‘Is he really going to marry that child?’

The Duke, who had moved to the adjacent room, glanced at where the two were. One was a prince who had just returned to the palace, and Sezlin was a child worse than a stranger to him. There could be no match more suitable than these two.

Moreover, from a political standpoint, there could be no better opportunity.

‘One cannot maintain neutrality forever.’

The Brioden family had never taken anyone’s side until now. No, it would be more accurate to say they had no side to take.

Previous emperors had already shown their prominence since their days as crown princes. It was extremely clear who would become emperor and which line to follow to avoid ruin. Thus, for the Duke, neutrality was not a family belief. Because he knew who would succeed, he was merely secretly observing from behind, following the majority.

Of course, the current Emperor was the same.

Though the First Prince becoming a Sword Master was unexpected, the palace was already in the Second Empress’s hands. How many years had the First Prince been absent from the palace? The position of future crown prince was practically the Second Prince’s.

—So submit a marriage proposal to the First Prince. Since the Brioden family has always been neutral, at this time when nobles are watching, the First Prince will surely be tempted.

—And then…

—You become the connection. The link between the First Prince and us. That’s the role Brioden can play.

‘Such a snake.’

The Duke clicked his tongue.

He didn’t like being treated as merely a connection for this Brioden, but the Duke was socially adept. Considering the power, honor, and money he would gain later, selling his emotions was nothing.

Moreover, it wasn’t April but his disgusting first daughter who would marry him. Her public image was very poor, and with all the evil deeds she had committed, she could be discarded as soon as she was no longer needed.

For example.

“Your Grace.”

When the First Prince falls, together.

“What is it?”

“A report has arrived, they say.”

“Is that so?”

The face that had momentarily brightened was filled with tension again. Even though the door was closed, the Duke lowered his voice as much as possible.

“Wait for me in the office.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

After dismissing the aide, the Duke habitually stroked his thigh. What he had obtained from the Second Empress under the pretext of marriage was none other than information.

Information that there was gold in the Hestin Mine.

The mines were originally imperial property, but the national treasury was currently empty. They had no money. It also took time to mine gems and gold from mines. So it was the Duke who had proposed selling the mines at higher prices.

‘Once we get the gold, the treasury will be filled.’

Who would have known? That there would be gold in a mine abandoned for 100 years.

How the Second Empress knew this fact was unknown, but what the Duke needed was results, not the process.

Securing a solid position and obtaining gold. It was an excellent opportunity for the Duke.

Yes, certainly. But.

‘Have I been too sensitive lately?’

The First Prince came on the very day the second report was due. Though it was a coincidence, it was somewhat unsettling. Because he wanted to handle it quietly, before anyone noticed.

The mine auction was about a week away. He planned to purchase it through a proxy.

Until then, no one should touch it…

“Your Grace!”

The Duke, continuing his thoughts, narrowed his brow. The door opened roughly, and the aide who had left earlier rushed in breathlessly.

“What is this unseemly behavior?”

“Th-th-that is…”

The aide hurriedly bowed his upper body. Then he whispered something into the Duke’s ear. The neat face that had been listening gradually hardened ominously.

* * *

Sezlin looked at the man in front of her. His solid torso blocked her view. But there was no particular discomfort in moving.

Sezlin grasped the hand that was at least a span larger than hers. Ludwig, who had abruptly left the reception room, was taking her away.

And to.

“Your Highness!”

A carriage heading to the imperial palace.

“Prince! What is this!”

The Duke, having heard the news, quickly descended the stairs. He was in such a hurry that he spoke without even catching his breath, panting slightly.

“Where are you taking my child?”

Ludwig turned his back.

A look of surprise was directed at the Duke.

“Where, you ask?”

He continued as if it were obvious.

“I was about to return with my wife.”

“…!”

“Is there a problem?”

The casually uttered title was all too familiar. At Ludwig’s words, the Duke swallowed. In truth, he had roughly guessed from when Ludwig had referred to her as “my wife” earlier.

