"Hmph!" Arthur snorted coldly.
Forget it, this kid has absolutely no ambition except when it comes to dealing with outsiders.
But... he glanced at Fang Yuan beside him.
Perhaps, not being ambitious is a good thing.
In this world where power reigns supreme, he might be able to experience firsthand the consequences of not striving for success.
“Edmund and Fred are really something. I’ll expand my territory when I get back,” James added.
Thinking about the area surrounding his territory, it seemed that apart from the duchy near his uncle, there was nothing else.
The Endless Forest and Chaotic Territory on the other two sides are also places for him to develop.
It seems I still have a chance to take over one or two towns.
“Oh, dear James, I didn’t realize you were such an ambitious and good lord,” Daniel said with a hint of sarcasm.
Why must we expand outwards? He doesn't like doing it at all.
“Opening up territory is the duty of every noble in the Elven Empire. The lower classes and chaotic territories are the precious assets left to us by the Empire. James is not wrong to fulfill his duty.”
Arthur looked at his stubborn son.
If there were no war, where would their territory come from?
He could never have become the current Rose Duchy.
The chaotic areas surrounding the empire that were not incorporated into its territory were all released by the empire and various kingdoms and duchies.
When the time is right, these nobles have an obligation to reclaim it and expand their own territory and the empire's territory.
Fang Yuan ate while listening to the Duke discuss his ambitions with his two juniors.
She didn't say much, because according to the duke, she, as the newly crowned baron, also had this obligation.
But she just wanted to coast along and not do anything.
She didn't want to end up splitting the Federation like she did in her previous life.
Although the Elven Empire is divided into many kingdoms and duchies, the empire itself has always been the largest in terms of area and military power.
These people will still carry out the royal orders.
Thinking of this, Fang Yuan glanced at Arthur Rose with a meaningful look.
This guy wants her to stay in his territory, could it be that he wants the Rose Kingdom to split apart?
Is she now another golden finger that helps a kingdom rise to power?
Fang Yuan felt that he had lost his appetite.
Fortunately, none of the people in the conversation noticed.
Arthur has a great ability to control the situation; while talking to Daniel, he can still find time to introduce the dishes to Fang Yuan.
This at least prevented the dinner from becoming awkward.
After finishing the meal, Fang Yuan returned to her bedroom not long after.
Carl, the castle's butler, knocked on her door:
"Your Excellency Wisteria, my master invites you to the fifth floor for a late-night snack."
"night snack?"
She's not hungry yet, okay?
Even if it's a late-night snack, you should at least wait an hour or two!
Fang Yuan glanced out the window and thought, "Never mind, it's too late."
Let's go up now.
"Your Highness's invitation is an honor for Fangyuan Wisteria!"
She followed the housekeeper to a small lounge on the fifth floor.
The small hall was decorated in a luxurious and comfortable style; if she were to describe it, it would be somewhat like a luxury private room in modern society.
An oval dining table was set with some delicate desserts, fruits, and roasted meat.
There was only Arthur Wisteria in there; there was no one else.
Fang Yuan's heart skipped a beat, then he smiled and asked:
"Your Highness, aren't Daniel and James going to eat?"
“They had drunk a bit too much earlier and had already gone to sleep. You know, even as their elder, it would be immoral for me to disturb their sleep.”
As Arthur opened the bottle and poured the wine himself, he pretended to be embarrassed and said...
"Really? I didn't expect them to be asleep so early. Actually, I was about to go to bed too," Fang Yuan said unwillingly.
That's utter nonsense about being immoral. Doesn't she need to sleep?
"Sorry, I just noticed you hadn't eaten much, so I prepared a late-night snack for you."
Arthur spoke words of apology, but there was no trace of remorse in his words.
"······"
Fang Yuan felt a little itchy.
“Miss Wisteria, please have a seat. Don’t be so polite. If you’d like, you can even call me Arthur.”
With his back to Fang Yuan, this older, no, more like an elderly young man, gave Fang Yuan a big slap.
"Then I thank you, Your Highness!"
Fang Yuan remained silent for a moment before turning around and sitting down, thanking him.
She really couldn't eat this late-night snack.
This guy thinks too highly of himself, as if everyone covets his duchess status?
Arthur poured two glasses of red wine and personally handed them to her, which Fang Yuan had no choice but to accept.
He then sat down on the sofa opposite him and asked, feigning surprise:
"You ate very little at dinner last time. Is it because the food here doesn't suit your taste?"
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. Tonight's dinner was very sumptuous, but I don't have a big appetite, so there's really no need for you to spend any more money."
Fang Yuan was telling the truth. Although the previous dinner didn't quite suit her taste, she had still managed to eat her fill.
Arthur nodded: "That's good. I heard that the chef at your manor makes very good food. I was worried that you wouldn't like the food here."
"Not at all, His Highness the Duke's chef is far superior to mine," Fang Yuan replied with a smile.
This person is well-informed; she even knew that her cook's cooking was different.
Arthur took a sip of red wine and began:
"Since you really don't want to eat it, let's talk about something else!"
Upon hearing this, Fang Yuan paused for a moment, the glass of red wine he was swirling in his hand, and casually gave a perfectly timed smile:
"Of course, Your Highness, please speak."
“Daniel has already told me about your abilities. I’d like to know, can you nurture my Vivian?”
After saying that, Arthur stared intently at Fang Yuan.
Fang Yuan paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but so far, I haven't been able to breed a Diamond Elf."
She wasn't lying.
The golden thorn sprite in the space still hasn't evolved into a diamond sprite.
This cultivation process would naturally take longer if it were done outside, so she wouldn't dare make any promises lightly.
"I know, but is a year enough for you?"
Arthur continued to ask:
"My Vivian is ninety-eight years old. Only by becoming a diamond fairy can she continue to stay with me."
"What do you mean by giving me a year?"
Why are you forcing me to accept work and schedules like this?
Did I say I could breed it?
"Your Highness is so kind to Vivian, but it's a pity that I'm not sure if I can make her a Diamond Elf within a year."
Fang Yuan smiled and declined.
Because she didn't want to be stuck here for a year.
“If one year isn’t enough, then two years should be fine, right? After all, you only spent less than three months cultivating the Golden Elf before,” Arthur continued.
He can take longer, but he wants to get the result he desires.
"But Your Highness, it's been so long since I took over this territory, I can't be away for too long..."
It's not that she can't be nurtured, it's that she doesn't want to stay here for so long. Brother, you've got the point wrong.
"You just need to live peacefully in my ducal castle. I will send people to manage your territory for you. As long as you successfully evolve Vivian, you will become the only countess in my Rose Duchy."
After saying that, he looked at Fang Yuan seriously again, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Or, you could become the mistress of my ducal castle..."
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