“Originally, the two were to be married.”
“Really? Ah, that makes sense!”
In response to Stan’s words, Rensley wrinkled his forehead and joined in. On one side of the banquet hall, they disregarded the music, tilting their glasses, and chatting away. Frida, the commander of the returning defense forces, was undoubtedly the star of today’s banquet. In her red dress, she continued to find new partners to dance with. Unlike her quiet cousin, she seemed to thoroughly enjoy the festivities.
“In the past, it wasn’t as peaceful here due to constant monster invasions. There was a time when people had a lot of grievances against the duke’s household, and that’s when the plan for their marriage was conceived. At the time the Commander was a young knight whose fame was on the rise and Princess Frida was more popular than our current duke, almost enough to be mentioned as a successor. People thought that the news of their marriage would calm the public for a while.”
“That’s… a strategic marriage.”
“How many among the royalty or high nobility marry out of genuine affection? Neither of them opposed the decree to marry each other, so everyone assumed they would become a couple. However before the marriage was finalized, the former duke stepped down, and our current duke ascended to the throne. The plan for their marriage quietly fell apart. SicnePrincess Frida became the Northern Commander… it’s now completely a thing of the past.”
Rensley scanned the banquet hall with his eyes. Princess Frida continued to dance, changing partners, but Anton had not danced with her. Where had he gone? In the midst of this grand celebration, his figure was nowhere to be seen.
“Marriage issues are trivial matters for her.”
“I believe that royal marriages should be necessary unions.”
The voice he had heard long ago and Princess Frida’s voice he had just heard naturally surfaced in his mind.
‘Was that story from back then the Commander’s experience?’
He couldn’t know by just wondering. Rensley turned his gaze to Gezell. Normally, he should be sitting next to the Duke, but today that seat was empty.
Rensley sipped his drink as if avoiding guilt. It was not the time to be distracted by someone else’s past love affairs. The tacit engagement period between the two of them was passing moment by moment.
“It seems that the health of the Duchess has worsened. It was nice to see her attend the winter banquet.”
It was a statement that seemed to read Rensley’s mind. He looked at the Duchess’s empty seat with Stan.
“If the seat of the Duchess is frequently empty, it doesn’t look good, right?”
“Whether it looks good or not is not the issue. But well… the Duke shouldn’t be troubled. He must handle everything inside and outside the castle alone, luckily Lady Samlet is excellent at her job.”
If the Duchess, who officially existed, was often bedridden, in the long run it would not be good for public opinion. Just as having a long-term patient naturally burdens the hearts of those managing the country, a ruler’s prolonged illness would inevitably weigh on the minds of the people. Rensley sighed quietly to himself.
Today, he couldn’t dance with Duke Gezell either. The feeling of emptiness, that he couldn’t belong here or there, had become a new source of concern, replacing the past.
“Greetings, Duchess. It seems your health has deteriorated. It was delightful to see you at the winter banquet.”
It seemed like a comment that could read Rensley’s heart. He sighed quietly.
At that moment, Gezell was seen apologizing to people and preparing to leave the banquet hall. Rensley, afraid of missing his chance, slipped out through the back door, avoiding people’s eyes, and ran towards the corridor outside the outer wall.
The lively sounds of the banquet, the music, and people’s voices were faintly buzzing. In the corridor outside the banquet hall, which was exposed to the chilly wind, it was normal for no one to be there except the person who had slipped out with a purpose.
However, in the dimly lit hallway, there was another guest. Instead of moving forward, Rensley called out to him.
“Commander.”
The figure, seemingly lost in thought, turned his head. He looked at Rensley and smiled slowly.
“Why have you come all the way here, Duchess?”
“Are you teasing me?”
It was an unusual joke. Rensley approached him, smiling.
“Teasing? Someday, I’ll have to call you that, so I should practice slowly.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Why are you outside? Is it too noisy inside?”
“Aera mjwf bea ab mifjg ws tfjv obg j wbwfca.”
