The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 5: Shifting Balance

Chapter 5: Shifting Balance

Alexander Granblue gazed out the office window at the volcanic region stretching across the Granblue Duchy’s territory.

The sight of glowing red lava flowing against the twilight sky was magnificent.

“Is the production of fire magic stones proceeding smoothly?”

The voice of his father, Duke Edward, came from behind.

Alexander turned and bowed deeply.

“Yes, Father. It’s up 15% compared to last month.”

Duke Edward nodded with satisfaction.

The Granblue family was a prestigious house thriving on the production of fire magic stones.

Their superior quality and stable supply earned high praise both within and outside the kingdom.

“There seems to be particularly strong demand for small magic stones used for cooking.”

“Yes. The spread of the Silver Company’s ‘magic stone stove’ has led to fire magic stones being used in ordinary households.”

Alexander picked up a report from the desk.

It detailed the latest market trends.

“This merchant, Leon Silver—his products are transforming the market.”

“His achievement in allowing commoners without magic to benefit from it is significant.”

The two moved away from the window and sat at the large conference table in the center of the spacious office.

“I heard the Braveheart family is also doing well?”

Alexander nodded at his father’s question.

“Yes. Leia’s family is prospering due to the rising demand for earth magic stones. With their use in road construction, building projects, and military facilities, the market continues to expand.”

“So, everyone except the Frostheart family is thriving.”

At Duke Edward’s words, Alexander’s expression darkened.

“Unfortunately… Eleanor’s family is in a difficult situation.”

“Because the spread of refrigerators has reduced demand for ice magic stones?”

“Exactly. High-quality ice magic stones still have demand, but the need for mid-grade stones, previously used for ice rooms and cooling facilities, has plummeted.”

Alexander continued with concern.

“And with many competitors entering the low-grade scrap stone market, price competition has intensified. The Frostheart family is struggling in both markets.”

Duke Edward placed a hand on his chin, deep in thought.

“I heard the earl has embarked on an expansion investment…”

“Yes. But there are concerns about recovering that investment. I also hear his conflict with his son Raymond is deepening.”

“The talk of a political marriage might fall through as well.”

At his father’s words, Alexander quickly looked up.

“No… my engagement to Eleanor is my firm resolve, regardless of economic circumstances.”

Duke Edward seemed slightly surprised by his son’s fervor.

“Is that so? You feel that strongly…”

“I love her. Eleanor.”

There was no hesitation in Alexander’s voice.

“Understood. Then let’s consider supporting the Frostheart family.”

“Support?”

“The relationship between the Granblue and Frostheart families spans generations. In times of difficulty, we should help each other.”

Alexander expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you, Father.”

“However, direct aid should be avoided. It would wound the earl’s pride.”

“Then how?”

“We’ll take the form of a business transaction. Buying their ice magic stones at a higher price, for instance…”

Alexander pondered.

He wanted to help Eleanor’s family but also didn’t want to hurt her pride, leaving him torn between the two.

—

Three days later, Alexander met Leia Braveheart in the royal palace.

Her red hair still clad in armor, she had just finished training with the kingdom’s army.

“Been a while, Alexander.”

Leia greeted him in her straightforward manner.

As the eldest daughter of the Braveheart Border Count family, she valued battlefield prowess over formal court etiquette.

“Good to see you looking well, Leia.”

The two sat on a bench in the palace garden.

“I have something to discuss about Eleanor.”

At Alexander’s words, Leia’s expression turned serious.

The three had been friends since childhood, bound by a deep connection.

“The Frostheart family’s economic situation?”

“Yes. You’ve heard about it too?”

Leia nodded heavily.

“We’ve had dealings with them recently over earth magic stone transactions. I felt they were in a tough spot.”

“My father is considering offering support, but I’m worried about Eleanor’s pride…”

Leia gave a small laugh.

“That stubborn one, huh? She definitely won’t accept it easily.”

“Do you have any good ideas?”

Leia crossed her arms, thinking.

“Let’s see… Our family has introduced a new mining technique that’s increased efficiency. How about offering that technology to the Frostheart family for free?”

“Technology transfer…”

“If we propose it as business cooperation, it’ll be easier for her to accept as mutual benefit rather than charity.”

Alexander smiled with hope.

“That’s a wonderful idea. Eleanor might be more open to it.”

“But…”

Leia’s expression darkened.

“Is something wrong?”

“It seems the situation is quite serious. Did you know she missed the court banquet the other day?”

Alexander was surprised. Eleanor never missed palace events.

“No… I didn’t know.”

“She apparently needed a new dress to maintain her standing at court but had to give it up.”

Alexander’s heart ached. He hadn’t realized Eleanor was struggling to that extent.

“I’ll go see her tonight.”

—

Eleanor’s private chambers in the palace had lost their former splendor.

Some decorations were missing, the vases held no flowers, and the overall atmosphere was austere.

“Eleanor, may I come in?”

When Alexander knocked, a tired voice responded from within.

“Lord Alexander… I’m not really…”

“Just for a moment. I need to talk.”

After a brief silence, the door opened.

Eleanor stood there, looking more exhausted than usual.

Even her usually impeccable hair was slightly disheveled.

“Come in.”

As Alexander entered, he saw a simple meal on the table.

Not the palace’s lavish fare, but something modest, likely sent from home.

“You’re not attending the banquet?”

“I’m feeling a bit under the weather tonight…”

Eleanor’s excuse was clearly a lie.

