Chapter 30
Typically, by my age, most people are already married or at least engaged. In this world, you’re considered an adult at the age of 17, and for a noble, being 21 means you’re right at the marriageable age. To be honest, if I really think about it, I might be sliding past that age soon.
Before my reincarnation, I hadn’t gotten married due to my young age; after reincarnating, there was a war. And after the war, I just kept delaying it, thinking I wasn’t ready for marriage. My status made it clear that the Lord trusted me immensely, so he didn’t pressure me to get married either.
However, nobles weren’t the type to leave a prime marriage prospect hanging. Proposals came flying in faster than I could breathe, and the Lord, bless him, sent every single one my way without filtering them. Balancing the work of Executive Manager and graciously declining marriage proposals was quite the juggling act.
And then, at last year’s New Year’s celebration—when all the nobles of the Empire gathered—things took a turn for the unexpected.
“This child is my daughter.”
Ah, splendid! Just as I thought I could finally catch my breath after the Empire had calmed down from the war and succession disputes, BAM! A bombshell dropped. At that time, I was going around showcasing myself as the new Executive Manager and happened to bump into the Iron-blooded Duke. I was right there beside him with Marghetta.
As the Duke introduced us, Marghetta bowed her head with a demure look. I, on the other hand, was so caught off guard that I ended up bowing awkwardly in return.
“I was worried that she doesn’t have many friends her age. Luckily, you’re around the same age. Would you mind hanging out with her while she’s here?”
“Of course, Your Grace!”
Who in their right mind would turn down the Duke’s request? I took it easy, thinking that maybe it would help me bond with the Iron-blooded Duke. But after that, everything started going haywire.
Marghetta began showing up at the prosecuting office on the regular. Sometimes, she’d even invite me to her family’s estate. My head was spinning from all these unexpected meetings, but I told myself I just had to endure until the New Year’s celebration was over.
However, even after the festivities, Marghetta stuck around. That was when the Iron-blooded Duke brought up the topic of marriage. I sweated bullets while trying to refuse. The Duke, frowning, had the nerve to say:
“Just tell that to Marghetta yourself.”
Oh, what a cruel man! Telling me to break the news to an almost adult lady that I had no intention of marrying her!
But really, what could I do? If I lay back and refused, I could practically hear the sound of a knife being sharpened for me. All I could do was school my trembling heart and, after a few days, finally convey my rejection to Marghetta, who came to my office.
“You’ll regret this, Sir Carl. There can’t be two people like me.”
To my surprise, Marghetta didn’t explode in anger or retreat into despair. She simply smiled lightly and left. Her remark about regretting it felt like a veiled threat—like it meant “I’ll make you pay for this”—and left me in cold sweats for days. Fortunately, I hadn’t had any further dealings with either the Iron-blooded Duke or Marghetta, which I thanked my lucky stars for.
Looking back now, I can somewhat understand the Duke’s hurried attempts to marry off Marghetta. I mean, someone would have to marry her eventually, and it was complicated. If he tried to find someone her age, the rank difference would be huge. In a situation like that, I suddenly showed up with Imperial backing. I might not be the crème de la crème, but I was a decent compromise. Poor Duke probably never expected I’d turn down a marriage proposal.
And I’ll say it again, I’m grateful that Duke controlled his temper about it.
“I honestly never thought a kid would turn me down.”
After a year, the Duke unexpectedly contacted me and dropped a bomb from the past.
“I was careless back then and disrespected you. My apologies.”
Haa, now does that mean you’d like to reconsider if I offered again?
The Duke snorted after witnessing my stunned reaction.
“Giving a second chance to someone who just tossed the first away would be too generous.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
“Now, if you wish to marry Marghetta, you must come to my castle, kneel, and beg.”
“I’ll keep that in mind…”
Why was there an assumption that I’d even want the marriage proposal back? I couldn’t lift my head against the Duke’s command.
The Iron-blooded Duke stared silently at me. That fierce aura of his sent shivers down my spine. He might be a generation older than the others, yet he had such vigor. Externally, he could easily pass for just a middle-aged man.
“The Valenti have little patience.”
His quietly spoken threat shot past me like a dagger.
“If you keep hiding, you’ll end up getting devoured without even realizing it.”
“I’ll remember that…”
With another snort, he ended the call.
Well, looks like sleep is off the table for tonight. I can already predict more nightmares about being tortured in front of the Iron-blooded Duke’s castle.
This time, though, rather than hanging from a gallows, I dreamt of being dragged to the guillotine.
“Oh, dear father. No matter how much you like Sir Carl, suddenly calling him isn’t polite!”
Marghetta’s laughter echoed throughout the room.
The day after my thrilling forced video call with the Iron-blooded Duke, Marghetta dragged me to the Vice President’s office of the Student Council. Since there were no other students around, I casually brought up the whole Duke contact ordeal, and well, there she went, laughing non-stop. Here I was, fearing for my life, and she’s giggling endlessly…?
“There’s no way the Duke cares about me.”
I’d said it flat out. Yet Marghetta shook her head, replying, “How many people do you think my father cares enough to contact personally?”
Definitely not too many. The problem was that his care was coming from a very misunderstood angle. The guy sitting at the top of the kill list is also someone they actually pay attention to.
Her laughter erupted again at my awkward expression. As expected, a noble doesn’t quite grasp the troubled heart of a civil servant.
“If my father scares you so much, wouldn’t marrying me just solve your troubles?”
“Please, no more jokes.”
“Hehe, is that so?”
With a soft sigh, I stood up. I had finished everything for today, so it was time to head back. As I rose, Marghetta also stood, seemingly wanting to see me off.
