the contract was revised, and the time for signing arrived.

Earl Silver, with the same calm smile as the night before, presented the amended contract to the duke.

“We’ve made slight changes. 500,000 gold coins can be lent immediately. They’ll be in your account by tomorrow. How you use them is up to you.”

The earl said.

The duke, with a stern expression, reviewed the contract.

It included a clause for exorbitantly high interest rates.

Practically usurious.

“This interest rate…”

“Given the market situation, I believe it’s reasonable.”

The earl’s voice carried a hint of menace.

Lydia stood beside him, smiling.

She was the perfect lady, as if last night’s seductress were another person.

The duke signed the contract silently.

He had no choice.

He was trapped.