Chapter 20

Panicking, she found the reason within herself and soon enough, put forth an odd answer about her appearance or taste in men.

If she said she came for a transaction, they wouldn’t misunderstand, yet she blurted out engagement talk first.

Her facial expressions were too obvious, so at that moment, she thought, “She’s such an easy woman to understand.”

But then,

“This engagement itself is my goal.”

Hearing this, I had to immediately revoke my words about her being an easy woman.

Was asking what she would take away from this foolish?

She held nothing—no mansion, no land, no territory directly under her control, nor was she wealthy; even if she was, it wasn’t hers.

Thus, there was only one thing she could gain from marrying Carsein.

The Bargrand Castle and its affiliation with the Bargrand Duke House.

These two things were Carsein Bargrand’s only weapons and everything.

“Yes, that’s how the world works. My thinking was short-sighted.”

With a noble’s high status, the family name became the greatest power.

It wasn’t odd to think Harnie’s goal was the engagement itself.

Originally, it should have been refused. If Carsein’s last weapon, his marriage to this woman, turned into a wedding, he would lose that weapon.

Yet, I couldn’t refuse this proposal.

“Alright, let’s do it.”

Carsein, who possessed nothing except the Bargrand Castle, couldn’t wait until he was cast aside to die.

Though games can branch based on affinity, there were too many variables. This woman in front of me was already a significant variable.

Therefore, it’s more advantageous to prepare a backup plan rather than hold onto a weapon that might disappear anytime.

This isn’t a proposal but a straightforward deal.

“But I can’t just blindly follow your words. I won’t refuse, but I need to know under what conditions and for what purpose.”

“…”

Harrie stared blankly at me and mumbled something.

“Before, you were…”

I didn’t catch what she said. But she didn’t seem displeased or annoyed. It seemed my intentions were somewhat understood.

“Asking under what conditions and for what purpose? Yes, I’ll tell you clearly. I don’t want to lose what I’ve worked hard to build by others.”

“What do you mean by not wanting to lose?”

“Because of strategic marriage.”

Strategic marriage.

A means used by nobles to bind their children in marriage for the benefit of their family and themselves.

“A strategic marriage was proposed to me due to a recent transaction with another count’s house. I can’t accept my life being consumed for the sake of the family.”

That’s right.

How could someone accept their life being treated as expendable?

Even someone outside the noble system could understand this. Such things happen in modern society too.

Just the fact that the eldest always talks about helping the family makes me sick to death.

“So, you’re saying a strategic marriage hasn’t been finalized yet.”

“Yes, it’s still up for grabs. But every man is watching me closely.”

Harrie frowned deeply.

She had a regal presence from head to toe. Not just because she was a noble, but she was also quite beautiful.

At first glance, she looked to be in her late teens. Her violet hair and eyes, combined with a figure that any man would desire, made her a prime target.

The phrase “up for grabs” suggested fierce competition. Poor thing.

“To sum up, you’re avoiding the threat of a strategic marriage by entering into this engagement with me. That’s your goal, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right, but I haven’t told you everything.”

“What else is there?”

“The duration is one year. Until I come of age and leave the Teresia Marquis House, we just need to align our words for now. I can provide ample compensation.”

With the specific term of one year, all doubts were dispelled.

“I’ve studied. I need to understand how the noble society operates.”

This knowledge proved helpful.

Firstly, after half a year, the Marquis House of Teresia regained its power and seized considerable authority. The jump from a count to a marquis indicated a significant rise.

However, the head of the Marquis House was not content and aimed higher. He was ambitious.

Yet, it’s noticeable that despite being a Marquis House, its rank within the empire isn’t high. To avoid being overtaken by other counts, action was needed.

Thus, Harrie was becoming a sacrifice for a strategic marriage.

Like in old European nobility or royalty, sons focused on continuing the lineage, while daughters or princesses were married off to bring others under their control.

The necessity is clear.

Secondly, I understood why the duration was one year.

The rapid rise of the Marquis House of Teresia was suspicious. With mediocre performance previously, how did they manage such a turnaround?

If Harrie was responsible for that, it’s feasible she could devise a plan within a year.

After thorough preparation, she could leave the Marquis House and become independent.

“I said I’d provide ample compensation. This isn’t unfounded confidence.”

Leaving the Marquis House and losing noble status, she could still survive. After a year, she’d turn eighteen and receive adequate compensation.

This confidence hinted at something hidden.

So, I needed to hear more.

“Understood. Then explain what I need to do for the next year.”

“It’s simple. Just show that our engagement is real.”

“…Is that all?”

“Other than this, is there another way to avoid a strategic marriage?”

“Hmm…”

Indeed, this is direct.

If I say I have an fiancé, no one would try to manipulate things. Especially with the Bargrand Castle, everyone would back off.

But my sigh seemed to convey doubt, so Harrie narrowed her eyes and started firing questions.

“There are plenty of men pursuing me. Some are older or balding. But if word spreads that you, who are different from them, are connected to me, it will counteract both scenarios and even bring additional benefits. Isn’t this a great advantage?”

