The Dragon King's Heart

Laina leaned back on her chair as she sipped a cup of hot tea. Placed on the table in front of her were the profiles of each of the artists that had been selected from the art competition. 

Although Margaret had never once questioned any of Laina\'s actions, she could not help but wonder what was the purpose of the art competition. In a time when their nation was in debt, it definitely looked like a frivolous expense. 

"Forgive me, your Highness, but may I ask a question?" Margaret plucked up the courage to ask. 

"Speak your mind, Margaret," Laina replied without looking up. 

"These competitions you\'ve created, what are they all for?" Margaret asked, "I understand the combat tournaments. I assume those are to recruit more talents to the army and for your personal protection. But the art competitions? What about those?"

Laina smiled as she placed her teacup on the saucer next to her papers. Ever since she saw the painting Dante gave her, an idea appeared in Laina\'s mind. Works of art were worth a lot of money. 

If they were encrusted with gemstones, wouldn\'t they be worth even more? Kinshearth had been selling gemstones, geodes, and metals as raw materials for generations. 

But their prices were low because they were sold unrefined and uncut. The art competition was just the first phase of Laina\'s plan. The next phase would be creating works of art for sale. 

"With the amount of profit from the sales, paying off the debts would not be an issue. It would make a worthy investment," Laina explained. 

Margaret was impressed. If everything worked out smoothly, it would make them a fortune. But what if it does not? 

Did Laina have a backup plan?

"You don\'t need a backup plan when you know how to plan the original one well enough," Laina replied confidently. 

After screening through the profiles of those selected, Laina moved onto the next phase of her plan. In order for all the artists to polish and hone their skills, Laina purchased and renovated a building for them. 

There, they would live and work. Each chosen candidate was given a set amount of wages that would scale based on how well their work would eventually sell. The common folk who were chosen could not believe their ears. 

Most of them had never even seen this amount of money in their entire lives. On the other hand, the nobility who won felt as if the Crown Princess had done so to shame them. 

While on paper, they kindly rejected the offer but in their hearts, they cursed the Crown Princess for her disrespect. Laina knew the rumors that would spread. But she did not care. 

"None of them carry the weight of a nation on their shoulders. They will never be able to understand," she sighed. 

The building that was situated in the Capital City of Kinshearth, next to the Palace was nicknamed The  Villa. Its exterior walls, as per its name, were all painted in bright shades of with black accents. 

You could easily spot it from a mile away. Laina, along with Margaret and Kol arrived at The  Villa bright and early to greet all the artists who came. Everyone was shocked to meet the Crown Princess in person. 

As they all got onto their knees, Laina quickly stopped them from doing so. 

"There\'s no need for formalities," she said swiftly. 

Although there was a lot for them to take in, Laina wanted to get straight down into business as soon as she could. She had a long list of things she had planned and they were running short on time. 

Her first order to all of them, was for each of them to create three unique art pieces in a week. At the end of the week, she will return to evaluate them. In the meantime, they are allowed to use any materials they desire. 

Everyone was buzzing with excitement, ready to begin work. There was one artist among them that caught Laina\'s eye. Unlike some of the others, the man\'s shoulders were hunched, and avoided all eye contact. 

Next to him, stood a familiar face. It was Theon and his brother, Vincent. Laina walked up to them. 

"You must be Vincent, it\'s a pleasure to meet you in person," Laina greeted with a smile. 

Vincent merely gave Laina a quick glance as he looked away. Theon quickly apologized on his brother\'s behalf. 

"My apologies, your Highness, my brother has never been the talkative type."

Laina smiled, "That\'s quite alright. I just came over to say that I am really impressed with your work, Vincent. I look forward to seeing what you come up with next." 

With that, the work in The Yellow Villa began. Everyone got their own rooms and workspaces. Some of them felt lonely to be working alone. Hence, they moved their art supplies into large spaces where they could work together. 

Laina received reports on the progress of the artists every so often. She was happy with their progress. As for the paintings they had made during the art competition, those pieces had already been prepped for the upcoming auction. 

"Would you be auctioning them off under your name, your Highness?" Margaret asked. 

"No, they will be auctioned off under the name The Yellow Villa," Laina explained.

Looking at one of the finished pieces, Laina was satisfied with its completion. The gemstones used were directly sources from the mines all across Kinshearth. They were carefully cut into the shape and sizes Laina required. 

"This will make us a fortune," she declared with glee. 

"Your Highness, I can\'t help but worry," Margaret voiced her concern. 

"Worry? About what?" Laina turned around to ask. 

"Your recent effort and actions have offended quite a few of the nobility. I fear… I fear they would spread negative rumors that could harm you and your reputation. Or worse…" Margaret explained as she bit her lip. 

Laina knew her handmaid\'s concern was valid. She had hoped to have the support of the Kinshearth Nobility, but they simply did not have her foresight. Most of them were rich nobles who were completely out of touch with society. 

"Margaret, let\'s take a trip out into the country.. There\'s a small town I would like you to see."