SWNOVELXO Chapter 194
[ Thank you, Chief of Staff. To think you’d go out of your way like this. My son is also expressing his gratitude for your consideration. ]
After mentioning Former Commander Mesok in the context of a marriage alliance, I soon received contact from the Marquis of Consloker.
Honestly, I was a bit nervous. I thought he might scold me for selling out my son.
From the Empire’s and Nobogord’s perspective, this is the first step towards a stronger alliance.
However, from the Marquis of Consloker’s viewpoint, it’s quite literally selling his son into an arranged marriage.
And I didn’t even have the courtesy of having this orchestrated by the royal family; I made the decision myself.
It wouldn’t be unreasonable to say, “Shouldn’t I have at least been given some time for discussion?”
I even thought of asking for understanding in light of the greater good for the Empire, should there be any greater regrets.
But surprise, surprise. Instead, he was grateful. He smiled brightly, saying that even the concerned parties are expressing thanks.
It was baffling. From my view, it felt like he demanded I pay back for two legions I’ve squandered.
This was a type of punishment in the form of “selling off for the sake of the Empire.”
In an Empire without dukes, the Marquis family stands as one of the highest nobilities.
To not bring in another prominent family but instead to immediately incorporate a member of the Demon Tribe was unusual.
It could also mean that someone might question the bloodline.
But upon reconsideration, this was a punishment that simultaneously served as atonement and an opportunity.
At least on the side of the Marquis of Consloker. Notably, Former Commander Mesok’s status, which had fallen, had seen a slight rise.
Finding a marriage alliance isn’t as simple as matchmaking between neighbors; it involves connecting important individuals.
It’s a big event that nations need to solidify for their rationale and interests.
The mere fact that he was mentioned indicates that he’s being acknowledged as an important figure.
“Wasn’t the fact that I specifically pointed out Former Commander Mesok a plus factor?”
Having already employed various members of the Marquis’s faction, I did.
To others, it might appear as inclusion, but for me, it was simply that I needed more manpower.
Regardless, in this way, I also provided an opportunity to Former Commander Mesok.
Given that, it’s somewhat understandable that everyone might see the situation differently or misunderstand.
While he may have made a decisive mistake preventing him from active duty, it doesn’t seem like his social life is over.
It’s said that since the Chief of Staff is looking out for him, he must be getting decent treatment.
“Um….”
Yeah. I don’t know. To be honest, I didn’t plan this as part of a big picture.
If things turn out well in the end, then nothing could be better than this.
If everyone has a good ending, then the rest can just pass by.
“Young master.”
“Yes, Alexei? What’s up?”
“I was just wondering if you were feeling nervous.”
“Nervous?”
It wasn’t until I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror that reality dawned on me.
Ah. Ahh. Right. I’m currently trying on my wedding attire.
I thought I had quite a bit of time left, but the wedding is less than two weeks away!
“Am I nervous…? Dang it. How did time fly like this? It was definitely months away before!”
“Well, perhaps it’s because you’ve been dashing around everywhere.”
“Is that so? I have been working hard.”
“I should probably start dropping the title ‘young master’ from my lips. You’re getting married soon, and you’ll shortly receive a new title; at this rate, I feel like I’ll still be calling you ‘young master’ even in the public sphere.”
Hearing Alexei’s words made me want to laugh, but on the flip side, I felt a twinge of sadness.
For over ten years, nearly two decades, I was Alexei’s young master and thought I would remain that way forever.
But time doesn’t stop, and that young master can no longer occupy that position.
“Your expression seems a bit odd.”
“Perhaps I’m feeling a bit sentimental, being so close to the wedding.”
“Really?”
“Just feeling a bit all over the place emotionally.”
“Aha! That makes sense; they say marriage is the grave of life…”
Hey, hey, hey! Be careful with that statement; what if Bel hears you?
Alexei, I’ve complimented you so many times, but you can’t just say things like that!
*
The wedding is a major event. It’s harsher on the bride than on the groom.
That can’t be helped; the person who needs to shine the most on that day is her.
So Isabelle was determined that she could endure any hardship.
“Whoosh!”
Before she would feel like her waist might snap from this corset during the fifth fitting.
“Excuse me for a moment, Your Highness the Second Princess. I need to tighten it further.”
“W-wait, tighter?”
“Right now, you may not want it, but later you’ll ask for it to be tightened even more.”
I can’t breathe. Is this really how it’s supposed to be? This isn’t a wedding, it’s a funeral!
Struggling to endure, Isabelle checked her reflection in the mirror.
Indeed… it suits her better after being tightened. But more than that, she wondered if it was truly her.
“Oh my. What in the world am I looking at?”
