Chapter 12-1
Anyway, Sion was getting along with the crazy lady and Fred wanted to help develop their relationship further.
If he wanted to maintain that relationship and take it further, Fred had to be generous with his funding.
He couldn’t underestimate Duke’s daughter in front of him, though.
‘There must be time, when they’ll go to places where she can drink or gamble…’
It was a well-known rumor that Duke’s daughter liked drinking and gambling.
But even in the midst of that, she never formed any relationship with nobles, only accompanied by her escort knights.
She must have been spending a lot of money, and Sion was probably covering some of those costs.
‘Hanette has never hit or killed anyone. She’s not the type to be swayed by alcohol or gambling.’
This part surprised Fred.
Usually, when alcohol or gambling is involved, someone gets hurt or killed.
But Duke’s daughter had never caused an accident and only regularly enjoyed drinking and gambling.
That’s why her father must have been continuously giving her allowance.
‘Can I relax now?’
Before the engagement ceremony, Fred thoroughly investigated Duke’s daughter.
He couldn’t afford to have any problems with his youngest son, even if it was a strategic marriage.
But most of the information was based on rumors, so he couldn’t shake off his anxiety.
‘If the marriage is successful, I’ll be able to grab some commercial rights business.’
The Marquis Laird’s family had always maintained their power and honor by becoming palace officials for generations.
But the children who followed them couldn’t always become palace officials, so they eventually turned to the commercial side to increase their wealth.
Fred tried to maintain his business like his ancestors and entered into a strategic marriage with Duke Adelaiya according to their interests.
‘There may be a way to attach to Duke Tyrone, but… I cannot expect to gain any more benefit.’
If he had originally planned to be with Duke Tyrone, he would not have gone through with a strategic marriage.
Duke Tyrone’s movements were suspicious, and some nobles were slowly catching on.
In other words, Duke Tyrone was not a good choice for Fred, and he could even be abandoned later.
‘Is he greedy for power because he has a title of duke? He won’t be able to handle it if he fails.’
There was only one instance in the history of the Alain Kingdom where a strategic marriage between a duke and a direct member of the royal family took place.
That duke exercised endless power and force while enjoying the protection of the king and oppressed lower-ranked nobles and commoners, seizing their labor and property.
Eventually, he even attempted to manipulate succession to the throne after the king’s death, but other (His Rivals) two, Duke’s and nobles joined forces to drive him out.
As a result, only two families remained among the three dukes, and future kings implicitly prohibited strategic marriages with the dukes.
‘Even if we break off the engagement, it won’t look good. We can’t turn back now.’
It was something they had already prepared for.
If he sided with one, he would have to face the other as an enemy.
However, if he didn’t choose anything, they would slowly wither away in isolation.
“Since they came together, I should go see them.”
Fred came out of the office, lost in thought.
He had already explained the strategic marriage to Sion, but he didn’t know if he had really understood.
Even if he didn’t, he could still be satisfied with just being with the strange but interesting crazy fiance.
‘…She really is a peculiar one. She doesn’t try to show a proper appearance to maintain noble dignity.’
Fred straightened his clothes as he went down the stairs.
Duke’s daughter only wore a dress on her engagement day, and otherwise dressed in suits like other noble ladies.
She didn’t go overboard with her appearance, nor did she behave gracefully, and elegantly like other noble ladies.
She simply evaluated herself highly as a nobleman’s lady with exceptional beauty.
‘Well… if Sion likes that part…’
As Fred arrived at the first-floor hall, the butlers, and maids stepped aside.
Just then, Kaltz came out, and Sion and Harnett had just entered the mansion.
Fred greeted Sion and Harnett and slowly nodded his head.
“How have you been? I thought you would come alone.”
“That… I suggested we go together as she never seen our home.”
Sion lied casually, meeting Harnett’s gaze.
Harnett quickly understood what he meant and continued the conversation.
“Yes… I thought it would be good for me to come since my fiance is going back to his hometown.”
“Are you two getting along well?”
“Um… Sion treated me well, so I couldn’t ignore him.”
Harnett replied politely with an excuse, knowing that the Marquis regarded her as an infamous ‘Crazy young lady’.
It wouldn’t do much good to be good now with her already famous reputation, but she had to speak well to show a convincing appearance.
‘Maybe she’s changed a bit.’
Fred alternately looks between the two and takes a closer look at Harnett carefully.
He had seen her several times before the engagement ceremony, and he had been more careful on the day of the ceremony.
Her formal expression had somehow become natural, and her voice had become somewhat softer.
Now he began to notice her beauty and a strange atmosphere seemed to emanate from her.
‘… Did Sion do something? That’s why she’s changed like that.’
Fred looked at his son, Sion with a faint sense of satisfaction.
‘I never expected the personality of a that infamous ‘Crazy Young Lady’ to change in the first place.’
Rather, I was worried that she might bother or harass Sion.
But now they seem to get along quite well, and their relationship could improve even more in the future.
“Father, what is your schedule for today?”
“I’m not leaving the mansion. Why do you ask?”
“After I finish my errands, could you spare me a moment? I have something to tell you.”
“Fine. I’ll be waiting for you in my office.”
Fred immediately understood the meaning behind those words.
The money he brought with him before leaving was probably not enough.
Normally, he wouldn’t easily give in, but this time, he might have to follow Sion’s wishes.
“…Sion.”
“Yes, Father.”
“It’s good that you’re taking care of your business, but don’t neglect your fiancée. Before being your fiancé, She is a daughter of Duke Adelaira.”
“I understand.”
Fred turned his gaze with a cold look.
Hannett was momentarily taken aback, but her expression didn’t waver.
“Adelaira Hannett.”
“Yes.”
“… Take some rest. When you return, give my regards to the Duke Adelaira.”
“I will convey your message.”
“I’ll go up first.”
Fred turned around with a faint smile on his lips, and for a moment, his steps felt lighter.
‘Did Sion have such a talent? If she was changed, it must have been because of that.’