Chapter 41: A Valuable Conversation
The dinner hall gradually filled with quiet conversations and the soft clinking of glasses as the evening continued. Warm golden lights reflected off the polished floor while waiters moved gracefully between the tables carrying trays of wine and carefully prepared dishes. The atmosphere was elegant but not overly formal, allowing the guests to speak freely while still maintaining a sense of royal dignity.
Anshul observed the room calmly.
Diplomats, business representatives, political advisors—many of the people present clearly held important positions connected to Genovia or its international relationships. Several of them occasionally glanced toward Mia with curiosity. It was obvious that news about the young princess had already begun circulating among the royal circle.
Mia stood beside her grandmother speaking with a pair of middle-aged diplomats. At first she looked slightly nervous, but as the conversation continued she gradually relaxed. Her posture remained straight, just as she had practiced during training.
Anshul noticed the small improvement immediately.
She was adapting faster than she realized.
After a few minutes Mia finally finished the conversation and walked toward him with a quiet sigh of relief.
"Okay," she said softly, "I think I survived another royal conversation."
"You did well."
"You say that every time."
"Because it's true."
Mia smiled faintly before glancing around the hall again.
"This still feels strange."
"New situations usually do."
Before she could reply, another voice approached from behind them.
"Your Highness."
Both of them turned.
The man who approached looked to be in his early fifties, dressed in a dark suit with a calm but intelligent expression. His posture carried the confidence of someone accustomed to negotiating with powerful people.
Queen Clarisse stepped forward slightly.
"Lord Davenport," she said politely.
"Your Majesty," the man replied with a respectful nod.
He then turned toward Mia.
"Princess Amelia, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Mia remembered her training and responded carefully.
"The pleasure is mine."
Davenport smiled approvingly.
"You are adapting quickly."
Mia looked slightly embarrassed but remained polite.
"Thank you."
The man's gaze shifted briefly toward Anshul.
"And this gentleman?"
Clarisse answered calmly.
"A guest of the princess."
Davenport extended his hand.
"Lord Arthur Davenport. Economic advisor to the Genovian council."
Anshul shook his hand.
"Anshul."
Davenport studied him for a moment, clearly curious.
"May I ask what you do?"
"Technology."
Davenport's interest immediately sharpened.
"Technology?"
Anshul nodded slightly.
"I'm working on a data analysis platform."
The advisor tilted his head slightly.
"Interesting."
Genovia was a small country. Its economy relied heavily on tourism, trade partnerships, and financial investments. Advanced technology companies were not common there, which made the idea immediately appealing.
Davenport folded his hands behind his back.
"Young entrepreneurs are always welcome in Genovia," he said thoughtfully.
Mia blinked.
"Really?"
"Of course," Davenport replied. "Economic growth requires innovation."
Anshul remained calm but attentive.
This conversation had just become extremely valuable.
Davenport continued speaking.
"If your project develops successfully, Genovia would certainly be interested in hosting such a company."
Mia looked at Anshul with surprise.
"That sounds like a big opportunity."
"It does," Anshul said quietly.
Davenport nodded.
"Should you ever wish to discuss such possibilities, I would be happy to arrange a meeting."
"Thank you," Anshul replied.
After a few more polite exchanges, Davenport moved away to greet other guests.
Mia turned toward Anshul almost immediately.
"Did that just happen?"
"Yes."
"He basically invited you to move your company to Genovia."
"That's one way to interpret it."
Mia laughed softly.
"You realize my grandmother planned this, right?"
Anshul glanced briefly toward Queen Clarisse across the room.
The queen stood speaking with another diplomat, but her calm eyes briefly shifted toward them.
For a moment their gazes met.
Then she looked away again.
Anshul smiled faintly.
"Yes," he said.
"I think she did."