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"It seemed both sister and brother had held some sort of grudge against me. It would be nice to know the reason for that, so I could either defend myself for something I'm sure I didn't do or at least understand the roots of this hatred."

Dexter furrowed his brows and cocked his head to the side. He didn't speak for a full minute, but he kept his eyes on Miguel.

"You are wrong, Lord Miguel. I don't hate you." Dexter shook his eyes whilst keeping eye contact with the man. "I just don't have any reason to like you. To be fair, it is not a personal thing. I generally don't like the mainland and everything and everyone in it."

"Oh…"

"If you knew the reason I am in this land, then ask no more. Our lives in the empire weren't perfect, but at least, we don't look over our shoulders every second of every day in fear that those people who dragged us here were already ten steps ahead of us," he continued without a second hesitation since it was no secret that this land might've appeared united from the outside, the internal affairs were at the brink of crumbling down. "It is only natural that I am wary of anyone who approaches me — especially my sister."

"Don't tell me you came here just because of this?" Dexter tilted his head to the side. "I wouldn't appreciate that if that is the case."

"Fortunately, that wasn't the reason. Although it was quite reassuring that it is not because of me that you and Her Majesty are wary of me." Miguel heaved a sigh of relief as if that clarified everything. "Anyway, I am glad you clarified that since Her Majesty wouldn't — I believe."

Miguel leaned forward, propping his arms against the edge of the table. His expression slowly turned solemn, eyes locked with Dexter.

"The purpose of my visit is because I have some concerns about the current trades that are going in the market," he brought up, making Dexter raise a brow. "The mainland had survived on its own, away from the rest of the world. Therefore, some norms here would be considered strange to others. Worse. Illegal."

"I know what you are talking about, my lord. Don't go around in a circle. I would appreciate it if you spare me the narrative and delve into the main concern."

"My main concern is that the numbers of the ins and outs in the fort weren't being inspected thoroughly," Miguel remarked. "I'm not blaming the Queen or the person in charge of the fort. Neither I am accusing them — I apologize in advance if I sound that way. All I am saying is that letting everything that is delivered in this land would soon show its problems, especially without any discretion."

"The trades in this land, as I had said, were normal only in this land. And thus, we got away with it not just because the Mainland was a secluded place, but because it was done with great discretion and the hoard of supply," the man added solemnly. "But now, I'm afraid this practice is being forgotten."

There was a moment of silence after Miguel raised his concern. There was a person in charge of the fort, but that person was still under Dexter's jurisdiction. Miguel heard many bad things from other novels that weren't approved by the queen and her people, but since the Queen placed all her people with enough power in every area, Miguel thought of going straight to Dexter.

"My lord, forgive me if this may come off as an offense, but I couldn't help but question if you returned here without reading a few records of what had happened during the time of your absence," was Dexter's response. His tone had a tinge of genuine wonder. "If not, allow me to brief you on the summary of the past years in this land."

"Just a few months ago, the mainland hosted a world summit. If you do not know what that is, it is a gathering of sovereigns from each land to talk about world affairs," he continued. "One of the agendas of this gathering is acknowledging the mainland as a part of the world. There might be unfortunate events that had happened in this place during the summit, but the Mainland still achieved its goal."

"The influx of trades in the fort is the fruit of that hard work. The Mainland isn't just dealing with one or two people anymore, but with established countries and empires. In simple terms, our exports and imports were growing — so is our diplomatic relation with these countries Her Majesty had handpicked herself." Dexter leaned forward, staring at Miguel over the stack of books on the table between them. "I had allocated a special unit to oversee the trades. It might appear as not as strict as before, but trust me, they are thorough."

"As I've said, I don't like everyone in this land or the Mainland itself. However, for as long as my sister sits on that throne, I am doing my best to not embarrass her." His tone sounded firmer and more sincere. "Besides, what's there to worry about? Back then, the trades here were mostly goods that could guarantee a guillotine if it was in the Haimirich Empire. But all the trades Her Majesty has had were simply to make this nation richer through legal means."

Miguel's lips were drawn into a thin line, assessing Dexter's face.

"You did an inspection and I assume that is the reason you came to seek me." Dexter tapped a finger on a small space where there were no books or documents. "I appreciate you for raising this concern with me, but if my words aren't enough, then I can grant you access to oversee the land for a short while until you are reassured."

"There is no need, my lord." Miguel shook his head. "You were correct that the goods weren't anything concerning, but only the number alarmed me. Still, if you say that your people are doing their job, I put my trust in you and in them."

"Thank you."

"However, if you don't mind, I would like to inspect the fort from time to time."

"As you wish." Dexter nodded without a second hesitation. "If that is all, you may leave. I still have more pressing matters to finish tonight."

Miguel assessed Dexter's amicable mien before pushing himself up. The latter seemed believable, so Miguel wanted to trust him.

"Thank you for sparing your time to ease my worry." He offered Dexter a curt bow before bidding him farewell, turning on his heel to walk away.

Little did Miguel know, as soon as he turned his back on Dexter and sauntered off, the corner of Dexter's lips curled up into a cunning smirk.