episode_0020

She found the reason for her own bewildered attitude, and before long, she offered a strange answer that it was due to her appearance or sexual preference.

Why bring up the engagement when saying she came to make a deal, knowing it would cause misunderstanding?

Her change in expression was so obvious that for a moment, he thought she was an easily readable woman.

However.

“The engagement itself is my purpose.”

As soon as he heard that the engagement itself was the purpose, he had to immediately cancel out the notion that she was an easily readable woman.

What does she gain? Perhaps asking that question was foolish.

She has nothing. She doesn’t possess a mansion, land, or even territory, let alone manage them directly. If her wealth is considered abundant, even then, none of it is hers.

Therefore, the only thing she will gain from her engagement with Karcein is one thing.

The Bargrand Castle.

Affiliation with the Bargrand Duchy.

These two things were Karcein Bargrand’s sole weapons and everything.

“Yeah. This world operates under such a structure. I was shortsighted.”

As much as nobility serves as a lofty support, the family name can be seen as the greatest power.

Harnier’s purpose lies within the engagement itself, and it doesn’t seem strange at all.

Originally, he should have refused. If the last weapon Karcein possesses leads to marriage with that woman, then that weapon will disappear as well.

However, he simply couldn’t refuse this proposal.

“Very well. Let’s do that.”

If he looks beyond the Bargrand Castle, as Karcein, who possesses nothing, he cannot wait to be cast aside someday and die.

In the game, it’s said that choices can alter the course based on intimacy, but there are just too many variables. Isn’t the woman right in front of him already a significant variable?

That’s why, rather than holding onto a weapon that might vanish at any moment, it’s far more advantageous to establish other contingency plans.

This isn’t a proposal; it’s akin to a shrewd transaction.

“But I can’t simply take your word for it. I have no intention of refusing, but I need to understand under what conditions and for what purpose you aim to achieve this.”

“…”

With a vacant look, Harney stared at me and murmured, “In the past, it was like that…”

I’m not sure what she said. However, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of feeling bad or disliking it. My intentions seem to have been fairly well conveyed.

“You asked under what conditions and for what purpose, right? Yes, I will definitely let you know. I don’t want things I’ve worked hard to build to be taken away by others.”

“What do you mean by ‘taken away’?”

“Because of a strategic marriage.”

A strategic marriage.

It was a means by which nobles tied their children through marriage to benefit their family and themselves, if I recall correctly.

“A while ago, my engagement was proposed as part of a deal with another viscount. I can’t accept that my life is being consumed for the sake of the family.”

That’s right.

To be used up like a consumable in one’s own life.

How does one come to terms with being used as a sacrificial lamb?

Even from my non-noble perspective, this is entirely understandable. It happens in modern times too.

Just hearing my eldest sister constantly talk about how she should always be helpful to our family was enough to drive me crazy.

“So, you’re saying the strategic marriage hasn’t been finalized yet, is that right?”

“Yes. It’s still on the scales. But all sorts of women are eyeing me.”

Harney furrowed her brow deeply.

It was to be expected.

From head to toe, she was filled with elegance not only because she was a noble but also because she was quite beautiful.

At first glance, she seemed to be in her late teens. Her purple hair and eyes. On top of that, a figure that any man would covet with a sidelong glance.

Judging from her mention of being on the scales, one could vaguely guess that fierce competition was taking place. Quite pitiful, really.

“Let me summarize. You are threatened by a strategic marriage and seek to avoid it by entering into an engagement with me. Is that your objective?”

“Ah. That’s true, but I haven’t mentioned one thing.”

“What else is there?”

“The duration is one year. Just talk to me until I come of age and leave for Theresa Marquis. I can compensate you adequately as well.”

When a specific period of one year was presented, all the weak evidence disappeared.

“I’ve been studying too. I need to understand how the nobles’ society operates.” That knowledge turned out to be quite helpful.

Firstly, within six months, Theresa Hoojakja, who had been in decline, had gained enough power at the current point in time to rise openly from the position of Viscountess to Hoojakja. There would be no better omen than this.

However, Theresa Hoojakja’s husband was not satisfied with just that. He was an ambitious man. What caught my eye was that even though she was a Hoojakja, her rank within the empire was not particularly high. To avoid being overtaken by other Viscounts who were quickly catching up from below, she had to make an effort.

