When Duke Visconti summoned me urgently, I braced myself mentally, but he greeted me with a remarkably calm expression.

    “You must’ve had quite a time cleaning up after your brother’s wedding,” he said.

    Honestly, if I hadn’t taken the lead, the Medici Barony would have been forced into austerity measures for at least two years just to pay off that debt.

    Even regular folks, who don’t care much about appearances, find it hard to tighten their belts. Imagine if they also had to maintain the family’s prestige while cutting back. Albert might have collapsed from sheer frustration.

    For that alone, I’m due a lifetime of gratitude from him... but all I got were a few words of thanks and a token gift?

    Good grief. Is he actually jealous of his younger brother, who’s only got a knighthood?

    “I see you’re frowning just at the mention of it. Must’ve been quite a hassle,” the Duke remarked.

    “Even though I’ve become independent from my father and brother, I’m still part of the Medici Barony. It’s my duty,” I replied.

    The Duke chuckled.

    “People may know what they’re supposed to do, but when it comes to cleaning up other people’s messes, it’s natural to feel resentful. By the way, I hear you just returned from the Kingdom of Granada?”

    How does he even know that? Even though the Medici family is a vassal of a vassal of his, we kept that smuggling route under tight wraps.

    Perhaps to be a Duke in the Toscana Empire, you need to know everything about your vassals as if they were on the palm of your hand.

    “Yes, I took a calculated risk on behalf of my family,” I said.

    “Traveling around for adventure when you’re young is well and good, but as a noble, you should learn to take care of yourself. What if something had gone wrong?”

    It’s not as if I took those risks for the thrill. It’s a calculated gamble, knowing the potential success outweighs the risks I can manage.

    “Sometimes, to climb higher, one must take risks. It’s all part of my effort to grow, to be of more use to Your Grace.”

    “You’ve got a honeyed tongue, haven’t you?”

    The Duke seemed amused, even though he called me a flatterer.

    “Fearlessness is fine, but avoid reckless actions. The line between courage and recklessness is razor-thin,” he advised.

    “I understand, Your Grace.”

    Just as he said, recklessness and courage are easily confused. Courage is when you face a daunting challenge, even if you’re scared to the bone, because you’ve calculated the odds and have a chance of winning.

    Recklessness is running into a fight without knowing if you can win. Like trying to smash a boulder with an egg—futile.

    Young people everywhere often don’t see the difference, and they usually end up in tragic circumstances.

    “I called you here because I have good news,” the Duke said.

    Am I finally at the age for marriage? Is he arranging a match for me?

    “He’s quite fond of hunting and martial arts. They say he’s even impressed the swordsmanship guild.”

    The swordsmanship guild is packed with prestigious swordsmen, known for their high standards. For them to be impressed, he must be a serious fitness enthusiast.

    No wonder he’s turned into a training maniac.

    ‘The mental strain must be tremendous.’

    “He probably takes care of his diet, doesn’t he?”

    Young men rarely bother with health foods unless they’re after something to boost their energy.

    Based on that, it’s safe to assume the Second Prince is a healthy man with a strong libido. Likely, he relieves his psychological stress through intimate encounters.

    King Sejong, and later, King Seongjong, known as great rulers, also relied on such outlets for stress relief.

    “Fortunately, I have something better than seaweed.”

    Primitive Europe uses coffee as an aphrodisiac, like chocolate. He’ll think it gives him the strength of a tiger.

    “I don’t know how His Highness will test me, but I’m ready to win his favor.”

    A few days later, the Duke took me to meet the Second Prince.

    I wasn’t bursting with nervousness, but my hands tightened naturally.

    The Duke immediately struck up a casual conversation with the Prince.

    “What do you think of the sword I sent you last time? It’s forged with a new steel technique and is quite sturdy.”

    The Second Prince examined the blade, appraising it as if undressing a beautiful woman with his eyes.

    “Beautiful. You must’ve folded this steel many times to temper it.”

    The Duke chuckled.

    “I was sure you would appreciate its value, Your Highness.”

    “I know a thing or two about swordsmanship, Duke,” replied the Prince.

    The Duke then pointed at me with a hearty laugh.

    “I may have enhanced it a bit using a method our friend here devised, but it’s the quality of the raw material that impressed you, right?”

    I lowered my head humbly.

    Now, the Second Prince turned his attention to me.

    “So, you’re the second son of the Medici Barony. The one who thought up cakes, seaweed, and this new steelmaking technique? I’ve had my eye on you for a while.”