Chapter 2 body as bargaining chip

As she bent down slowly, Hirst squinted, his magnetic, deep voice soft and resonant.

"Good evening, Miss Miren. I heard that you're more interested in inheriting the family business. What brings you to the social gathering?"

Christina's heart sank. How did he know her?

Why? Although her father was the newly minted head of a noble family, he was just wealthy...

Ah! The royal family needed money.

Almost forgot about this card to play.

With newfound confidence, Christina straightened up, meeting Hirst's smiling face head-on.

A smile is the best way to hide emotions, and Christina smiled slightly. In the dim moonlight, she couldn't see his face clearly against the light, only catching glimpses of his emotions from his beautiful pupils and the curve of his lips.

"Since the Duke recognizes me, there's no need for introductions. To be direct, I'm here for you."

"Oh?" His lips quirked up, his tone rising with interest.

Christina clasped her hands behind her back, holding tight.

"I heard you're looking for something."

Hirst's gaze narrowed.

Christina continued calmly, "You're looking for the King's scepter, aren't you?"

Though he remained impassive, Christina's skin crawled inexplicably.

She had anticipated his reaction, suppressing her unease, and continued, "I know where the King's scepter is. As a subject of the king, I sincerely hope you retrieve the scepter soon, restore it to the royal family, and restore the dignity of the monarchy."

Hirst stared at her, unmoving, with no change in expression or even a flicker in his eyes.

This was her moment of reckoning, and Christina met his gaze head-on, unyielding.

She knew he was discerning the truth from her words.

"Duke, the scepter was lost a year ago, during the King's birthday banquet held in the palace. Nobles from the capital and various territories were invited. The person who stole the scepter brought a gift wrapped in a long rectangular box. After the banquet, the gift box was taken away. Can you guess who it might be?"

The noble who brought the large gift box was not suspected because his magical powers had degenerated, and theoretically, he couldn't wield the scepter. However, he could take it away because the gift box was scratched when he picked it up, and he couldn't present a damaged item to the king, so he left only the contents of the box in the palace. Perhaps the gift box had some magical ability.

That's enough. It's time to leave. Christina lightly lifted her skirt, bowed, leaving Hirst in thought, then turned and walked a few steps.

Christina thought of something, paused, and continued, "Duke, if my information is accurate, please give me another chance to meet with you. At that time, I will discuss in detail the benefits of the Miren family to you. I believe... you will not regret it."

As she walked away, a solemn young man with a sword emerged from the woods beside Hirst. Under the dim silver hair, his deep blue eyes were fixed on Hirst. He bowed to Hirst with his right hand on his chest, a gesture of loyalty.

His voice was slightly hoarse, as if he were still in the midst of puberty: "Your Grace, the investigation has been dispatched, and there will be results tomorrow."

Hirst grunted in response, bowed his head, and meticulously adjusted his sleeves, saying lightly, "Yalin, investigate the Miren family in detail. There's no need to report previous information. I want something different."

"Yes!"

Christina didn't return home until very late, but her parents knew she was attending a banquet and didn't inquire about her late return.

However, Euer seemed a bit off, knowing that the banquet she attended was a social gathering, his worried gaze instantly turning into disappointment. But he was always understanding, keeping his head down and saying nothing.

Christina really liked this obedient and sensible younger brother. Feeling a bit worried, she went to Euer's room after changing into a light and comfortable nightgown.

She knocked on the door, which quickly opened. Euer's clean and handsome face was adorned with blood-red pupils, his emotional appearance making Christina feel sorry for him.

He knew he had been abandoned by his family when he was very young, and even though the church adopted him, he was often looked down upon by the people there, despising his appearance and considering him ominous.

"Euer, can I come in?"

"Yeah."

Once inside, Christina patted his shoulder. "Euer, relax a bit. Tell me, what are you afraid of?"

"Sister is getting married and won't be at home anymore. Can't I see sister every day?"

Christina laughed. "Are you worried about this? Sister will always be your sister, no matter where she goes."

"But..." Euer bit his lip, looking hesitant to speak, "It's not just that..."

Christina thought for a moment, then decided to tell him the truth: "Euer, I thought it was too early to tell you these things, it might be troublesome for you, but you are part of the family. Do you know that our family's edge is too exposed, and there is a risk of extinction sooner or later."

Euer was stunned. He was very intelligent and sensitive, and quickly understood her meaning.

"Sister is going..."

"Yes, sooner or later, someone important will come looking for me. In order to maintain our current life and live peacefully, we must pay some price to gain protection. Euer, I believe you can understand me."

"Of course, for sister, for father and mother..."

...

As Christina expected, she was invited to the Duke's mansion the next day.

It must be said that the Duke's mansion was magnificent, far beyond the reach of nouveau riche like her family. The Duke's mansion had a long history, showing the accumulation of years, stable and grand.

She was received by the butler and led to Hirst's study for a meeting.

The study was slightly dim, with Hirst sitting at the window desk, while she sat on the sofa. Delicate tea and water were placed on the coffee table, but she was probably too distracted to taste them.

Hirst's handsome face was filled with smiles, but Christina dared not let her guard down.

He looked at her. "Miss Miren, I really don't know how to thank you. Thanks to you, a major trouble for the royal family has been resolved. Whatever you need, just let me know, and I'll do my best."

Christina smiled, having already thought about one thing, but it wasn't going to be that easy. What she wanted wasn't something temporary.

"Duke, although I came to you out of necessity, I have no intention of using myself as a bargaining chip..."

"What if I do?"

Christina:...

What on earth? What...?

Hirst said with interest, "Christina, forming an alliance is best not through exchanging interests, but by becoming a community of interests. If you and I engage in marriage, it will be the best commitment to your family."

"...?"

This was too sudden!

Christina was first shocked, then full of question marks, her three years of accumulated etiquette and facial management all gone in