This is why Harnier was becoming a victim of a strategic marriage. It seems that even the nobles and royals of old Europe did the same. In the case of a son, they focused on continuing the lineage, and they were afraid to send their daughters or princesses of a country into marriage under someone else’s control.

It’s perfectly justified.

Secondly, I found the answer to why it was one year.

There were many doubts about Theresa Hoojakja’s sudden resurgence. The previous known Viscountess and her household’s performance had been inconsistent. Could there have been a solution?

The answer to this question is likely Harnier Theresa.

If she managed to turn around a declining family among the Viscounts in just six months, then it’s entirely possible for her to lay some kind of groundwork within a year, given her power. If she becomes a Hoojakja after thorough preparation and then becomes independent, it makes sense.

“I said I would compensate you sufficiently. It’s not baseless confidence.”

She can become a Hoojakja and still live even if she loses her noble status. After a year, she will come of age. She can provide sufficient compensation.

This confidence inevitably means that something is hidden.

So, we need to listen more closely.

“I understand. Then, please explain what I should do for a year.”

“It’s simple. Just show that the engagement is not a lie.”

“…Is that all?”

“Is there another way to avoid a strategic marriage?”

“Hmm…”

Well, I guess this is quite straightforward.

If she already has an engagement, there shouldn’t be any young men foolish enough to pursue her. Especially if she’s carrying the title of a Bargrand’s castle; everyone will likely back off grumbling.

But for some reason, my sigh seemed to provoke an unsatisfactory response, as Harney narrowed her eyes and began to speak bitterly.

“Even among those pursuing, there were not a few men. From old geezers with barely any hair left to pot-bellied uncles, unlike you, who are the complete opposite, if rumors spread that you and I are involved, it would perfectly counter both cases I mentioned earlier, and might even bring about another unexpected benefit. It’s a remarkable advantage, isn’t it?”

She’s being very observant. This seems like a foregone conclusion…

Is there any way out? Reluctantly, I replied,

“I will make sure to meet you periodically. Will that suffice?”

“Please do so. Of course, just because we agree to meet doesn’t mean you should feel burdened by romantic feelings. Oh, and by the way, even if you confess your love, I won’t accept it, okay?”

“Naturally.”

Even in this situation, she’s self-assured.

Well… it’s true that she’s pretty, so I have no intention of arguing against that.

“If that’s the case, you should accept it quickly. Hmph.”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing. Well then, it’s my turn to ask questions now, right?”

As she responded to my question and revealed her intentions, Harney slid a cup of water towards me, as if indicating that it was now my turn.

“Master Karsein, regarding the one-year engagement, what do you desire?”

What do I desire?

It was such a simple question that I couldn’t help but chuckle involuntarily.

“What is it? Is that mocking laughter? Don’t act so sullen; just tell me what you want.”

“I think that’s something we should discuss separately next time.”

“Pardon?”

────?! ──!

“Oh, I see.”

There was a commotion outside.

In this situation, it would be difficult to continue an important conversation.

It seems it’s about time for my presence to be revealed at this banquet.

▶[ A third disturbance has occurred at the banquet hall. Will you leave the terrace? ]

[ 1. Leave. ]

[ 2. Stay. ]

The first and second disturbances belonged to the nobles. And the third disturbance echoing now is someone else’s disturbance.

Since the story has just concluded, I rose from my seat.

“Seo Shin, assign Camilla as your maid from now on. And next time, make sure to prepare the contract properly.”

I’ve given enough instructions, so there shouldn’t be any problems.

However, it seemed that wasn’t enough for Young Master Harnie, who suddenly grabbed my hand as I was about to leave the terrace.

“Where are you going? Please wait.”

It seemed like he should have understood my words well enough. Was that not the case?

But really, it wasn’t.

Harnie, looking dissatisfied, firmly grasped her handkerchief in both hands and said,

“The wound hasn’t healed yet. What will happen if you pull it off? Just wait a little longer.”

“It’s okay. This much—”

“Oh, really!”

At that moment, her purple hair fluttered, and just as a faint stinging pain was felt, her handkerchief was once again absorbing blood, along with its warm touch.

