Chapter 1: Fake Ideal (1)

The Northern Grand Duke, Tehis Escalante, known for his indifference towards women.

He couldn’t understand the situation at all.

His aide, Lisa, who had helped him figure out how to reject the Princess’s proposal, had brought a temporary Grand Duchess for him. She said the information guild sent someone who perfectly matched his ideal type.

“……My ideal type?”

“Yes, Your Grace’s ideal type. It was quite difficult to find because it’s so particular.”

How could they know and find an ideal type that he himself didn’t know about? The Grand Duke looked at the excited Lisa with cold eyes.

Even though he had said all sorts of things to get rid of the Princess, he hadn’t really talked about his ideal type…

‘Wait.’

While Tehis hesitated, Lisa brought a woman he had never seen before into his study. Holding onto the somewhat bewildered woman, she began listing off the “ideal type of Grand Duke Escalante.”

“Mysterious lavender-colored long waves!”

He had only said the opposite because the Princess had golden straight hair.

“Sunset orange eyes!”

The Princess’s eyes were blue, so he said the opposite which was orange.

“Flawless, clear skin!”

The Princess had a mole near her mouth, so he pointed that out.

“Eyes that shine with kindness and warmth!”

“Pardon?”

The Princess had looked at him arrogantly, so he might have said something like that.

“A slender body that fits perfectly in one arm!”

“Hey, where are you touching?!”

The Princess was very sturdy because she used a sword…

Finally understanding what had happened, the Grand Duke ran a hand over his face.

‘This is crazy.’

Who would have thought that pieces completely opposite to the Princess would come together to form an ideal type?

It was also amazing that there was a woman who met all those conditions. It was a rather rare combination of features.

Before Tehis could say anything, Lisa called in the maids to show off the woman’s appearance. Amidst the crowd rushing to the dressing room connected to the study, the still bewildered woman was visible.

“No, excuse me-!”

Her high-pitched voice disappeared beyond the door.

The Grand Duke felt a strange sense of unease, but that wasn’t the important thing. He had no intention of just watching the situation progress without his consent.

“Lisa Vilstein.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

Tehis raised an eyebrow at the lively voice of the middle-aged woman answering from the dressing room. She seemed unusually excited, like a matchmaker thrilled with her work.

‘She has seemed excited lately… Was this prepared as a surprise gift?’

The Grand Duke massaged his stiff neck muscles tiredly. He understood the intentions of one of his few loyal aides, but that didn’t make the situation any more agreeable. Just seeing the woman’s bewildered face made it clear how things would turn out.

‘Rather than pretending to be lovers, it’ll end with awkward distancing.’

What could he expect, being known as a bloodthirsty killer? Tehis clicked his tongue inwardly and spoke dryly.

“You’ve done something unnecessary. She’ll be found out immediately.”

“They said she’s excellent at acting, so why don’t you give her a chance? If it doesn’t work out, we’ll send her back.”

“Does it really have to be this way?”

“Isn’t this the most certain method? If Your Grace is seen to be in a relationship with another woman, the Princess’s strong justification will disappear.”

Tehis couldn’t deny that. The Princess often said he should bring in a Grand Duchess soon.

Given the current precarious situation in the North, it would be problematic if he died without an heir.

‘But I can’t accept someone from the Imperial Family.’

The Princess said she liked him, but her father was eager to destroy the Escalante family. It was obvious he wasn’t stopping his daughter for political reasons, so how could Tehis accept her?

‘Who knows if she’ll poison me on our wedding night.’

Lost in thought for a moment, Tehis shook his head.

“The Princess knows I don’t have a woman I’m seeing.”

“That’s why I brought your ideal type, Your Grace. You could say you kept her hidden or recently met and fell in love at first sight.”

The Grand Duke was at a loss for words at Lisa’s bold answer. He was overwhelmed by the thought of how to explain that the woman was not his ideal type.

‘…But is there a need to explain?’

He wondered what would be the benefits if he just acknowledged it and went along with the plan.

While he was slightly tempted, there was a knock at the door.

“Your Grace, Princess Helena has come to see you.”

Tehis closed his eyes at the news of the woman who had come to the Grand Duke’s residence without even requesting a visit.

He wondered how long he would have to endure this humiliation. Though he was the ruler of the North, he had no power to oppose the Imperial Family and was even disregarded by the Princess, not the Emperor.

He shook his head at his situation, akin to being a mere plaything.

“Everyone out. The plan is on hold for now. Escort Her Highness to the reception room.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

The Grand Duke listened to the sound of his aide and the maids leaving as he looked out the window. A flock of birds crossed the brilliantly blue sky freely.

Freedom. Truly a dreamlike word.

‘I’m really sick of this.’

Tehis let out a small sigh and turned his body towards the increasing noise approaching the study. He could hear the sounds of people trying to stop the Princess beyond the thick walls, but it was to no avail.

Bang!

The woman who opened the door herself confidently faced the owner of the room.

Golden hair and blue eyes, the symbols of the Imperial Family. Her natural elegance and arrogance fluttered like a veil, proving her noble birth.

