Chapter 206
A wise sage once said, “Even at the bottom, there’s always a floor.”
And it turns out, that sage really knew what he was talking about. Surprisingly, I was realizing exactly what that meant in real time.
“There’s a New Year’s Ball coming up, so I guess I’ll just have to wait for that day.”
Starting with Duke Marcilio’s shocking confession—
“Well then, can I say I like you too, Oppa?”
Then moving on to Louise, who rejected five suitors to choose me—
“I’m not lacking anything by your side.”
And finally, I couldn’t have imagined that Irina would also have feelings for me.
“What the heck is going on?”
I rubbed my temples. These days, my headaches just wouldn’t go away.
Of course, I didn’t mean to brush off the heartfelt confessions from such exceptional people. It’s just that my mental state was crawling along the bottom of a pit.
Honestly, I have to admit it. No matter how noble a grand wizard or clergyman was, they’d be in the same boat if they were in my shoes.
“Within one week, no less.”
Again, my head throbbed. I’d received not one, but multiple heart-fluttering confessions within a single week. Was this what they called a true triple whammy?
But triple whammies usually come from one person, not a three-way ambush. I needed a new term for this.
“I’m not expecting an answer right away. I can’t just cut in front of Louise, can I?”
Just as I was alone and pondering what to call this phenomenon, Irina’s awkwardly smiling face sprang to mind, along with her strangely watery voice.
“I just… I just wanted you to look at me as a woman, not just as your little sister… I’m sorry.”
I barely managed to get off the bed with a sigh. They say sighing gives away your luck, but I didn’t care. I felt like I had no luck left to lose.
Anyway, after saying that, Irina hurriedly ran away. My body, thoroughly stiff from shock, couldn’t catch her.
Even if I could have caught her, I would’ve just let her go. What was there to do in that situation?
“I can’t accept any of this.”
It did feel strange to accept Irina’s confession when I hadn’t even responded to Duke Marcilio and Louise.
“And I can’t reject it either.”
For the same reasons, brushing off Irina’s confession felt equally bizarre. Rejecting her confession while putting others on hold? That would leave Irina weeping and wondering why I disliked her so much.
“Should I run away?”
For a moment, that thought crossed my mind seriously.
Just a week. No, even three days would do—I wanted to be somewhere quiet, alone, to sort out my thoughts. That way, I wouldn’t receive any more unexpected confessions.
In fact, I considered getting myself locked up. Being confined for five days would be the best thing ever.
“What if I take on Rutis again…”
I clenched my fist unconsciously. Attacking royalty? Definitely a habitual offender. With just that, I could get locked up without needing any prior infractions. Unlike last time, it would be measured not in days but in months.
Of course, getting it wrong could lead to execution, but then again, life is always a gamble.
“Yeah, let’s just close my eyes and try it one more time—”
“Ah.”
Just as I was about to lose my temper, light emitted from the communication terminal.
Thank goodness. If I had been even a moment later, I might have really flipped out.
“This is the Executive Manager.”
My savior. Thinking that, a peaceful expression unintentionally spread across my face.
So, filled with gratitude, I activated the communication terminal. I couldn’t show my distorted face to my lifesaver.
– Huh, how’s it going? You look better than I expected.
And the moment I laid eyes on the Minister’s face, my expression warped once again.
“Damn.”
In my mental haze, I had forgotten something important—there was someone who enjoyed my suffering.
Of course, the Minister couldn’t possibly know about Louise and Irina’s confessions, but just the fact that Duke Marcilio was involved was enough.
The Crown Prince was quietly fretting about the political upheaval that would result from Duke Marcilio’s shock. Meanwhile, the Minister had no interest in politics. As a plain Count merely aiming for retirement, why would he care who the Duke was getting married to?
But what if that partner was one who wanted to sabotage both sides? He wouldn’t be able to stand for it.
– Hmm, come to think of it, you’re the Duke’s husband, so I should show some proper etiquette.
That spine-chilling formality made me quickly shake my head. I couldn’t believe I was being formal with that guy—what a sign of the apocalypse.
“Quit rambling! Who do you think is the husband here?!”
– Obviously, it’s you. Everyone else thinks so too.
The formalities dropped, but he continued with a particularly annoying chuckle.
“Of course…”
And the moment I grasped his words, deflation hit me hard.
Of course. That simple phrase carried unthinkable weight. Hearing a third party’s testimony solidified the realization.
Right, anyone who saw it would assume I was becoming Duke Marcilio’s husband.
“Wouldn’t that just make sense?”
No matter how much I was the heir to the Imperial Count, I was still up against a Duke. The Executive Manager? Not even close to matching a Mage Tower Leader. Even if one party hadn’t agreed, the disparity meant that they could get married without any say from me.
