The Uninvited Guest

The party was buzzing with noise and laughter. Around thirty nobles had gathered inside the mansion to congratulate Ian on his move. Everything needed for the small gathering had been arranged by the steward. Ian now understood why hiring one was so important.

Everyone was chatting and laughing, and as the host, Ian had to greet them and engage in conversation. Since he had invited them into his home, he couldn’t simply act like a guest this time.

“I heard you purchased this mansion with the funds from capturing the submarines.”

“Well, that’s right.”

“I had heard this place was vacated, but I never imagined Prince Ian would move in.”

“I wanted to buy this mansion myself if the opportunity arose—your timing was impeccable, haha.”

“But isn’t it wonderful that we’ve become neighbors? Hahaha.”

“More importantly, I heard you’ve obtained an international patent for barbed wire and are launching a business. Might I be able to invest in it?”

“Is that true? I hear the outlook for that business is extremely promising. Could I perhaps invest as well?”

Various conversations flowed, but when a few nobles began asking about investing in the barbed wire business, Ian gave them a polite yet apologetic response. The truth was, the business was already fully established and didn’t require additional funding.

‘As if I’d let you leech off of this.’

There was no reason to share profits when investment wasn’t needed. According to the businessman managing it, the factories were already operating, and orders were flooding in.

‘They must’ve seen how effective barbed wire is at the front lines and now want to get in early.’

That’s why Ian was expecting a significant income from the venture soon. After gently turning down their offers to invest, he redirected the conversation. In the meantime, he spotted his deputy captain, aide, and officers who had been invited to the party.

They were the same people he had grown closer to after their drinking session. Seeing them, Ian remembered he had something to give them and decided to pull them aside once the party ended.

‘Capturing the submarines wouldn’t have been possible without their help—they deserve a share of the profits.’

Ian had no intention of keeping all the profit for himself. He had prepared something in advance for them. Just then, the steward approached.

‘What is it now?’

“Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“Well… there is a guest waiting outside.”

“A guest? Who would that be? I thought everyone was already here.”

Most expected guests had already arrived, and the party was in full swing. For someone to come now, Ian wondered who it could be, especially since the steward looked tense. The surrounding nobles also appeared puzzled—who would show up in the middle of the event?

“The Fifth Prince has arrived.”

Murmurs spread immediately. At the mention of the Fifth Prince, everyone was shocked. After the death of the Fourth Prince in the war, the Fifth Prince had risen in the line of succession and was starting to make a name for himself. He had once been sidelined, but the death of his brother had opened a path forward.

‘What the hell is he doing here today?’

Ian had never liked him—he was always arrogant and dismissive. Ian remembered that before his wartime fame, the Fifth Prince hadn’t even acknowledged his existence. Still, he had come, so Ian had no choice but to let him in.

“Let him in.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The steward hurried off, and the nearby nobles quickly began adjusting their clothes, realizing who was arriving. They were likely thinking that making a good impression on the Fifth Prince could yield rewards.

‘As if he’d give them anything.’

Ian knew full well the Fifth Prince wouldn’t spare a glance at lower-ranking nobles. What he didn’t understand was why he’d suddenly come to see him. Soon, the prince entered. His striking blue hair and trademark haughty expression were unmistakable.

“So you’ve come, Brother.”

“As your neighbor, I figured I should come greet you after your move.”

“I’m glad to see you. I didn’t invite you because I assumed you’d be too busy…”

‘Like you’ve ever spared me a thought.’

The visit puzzled Ian. Though the Fifth Prince did live on Orga Street, unlike the First through Third Princes who all resided in luxurious mansions on Bellos Street, his place in the hierarchy was ambiguous.

‘You’re stuck in that in-between zone.’

While Ian was mulling that over, the Fifth Prince glanced around the mansion and nodded slightly.

“You bought quite a nice mansion. I didn’t know something like this existed on this street.”

“Neither did I. I was lucky to find one that needed to be sold quickly.”

“Yes, you’re always lucky. Well, since we live in the same neighborhood now, let’s see each other often.”

“Of course. Let’s talk again soon.”

‘As if you really mean that. What’s your angle?’

“Do you drink?”

“I do. I’ve started recently.”

“Only recently? Well, you are part of the Polia royal family—it’s natural you’d be a strong drinker.”

Ian recalled just how strong his own tolerance had proven to be. As if reinforcing that idea, the Fifth Prince gestured toward his attendant, who hurried over holding a tray. The prince picked up a glass from the tray.

“Have a drink with me.”

“With pleasure.”

Ian picked up a glass from the tray as well. With a light clink, they toasted and drank. As they did, some nearby nobles looked as if they wanted to speak up but hesitated awkwardly. Ian gestured toward them and said,

“These are the neighbors I invited after moving in. Would you like to greet them?”

“A greeting? Sure, why not.”

The nobles, delighted, stepped forward to introduce themselves. The Fifth Prince accepted their greetings with a strong sense of presence. Watching him, Ian couldn’t help but wonder if this was the real reason he came—there had to be some hidden motive.

