Though she denied the rumor just seconds ago, she immediately returned with a question that sounded akin to admitting truth.

While the noblewomen shook their heads in utter disgust, Alicia smiled lightly.

“Instead of me lending you a loan, there’s a more certain way to deal with this.”

“…What would that be?”

“I’m sure you already know of this. My father met an unfortunate end as he had gambled his life away.”

“Of course. I know this very well…”

Marquess Pless could not understand why the queen suddenly spoke of Count Kenboe, her late father.

The engines in her mind began to turn, quickly trying to find an answer in...