It seemed like that thought crossed the mind of the Crown Princess standing next to her as well.
“Chief of Staff. No, my brother-in-law is going to have a tough time. That tomboy is now a bride.”
“Hey! I never acted that way around you!”
“You definitely did with Gnaius.”
“That’s different!”
“Then that means ‘tomboy’ is spot on, right?”
Well, that’s true. Pouting, Isabelle checked the mirror again.
So this is what she’s wearing to the wedding. As a wife of a man, she will live her life forever.
She knew such a day would come, but with it arriving, she felt nervous and shaken.
If she feels like this now, she can’t even imagine how she will feel on the wedding day.
“How beautiful you are, my sister.”
“Ah, sister.”
“Congratulations. I know it’s a bit late, but I hope you find happiness with a wonderful person.”
“…If I cry because of Kael, can I scold him mercilessly?”
“Of course! Instead of scolding, just make him do more work.”
“I think scolding him might be the better option.”
If she scolds him, at least she can see him right away on the day itself.
But making him work more, it might be a week before she sees his face at all.
Just a short time ago, ordinarily, she should have been caught up in wedding preparations, yet…
Instead, Kael should have been busy running around to Dedorant and Atria and everywhere.
“I suppose you care more for your husband than your sister already.”
“That’s….”
“Looks good. Yes, you should support each other for a lifetime.”
“…It doesn’t sound right coming from a sister who hasn’t even gotten married yet.”
“Hmm? Ahaha. That is true. I guess I should start looking for my partner soon too.”
Hearing the Crown Princess’s words made Isabelle bite her tongue, realizing she had blurted something out.
After all, she was lucky enough to have a marriage filled with mutual affection.
But the future Crown Princess needs to enter a marriage for the sake of the Empire.
Someone with sufficient ability and power, yet not so potent as to threaten the imperial authority.
Above all, the moment she becomes the Emperor’s partner, she’ll be destined never to engage in power activities.
One must live thoroughly as a shadow for the other. That’s how this marriage will likely play out.
‘…but not my sister. Yes, she can certainly find someone admirable enough.’
It was her sister after all. The Crown Princess of this nation. Isabelle was convinced.
“By the way, Bel, you shouldn’t struggle this much with just tightening the corset.”
“Huh?”
“It seems you’ve gained a bit of weight; you might want to keep an eye on that…”
“Sister!!!”
*
What’s that? I think I heard Bel’s frantic shout somewhere.
“You can go in now, Chief of Staff.”
“Thank you.”
Not just anyone, but the Minister of the Palace is personally guiding me.
On the other side is none other than the Emperor, waiting for me.
Additionally, I’m not just the Chief of Staff; I’m also the Emperor’s future son-in-law.
As I entered, I spotted the Emperor seated, reviewing reports.
He must have already known that I had entered, so I stepped forward to pay my respects.
“I, Kael Clausewitz, have come to pay my respects to Your Majesty the Emperor.”
“Welcome, Chief of Staff. Just the person I wanted to see. I was examining the details regarding the discussions you managed to facilitate with Nobogord.”
It appears the documents in the Emperor’s hands relate to that affair.
Everyone else is praising me, but it was not done with any particular intention on my part.
After all, I literally just handed over Former Commander Mesok for a political marriage. Incredible.
It’s truly astonishing just how fortunate this guy is.
“Nobogord surely hoped to connect with the Crown Prince.”
“That was highly probable. However, I deemed the Empire not in such a rush. Moreover, if the Imperial Family ties itself to foreign affairs, the potential downsides outweigh the benefits, Your Majesty.”
Nobogord’s power isn’t on par with the Empire.
Conversely, the Empire is in no dire need of the Demon Tribe’s strength either.
Besides, they don’t even have a royal capital. A council controls the politics there.
Offering our Crown Prince as a negotiating card is basically a starting disadvantage.
“There’s no need to explain every detail, Chief of Staff. This assembly is entrusted entirely to you, and as long as no major mishaps occur, I will support you in whatever you choose.”
“I’m merely humbled by Your Majesty’s kindness.”
The Emperor burst into laughter. According to popular rumor, he’s a man of few emotions.
Yet what I see is a warm smile from a middle-aged man, who looks extremely benevolent.
“Hmm. Now that we’ve reached this point, it feels a bit off to maintain a lordly relationship.”
“Your Majesty?”
“Listen here, son-in-law.”
The word son-in-law snapped my attention to attention.
The tension and weight of accepting a member of the Imperial Family as my partner.
The reality that I, who was foolish, am soon to become a married man.
“Take care of my daughter. Bel. Cherish her for the rest of your life.”
“…Of course, I will. Just as I have for the Empire until now.”