Qtja’r atfgf ab mifjg sbeg tfjv bo bc j vjs jr fzmfrrlnf jcv fcpbsjyif jr abvjs? Efcrifs atbeuta, gfmjiilcu atf rabgs tf tjv pera tfjgv. Tfr, atf qgbajubclra bo atf cblrs yjcdefa tjii lr Ccabc Vbgfi’r obgwfg oljcméf. Uglcmfrr Mglvj, lc tfg gfv vgfrr, lr qgbyjyis ralii vjcmlcu ja atlr wbwfca.
‘I should just pretend not to know and go on my way… ‘
Unable to resist his curiosity, Rensley cautiously asked.
“Princess’s return has certainly delighted everyone. She’s extremely popular. Even if she dances all night, it seems she won’t be able to dance with everyone waiting for her.”
“Until she leaves for the border, the suitors won’t stop. There have been kings who, despite being rejected, proposed several times.”
“Someone as esteemed as her not getting married until now… Could there be someone she has feelings for?”
He asked carefully, but there was no answer. Staring expressionlessly at the scenery outside the corridor, the commander bowed his head.
Did he drink too much? Worried, Rensley looked at him, and then he heard a chuckle, low and muffled.
“Commander?”
“Don’t be impatient. Did you come to ask after hearing my story?”
Even though Rensley’s intentions were revealed, the atmosphere was such he couldn’t easily step away. Whatever the princess’s feelings were, there seemed to be lingering affection for Commander Anton Sorel. Rensley’s heart leaned more towards Anton’s perspective than Princess Frida’s, whom he had just met today.
“…Both of you are still single, so why not consider it again? I heard it was before the Grand Duke ascended to the throne.”
“As you can see, the princess is going to the Northern Command. She has her principles. She doesn’t want to be hindered by marriage just for the sake of it.”
“Why is it a hindrance for two people who suit each other to get married? You can have the wedding and then only meet during vacations for a while. The princess will return to Roudken someday, and you can start your married life properly from then on.”
Honestly, Rensley sighed silently.
He knew the commander was inflexible, but this was too much. Uttering noble words while being left alone in the lonely North, not knowing who he might meet. Moreover, someone as popular as her.
“As you heard earlier, the Grand Duke of Aldrant often marries a spouse chosen by the emperor. Thus, besides the king, other royalty pay even more attention to marriage matters.”
“…”
“The princess’s words about royal marriage being necessary meant that at the time when our marriage issue came up, it was necessary, but now it’s not. There are many who wait for the time she decides to marry, and when that time comes she will make the best choice for herself and Aldrant.”
Rensley closed his mouth. He hesitated with nothing more to say, and this time, instead of his voice, he used his palm, slapping his cheek.
“Well… a royal marriage can’t be as mundane as it is for common folks. Lately I was starting to think I’d become less straightforward, but here we go again.”
“Isn’t it a good thing? I don’t have the experience, but they say when a person finally finds happiness through a partner, their thoughts and actions become more complicated.”
“It may be fine for ordinary people, but I’m about to become the consort of the Grand Duke.”
“I want to say not to think too heavily about it… but it would be imprudent advice coming from me.”
Anton finished speaking and chuckled. Whether it was because of the alcohol, the music, or the returning princess, he was certainly more relaxed than usual.
“First of all, your situation and mine are different. The Grand Duke has decided to make you his consort out of favor, but the princess doesn’t think of me in that way. So, how can I push for marriage again?”
“Wait, Commander. You don’t really understand. His Grace didn’t think of me in that way from the beginning. This was the result of continuous effort! On the day of our marriage ceremony, he left me alone in the bedroom and went to his study. Do you know how hard I worked to get to where I am now?”
Rensley was confident. Though to others, it might seem like the wise and serious Grand Duke felling for the cunning schemes of a sly outsider to pursue an irrational same-sex marriage, he could confidently say to himself that Rensley Maelrosen had done his best.
