Chapter 5: 5
It was a simple question, but it gave a glimpse into the future.
If I marry Zion Laird as planned, I will either stay with my family or move completely to my spouse’s side.
Regardless of where I am, I will need to be careful, but as long as I act cautiously, there shouldn’t be any trouble.
‘I don’t need to drink or gamble. It’s not something I enjoy.’
Drinking and gambling were just ways to buy time.
I never drank much and stopped gambling as soon as I felt it was a losing game.
I only pretended to spend money there, secretly taking it away instead.
‘Once married, I won’t be interfered with…’
Currently, I am the daughter of a Duke living with my parents, but once married, I will be treated as a different noble.
Even if I continue living with them, there will be clear boundaries, and I will receive a considerable amount of funds for setting up a new household.
More importantly, there will be an atmosphere of independence from my family, allowing me more freedom.
‘Even if I learn magic, they won’t be suspicious. I’m already married.’
The reason for learning magic was just to kill the monsters.
I’ve been curious about magic since I was young, but my parents prevented me from reading any books related to it.
I secretly learned magic and reached a certain level, but it wasn’t enough.
‘He won’t interfere either. There’s no benefit in fighting with me.’
Zion Laird and I were both unhappy with this marriage.
We might be kind to each other, but it was a forced marriage, so we couldn’t get any closer.
If we agree not to invade each other’s space, the marriage could be quite peaceful.
‘As long as we don’t have children, right? Raising kids isn’t easy…’
There were some nobles who didn’t have children even after marriage.
But it was unclear if it was on purpose or if they just couldn’t have them.
Only strange rumors circulated through social gatherings or from the maids of those families.
‘It’s better to separate quickly. It’ll be noisy no matter where I am.’
Even if other parts are overlooked, they won’t ignore the issue of having an heir.
Having children solidifies the family, making it harder to split up even if problems arise.
One side might even make a fuss about having grandchildren.
‘Without kids, it’s easier to annul the marriage.’
If it were just an engagement, it would be easy to break it off, but once married, the process becomes complicated.
Both families get involved, and other nobles gossip endlessly.
Even if we manage to divorce, having been married lowers my value and isolates me completely.
It means I can’t be used for another arranged marriage, so my family might abandon me completely.
‘Being abandoned would be fine for me, but he might feel sorry.’
If we divorce, I can quietly leave and achieve what I want.
But Zion Laird’s fate is uncertain.
Because of that risk, Zion might oppose the divorce.
‘Hmm… Marriage isn’t necessarily a good thing. I need to think more.’
There was no guarantee that Zion Laird would agree to my terms.
After marriage, he might reveal his true colors or create troublesome situations.
It might be better to run away before the wedding.
‘Six months, right? That’s enough time.’
I heard the engagement period was extended due to a request from Marquis Laird.
Maybe they want to test me, but it won’t change my plans.
I’ll just secure funds during the given time and prepare to escape.
‘I need to find a gap. Acting normally will avoid suspicion.’
My father constantly monitored me through maids and guards.
He worried I might try to escape the mansion out of discontent.
So he allowed drinking and gambling to keep me tied down.
‘Should I pretend to get along with him? Maybe he’ll be nice and give me more…’
Hanette pulled the blanket over herself.
She had to sleep briefly before going to the bar or the gambling house.
To gather as much money as possible.
‘I really hate myself for gathering money like this.’
* * *
Laird Marquis’s residence, Zion’s room.
Zion was sorting out the items to pack with the maids.
Being a noble, he had many things, and even if he only took the essentials, he would need a carriage.
Even if he missed something, Duke Adelaira’s house would probably provide it.
“Oh, what’s this? Already packing?”
Kaltz appeared through the open door.
Zion approached him awkwardly but quickly.
“Yes, brother. It’s something that needs to be done anyway.”
“Isn’t it a bit early? There’s still time left.”
“If I just wait, I feel anxious. So I’m preparing in advance.”
“Oh… hmm…”
Kaltz was at a loss for words and avoided Zion’s gaze.
If he were in Zion’s position, he would probably feel anxious too.
No one wants to marry a notorious troublemaker.