“Then I must take my leave. Will you be coming around the same time tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’ll drop by again.”
“Understood.”
I genuinely wished this exhibition would hurry up and close. It felt like I was clocking in for shifts twice a day. Is there another civil servant like me?
*
As soon as I confirmed that Carl had left the Vice President’s room, I plopped onto the sofa and buried my face in my hands.
Haaaaah—
If I looked in the mirror, I’d definitely be beet red. I could barely gather myself in front of Carl, and as soon as he left, my mental state went poof.
“Clueless dolt.”
I muttered to myself in annoyance, directing my venom at an absent figure. What kind of woman nonchalantly jokes about marriage? Especially with someone she has had marriage discussions with. Is he genuinely that clueless or just working super hard to act like he doesn’t know?
If I sided with the former, I’d be frustrated; if it was the latter, my pride would take a hit. Not knowing which way to lean only made my dislike for him grow. That’s why I called my dad last night, asking him to give Carl a little jab. Just picturing Carl struggling in front of Dad lightened my mood!
With a soft sigh, I strolled to the window. They say the first person to fall is at a disadvantage. But this feels like an uphill battle; I’m just grateful I got to meet him again at the Academy.
“I didn’t expect things to turn out like this.”
The first time I heard Carl’s name was two years ago. His emergence as the youngest Executive Manager in the Empire’s history meant his name was on everyone’s lips, whether I wanted it or not. Even after that, he kept rising with the Imperial Family behind him and had an apparent closeness with the Unbeatable Duke.
That was when I kind of figured that if I were to marry, he’d probably be the one. I knew what my father’s concerns were, and this Carl fellow seemed like a solid match for a Ducal family.
I only managed to get in front of my potential husband a year later. Without the New Year’s celebration as a reason, it might have taken even longer. In my dissatisfaction, I’d made it a point to visit him often and throw some cheeky comments his way.
Looking back, I can’t help but feel a bit embarrassed.
After that, I sunk headfirst into my thoughts about marriage. At first, I meant to keep things amicable since he was to be my husband but ended up developing feelings I couldn’t manage.
Not because of any dramatic incidents. I grew fond of Carl just by hanging out with him, chatting, and laughing together. And BOOM! Here we are.
There are so many reasons to adore him, yet none to dislike. If it’s not Carl, then who am I supposed to marry?
“I apologize, but I’m not yet ready to commit to anyone.”
Remembering the time I fell for Carl, I involuntarily bit my lip at the rushed memories. I was sure he would accept my feelings—but he rejected me right there!
Playing it cool, I returned to my office like nothing had happened, all the while pretending his rejection didn’t sting.
How much did I end up smacking my pillow while crying in shame? I only found solace when my older siblings surrounded me with comfort. Being coddled by my much older brothers and sisters was a memory I care to keep hidden away.
It’s all Carl’s fault.
I didn’t mess up! If Carl hadn’t acted all aloof, things wouldn’t have unfolded this way.
The shock of my first heartbreak kept me locked away in the Duke’s castle. But with the Academy’s entrance ceremony approaching, I couldn’t stay hidden any longer. At that moment, everything—the Academy, the expectations—became overwhelming. However, I loathed the thought of rumors swirling that the Duke’s daughter was holed up after getting rejected by the Executive Manager.
Then came the talk of the Student Council; attending the Academy was nothing short of destiny. The Student Council was viewed as the pathway to becoming a civil servant. Had it been any other time, I wouldn’t’ve given it a second thought, but now I had every reason to camp out close to one particular civil servant.
Not ready yet?
Then I’ll stick around until you’re ready. I’ll boldly pass the civil service exam and smoothly worm my way into either the Ministry of Finance or the Prosecutor’s Office.
With my father’s recommendation, I could skip the exam altogether. Still, if the leader of that department had the audacity to refuse, I’d get redirected elsewhere.
Who would dare reject the Duke’s daughter? But then again, this was the same guy who rejected a marriage proposal.
I was lucky.
Yet, I didn’t even need to take the civil service exam because Carl ended up at the Academy. The joy I felt when my father shared that news with me was practically overwhelming. It was a sign that we were destined to be together. Although there were a few obstacles in the way, we ended up reconnecting.
Now that Carl couldn’t run away, I could approach him slowly and steadily. First and foremost, I need to change that “Sir Carl” nickname. While he has no issues calling me Mar, he insists on being called formally!
But thinking of the mental turmoil he put me through, I’ve got a craving to annoy him a bit. Yes, I’ll make him madly in love with me and get him to ask me to call him casually. Just pretend like I don’t want to but then give in once he starts fidgeting!
I can’t help but marvel at my brilliant plan. Being in the same space as Carl means I won’t lose sight of him. It’s as good as having him in my pocket! The Valenti family always gets their way; it’s just a question of timing.
Oh, there’s Carl!
As I chuckled to myself, I caught a glimpse of him leaving the building. Shyly covering my mouth with my fan, I watched Carl stride away. What if he turns around? Then he might see my awkward smile!
Seeing him walk toward the pastry club prompted thoughts of the pink-haired lady. It seemed like Carl was pretty invested in her, and she seemed to reciprocate some interest… although it didn’t seem romantic.
Not a big deal.
Again, let me reiterate: the Valenti family always gets what they desire. Even though Carl was acting a bit resistant right now, his rightful place is right next to me. I would definitely allow him a little wiggle room to wander elsewhere; I could be generous like that.
Regardless of what happens in the interim, in the end, it’s going to be Marghetta Valenti who laughs last!
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.