Chapter 14: 14

Zion felt a deep sense of satisfaction as he placed the envelope back on the table.

He hadn’t expected Freed to give him money so easily.

Normally, any excuse would have resulted in a scolding rather than receiving money.

Although he had a vague idea why Freed had relented, he knew it didn’t mean Freed would always grant his requests.

“How did you know I needed money?” Zion asked.

“To match the expectations of the Duke’s young lady, that amount won’t be enough. I’ll let it pass this time. Spend it wisely.”

“I haven’t even mentioned anything about it yet, and you’re already giving me money?”

“I’ve seen how you two interact. There’s no need to say more,” Freed replied calmly, feeling at ease.

Of course, it was possible that Hanette had been forced by Robbenz to come along.

Maybe Zion and Hanette weren’t as close as they seemed.

But he had witnessed something that made any speculation irrelevant.

‘Their actions weren’t just for show. There was genuine emotion.’

Freed had seen a faint smile from both of them in that moment.

They didn’t look at each other with deep affection, but there was a clear sense of goodwill.

If it had been an act, he would have noticed and been greatly disappointed.

‘If Hanette can change, even in this way…’

For Freed, there was nothing more to wish for.

By forging a strategic marriage, the relationship between the two families would strengthen, and the Marquis Laird family would benefit.

If Zion could also tame Hanette’s personality, their married life could be harmonious.

‘One must make a choice. Once decided, there’s no reason to delay.’

While the king governed the kingdom from the palace, the two Duke families amassed wealth and power by frequenting the court.

Although they didn’t perform court duties, they could indirectly influence through the noble factions they were part of.

They had inherited the Duke title for generations, solidifying their power and foundation, so even the king and court officials couldn’t easily challenge them.

Most importantly, the two Duke families had once united the lesser nobles to support a new king, earning the respect and gratitude of subsequent royal heirs.

‘In that case, it’s worth considering moving up the wedding.’

After much deliberation, Freed decided to align with Duke Adelaira.

Depending on the negotiations, he could have offered his first or second son, but he opted for his youngest son for the strategic marriage considering the potential alliance with the royal family.

Now, if Zion and Hanette married, the Marquis Laird family would formally become in-laws with Duke Adelaira and receive various forms of support.

“… Zion.”

“Yes.”

“I know this is a forced marriage and not one you desire. But there’s no other way. As a Laird, you must contribute to the family, right?”

“Yes, you’re not wrong.”

Zion understood well what his and Hanette’s engagement meant.

An alliance between families, a choice based on needs and benefits, countering other families, maintaining power and prestige through strategic marriage.

There were many reasons, but Zion and Hanette were being used unilaterally.

Perhaps Hanette not fleeing and breaking off the engagement was also related to this.

“Other nobles do the same, and I think it’s right for me to follow. But this marriage won’t necessarily bring only good outcomes.”

“I won’t deny that. I don’t claim to be blameless either. You might resent me, but I hope you can accept it. Just as I did, you’re going through the same process.”

“It will be good for me if you and the family prosper. I’m just afraid someone will get hurt.”

“…”

Freed fell silent, understanding the underlying meaning.

No matter what one does, the desired outcome doesn’t always happen.

Unforeseen accidents could bring misfortune, or better results than expected might occur.

Zion was cautious because he knew the parties involved were excluded from this strategic marriage.

“I will do my best to prevent that from happening. Don’t worry.”

“Yes, I will do my best too.”

Zion answered convincingly while observing Freed’s reaction.

Even knowing what would happen in the future, he needed to act hesitant and confused.

Anyone experiencing a strategic marriage for the first time would react similarly.

He had to behave naturally to avoid suspicion and gain help when needed.

“… Are you getting along well with your fiancée?”

“Um… How should I put it? We’re getting along and not getting along at the same time.”

Zion recalled the memories, suppressing a smile.

The arguments during the engagement, meeting her in her pajamas, more arguments, the incident at the tavern.

Looking back, it was quite interesting despite the sighs.

“Then you’re getting along well.”

“Really? I’m not so sure.”

“Married couples can’t always get along. Even if they marry for love, they’ll fight. That’s why love and marriage are similar yet different.”

“…”

With a sudden lesson, Zion wisely kept his mouth shut.

Freed continued with a more serious look than ever.

“When in love, you think giving everything is worthwhile. But after marriage, unseen flaws become visible, leading to disappointment. This causes conflicts and selfishness.”

“Did you experience this personally?”

“… I was young once and did experience love. Though I didn’t achieve it, I married and only later understood the difference.”