He faced a man who had never experienced a kiss, confessed his feelings first, seduced and persuaded him, and even held a night ceremony. Despite being a man, he stubbornly pursued a courtship with another man although he never thought to remain with a single person for his lifetime. Pride was nothing but a human facade, and even the humble Rensley felt a bit wounded. Still, he did not yield and won both body and heart through persistent efforts.
Of course, there were moments when he almost left due to a slight difference in status and a lack of communication, but in the end, everything turned out well. After all, isn’t it all good when it ends well?
“Anyway, it was a royal marriage pushed by the former Duke and Duchess, wasn’t it? If the Commander expresses his intentions directly, the situation may change.”
“Make sure to remember that advice.”
It was an entirely unconvincing tone, but intervening here when he didn’t know their circumstances would only be an unwarranted meddling. Rensley soon felt a bitter taste and took a step back.
“Well, then… I’ll go my way.”
Anton, who responded briefly with “do that,” still seemed to have no intention of returning to the banquet hall. Rensley, nodding, left his side and quickened his pace toward his destination.
The Grand Duke, who had left the banquet hall earlier, had hidden his presence long ago. However, instead of being surprised, Rensley opened the door to the underground laboratory without knocking.
The man sitting in a comfortable chair in front of the fireplace slightly widened his eyes and stood up as Rensley entered. Rensley raised his head, “Please, have a seat.”
“Why is someone who enjoys banquets not enjoying it more? What’s going on?”
“I saw you leaving, so I thought you might be taking a break, and I followed.”
Thinking he would choose the most comfortable place for relaxation after coming out to take a break from the crowd, Rensley went where he knew the Duke felt most at ease. Once again, Rensley had correctly guessed the right place. With a smile, Rensley approached him.
“Overseeing the banquet alone must be tiresome, isn’t it? I’m sorry. I just thought about it. As Lady Samlet suggested, it would have been better if I had disguised myself as the Duchess so I could be by your side.”
“No, getting used to temporary solutions is not ideal. Since Princess Frida’s introduction is over, you should seriously consider your answer to me now.”
Oops. Rensley closed his mouth and avoided eye contact. He didn’t expect to be directly attacked here.
“I understand, but I have to meet the Emperor soon.”
“That’s right. I know.”
Standing obediently like a repentant child, Gezell’s hand touched Rensley’s arm. Only then did Rensley move, intertwining his arms with Gezell’s as he sat down beside him.
“Seeing Princess Frida, you should understand. Aldrant is not a country fixated on marriages between the same gender. If he knew that the marriage had no strategic significance, the Emperor may not oppose it even if he has reservations. What’s so difficult? Are you still worried about the successor issue? Stop just thinking and let me know.”
Pressured by the reassurance, Rensley couldn’t help but reveal his full thoughts.
“There isn’t any grand reason. I feel too inadequate, and perhaps that’s why I have no confidence in taking on a position with such heavy responsibilities….”
“Those born into royalty can meet the conditions without worries. Among those who have entered my consideration for marriage, no one had qualifications other than being born into royalty.”
“And… it’s been quite a while since I came to Aldrant, and I haven’t become close to many people. Even if I make it public that I am the Grand Duchess, not everyone will be supportive and, even if I wish to deny it, I can’t continue to live as I have until now.”
Whether riding Marilyn out of the castle to gaze upon the plains, leaving the Duke’s Castle to explore the market, having a drink at Max’s tavern, gossiping with Stan just like during the banquet, having trivial conversations with colleagues after finishing knight training, exchanging greetings with random people, and going for a walk together…
These trivial matters might seem insignificant in the Duke’s eyes, but they were precious everyday life for Rensley. Thanks to these simple bits of daily life, he became attached to the unfamiliar northern country. If he had been treated as royalty from the beginning, he would have lived a different life now. However, Rensley Maelrosen had become reliant on the simplicity of everyday life.
With a premonition that his life would completely change, excitement and anxiety simultaneously welled up, and Rensley, standing at the turning point, had yet to find his balance. He focused his eyes to meet Gezell’s gaze.