“Grand Duke Escalante.”

“What brings you to this humble study, Your Grace?”

“I came because I wanted to see you early.”

Helena Harpeon, the Empire’s only princess and youngest child, grew up spoiled and adored by those around her. She did whatever she wanted and got whatever she desired. The etiquette she deliberately neglected was a manifestation of her confidence, saying, “What are you going to do about it?”

So it was even more irritating.

“…I see. I’m sorry, but this place is not suitable for entertaining guests. Shall we move to the reception room…?”

“Grand Duke, I have thought about it. Why you are rejecting me.”

Interrupting Tehis’s words, Helena raised her chin with a confident face.

“I understand it is for political reasons. If you are going to marry me anyway, you should get the most benefit, shouldn’t you? The maids explained that you are ‘playing hard to get’ for that reason.”

“Your Grace, have you been listening to me at all?”

“I have listened. But did you think I wouldn’t know that all of it was an excuse?”

Helena was smart, though sometimes her focus was off. It was a pity that she used her intelligence only for her desires.

Both she and Tehis knew that.

‘That’s why she’s even more troublesome.’

The Princess smiled broadly at the expressionless Grand Duke.

“Then how about this? Although I originally intended to win your heart first, I will tell His Majesty and send a proposal with generous terms. Will that satisfy you?”

Tehis’s blood ran cold. Who did she think was responsible for the North’s current state? Did she think he would be grateful for her words, as if she were doing him a favor?

It was absurd that she didn’t even consider that he might dislike her, despite inheriting the Imperial blood.

‘She doesn’t care about my circumstances.’

The black-haired knight clenched his fist. The Princess’s proclamation that she would forcefully take him, despite pretending to consider him, was horrifying.

If she truly loved him, he might at least try to understand. But her eyes, treating him like a cherished object, held interest rather than affection, which was obvious to anyone.

Interest light enough to discard him without hesitation once he became useless.

“I have someone I care about.”

“Huh?”

Tehis, who had unknowingly opened his mouth, paused at Helena’s scoff. He hadn’t intended to say such a thing, so he carefully chose his next words.

“I haven’t known her for long, but I sincerely love her. So please reconsider your proposal.”

“…Love? You? Grand Duke, don’t you think that’s too obvious a lie?”

Tehis lowered his eyes at the voice that seemed almost incredulous. He couldn’t blame the woman who was certain he couldn’t have such feelings.

The Iron-Blooded Knight. The Monster of the North. The Heartless Sword. The Massacrer of Civilians.

He had no intention of denying the price he paid for everything he did to survive.

He knew that the heart the Princess wanted from him wasn’t love or affection, but loyalty and recognition. She saw many uses for him if she could tame him.

“Whether you believe it or not, it’s the truth. I intend to make her my Grand Duchess and have an heir.”

“That’s a boring joke, Grand Duke. Even if I generously assume that what you said is true, do you think she loves you the same way? Isn’t she just aiming for the position of Grand Duchess?”

It would be lucky if he wasn’t being used by a gold-digger. The Princess clicked her tongue while crossing her arms, and Tehis remained silent.

The person responsible for the crumbling North. A man who exuded murderous intent, was terrible at expressing emotions, and was utterly blunt.

Hated by the Emperor, infamous for all sorts of things, and even his once-handsome face was scarred, making it hard to be loved.

…It wasn’t new.

“This time, it was a somewhat fresh lie. But I won’t overlook your avoidance any longer. I’ll send a proposal as soon as I get back, so be prepared…”

Bang.

The sudden opening of the dressing room door made both the man and woman turn quickly.

‘An assassin?!’

Having felt no presence at all, they reflexively reached for their swords but were stunned by the sight of the woman walking out.

Disheveled hair and lips stained red. A dress revealing her cleavage, with kiss marks visible.

Just from the lingering blush, one could guess what had just happened.

“Darling, could you help me with my earrings… Oh my!”

The woman’s eyes widened as she spotted the Princess while clumsily putting on her earrings.

Looking flustered, she approached the Grand Duke and took his hand.

“Sorry, dear. I didn’t know there was someone here. The soundproofing is so good…”

Dear? Darling?

Realizing that the term of endearment was directed at him, Tehis froze. The shock made him unable to think of pushing the woman’s hand away.

Instead, Helena stammered.

“Wha…”

“Tess said it was a free time… Did you have urgent business? I’ll leave, so please go ahead with your business.”

…Tess? Does she mean me?

While the man was frozen at the unexpected nickname, the Princess’s eyes moved quickly. She scanned the unfamiliar woman from head to toe, then suddenly realized something.

Purple hair. Orange eyes. Flawless skin. Kind eyes. A slender body.

Having heard these things somewhere before, the Princess let out a ridiculous laugh, and the woman looked up at Tehis.

Standing on tiptoe, her face close, she smiled playfully.

“Then see you in the bedroom, my love.”

Smooch.

The woman, who winked at the breathless Tehis, left the study gracefully.

The wind from the window swept through the room, passing between the frozen Princess and the Grand Duke.

“…”

“…”