Politics and power possess the strength to silence individual opinions.
Even if one does not wish for it, if it is tied to the glory and power of a family, the person involved has no choice but to follow it unavoidably.
Especially if the target is someone in a significant position, such as a family heir, the pressure can only be stronger.
Knowing this very well…
While also having the ability to somewhat utilize this knowledge at her young age,
she, Dust Andreas, decided to lay the groundwork for her situation to unfold as she wished.
And it all began with her father, Count Turun Andreas, who stood right in front of her.
“Hmm… So, you’re talking about your older brother’s marriage, huh?”
“Yes, that’s right, Father.”
Though it was a bit abrupt, the youngest daughter was speaking about an issue that, upon reflection, wasn’t so surprising.
Currently, Santana was in his early twenties, a point where other noble families had already gone beyond discussing engagements and some even had children.
Friedrich the Lord, who was currently staying here as an allied ruler, already had three children and was expecting his fourth.
And, of course, it is a widely accepted fact that having many children is considered a virtue for a ruler of a region, as it strengthens the power of their family.
In this regard, Count Turun couldn’t help but become interested in his youngest daughter’s words, and seeing him like that, Dust spoke in a calm voice.
“You already know, don’t you, Father? The reputation of our Santana brother has nearly reached its peak. If this continues, surely he will be able to secure a marriage with high-ranking nobles or, if fortunate, even royalty?”
It goes without saying that marriage in this era was not simply a culmination of love between two individuals but had strong aspects of a major business.
Although the concept of love marriages wasn’t completely absent, it was common for most high-ranking nobles and royals to engage in arranged marriages to strengthen cooperation between families and promote benefits for the nation and territories.
And in this regard… at this very moment,
Santana Andreas, the noble from Bohemia who led a difficult war against the Emperor’s army to victory, was indeed a product of the highest value concerning arranged marriages.
Considering this fact, discussing Santana’s marriage proposal at this point in time was absolutely not strange; rather, as Dust said, it could be seen as the perfect timing.
“Hmm… I can’t say you’re wrong. Just today, I introduced Santana to the nobles and others. According to your words, we should start looking for a marriage partner soon.”
Seeing her father actively agree with her words,
Dust couldn’t help but have a faint smile bloom on her lips, but she restrained her emotions and continued to speak.
“Then, Father, may I assist in finding a marriage partner as well?”
“Oh? You’re offering your help?”
“Yes, despite appearances, I pride myself on having quite the connections in social circles. Also, I should mention that I have been observing for a suitable bride while waiting for my brother’s return—someone whom I believe will surely meet with your approval, Father.”
“Well, I’ve heard about your popularity in social circles, Dust. If that’s the case, filter through some good candidates and discuss them with your mother; I will support your opinions as much as I can.”
“Yes, Father! I will do my best for my older brother.”
Having obtained the much-desired permission from her father, Dust’s heart began to fill with a joyful smile, realizing that half of her plan had succeeded.
‘Great… I’ve laid the basic groundwork. All that’s left is to present suitable candidates, including that person, for my brother.’
Honestly, Dust secretly wished she could be the partner for her older brother.
However…
No matter how much she liked him, they were still siblings by blood.
Dust herself was painfully aware that this was an impossible situation.
That’s why she decided on this approach.
By elevating a worthy candidate for her brother while also ensuring that that lowly parasite-like Cazerose wouldn’t dare to approach her brother’s side.
‘Once formal marriage discussions arise, and that filthy girl is compared to far more noble and beautiful women, there’s no way my older brother wouldn’t change his mind.’
Of course, given her older brother’s distinct personality, it might take some time.
After all, unraveling emotions built over a long time would require a considerable period.
However, once the matter is made public, it’s highly likely that a straightforward union between Santana and Cazerose would become nearly impossible.
Right now, Count Turun himself was contemplating marrying his son to a young lady from a high-ranking family based on Dust’s input.
Moreover, high-ranking nobles, upon hearing this news, would undoubtedly begin anticipating a prospective groom in Santana, making it unthinkable for him to pair up with a lowly commoner.
Additionally,
Dust could see a changed side of her brother from the past.
Her brother, Santana, was quite calculating and had a cold demeanor.
‘Even in this war, he employed a strategy by using the uncontrollable soldiers of Palatinate as bait, sacrificing the easy way for victory. A brother who makes such clear-headed judgments will quickly realize how foolish it is to choose someone like that lowly Cazerose when given a little time.’
In the end, a man could only find true happiness when he met a woman worthy of him.
Though he might be caught up in the illusion before him and misjudge, Dust firmly believed that her brother would soon recognize who he was and his position.
‘Now then… I have to write a letter to that person before anyone else. She would surely make a wonderful match for my brother.’
Outside of her elder sister, she was nearly the only woman whom Dust held in high regard.
Recalling that person’s image caused an expectant smile to involuntarily grace Dust’s face.
‘Intelligence, beauty, and strength… truly a perfect person. I’ve already laid a bit of groundwork, so it should be easy for her to respond.’
Most importantly, with her older brother’s value being at its peak, there was no reason for her to decline either.
With that thought, Dust returned to her room and immediately began writing a letter to that person.
She expressed her hope for her to attend a gathering, which would soon be held to find a suitable bride for her older brother.
And then, a few days later.
Just as expected, an acceptance letter arrived before her, and upon reading the contents repeatedly with a satisfied expression, Dust began to smile.
‘With the main character also declaring attendance, shall we create a beautiful stage worthy of a lovely pair?’
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