“But, Your Grace, don’t worry. I’ll do whatever it takes to prepare mentally before departing for Pheraira.”
“…Yes. Since there’s still some time, think about it a bit more. By the way, Maelrosen, there’s something I want to tell you.”
Gezell pulled out a small, thick piece of paper from inside his cloak. The folded paper turned out to be an invitation similar to those used for banquets.
“What is this?”
“Here’s the reply I received today. I delayed telling you due to the preparations for the defense force’s reception.”
“A reply? I haven’t sent any letter that would warrant a response.”
Rensley unfolded the folded invitation with a puzzled expression. The contents written on the white paper with the stamped seal were not lengthy. Rensley widened his eyes and turned to Gezell.
“It seems unfair to me to only meet Princess Frida when you also have a family.”
“Your Grace.”
Rensley’s voice trembled slightly at the end of his words. His throat felt a bit dry as he swallowed hard. The handwriting on the letter laid out next to him contained a familiar script. It was a response sent from the recognized sender at the top, accepting the invitation from Duke Gezell of Aldrant.
“It would help ease your mind if you talked with your sister after a long time. I hope my words are not too burdensome.”
It wasn’t a burden. Rensley nodded. He leaned his head against Gezell’s broad shoulders, embracing him. Gezell’s large hand slowly stroked from Rensley’s head to his back.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I haven’t been able to given a response yet, but it feels like I’m just receiving gifts all the time, so I don’t know what to say…”
“It’s natural for the one proposing and courting to give gifts to the other party. I understand that very well.”
Remembering the old days when he pretended to be arrogant in front of Anton, Rensley laughed.
“Even when I was actively courting you, I could barely make ends meet. It seems I was going against the natural order.”
“I only sent the invitation because I found Princess Ivet’s location during my search for you. Don’t make a big deal out of this.”
Although Rensley felt like prostrating himself in gratitude, he only smiled, knowing Gezell’s words were sincere. To manage the swelling expectations in his chest, he lowered his eyes slightly and stared at the fireplace, just as Gezell often did.
The ever-changing golden reflections, continuously morphing. Even without music, the dance in front of him never seemed dull. Rensley now completely understood why Gezell enjoyed spending time here.
“If you go far east, there are countries with different customs from our continent.”
A sweet voice flowed over Rensley’s head, who, instead of grasping at the disappearing concepts, allowed them to flow past him. Raising his head slightly, Rensley listened.
“In those places, the fire god is also called the one who reveals everything you need to know.”
“…Really…? When I look at the fire, my mind goes blank, and I just feel numb.”
At that, Gezell chuckled softly.
“Sometimes, taking a break to clear your mind might help you accept new knowledge.”
“Ah. So is that your secret to being so clever, Your Grace? You’re almost always sitting blankly in front of the fireplace.”
“Perhaps.”
Even though it was a somewhat impolite joke to throw at a Duke, Gezell accepted it with a nod and pulled Rensley into a deeper embrace.
Rensley smiled even more brightly and stood up. He took Gezell’s hand and raised it.
“As much as I’d like to stay like this with Your Grace, it seems you should return now.”
“Indeed, banquets are boring. I don’t want to go back.”
“If it were just a dull banquet, the guards who suffered at the front would praise your command even more after finally returning. You should do more work today.”
As Rensley spoke, Gezell also stood up and kissed Rensley’s forehead.
“Don’t worry; you’ll make an excellent Duchess.”
He doesn’t say empty words. Rensley blushed slightly and pressed the spot where Gezell’s lips had touched with his palm. Feeling a hint of confidence from the sincere compliment, he looked down.
Since it would be unnatural for them to return together, Gezell entered the banquet hall first, and Rensley, as before, opened the back door and circled the corridor outside the castle. The knight captain was nowhere to be seen.
Thank you!
Oooh sister is going to be coming~ I wonder what she’ll be like