An Arranged Marriage

Another Quest?

"Balbadd?"

You stopped yourself from pouring a cup of tea to look back at Kouen. He was currently scanning papers spread all over his desk. He didn't even realize he was mumbling until you overheard some of the things he was saying. 

You turned away from the tea set and walked over to the desk. You leaned over his shoulder and took a peek at some of the documents. "What's going on at Balbadd?" You asked with a raised brow. 

"Financial troubles."

Those words piqued your interest causing you to grab one of the papers and begin reading. You grimaced as you read how the country's economy began to steadily decline. It all began a few weeks after King Rashid had died and there was a new king, King Ahbmad. 

As much as the decline wasn't a lot, at some point, it would soon grow to be too much. You put the paper down and picked another one and this one made your eyes widen. "Wait a minute," you said with your brows furrowed. 

Written there was yours and Koumei's idea for paper money use exclusively in Kou.  

*~*~*

It was a peaceful time in the gardens of Kou. The busiest time of the day was over and now the staff could take their time with the rest of their duties. It was also the time of day where most of the royals could take some time to relax after a busy afternoon. 

However, not all of them would be able to escape their harsh work environment.

Koumei was just getting ready to feed some of the pigeons that always came to the gardens until someone startled them. They all flew away in a large group, looking similar to a massive cloud. Koumei watched them with a sad sigh and glanced at who disrupted his alone time. 

It was you and you had arms crossed, your expression seemed angry. "I don't understand," you simply said. 

Koumei raised a questioning brow. You held in an annoyed groan and tried not to roll your eyes. "Why is the Kou Empire planning to loan Balbadd Kou paper money?" You asked, holding up one of the documents you had read earlier. 

He didn't seem very fazed by your question. "It was direct orders from the banker, who had received orders from the Emporer," he explained, "after seeing our plan, it was decided that it would be used at Balbadd."

Your eyes widened and then your brows furrowed, "but that can't happen. With their economy steadily declining as it is now, they'll never be able to catch up with the loans," you said, "besides, this was meant to be used here only."

Koumei then sighed and stood up, he'd long since accepted the fact that he'd never be able to have a moment's peace anyway. "I understand that, but it's out of our hands now," he explained with a shrug, "the moment the banker suggested this plan, it was all set into motion by the Emporer."

You rose a brow, "And who exactly is this banker?" You finally asked. 

*~*~*

In the middle of the throne room stood a man with a sinister smile on his face. He was the banker Koumei had referred to earlier. His smile was directed to the Empress who, oddly, was sitting alone. The Emporer was nowhere in sight. 

"I trust that everything is going to plan, Banker?" She asked, her sleeves covering her sickeningly wicked smile. Gyokuen could even help herself as she even let out a small giggle. 

The Banker directed his wide-toothed grin at her, "of course, my Empress," he said, "not even the singularity could interfere now." With that, even he let out a cackle of his own. 

Their laughter soon died down once there was a knock at the door. Gyokuen scowled at whoever was on the other side, but nonetheless, allowed them to come inside. It was one of her own servants who popped their head in, "excuse me, Empress Gyokuen, but Princess Y/N has requested an audience with you," he explained.