Freed showed a bitter expression, recalling the past.

He had loved a commoner woman but had to give up due to family opposition.

Eventually, he married the daughter of an earl in a strategic marriage and only later loved her, enduring till now.

“Getting along while not getting along means you’re fighting but also making concessions. This way, you learn about each other and distinguish between what to do and what not to do.”

“Well, I don’t think it’s that far.”

“Knowing that means you’re not interested in your fiancée. Acting selfishly, you’ll realize it yourself.”

“…?”

Zion felt confused and uncertain.

He understood but couldn’t fully grasp it.

What exactly was Freed saying?

“The more you try, the more your fiancée will notice. Be considerate but don’t be swayed. If she looks only at you, she’ll quit drinking and gambling. That’s why you must cultivate yourself.”

“… I understand. I’ll try to follow your advice.”

Zion reluctantly replied, pretending to understand.

Even knowing the future, such words didn’t change anything.

He just had to wait for that time to come.

‘It sounds meaningful, but it’s useless to me. How do you hold onto someone leaving?’

* *

Duke Adelaira’s mansion, the lord’s room.

Yenid entered the room only after confirming that Zion and Hanette had returned to the mansion.

Robbenz was sipping his drink and going through documents in front of a table.

Yenid quietly approached and sat down.

“Lord, they’ve just returned.”

“Did they seem close?”

“They looked a bit different.”

“… A bit?”

Robbenz finally looked up from his documents, curious.

Since Zion entered the mansion, Yenid had been closely monitoring the two.

Though a maid could have been tasked with it, Yenid had taken it upon herself this time.

“Zion seems to have adapted well to life here.”

“That’s good news. What about Hanette?”

“She’s been smiling more frequently lately.”

“Frequently? Is that a gut feeling or something you clearly saw?”

“It’s closer to a gut feeling.”

“Hmm…”

Robbenz stroked his chin, pondering.

While Yenid’s intuition often proved accurate, it couldn’t be completely trusted.

It was just intuition, lacking clear evidence.

However, it was valuable enough to consider.

“Anything else?”

“She seems calmer.”

“Is that also a gut feeling?”

“No, that’s something I clearly noticed.”

“… Can I take it positively?”

“She’s probably conscious of Zion.”

When humans undergo emotional changes, they act differently than usual.

Intentional actions versus subconscious behaviors.

Yenid instinctively knew Hanette’s reaction fell into the latter category.

“That means something happened then?”

“I don’t think so. Maybe she undressed herself, or Zion helped a bit.”

“Were there any other signs?”

“No. None. They seemed to have only had a private conversation.”

“That’s not bad. It means they’ve gotten closer. That’s probably why they visited Marquis Laird together.”

Robbenz felt relieved and raised his glass.

Even maintaining the current state would allow them to proceed with the wedding smoothly.

However, for a more definite conclusion, Hanette would need to take more active steps.

‘We’re almost there. At this rate, we can wrap it up in three months.’

* *

Duke Adelaira’s mansion, third-floor corridor.

Hanette stepped out of her room and glanced to the side.

Lately, she had been checking Zion’s room every time she went out.

But she didn’t know why, and it was a subconscious action she couldn’t easily change.

‘Where did he go?’

Hanette wondered, moving her steps.

Zion had left hastily after breakfast.

He said he would return soon but didn’t reveal his destination.

‘It’s not my concern where he goes. Maybe I should visit the gambling house…’

Hanette felt a surge of displeasure as she encountered someone.

It was someone she didn’t want to see or talk to.

But this person always approached her, and now she couldn’t even stand hearing her voice.

“Off to spend more money? Must be nice to have so much,” said Thena Adelaira, the third daughter of the Adelaira family, with a sneer.

Hanette tried to pass by quickly, but Thena said something she shouldn’t have.

“Engaged to the Marquis’s son, huh? Must be nice. You’re both so useless. Perfect match.”

Hanette glared at Thena with icy gaze.

Magic power began to surge within her.

The thought of killing her filled her mind, but her rationality held back her emotions.

“I’m engaged to someone quite decent, even if he’s the son of an earl…”

“Hey, with that ugly face, what makes you think you can talk? Unlike you, I live up to my looks.”

“What? I was trying to be polite because you’re older… Why is it so hot?”

Thena looked around, bewildered.

A heat seemed to wrap around her body.

Hanette stepped forward slowly, her light brown eyes gleaming.

“… Don’t insult my fiancé in front of me. If you do it again, I’ll tear that mouth of yours apart. Understand?”