The surviving princess {Liskook}

Chapter 49

Jungkook shifted the topic nonchalantly, “So, our opinion will be crucial. It is a matter of inter-family conflict.”

“Exactly,” Tilberg confirmed.

“Our demands are straightforward,” Jungkook stated. “We will accept 500,000 Jeres over three years.”

“…Excuse me?” Tilberg was taken aback, but Jungkook continued without pause.

“And we will waive the port usage fee at Nieas Harbor for 50 years.”

“Ah, yes,” Tilberg responded.

“There are also minor conditions. I have prepared the documents, which you can take with you when you leave,” Jungkook added.

“At this rate, Kwon might think territorial warfare is a better option…” Tilberg muttered.

Jungkook narrowed his eyes. Was this an attempt to instigate a conflict to weaken both families’ power simultaneously?

“But considering it’s the Jeon family we’re dealing with, I’ll report it as you instructed,” Tilberg said.

It seemed that Tilberg was merely expressing his opinion, not trying to incite conflict. He was straightforward and, to put it bluntly, somewhat naive.

At that moment, Lisa’s words flashed through Jungkook’s mind: calling Tilberg a swindler and a traitor. It seemed so out of character for Tilberg that Jungkook had dismissed it as a misunderstanding. But now, for some reason, those words resurfaced.

After a brief silence, Tilberg spoke again, “Dialle’s execution is in fifteen days. Do you wish to attend?”

“I’m afraid I cannot leave my duties, but I will send one of my knights.”

“Understood,” Tilberg replied smoothly. Jungkook wondered if the king had instructed this cooperative demeanor, but he refrained from probing and stood up.

“Now that our conversation is over, shall we go meet my wife?”

“Yes, and there is one more thing,” Tilberg said, indicating a box brought by the servant. “I also have another item for Lady Jeon.”

“What is it? You seem to have many gifts.”

“It’s an armor tailored to her size. It’s…”

Stumbling over his words, Tilberg continued in a hushed tone, “Given her condition, you must have noticed by now…”

“Armor?”

“Yes, something to wear under her clothes…”

Tilberg, looking guilty, lowered his head. “I meant to deliver it earlier but never found the right moment. However, it seems improper for me to keep it.”

Jungkook looked coldly at the man before him. Tilberg’s face flustered, highlighting the scar above his eyebrow— a scar that had always bothered Jungkook, resembling the whip marks on Lisa’s back.

“I understand,” Jungkook said.

He resented that the king’s way of protecting her was this inadequate piece of armor. But what stung more was that he, too, had once made her wear similar protection. The circumstances might have been different, but the failure to guarantee her safety felt the same.

Jungkook gestured to Bambam to take care of the box. He didn’t offer a formal thank you or specify where to place it, but Bambam, well attuned to Jungkook’s unspoken commands, quickly removed the box.

After watching Bambam leave, Jungkook turned back to Tilberg. “Shall we go to the living room? The Madam and the Lady Jeon are waiting.”

Jungkook left the parlor and opened the door to the living room.