Sezlin gazed at the rapidly changing scenery.

But unlike the quiet exterior, her mind was quite noisy throughout the journey to the imperial palace. To be honest, she hadn’t expected Ludwig to take her away immediately. There were procedures for entering the palace, after all.

But at her words about wanting to leave quickly, Ludwig had extended his hand without hesitation.

‘As if he had been waiting.’

It was fine with her. Sezlin didn’t want to stay at the Duke’s mansion any longer. However, she was somewhat concerned that they might be leaving too hastily.

“Is this really alright?”

“What?”

“I’m asking if it’s okay to leave like this.”

“Do you want to go back then?”

“No. That’s not…”

Sezlin, who had been looking out the window, gradually turned her head. She saw arrogantly crossed legs. Above them, a handsome face came into view.

“I arranged everything before coming to the Duke’s mansion, so it doesn’t matter. The Duke seemed to want our marriage anyway.”

“You knew?”

“How could I not?”

Ludwig leaned back against the plush backrest. Placing his interlocked hands on his knee, he said:

“As you said, I have no background behind me. In a situation where nobles are carefully watching, the Brioden family will certainly be a great merit.”

That’s probably what the Second Empress is aiming for too.

“When I build more power, she’ll use the duke’s daughter to draw me to her side.”

“…”

“It’s so obvious that I’m embarrassed to even respond.”

A sneer hung on Ludwig’s lips. Sezlin responded by just looking at him. Without needing to add words, Ludwig had already grasped the situation.

“Then did you intend to take me from the beginning?”

“There’s nothing good in dragging things out. Who knows what the Duke might do? Like earlier.”

Strike while the iron is hot. Giving room might lead to some scheming. This was why he had informed the palace in advance. Even if Sezlin hadn’t said anything, Ludwig had planned to take her away as soon as possible.

Since Sezlin herself also wanted to leave, he had no reason to delay.

“Let’s discuss the contract while we’re at it. It takes time to reach the palace.”

“…Alright.”

Sezlin continued to look out at the still bright window.

It had already been over two hours since the carriage departed. They would arrive at the palace soon. There was enough time for a brief conversation.

“As I said earlier, I plan to act as if I’m completely smitten with you.”

“If you’re okay with the image, let’s say we fell in love at first sight. Both of us.”

Love was a convenient tool to use. Especially the higher one’s status, the more effective it became. Moreover, a prince who had just returned to the palace and a wild filly of high society? People’s interest was practically guaranteed.

“I don’t mind, but what about your image?”

“Haven’t you heard the rumors?”

Surely not. Sezlin asked the question while already confident about the answer she would receive.

“I heard. They say you’re a crazy wild horse.”

“I don’t know who told you, but they conveyed it accurately.”

“Come to think of it, I’m the same. I was featured a lot in newspapers.”

“The slaughterer abandoned on the battlefield?”

Ludwig’s face became strange. It was a somewhat different expression from the awkwardness of not knowing how to respond.

“…You’re the first person to say that to my face.”

“And I’m hearing ‘crazy wild horse’ directly for the first time too.”

Ludwig laughed as if dumbfounded. Somehow, the more they conversed, the more he felt drawn in. A peculiar person. Sezlin Brioden was unique in many ways.

This was the first time in his life he had encountered such a type. Usually, people used honesty as a pretext to express malice.

But Sezlin was genuinely… brazen.

Extremely so.

“Do people often tell you you’re honest?”

“More than honest, I hear that I have a bad disposition.”

“Isn’t that worse?”

“The meaning is the same. Just a rougher expression.”

Though many things caught his attention, Ludwig tactfully changed the subject.

“Well, we won’t be disappointed in each other.”

“Don’t worry too much. At least while the contract is in progress, I’ll stay put.”

“I’ll do the same.”

Actually, there wouldn’t be occasions to wield a sword here…

“Except for rats.”

There would be.

Ludwig nodded heavily.

“Thank you for understanding.”

“It’s nothing.”

Sezlin shrugged as if it wasn’t a difficult matter. Ahem. Clearing his throat, Ludwig changed the topic.

“I think you mentioned private lives earlier.”

“Since this is a relationship with a clear purpose.”

A strategic relationship. That’s what Sezlin saw this relationship as. One existing for mutual goals. Ludwig agreed with this.

“Let’s overlook each other’s personal histories, private lives, and other such aspects. Without asking.”

“I think the same.”