“Sorry I can’t help. There’s nothing I can do.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
Zion forced a smile, hiding his true feelings.
It was already decided, and no one could oppose the head of the family.
Varhen initially objected, but Freed firmly upheld the decision.
In the end, Varhen backed down, and Kaltz reluctantly accepted it.
“Can we talk for a moment?”
“Do you have something to say?”
“Something like that. Leave this to the maids, and let’s walk for a bit.”
“… Alright.”
Zion told the maids to continue and left the room.
Kaltz took the lead, setting the direction.
“So… how do you feel? It must be strange, right?”
“It doesn’t feel good.”
“I figured. Suddenly getting married feels like being dragged somewhere, right?”
Kaltz spoke cautiously, continuing the conversation.
It was a trial Zion had to overcome, but as a brother, Kaltz couldn’t help but worry.
If Zion hadn’t been engaged to the troublemaker, Kaltz or Varhen would have taken his place.
“Will I die there? It’ll be awkward meeting new people.”
“You won’t die. Actually, they might treat you well. Your fiancée is a bit…”
“She’s known as the troublemaker lady.”
Most nobles avoided openly calling Hanette a troublemaker.
Regardless of the circumstances, no one dared to insult the Duke’s eldest daughter openly.
Careless words could anger Duke Adelaira or draw criticism from her close associates.
“Don’t say that out loud. What if someone hears?”
“I’ll be fine. I’m her fiancé. Duke Adelaira won’t do anything to me.”
“… You’ve accepted it.”
Kaltz looked at Zion with pity.
He seemed calm, but there was a sharpness to him now.
It was as if he had come to terms with reality after much contemplation.
“So, what will you do?”
“What can I do there?”
“No, I mean, can you get along with your fiancée?”
“You’re being too roundabout.”
“Am I? Haha…”
Kaltz awkwardly laughed, closing his mouth.
Zion understood and didn’t press further.
“I doubt we’ll get along.”
“… Why?”
“She doesn’t like me.”
“Oh, that’s what you meant.”
Now it wasn’t funny.
The situation seemed worse than expected.
If he told their father, it would only trouble Zion.
“I dislike her too, so we’re on equal terms.”
“Even after marriage?”
“We’ll see then.”
“Hmm… I have some friends who had arranged marriages like you.”
“Are they happy?”
“Not really… but they manage. Having kids brings responsibility and affection…”
“That’s just accepting reality and giving up on life.”
“…”
Kaltz was at a loss for words, scratching his head.
Zion was right, and Kaltz couldn’t deny it.
They had no choice but to adapt to their new lives, shedding personal feelings.
“They probably made that up to feel better.”
“You know a lot. Have you secretly been married?”
“Pfft! That’s a funny joke.”
Zion laughed, recalling his past life.
He had never been married or dated a girl.
He rarely interacted with women and treated them as strangers.
He lived a solitary life, never trusting anyone, and constantly experienced human malice.
“Um… but she’s beautiful, right? My friends didn’t have that.”
“That’s true. It’s better than being ugly.”
“Right? She’s very pretty. What do you think?”
“She’s pretty. I admit that.”
Even Zion couldn’t deny it.
Her striking appearance would make any man look twice.
If she weren’t known as a troublemaker, even royalty might have shown interest.
“But how do I deal with her strange personality?”
“That’s… not easy.”
“Should I yield? Ignore her? Or take a concubine…”
“No! Not with a Duke’s family.”
“Right? I think so too. Even among Marquises, it’s risky.”
Zion smiled, slowing to a stop.
Though he wouldn’t marry Hanette, imagining the scenario was amusing.
His family probably felt the same as Kaltz, and other nobles might pity him.
As long as he didn’t act dishonorably, anyone might support him.
“Brother, I don’t plan to trouble the family. It’s better to do as told.”
“Thanks for thinking that way.”
“So, I plan to enjoy myself before the wedding. If you help, it’ll be more fun.”
Zion hinted at his intentions, seeking Kaltz’s help.
He needed protection before obtaining the magic sword.
The sword had great power but burdened the user, so he had to prepare well.
“How can I help?”
“… I need you to get something. As a royal administrator, you can get it quickly.”