Alexander sat beside her.

“Eleanor, I’m worried about you.”

“About what?”

She averted her gaze.

“I heard about the Frostheart family’s situation. If there’s anything I can do to help…”

Eleanor’s expression hardened instantly.

“Don’t believe rumors. We’re fine.”

“Eleanor…”

“It’s true. It’s just a temporary market fluctuation.”

Her voice carried strong pride, mixed with a faint tremor.

“Actually, my father has a proposal. About the Frostheart family’s ice magic stones…”

“You mean pity us by buying them?”

Eleanor’s voice turned cold.

“No, that’s not it. A business—”

“Don’t mock us!”

She stood abruptly.

Her eyes were filled with anger and humiliation.

“We don’t need your family’s charity! The Frostheart family will recover on its own!”

“Eleanor, I just…”

“Please leave. I want to be alone.”

Alexander stood sadly.

He hadn’t meant to hurt her.

“Alright. But know that I’m always here to help. That’s all I want you to understand.”

Eleanor didn’t respond, staring out the window.

As Alexander headed to the door, a voice came from the corridor.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the young lion of House Granblue.”

Turning, he saw Prince Victor standing there, his usual corpulent frame sporting a smug grin.

“Prince Victor.”

Alexander bowed formally. One must show respect to royalty.

“Was your date with Lady Frostheart enjoyable?”

The prince’s words carried a hint of sarcasm. Alexander frowned but responded politely.

“We were only talking.”

“With such a stern expression? Did something happen?”

Victor’s eyes gleamed as if he sensed the tension between them.

Eleanor looked at the prince with clear displeasure.

“Prince, with all due respect, our conversation…”

“I heard, by your demeanor.”

Victor stepped into the room.

“The Frostheart family is in financial trouble, is it?”

Eleanor’s face paled.

She wanted to avoid her family’s plight becoming common knowledge in the palace.

“That’s not true.”

“No need to hide it. Everyone knows.”

Victor slowly approached the two.

“How about it? Shall I step up as a new fiancé?”

The air in the room froze.

Eleanor’s face drained of color, and Alexander trembled with anger.

“Prince, such a jest…”

“It’s no jest. With the royal family’s wealth, I could easily save the Frostheart family’s situation.”

Victor extended a plump hand toward Eleanor.

“What do you say? A beauty and the beast pairing, but I could save your family.”

Eleanor’s expression changed in an instant.

As if the anger she had been suppressing exploded, she lashed out in a fierce tone.

“I’d rather become a beggar than be engaged to a vulgar, repulsive pig like you!”

“Eleanor…”

Alexander was stunned by her harsh words.

It was a ferocity unimaginable from the usually elegant and restrained Eleanor.

“No matter how dire my family’s situation, I would never marry a disgusting lump of flesh like you! Your eyes, your body, your very existence makes me sick!”

For a moment, Victor showed a hurt expression, but he quickly smirked.

“Quite passionate. Will you show that passion in bed too?”

“Get out! Now!”

Eleanor pointed a trembling finger at the door.

Her eyes burned with hatred and anger.

“Alright.”

Victor slowly stepped back.

“But remember this. Pride won’t fill an empty stomach. You might change your mind someday.”

With a final malicious grin, the prince left the room.

Left behind, Eleanor collapsed into a chair as if all strength had left her.

“That scum… that…”

Trembling with anger and humiliation, she couldn’t form words.

Alexander quietly sat beside her and put an arm around her shoulder.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to pay any attention to what he says.”

“But… everyone knowing about my family’s situation…”

Tears welled in Eleanor’s eyes.

For someone as proud as her, there was no greater humiliation.

“Eleanor, listen to me.”

Alexander gently took her hand.

“No matter the situation, my feelings won’t change. It’s not about economics. I love you for who you are.”

Eleanor looked up at him.

Her blue eyes held a mix of doubt and hope.

“Really…?”

“Of course. So there’s no need to feel ashamed about accepting help. That’s what it means to love.”

Eleanor was silent for a long time.

Then, she gave a small nod.

“Understood… but as a business deal, not charity.”

“I promise.”

Alexander embraced her.

Relief spread through him as she accepted help.

But a corner of his heart held unease.

There was something more to Prince Victor’s words and demeanor than mere random harassment.

It was as if he was enjoying the situation.

—

“Foolish woman.”

Back in my room, I slammed the desk with a furious expression.

Eleanor’s insulting words echoed in my mind.

“Vulgar, repulsive pig? Disgusting lump of flesh?”

Those words pierced my heart.

In my past life and this one, no woman had ever insulted me so blatantly.

“Don’t forget… this is part of the plan.”

I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.

Today’s events were unexpected, but the outcome wasn’t bad.

I confirmed the Frostheart family’s plight and probed Eleanor’s weakness.

“It’s only just begun.”

I looked at the documents spread on the desk.

They detailed the investment plan for the Frostheart family’s mines.

Through a dummy company, I would fund their reckless expansion.

And when the market saturated…

“I’ll show them complete ruin.”

Eleanor’s cold eyes, Alexander’s pitying expression.

All of it was contempt directed at me.

“Just watch… the day I stand at the top of this world and look down on you all.”

I smiled.

Letting emotions sway me was foolish.

I just needed to proceed calmly, according to plan.

“Contact Mia. Tell her to move forward with the investment in the Frostheart family immediately.”

I looked out the window.

A full moon glowed in the night sky.

Its light seemed to illuminate the path of my revenge.