“Return it next time. It’s easier to keep the promise of meeting again, isn’t it?”

“…”

Exchanging the used handkerchief and receiving it back, we continued our meeting. Well, it seems like a rather good excuse.

“Until then. Master Karsein.”

“See you next time, Young Miss Harnie.”

With brief farewells, I stepped outside the terrace.

***

The banquet hall quickly became noisy.

As midnight approached, the sound of fireworks and loud cheers celebrating her birthday filled the hall.

For Claire, who had come of age, the guests showing up to bless her wore bright smiles.

She, too, should have smiled brightly. It was supposed to be her happiest day.

However, Claire’s face, long and solemn, did not bear a smile. Instead, she looked uncomfortable, scanning the hall as if searching for someone.

“Karsein… You…!”

Just when the coming-of-age ceremony had begun, she was known for being stubborn once again.

Karceine’s face was indeed marked with wounds. It was true that she had struck an innocent child. There were reasons for her to feel wronged. Up to that point, Claire had no words to say even if her mouth were ten times larger.

Still, I expected at least a presence at my coming-of-age ceremony. After all, we are family. I thought they would at least congratulate me on my birthday. Because we are family.

Even if the sting of a slap remained on my cheek, I thought they would at least applaud once. Because we are family!

But there was not even a clap or a word of congratulations. Why on earth not?

Even setting aside the formalities, as the one bearing the title of the Bagrande family, she should have shown herself. If she didn’t even show her face when her younger sister’s coming-of-age ceremony was right in front of her, then that was clearly crossing a line or worse.

She was nowhere to be seen throughout the entire ceremony. Not during the ceremony, not as it ended, not as the speeches continued, not even when Mother took the stage and raised her voice. Not even when her turn approached.

Karceine was nowhere to be found.

Finally, as soon as the ceremony ended, I asked Isabella where she was, but the response I got back was, “Karceine? That Ayn Heron said she had to leave first.”

“Leave first,” a blatant lie.

Afterward, I searched for her for a long time after the banquet began. Hoping it wasn’t a lie.

But no matter how much I searched the banquet hall, I couldn’t find Karceine’s figure. I searched and searched. I couldn’t even find someone dressed similarly to what Karceine wore during the day.

Claire, whose insides were boiling, finally erupted in anger.

“You mean to tell me she didn’t want to come to my coming-of-age ceremony?!”

No matter what happened, shouldn’t she have attended a celebration of my birthday?

As a family sharing the same Bagrande name, I couldn’t help but be furious.

“Claire, what’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”

“You. Find someone in this banquet hall right now.”

A maid came running upon hearing Claire’s fiery voice. But asking her to find someone was probably not going to sit well.

Karceine Bagrande.

The moment that name was heard, the servants either shook their heads in resignation or pretended to search, already resigned.

Of course, no one came to find him.

“Go and find him! There’s no way he’s not here!!”

As the servants stiffened and raised their voices, Arina restrained Claire.

“Everyone, return to your places. Keep calm about this matter.”

“Sister.”

“Claire. By now, you should know. Karsein had no intention of participating in your coming-of-age ceremony.”

“…”

Though frustrated, Claire felt the weight in her elder sister’s response. It was partly because she herself had already been thinking along those lines to some extent.

“Is it really necessary to go this far? Even if being accused is unfair, do you really want to avoid showing your face on a family member’s birthday?”

“You deceived Mother with lies. When we return to the mansion, I will personally question you. Well, I won’t expect much of an answer anyway.”

Even if you’re angry, you are today’s protagonist. Don’t ruin it by getting upset on such a solemn day. We’ll celebrate for you in return. All these guests have come just to congratulate you.

Arina urged her younger sister in that manner.

However, seeing Karsein, who seemed to show no intention of wanting to celebrate my birthday in the end, Claire couldn’t just let it slide.

“Claire!”

“Let go, sister. Shouldn’t I talk to that child face to face?”

“Calm down. Other nobles are watching here!”

Perhaps upon returning to the mansion, she might have vented this anger directly onto his other cheek if Karsein hadn’t suddenly appeared before her eyes.

“I’ve been here all along. What are you going to say?”

“You, you…!”

“…Karsein.”