From the moment Kaiden unexpectedly announced his intention to attend the princess’s birthday banquet, all the knights thought it was unusual. But when he canceled training that day and even prepared an outfit, they were genuinely surprised.

When they heard about the marriage, they wondered if it was really okay. The idea of Kaiden living to please the princess, or the high-born princess being ignored by the arrogant knight, seemed unrealistic to them.

However, after witnessing the wedding preparations, the ceremony and reception, and Kaiden working diligently in Khalid, the knights had to admit it: this guy was serious about this marriage.

In fact, the knights thought that Kaiden was obsessed with gaining a title through his achievements. There had even been debates among them about why Kaiden desired such a high status. Kaiden was too arrogant to feel inferior about his status and often ignored high-status nobles rather than showing any sense of inadequacy. This made it all the more puzzling. Naturally, they couldn’t find an answer.

Ultimately, by marrying the princess, Kaiden received the prestigious title he had long desired. The princess, his bride, appeared beautiful and kind. Kaiden also seemed sincere about the marriage.

They couldn’t understand how it happened or what the deep secrets of the couple were, but from the knights’ perspective, it was a good thing. Thanks to their lord’s elevated status, their salaries also increased. The noblewoman they were to protect was a beautiful and noble princess. And Ian was confident that he played a significant role in all these good things.

Listening to Ian’s grumbling, Declan approached with a glass of wine and casually remarked, “Even if you had dressed him in rags, the marriage would have been possible.”

Another knight nearby added that Lord Khalid was very handsome, so that was true. Thus, Ian’s contribution was lightly dismissed. Declan took a sip of wine, glanced at the list board, and said, “I’m on it too.”

Ian confirmed that among the five spots with daggers stuck in them, one had Declan’s name. Declan tapped Ian on the shoulder as he passed by. “Take care of it.”

Ian thought, ‘It’s doomed…’

* * *

Dana’s heart trembled as she ordered the servants to prepare drinks and headed to the knights’ training ground. She had never been to a place where knights trained before, so she was naturally nervous during the carriage ride.

Upon arriving at the training ground, she quickly spotted Kaiden, who stood out among the large gathering of knights. Even among the knights with their imposing physiques, Kaiden held his own, standing with his back turned. Only his black hair above his armor was visible, yet it stood out remarkably. Strangely, it caught her eye immediately.

Following the servant who guided her, Dana heard Kaiden’s voice uttering rough words she had never heard before. Her heart pounded with surprise at hearing such language for the first time.

After calming her startled heart and having a conversation, Dana thought on her way back in the carriage, ‘He’s very commanding when dealing with subordinate knights.’

It made sense; managing so many knights would require that. Surprisingly, it was a side of him she hadn’t seen before. She realized he was careful in his behavior around her. She had heard he was rude and impolite, and she somewhat agreed with that opinion, but seeing him in the training ground, she realized he was very mindful of his demeanor in his own way.

Not long after Dana returned to Eluan Castle, Kaiden came to visit. Dana sat across from Kaiden, who looked like he had washed and changed clothes.

She noticed Kaiden’s still slightly damp black hair, dressed in a smooth bluish top and dark-colored trousers instead of armor. The rough knight in armor among men transformed into a picture-perfect figure just by changing clothes and entering a woman’s space. The wedding ring, which had to be removed to avoid damage inside the rough gauntlets, was once again on Kaiden’s finger.

Surprisingly, this was the first time the couple sat down properly face-to-face since the wedding. As the duke couple sat across from each other, the head maid and maids brought out wine and snacks.

The problem arose with the maid who placed the wine glass poured by the head maid. The maid, momentarily distracted by the sight of the young duke up close for the first time, made the mistake of placing the wine glass in mid-air instead of on the table.

“Oh!”

Fortunately, Kaiden caught the wine glass just in time. Although he managed to grab it before it tipped over, a few drops of wine splashed out. Luckily, the dark color of his trousers made the stains hard to notice. However, the maid was startled and quickly bowed to apologize.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

Kaiden placed the wine glass on the table. Dana didn’t scold or reprimand the maid who hurriedly cleared away the glass. Instead, she turned her gaze to Mrs. Moyer, the head maid.

Mrs. Moyer swiftly bowed her head, handed a handkerchief to Kaiden to wipe his trousers, and then hurriedly assisted the maid in clearing the wine glass and refilling it on the table.

Meanwhile, Kaiden quietly wiped the wine from his trousers and placed the handkerchief on the table without saying much. Since the maid had spilled the wine on him, he let it slide. If the glass had fallen on Dana or splashed wine on her, he wouldn’t have remained silent.

Unaware of Kaiden’s thoughts, Dana felt relieved, thinking the duke had discreetly overlooked the situation to spare the head maid any embarrassment for not managing her subordinates well.

Mrs. Moyer removed the handkerchief from the table and, after a final check, left the room with the maid. She would handle the maid’s mistake appropriately, ensuring Dana wouldn’t have to recall the incident.

Once they were alone, Dana spoke to Kaiden.

“I hope I didn’t disrupt your training unnecessarily.”

“Not at all.”

“I’m sorry to bother you when you’re busy having just become a duke, but I think things will get busier after the mating season.”

“That won’t be a problem. Please, go ahead.”

“I feel like we can’t continue like this.”

This time, Kaiden couldn’t immediately respond, his expression stiffening. Not continue like this? Did she really think they couldn’t maintain this marriage? Was she considering annulling it sooner than three years?

“Even though I said I would annul the marriage, I want us to get along well until then. I want us to work together to help Khalid grow. Even if we can’t be like a real couple, I think we can be like friends. Anyway, we need to convincingly play our roles as a couple to avoid suspicion for at least three years.”

Fortunately, the princess wasn’t insisting on annulling the marriage immediately. Still, her words stung Kaiden.

Unaware of Kaiden’s feelings, Dana thought that a friendship-like relationship was suitable for them. She knew Kaiden was a dedicated knight who risked his life for the kingdom and wanted to help him establish himself as the Duke of Khalid. She hoped they could support each other as friends, wishing for each other’s happiness even after they went their separate ways.

“Our lifestyles are so different that we hardly see each other. It can’t be helped in the afternoons, so I thought I might join you for breakfast from now on.”

Having breakfast together every morning would present the image of a proper couple. It seemed like the best way to spend regular time with him without taking too much of his time. Ideally, they would have dinner together, but Kaiden seemed too busy for that.

“If it’s not inconvenient for you, I’ll tell them to prepare breakfast for us together. What do you think?”

Kaiden didn’t answer immediately. After quietly observing Dana, he spoke softly.

“Do as you wish.”