The shock on Andrea's face confirmed that I had made my point. Princesses often tended to forget themselves and—

"That's fine," she suddenly declared. "Feel free to add those people's debts to mine."

"Well, someone's feeling noble and heroic," I mocked the princess. "Remember, princess, you're my property, and you have no say in what I do or what you can do. This is a business, and if we forgive one person, where does it end? But, some say I'm a benevolent person, so there's always room for negotiation down the line."

"Negotiation... What will you take from them if they can't pay?" Andrea asked, her concern evident. I patted her shoulder.

"There's always a way to pay, princess. A successful creditor knows how to get what's owed. Now, please step aside and continue with the preparations. I won't have you wearing that attire when our visitors arrive."

"Of course, sir."

With a swift bow, Andrea turned and left the room. Seeing her defeated expression, I couldn't help but wonder if I was a sadist for enjoying her desperation. People like her, who thought they held the moral high ground, needed a reality check, and not just her but her entire family as well.

After confirming that the guests would be arriving within the next few hours, I decided it was time to get some sleep, something I hadn't been getting much of lately. Ever since taking on the role of a creditor, my mind had been filled with numerous thoughts and concerns. I remembered the advice my father had given me when I first took on this job—to always watch my back, regardless of the situation. He had imparted so much wisdom to me, shaping me into the person I had become. It was a tragic end for him, a gunshot to the head.

"S-Sir," a voice suddenly came from outside my study.

"If it's dinner, let the princess eat first," I replied to the voice from behind the door.

"She's actually in the kitchen, sir. She says she wants to make your food."

"Is that so? Did she explain why she would do something like that?"

"She mentioned it's to make up for her... insolence," the maid on the other side of the door explained. I looked at the door, wondering what Andrea was up to. Was she trying to manipulate the situation, perhaps to strengthen our earlier deal? It was not unexpected for a noble to be quite persistent.

"Very well, let her do as she pleases," I conceded. "Although, I do have a few things in mind later on." 

"Understood."

Listening to the soft patter of footsteps retreating, I couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement. Andrea knew that her efforts were likely in vain, yet she persisted nonetheless.

After 30 minutes had passed, I decided to head to the dining room, straightening up my blazer as the rich scent of cooked meat enveloped my senses. I was greeted by several maids and a stressed-looking secretary, and what lay before me was a lavish 3 course dinner.  There was Filet Mignon with sides, accompanied by some scallops, and a glass of fine red wine. On the side, the princess looked at me, still wearing the same sundress from earlier, but this time, she sported an apron. Why in the world she was doing this, I didn't know, but I was gradually becoming annoyed that she hadn't changed into her proper princess attire.

"Uhm, sir," the secretary began to speak, but I raised my hand to silence her.

"Well, this is surprising," I commented, eyeing the sumptuous spread before me. "I didn't think the princess was taught how to cook."

"My... mother has taught me to be prepared, just in case," she replied, her head lowered and her cheeks flushed.

"Well, you'll have to cook decently for your future betrothed or the lucky person who will own you next after me," I told her with a chuckle as I reached for the glass of red wine, taking a sip.

"That's not too bad, although it could use some refinement. I suppose there's something to this, though?" I looked at Andrea as she raised her head.

"Regarding those borrowers who caused a commotion earlier... Like I said, I'd be willing to take their debts upon myself if you could forgive them," she began, her eyes filled with hope.

"You know my answer is no, princess. However, since you've shown such determination here, perhaps I can make one exception," I told her, causing her eyes to light up, and a broad smile formed on her face.

"R-Really, sir? That's..."

"On one condition," I interjected, my tone becoming serious as I took a seat at the table.

"If you're going to prepare me such a fancy dinner, as my property, it only makes sense that you should have to feed me."

"Excuse me?" The princess blinked in confusion. "F-feed you?"

"Did I stutter, Andrea? If you want those borrowers to be freed of all their debts, then I need you to feed me the meal you've just prepared right now. That, or you can forget about this, and my collectors will begin to take action."

Without saying a word, the princess promptly removed her apron, grabbed an empty chair, placed it beside me, and took hold of the fork and knife.

"That's a good princess. For the good of the people, you're willing to humble yourself..."