‘I’ll find out soon enough.’

While thinking this, Ian quietly approached his deputy and aide, and discreetly asked them to stay behind after the party ended. They looked puzzled at first but agreed without question.

The party continued in full swing, and by late evening, it finally seemed to be winding down. Ian walked up to the staircase where everyone could see him and announced the end of the party.

“Thank you all for coming to my home. Let’s continue to be peaceful neighbors and get along well.”

Clap, clap, clap—

With the sound of applause, the party officially came to an end. Guests began leaving in small groups—those who lived nearby walked, while others got into their waiting cars and drove off.

Among them, Ian encountered the Fifth Prince once again. He appeared to be somewhat tipsy, but his trademark arrogance hadn’t faded in the slightest. The Fifth Prince placed both hands on Ian’s shoulders and said,

“Now that your name carries more weight, you must be cautious in your conduct. Every action you take affects the dignity of the royal family. Are you aware of that?”

“I am. That’s why I try to be careful.”

“Good. As long as you know. Make sure to invite me often from now on. It’s nice to come by and have a drink like this.”

“I’ll be sure to. Please get home safely.”

“Sure. I suppose I’ll see you next time at a royal family dinner.”

He staggered off toward his car, his attendants supporting him carefully. Ian watched as he got into the vehicle, which then drove off.

Ian could only shake his head.

“Phew… Why did he even come?”

“…You don’t know?”

“You mean you do?”

When the deputy seemed to hint that he understood, Ian asked curiously. The deputy hesitated for a moment, then shared what he knew.

“He likely came to raise his own influence by associating with your reputation, Your Highness.”

“By using my reputation?”

“I believe his visit will be all over the newspapers tomorrow.”

“I see. So his aim was to use my name to benefit himself.”

“That’s likely the case.”

With that, Ian finally understood why the Fifth Prince had come. Though his position in the succession had risen due to the Fourth Prince’s death, he still lacked the foundation the First, Second, and Third Princes had. By cozying up to Ian, he was trying to bolster his own presence.

‘This is going to be annoying…’

If the Fifth Prince was using him to gain influence, others might start thinking they were close allies—even if Ian did nothing. That arrogant bastard had acted unusually friendly, and now Ian understood why.

‘Is he going to start showing up all the time now?’

He imagined his other brothers targeting him out of suspicion. With Ian’s rising prestige from the submarine incident, they probably weren’t thrilled. If anything, this only fanned the flames. The scrutiny against him would grow even more intense.

‘Am I going to end up assassinated at this rate?’

Of course, Ian didn’t actually think he’d be killed, but even the attempt would be a serious hassle. He started thinking maybe he’d be better off back at sea. Still, he decided to set that aside for now and turned to the remaining people.

“Let’s head inside.”

At his words, the deputy, aide, and officers followed him in. These were the men who had served alongside him aboard the same ship—his most trusted subordinates. Though, he couldn’t entirely rule out the possibility…

‘I’m sure a few of them are keeping tabs on me.’

Ian was tempted to use mental manipulation on all of them, but he didn’t want to do that—not to the ones who truly believed in and followed him. Only if someone clearly proved they weren’t on his side would he consider it.

The mansion had grown quiet. Around a dozen men gathered around the table. Ian told them to wait a moment, then went to his room, opened the safe, and retrieved what he had prepared.

“You’re probably wondering why I asked you to stay.”

“Do you have something to tell us, Captain?”

“Is there a task you want us to carry out?”

“I wouldn’t summon you after a party just to give orders. Here—take these.”

With that, Ian handed each of them a paper envelope. They all looked confused but accepted the envelopes, wondering what they were. Ian explained.

“When I handed the submarines over to the kingdom, I received quite a bit. I wanted to share it with all of you.”

“C-Captain…”

“I’m not sure we can accept this…”

“Take it. Capturing those submarines wasn’t just my achievement—it was yours, too. You all earned this.”

“Th-thank you, Captain.”

“Thank you, sir!”

Ooooh—!

Their faces lit up at the mention of money. Some hesitated to open the envelopes, unsure if they should, but Ian gave a nod.

“I couldn’t carry that much cash, so I’ve prepared it in bearer bonds. Go ahead, take a look.”

At that, they opened the envelopes. Inside were bearer bonds worth 50,000 grang each. Since there were around 12 of them, Ian had given out a total of about 600,000 grang.

While 50,000 might seem small compared to Ian’s overall earnings, it was actually a huge amount. The average monthly food expense for a commoner was only around 100–200 grang. The men’s expressions brightened with surprise and delight—they hadn’t expected to receive such a fortune.

Ian smiled as he said,

“Go home and show off a little to your families.”

Hahahaha!

Everyone laughed. They could already imagine the joy on their wives’ and families’ faces. They felt a deep sense of gratitude and respect toward Prince Ian, who had done this without hesitation.