She was hinting heavily. It seems I’m just supposed to react…

Well, I had to respond.

“I’ll meet you periodically. Is that enough?”

“Please do. And don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you need to fall in love. Oh, and if you agree, I won’t accept it anyway.”

“Of course.”

Even when being self-assured, she does this.

Well… since she’s pretty, I can’t argue.

“If you’re going to do it, do it quickly. Humph.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s nothing. Now, it’s my turn to ask questions.”

Harrie pushed a glass of water towards me after revealing her intentions. It was my turn.

“Carsein, what do you want during this year-long engagement?”

“What do you want?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at such a simple question.

“Why are you laughing so strangely? Just tell me what you want.”

“That’s something we need to discuss separately.”

“Wait, what?”

The hall became noisy.

It was time to appear at the banquet.

[ A third commotion has occurred in the banquet hall. Shall we go to the terrace? ]

[ 1. Go. ]

[ 2. Stay. ]

The first and second disturbances were from nobles. The third was from someone else.

Since the conversation was wrapping up, I stood up.

“From now on, send letters to Camila, the maid. Also, prepare the contract well.”

I added some words, so it should be fine.

But Harrie, who seemed unsatisfied, grabbed my hand as I tried to leave the terrace.

“Where are you going? Wait!”

I thought she understood, but apparently not.

Harrie held her handkerchief tightly and said with displeasure,

“The wound hasn’t healed. Don’t rush. Stay a bit longer.”

“It’s fine. This is nothing─”

“No, really!”

At that moment, her violet hair fluttered, and a sharp pain began to spread. Her handkerchief was stained again with blood.

Warmly.

“Return it later. Then, it’ll be easier to keep our promise.”

“…”

Using a handkerchief and returning it to continue meeting. It seems like a decent excuse.

“See you later, Carsein.”

“Until next time, Harnie.”

With a brief greeting, I stepped outside the terrace.

—

The banquet hall quickly became chaotic.

As midnight approached, fireworks and loud applause filled the air in celebration of Claire’s birthday.

Claire deserved a bright smile on her happiest day.

But Claire’s face showed no smile. Instead, she wore a forced expression as she searched the hall.

“Carsein… You…”

When the coming-of-age ceremony began, I assumed she was stubborn.

The truth was, Carsein had injured Claire, and it was unjust. Claire had no words to defend herself.

Still, I expected her to attend the ceremony. Family, after all.

I thought she’d clap and congratulate Claire on her birthday. Family!

Even if she bore a grudge, I believed she’d clap. Family!

But she didn’t clap or even show up. Why?

Even disregarding moral reasons, given that she wore the Bargrand castle emblem, she should have shown her face. Given that her younger sister’s coming-of-age ceremony was imminent, not showing up was crossing a line.

Throughout the ceremony, she was nowhere to be seen.

Even after the ceremony ended, during the speeches, when her turn came.

Carsein was nowhere.

After the ceremony, Isabella was asked where Carsein was.

“Carsein? He said he’d go ahead, according to Heron.”

A clear lie.

For a long time after the party began, I searched, hoping it wasn’t a lie.

But no matter where I looked in the banquet hall, I couldn’t find Carsein. Even similar clothes he wore during the day were untraceable.

Claire’s anger boiled over.

“Are you saying you didn’t even want to come to my coming-of-age ceremony?!”

Even if something happened, shouldn’t one attend a birthday celebration?

As a fellow member of the Bargrand family, Claire was understandably furious.

“Claire, what’s going on?”

“You, find someone in this hall right now.”

The maid rushed over upon hearing Claire’s agitated voice. But searching the hall wasn’t likely to please her.

Carsein Bargrand.

At the mention of his name, the servants shook their heads or resignedly pretended to search.

Of course, no one found him.

“Find him! He must be here!”

The servants stiffened, and as Arina raised her voice, she stopped Claire.

“Everyone, return to your places. We won’t discuss this.”

“Arina.”

“Clare, you should know by now. Carsein didn’t even plan to attend your coming-of-age ceremony.”

“…”

Claire felt humiliated, but her elder sister’s words carried weight. She had already suspected as much.

“Is this really necessary? Even if you feel wronged, could you really ignore your family’s birthday and not want to show your face?”

“He lied to Mother. When I get home, I’ll interrogate him. But honestly, I don’t expect anything from him.”

Anger or not, today is your special day. Don’t ruin it with anger. We’ll celebrate even more for you. So many guests came just to celebrate you.

Arina tried to console her sister.

But Claire couldn’t overlook Carsein’s absence, despite his lack of interest in celebrating her birthday.

“Claire!”

“Let go, Arina. I need to confront him myself!”

“Calm down. There are other nobles watching!”

Perhaps, if Carsein hadn’t appeared in front of her, she might have vented her anger right there, slapping him again.

“Stay here. What could you possibly say to me?”

“You, you…!”

“…Carsein.”