That this marriage would proceed smoothly.

That Ludwig also liked Sezlin.

But the words he had just heard made it completely certain. A secret pleasure lurked in his gaze as he looked at the two. However, he couldn’t just readily agree here.

“She is still a child who is not fully prepared. She needs more education to ensure there are no deficiencies.”

In any case, the education period would be less than a week. Before that, he needed to caution Sezlin, that ruffian-like child, once more.

He needed to discipline her again to prevent any incidents, and go to the palace intermittently to continue her education.

So she wouldn’t interfere with his plans.

But there was an unexpected obstacle.

“Oh my.”

Ludwig, who blocked the Duke, naturally hid her behind him.

“I’m sorry, but that seems a bit difficult.”

“…What do you mean, difficult?”

What was he saying? The face that had been beaming suddenly stiffened.

“From the moment the marriage is agreed upon, the duke’s daughter becomes the prince’s wife.”

Ludwig, trailing off, soon moved his lips.

“To become a future royal, I think the imperial palace would be better than the duke’s mansion.”

The Duke, who was about to refute his words, momentarily hesitated. If he denied it here, it would lead to a statement disrespecting imperial education. He shouldn’t carelessly add words.

The Duke bit the inside of his mouth firmly.

“She is a child who hasn’t even received proper basic education. At least that much should be at the duke’s mansion…”

“As for etiquette, she seems sufficient already. It was so when I saw her at our first meeting, and just now as well. There was nothing particularly to fault.”

‘That’s because you don’t know proper etiquette’, the Duke wanted to shout. But if he upset the Prince’s mood and the marriage fell through, it would be problematic.

From the mine to the marriage, the timing was impeccably good.

After briefly withholding his words, the Duke finally nodded.

“I understand. Then after preparing the child, tomorrow…”

“Ah, that won’t be necessary.”

Just as the Duke was about to continue, Ludwig smoothly cut in.

“Everything needed immediately will be prepared at the palace, so I’ll send someone later.”

Ludwig’s lips rose more elegantly. It was a clear refusal.

“Is that so?”

The Duke pulled his facial muscles as much as possible. If he let his guard down even a little, his displeasure would be revealed. Fortunately, having lived as a noble all his life, this was easier than breathing.

In the end, the Duke forcibly nodded.

“I understand. I will prepare a carriage for you.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Sezlin lowered her gaze to the hand she was gripping firmly. The Duke behaving so docilely? Since she was seeing such a sight for the first time, it felt slightly different.

If she had spoken, it wouldn’t have made any difference.

‘It is convenient.’

Even opening the way for her.

Sezlin, shrugging her shoulders, turned her feet to follow him. She had nothing to bring anyway, and even less people to say goodbye to. She intended to leave all the maids behind.

Her only thought was to leave this house as soon as possible.

“Sister!”

Having heard the news, April was hurriedly coming down. Seeing her, the Duke glanced at Ludwig.

April, who quickly descended the stairs, approached Sezlin. Then, as if noticing Ludwig beside her, she hastily bowed.

But even with her coming like this, Sezlin had nothing to say to April.

“Let’s go, Your Highness.”

“Sister!”

April raised her voice at being ignored despite being seen. Soon, remembering Ludwig’s presence again, she firmly closed her mouth.

Meanwhile, Sezlin pulled Ludwig.

“I want to go and rest.”

“…Let’s do that.”

Ludwig, who had been looking at the two with strange eyes, moved his steps again. The surprised April reached out her hand. But with perfect timing, Sezlin moved her steps.

Sezlin breathed slowly. She could subtly feel the Duke trying to stop her.

“You’re too cold for someone you claim to want to protect.”

Ludwig whispered softly as they exited the entrance.

Sezlin, who had also crossed the threshold, narrowed her brow.

“I’ll have to add that to the contract.”

That they would not interfere in each other’s private lives.