Chapter 73: The Steel-Willed Princess in Azure 2

Caught off guard by the mention of a marriage proposal, I momentarily struggled to determine how to respond.

‘A marriage proposal?… But why is he suddenly bringing this up out of nowhere? And he’s already sent letters to maidens… doesn’t that mean preliminary preparations are underway?’

I had a rough understanding from the original story of how noble marriages transpired in this era.

Unlike other nations, most marriages in the Holy Empire were political in nature. Thus, noble children generally wed other nobles or, if fortunate, royalty, following their parents’ arrangements.

In other words, from selecting the spouse to the actual marriage, everything was decided by the parents.

The concept of courtship and love matches was virtually non-existent. Even when it occurred, it was as rare as a household getting a concubine – a chance encounter within noble social circles leading to parental approval.

As the eldest son and heir of a ruling noble house, I was inevitably destined for a political marriage according to my family’s wishes.

Aware of this, I had hoped to swiftly pursue my relationship with Cazeros.

Although bound for a political marriage, it was not entirely impossible for me to make preemptive moves.

By rapidly progressing things with Cazeros, formally proposing, then immediately bribing an amenable cleric for a secret marriage, even having a child – it could have been a done deal.

Of course, that would have invited immense disappointment and fury from my father Count Turen. But at this point, the likelihood of him disowning me, his son and heir, was extremely low.

Moreover, by solidifying that fact, even if he still pushed for a political marriage later, Cazeros, as my wedded wife by then, would become the legal spouse by default.

The problem was that this completely blindsided me before I could make any moves.

At the worst possible timing, right when Cazeros was away.

Quite literally, the worst possible scenario.

But I could not bring up Cazeros to my father now, as that could preemptively scuttle any future plans I intended to pursue regarding her.

‘Since the very concept of courtship does not exist for the lord of Bohemia… If I mention Cazeros here, not only would he refuse permission, he would undoubtedly try to separate us by any means necessary. We would likely be under surveillance to prevent any further actions.’

Unable to utter the clichéd drama line of “I already have someone I love,” I could only maintain a frustrated silence.

‘This fucking shit… Why do things have to unfold this way? I thought the situation might improve after the war victory… but my damned fate is truly the worst on multiple fronts.’

As I inwardly cursed my ill-fated life, my father Count Turen looked at me with a satisfied smile and continued:

“No need to worry so much, my son. Your sister and mother both have a keen eye for people, so they will certainly find you a good match.”

“Um… but… to be honest, I feel rather burdened. A marriage proposal… I’m not yet mentally prepared…”

“Do not say such things. Are you not already in your early twenties? Your contemporary Prince Friedrich already has three children. Strictly speaking, this is slightly delayed.”

“Well, that may be true, but…”

“Have no concerns. While awkward at the start, marriage is something one can quickly adapt to over time. For now, just calmly wait. We will find you a good bride soon enough.”

‘I already have one! A lovely, devoted lady with everything but high status!’

Unable to voice that anguished thought aloud, I could only retreat in simmering exasperation, unable to say anything further.

“Your mind is unfocused. Concentrate harder.”

The stern voice of my sister from behind…

Although vexed, I tried focusing on the matter at hand.

However…

-Crack!-

The wooden practice sword began visibly cracking, on the verge of snapping.

Slowly shaking her head, Dust spoke:

“…This won’t do. We should stop here before the sword breaks apart.”

“Phew…”

With a heavy sigh, I reined in the mana I had been channeling.

Then, regarding me with some caution, Dust asked:

“You seem quite distracted these days. Is something the matter?”

“…It’s nothing.”

Of course, that was a lie.

Something major was indeed going on.

And it directly involved Dust, the one asking this very question.

‘It’s because of that bride candidate you’re selecting that I’m mentally struggling…’

Dust mentioned meeting various noble maidens with our mother to assess potential brides for me.

In some cases, they directly visited the candidates, while others were being invited here.

Though no definitive choice seemed to have been made yet, the likelihood of a result soon was high.

‘And then I will essentially be compelled into an engagement with that chosen partner… The sole solace being that, once engaged, the formal marriage will be postponed for some time…’

Even after an engagement, the actual marriage could be delayed from a minimum of one or two years up to several years.

Of course, such lengthy delays typically occurred when the couple was very young.

In my current early twenties, the marriage would likely proceed within one to two years.

Regardless, once an engagement was arranged, covertly marrying Cazeros would undoubtedly become far more arduous.

Unable to voice these anxieties, I felt a sinking feeling as I put away the cracked practice sword and promptly left the training grounds for my quarters.

There, I found Polena waiting, having laid out a change of clothes for me.

“You finished rather early today?”

“Yes. I was having trouble concentrating.”

“Hmm… You mentioned something similar a few days ago as well… It seems your lady’s absence is taking quite a toll.”

“Haha…”

“And with an engagement soon to be arranged… In this situation, it would be stranger if you could concentrate properly, wouldn’t it?”

Polena spoke as lightly as ever while regarding me.

Her words, hitting the mark so squarely, automatically brought a wry smile to my lips.

The only one in Bohemia privy to my relationship with Cazeros.

While maintaining a casual front with me, she was surprisingly tight-lipped around others. Hence, I could speak more freely when alone with Polena.

“Honestly, I still have no idea what to do. No matter how I rack my brain, I cannot find a viable solution in this predicament…”

“Hmm… That is rather unexpected? For our brilliant lord who even outwitted the Inquisitors with cunning ploys to be stumped by such an issue.”

“…Haa. I cannot solve every problem. Especially in such an unforeseen crisis situation like this.”

With a slight sigh, I wondered just how omnipotent this maid considered me.

Then, regarding me with a rather meaningful tone, Polena remarked:

“Is that so? It seems to me your exceptional persuasive talents could quickly find an answer, my lord.”

“Huh? What do you…”

“Hohoho… Take it literally. Think it over yourself from here.”

Polena’s cryptic attitude resembled someone posing a riddle while offering a hint.

A vague notion surfacing in my mind, I began pondering seriously…

As I did, Polena’s lips curved into an intrigued smile.