Chapter 11. The Apple Tree Blossoms

The emperor lightly disciplined Duke Carca for letting Crown Prince Philio escape and then moved on. Some of the emperor’s close associates said this was too lenient, but nothing changed. Instead, as if in response, news arrived a few days later that Crown Prince Philio had been killed by the moderate faction, his opposition. Facing the emperor’s meaningful smile, Van shrugged with a grin.

“Since he was going to die anyway, we didn’t need to take on the diplomatic burden, did we?”

This also led to the war between the Holy Kingdom and Sibyla fizzling out. After the young crown prince who had championed the war theory died suddenly, domestic issues became more pressing. Empress Ismerilda’s worries were also reduced.

Many things happened.

The Duchess of Carca, or rather Sonya Chrisy who returned to her maiden name, sought political asylum in Sibyla. Despite fierce pursuit by imperial forces across borders and seas, she luckily managed to escape the Empire. In exchange, she lost all her rights within the Empire. Except for some Chrisy assets she had moved abroad, all the valuable land fell to Duke Carca and the imperial family. In this process, Attorney Albert, who was suspected of helping the politically criminal duchess, underwent 100 days of intensive investigation but was ultimately found not guilty. Rumors briefly circulated that he must have made a deal with the emperor’s side, but they soon died down.

Meanwhile, the exiled Sonya Chrisy was treated as a hot potato after the death of her intended husband, until she skillfully received a marriage proposal from Prince Dulen, Philio’s younger brother. Like his brother, he already had several sons and didn’t mind marrying Sonya. What distinguished him from his siblings was that he was an impulsive, fickle womanizer who had a taste for women.

Roughly— this is what became known to the public.

“That’s quite unexpected.”

The emperor suddenly muttered. He flipped through documents that only about four people in the entire Empire would know about.

“Your ex-wife, I mean.”

“Just call her Chrisy.”

Van curtly cut off the emperor’s teasing. A short chuckling sound echoed.

“I expected everything else, but I didn’t know she would make such a request.”

A mere woman who had lost almost all her power couldn’t have escaped the emperor’s grasp so easily. She set conditions in exchange for giving up all rights to Chrisy. From this moment on, Chainenburg would be entrusted to her ex-husband, Duke Carca. However, under no circumstances should Seon Chrisy ever become its owner. Her safety would be guaranteed. And—

—Please ensure Albert’s well-being.

“Well, is it a kind of compensation?”

“As the person who should receive compensation, don’t you have other thoughts?”

“I got the land, didn’t I?”

That’s enough, really. Van cheerfully saluted and rose from his seat. It was a sign that he was leaving work. Feeling somewhat irritated by this, Piotr grumbled. These days he’s so happy he could fly. The emperor watched the duke putting on his coat with a twist and rested his chin on his hand, raising a crooked, mischievous smile.

“So, how are things going these days?”

“My love business is always booming.”

And the prospects look good for the future too. As Duke Carca straightened his tie and grinned, he shone brightly. Recently in social circles, there had been increasing whispers about the increasingly radiant appearance of the duke, whose footsteps had become noticeably scarce. It seems that not only women become prettier when they’re loved. Perhaps because he now had a purpose in life, his vitality made him even more attractive. Despite being off the market.

“Well, today might be a critical moment.”

“Why?”

Van scratched his cheek.

“I’m going to Eurene’s home to pay my respects.”

* * *

And so, he was now at Count Eifel’s house.

Of course, as usual, Van was smiling cheerfully and brightly, or rather more vibrantly, while the Eifel family members sat awkwardly with stiff smiles. No, only Countess Eifel managed that much, while Count Eifel alternated between looking at Duke Carca, who had arrived with a large bouquet and a carriage full of various gifts, and his sister, who sat uncomfortably with a reddened face. Young Shuren of the Eifel family was innocently sucking on candy while curiously observing the handsome guest.

Eurene felt awkward and subtly embarrassed by her family’s reactions, which resembled people blankly watching a new exotic animal at their familiar zoo peeling an apple and hitting the jackpot. Feeling very shy, she glanced sideways at Van sitting next to her, hoping he would do something. She hoped her eloquent and smooth-faced lover would say something to refresh this awkward atmosphere.

Sure enough, as the perceptive Van gently opened his mouth, everyone in the Eifel family flinched and fixed their gaze on his handsome lips.

“You seem quite surprised by my visit.”