“That’s good. And also.”

“?”

“How about including mistresses in private lives?”

“Mistresses?”

Ludwig’s head tilted slightly. Sezlin continued calmly.

“I don’t mind if you have mistresses, but I’d prefer if they don’t interfere with our plans. For example, getting pregnant. Of course, this applies to me too.”

“Hmm.”

Ludwig had thought about this aspect as well. It was the most dangerous element in a political marriage. He roughly understood what Sezlin wanted to say.

Ludwig nodded readily.

There was no harm in being careful with each other.

“Is there anything else you want to add?”

At those words, Sezlin answered without hesitation.

“Sleeping together.”

Ludwig momentarily doubted his ears.

“…What?”

“Sleeping together. Bedding.”

In case he didn’t understand, Sezlin kindly recited. Ludwig was briefly at a loss for words.

From the beginning, the concept of gender was vague to Ludwig. Of course, his preferences weren’t in that direction.

It’s just that he wasn’t interested enough in people to feel s*xual desire normally. So to Ludwig, men and women were just the same bodies. Given this situation, he couldn’t possibly have s*xual desires. He had never seriously thought about sleeping together or having mistresses as Sezlin mentioned.

But Ludwig was aware. For royalty, marriage was a political union. Heirs were merely links that solidified that union.

“What do you want to do?”

“I think it’s better if we don’t do it. If I were to get pregnant, it would be troublesome for both of us.”

It was a marriage with a predetermined end. Unexpected variables would be problematic.

“Then the wedding night is an issue.”

“We’ll need to get some animal blood. We need to deceive the eyes.”

It wouldn’t make sense to claim they married for love but not consummate on the wedding night. They needed to create some form of deception.

“You’re similar to me.”

“Is that… a compliment?”

It felt strange to be complimented by someone who seemed somewhat crazy.

“Of course.”

Ludwig brazenly raised his chin. A rather satisfied smile hung on his lips.

“I’m glad our thoughts are similar.”

“I dislike complicated things.”

Variables, exceptions. These were situations Sezlin most wanted to avoid right now.

And she planned to do her best to prevent them.

“Just to be clear.”

“…”

“I won’t change my mind later and say I don’t want a divorce.”

There would be no love. That’s what Sezlin was saying now.

Naturally,

“I feel the same.”

Ludwig shared the same thought.

“We’ll discuss the details when we arrive. Let’s also correct our forms of address. Isn’t it too formal?”

“Then shall I call you by your name?”

“If we want to appear affectionate, there’s nothing more certain than that.”

According to imperial etiquette, royalty and nobles generally didn’t call each other by name. It was common to use established titles or family names.

Names were typically used only between close friends, lovers, or spouses.

Sezlin nodded. As soon as he received her permission, Ludwig moved his lips.

“Sezlin.”

The monotone call continued. Sezlin thought his voice was quite serene.

“Ludwig.”

His lips, which had been closed in a straight line, parted slightly. Having missed the timing to respond, Ludwig belatedly opened his mouth.

“…Not bad.”

Better than expected.

Ludwig deliberately swallowed the latter words.

* * *

The carriage’s speed gradually slowed after the sun had tilted slightly. The rapidly changing scenery also flowed more slowly.

By the time the carriage came to a stop.

Sezlin descended the steps holding Ludwig’s hand. For the perfect lover’s act, even after she got off, Ludwig continued to hold Sezlin’s hand.

“Welcome, Your Highness.”

The aide who had come out ahead bowed. Straightening his upper body, he then greeted Sezlin.

“Welcome, Lady. We’ve been waiting.”

As he had said he prepared in advance. The aide acted as if he had known from the beginning that Sezlin would come.

Sezlin, who nodded lightly, gazed at Ludwig.

Ludwig, readjusting his grip on her hand, gestured. It meant they should go in now.

Grasping her dress with her other hand, Sezlin moved her steps leisurely.

But.

As soon as she stepped on the ground,

“Oh my,”

Her whole body turned cold.

“Isn’t it my brother.”

Goosebumps rose on her arms.

Sezlin knew well whose voice that was. She inhaled and moved her stiffened neck.

“Friedrich.”

Ludwig, discovering his brother, narrowed his brow. Sezlin stared at the man who had approached her vicinity.

“I’ve been waiting.”

Friedrich de Azelan.

“This is the first time I’m seeing you since you returned to the palace.”

It was that b*stard.