In fact, if I had been kidnapped by the Duke during the Crown Princess’s birthday banquet, the nobles would be applauding, saying, “What a beautiful love story.”
So it wouldn’t be outrageous for the current situation to be seen not as “the Executive Manager hasn’t received a confession” but rather as “the Duke is preparing for marriage.”
“…How’s it where you are?”
After a long silence, I managed to mumble a single sentence.
– Do you really want to know?
The Minister’s earnest reply. At his brief words, I merely shook my head in despair.
The place that would be most chaotic due to this situation was the political heart of the Capital. And if that guy was acting this seriously, then the situation must be complete mayhem.
“Let’s not even look at that place for a while.”
If I peeked into the Capital, I’d be forced to engage with someone like a Pokémon Trainer locking eyes with another—you can’t escape then. Not today.
– Oh, and…
Before I could even vow to hit the bed until the New Year’s Ball in my determination, the Minister opened his mouth.
However, once he did, the words just wouldn’t follow. His brows furrowed slightly, and a barely audible sigh escaped.
“Why, what now?”
What’s with the ominous vibe?
– You. Would you rather take the first hit or the second?
“What?”
The Minister’s strange expression was matched by his strange question.
“…The first hit is better, right?”
As I cautiously answered, the Minister nodded and continued.
– I just learned that Duke Marcilio has started moving.
My hand instinctively trembled.
That was a frightening statement. The Duke had already used the Mages as pawns, and if he was really starting to make moves, what on earth could he be planning? Was he going to plaster flyers all over the Empire?
– To your territory.
…Excuse me?
*
The castle was in total chaos.
“Prepare everything in high quality—be it drinks, tea, snacks, or meals. Nothing can be lacking.”
“Yes, my lady.”
With that, my attendant nodded and quickly dashed off.
Usually, attendants don’t work on site but oversee, yet in urgent situations like this, having experienced attendants active is crucial.
“My lady, the garden is perfectly maintained.”
“Thank you, Head Maid.”
Once the attendant left, I could breathe a sigh of relief at Laura’s words.
If Laura said it was done, then it must be perfect. The garden is essentially the castle’s face. At least we’ve kept up the bare minimum of appearances.
“Nia, this is rather…”
As Laura scanned the surroundings, she whispered softly. Her usually steady voice trembled, revealing her agitation.
Naturally, I felt the same way.
“Because of Kal…”
“Goodness.”
Laura covered her mouth. The combination of shock, pride, and a slight rush of emotions made me sigh again.
“What on earth did Kal do?”
My feelings were complicated. What could he have done that would get the Duke in motion? I should have no reason to resent Kal, but just a pinch of resentment might creep in.
Yet, I couldn’t help but feel proud as well. My son, a charming figure who could sweep a Duke off his feet—more pride than resentment, really.
– Head butler of the Katoban Ducal Family, Theodor Jedas of Sicily.
But even that sense of pride couldn’t overshadow the dizzying chaos I felt now.
A sudden call came in from the Katoban Ducal Family. The head butler, Count Sicily, bowed respectfully.
Managing the Ducal territory in place of Duke Marcilio, he’s essentially the second-in-command of the territory. Facing someone of such stature was overwhelming, but given the circumstances, I greeted him in confused astonishment.
– His Grace the Duke has come to appreciate your wisdom and kindness. It’s a pity we haven’t crossed paths until now, but he wishes to meet the pillar of the Empire in person.
“That’s too flattering.”
Aside from the formalities, I nodded at the undeniable offer.
Sure, I could refuse. Whether or not I accept a surprise visit is the master’s discretion.
But turning down a Duke’s request, especially when the reason for wanting this meeting was so obvious? That would be disastrous. If I turned down my future mother-in-law’s request, any kind feelings would likely turn into anger.
“Mother-in-law.”
That dizzying word made me feel faint.
“I’m—Mother-in-law?”
Now I felt even more dizzy. Of course, it was a title I longed for and even expected to hear soon.
But I thought it’d be from Marghetta, from that child. Getting entangled with the Duke a second time felt like a lot, but I thought I could handle it, since it’d be that kid.
Then suddenly, the Duke appears. Someone I’d never expected, and at an unexpected time.
– My apologies, dear lady. I’m quite busy with the legislative affairs, so I can’t turn back right now.
In a state of confusion, I quickly contacted Billy in the Capital, but he used legislative duties as an excuse to not return.
“Traitor.”
Remembering that incident made a small flare of anger rise within me. How cowardly to try to distance himself alone. I wouldn’t be sharing a room with him for a while.
“My lady!”
Seeing the head butler rushing towards me snapped me back to reality.
Wasn’t he typically stoic due to his time with Billy? Yet even he seemed shaken by the incident.
“He’s arrived then.”
My future mother-in-law, Duke Marcilio, had come.
“…I feel dizzy.”
I wished I could just flop down on the bed right now.
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