“Ah, no, Your Grace…… that……”

Count Eifel frantically waved both hands and let out a big hiccup.

Van had firmly held Eurene’s hand. The count stopped mid-sentence and hiccupped, the countess blushed and said “Oh my,” and Shuren continued sucking his candy.

When Eurene fidgeted in embarrassment, trying to pull her hand away, he instead interlocked their fingers. Oh really, why are you like this! In front of all my family! As she whispered lowly, Van also bent his head and whispered back. What’s the problem? We’re getting married soon. This is pure by those standards, isn’t it?

The problem was that their conversation was completely audible to the Eifel family members sitting across from them—now the count was coughing loudly like a terminal lung cancer patient. Five-year-old Shuren, who understood nothing, cheerfully exclaimed, proving their hearing was intact.

“Wow! Mom! Is auntie getting married?”

“Sh-Shuren, be quiet.”

Countess Eifel muttered with a pale face as she covered her young son’s mischievous mouth. Fortunately, thanks to his son’s shock therapy, Count Eifel somewhat regained his senses and cleared his throat.

“Um, if I didn’t mishear…… are you saying that you want to marry her, I mean our Eurene?”

“Yes. In other words, Eurene is marrying me.”

“Ha, hahahaha.”

To the count who laughed helplessly as if in disbelief, Duke Carca delivered the finishing blow clearly.

“I want to marry your sister, Count. I sincerely hope that you will gladly accept my proposal.”

It’s extremely rare for someone, especially an imperial duke, to come in person to propose without even sending a proposal letter first. And the recipient being the spinster, single, pink-haired sloth Eurene Eifel! Unlike before, Count Eifel couldn’t escape reality by claiming Duke Carca had an axe disease. The count unconsciously stammered.

“But why our Eurene……”

Of course, words like “of all people” were omitted. Van raised his eyebrows and asked back.

“Lady Eifel is beautiful, and I love her. Do you need any other reason……”

“……Ah, yes.”

Fortunately, the count didn’t say “Her?” Van chuckled deeply at his lukewarm expression.

“Do you perhaps dislike me?”

“Th-there’s no way!”

As the count frantically waved his hands as if jumping up, Van quickly seized the opportunity.

“Then no need for lengthy discussions. Give her to me. I’m confident I can make Eurene as happy as any woman.”

Eurene’s cheeks turned bright red. That face full of shyness was undoubtedly that of a woman in love. The duke holding her hand tightly with a bright smile was the same. They made a truly good-looking couple. Count Eifel cleared his throat briefly and asked.

“Um, since when have you been seeing my sister?”

“Ah, that—”

It was a somewhat disadvantageous question. Of course, Van skillfully evaded it.

“It took time for us to be convinced that we love each other and should get married. After all…… there were realistically many obstacles between us. I apologize for not asking the count’s permission before courting her.”

“Duke.”

“Yes.”

Count Eifel, who had been staring blankly at the duke, scratched his cheek. Like Eurene, he gave off the impression of a friendly neighborhood uncle rather than a nobleman. He seemed to be organizing his thoughts while briefly looking into space before meeting the duke’s eyes. The words he eventually spoke were extremely plain and honest lamentations.

“My sister is lacking in many ways. She doesn’t listen well, hates studying or working, and dislikes being nagged. She’s far from having aspirations, diligence, or conscience. Fortunately, you seem to be fond of her, for which I’m grateful, but she’s not pretty either. Rather than having a ‘face that grows on you,’ she’s more like a nuisance, just cute the more you look at her. I honestly don’t know what about my sister appealed to you, Duke. But judging by all the sincerity you’ve shown, I believe you’re genuine. If a noble duke like yourself is willing to take in such an unfinished person, how could I object? Besides, she seems happy about it too.”

But please promise me one thing. The count took a deep breath.

“Whatever situation arises, please fulfill at least the minimum duty as a spouse to her.”

At this extremely obvious and basic request, the duke stared at Count Eifel for a moment. However, instead of enthusiastically declaring “of course,” he quietly listened to his words.

“Human affairs are unpredictable, and while things may be good now, over time enemies can become lovers and love can turn to enmity. If ever she falls out of your favor…… there’s no need to push her away, just tell me. She’s my blood, so I’ll take care of her without question if you send her home safely. That’s the answer. I hope you’ll treat her appropriately, even if only as a tribute to the feelings you just expressed.”

“Ah, why are you saying such unlucky things!”