The Obsessive Male Lead Is Jealous Of My Doll - Chapter 70

Chapter 35.2

Even when they wanted to open trade routes to other regions, no one was willing to buy the West’s agricultural products due to the South’s dominance. The West had been branded as producing low-quality, cheap goods, a reputation that had become entrenched in the minds of the empire’s people due to relentless rumors and bad-mouthing.

Since the South consistently enjoyed abundant harvests, the prejudice against the West was not easily erased. Even when they attempted to export to other kingdoms, the transport costs were so high that, in the end, all the surplus crops had to be thrown away.

‘This is the second time.’

Unable to stand watching the crops being wasted over and over again, Baron Rodon had gone to Imperial Consort Christina for help but had failed.

However, with the support of Ceria and Ignis, he had barely managed to avoid disaster. Not only did Ignis help the West establish fair market transactions in the face of Duke Horton’s oppression, but he also secured funding to build multiple long-term storage facilities using the imperial budget.

Imperial Consort Christina and the noble faction led by Duke Horton sneered at Ignis, accusing him of simply squandering the imperial budget.

‘That all changed, however, when a major famine struck the South shortly after.’

The South, responsible for over 80% of the empire’s crops, was hit by a severe drought and hailstorm, leading to a catastrophic famine. The crops, which had been nearly ready for harvest, were ruined, leaving the residents with little to no food.

This was the turning point that allowed Ignis, who had a tarnished reputation among the empire’s people due to false rumors, to finally stand up to Imperial Consort Christina.

Thanks to the agricultural products stored in the western warehouses early on, the empire’s citizens were able to survive the great famine with minimal hardship. As a result, Baron Rodon was granted the title of count. He pledged his loyalty to Ignis, becoming the dominant figure in the West, and served as his strong pillar of support.

Even though there was still a year left before the famine, rather than letting perfectly good agricultural products go to waste, it would be more beneficial for both sides to sell them at a fair price and establish a legal supply contract with Baron Rodon and the western region.

Furthermore, if Ignis could secure Baron Rodon as a strong ally ahead of time, he might be able to take the lead in a conflict that hadn’t even started yet.

Karentina was certain that Ignis had allowed her to accompany him, despite his reluctance, because he had already seen through her intentions.

‘If Ignis can weaken the influence of Imperial Consort Christina and Duke Horton, the time it will take for me to regain my magic will be much shorter.’

As she gazed silently at the waves of the beautiful sea, the road ahead revealed an endless stretch of golden wheat fields.

“This is incredible!”

Fields of wheat stretched beside rows of crops like beans, corn, potatoes, and fruit trees. Karentina marveled at how different this environment was from the North.

As if he could read her thoughts, Ignis spoke in a low voice.

“The empire is vast, Lady.”

“It certainly seems that way.”

This was truly a new world.

Karentina’s eyes sparkled.

Her life had always been monotonous and ordinary, marked by memories of being confined to a room. As an orphan, she never had the luxury of experiencing different worlds.

But now, everything has changed.

Just knowing the details from the original story made this vast world feel like a precious gift to her. Life no longer seemed scary or exhausting.

With this second chance, she felt like she could accomplish anything.

̊ · : * ✧* : · ̊

As they passed the golden wheat fields swaying in the breeze, the carriage gradually slowed to a stop.

“We’ve arrived.”

At the coachman’s words, Ignis was the first to open the door and step out. As Karentina tapped her aching lower back, a large hand unexpectedly appeared before her.

“Take my hand.”

With the sun shining warmly behind him, Ignis’s black hair fluttered slightly in the breeze. Karentina stared at him for a moment, almost entranced, before unconsciously reaching out and taking his hand.

“Ah! Thank you, Your… I mean, Ignis.”

“….!”

For some reason, Ignis, usually so rigid, was standing there as if something was wrong with him.

Karentina, who had just stepped out of the carriage, looked at him with a confused expression for a moment before turning her gaze elsewhere.

“The air’s nice.”

She took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air, surrounded by various crops, trees, and the nearby sea. It felt as though the tension in her body was slowly easing away.

The coachman, having made sure to fill his pockets with plenty of gold coins, took off his short-brimmed black hat and asked Ignis,

“Uh, Sir, how long should I wait?”

“It won’t take long. You’ll receive separate payments for the waiting time and the arrival fee once we reach the teleportation circle.”

“Th-thank you!”

The coachman, visibly delighted, bowed his head.

“Well then, La—Miss, let’s go.”

Hearing Ignis speak so formally, Karentina’s spirits soared, and she walked ahead with a light step. A quaint countryside estate came into view, a short distance away from the carriage.

“That must be it. Let’s go quickly.”

She smiled brightly and quickened her pace. Ignis followed her quietly, without a word.