Chapter 5

Hadori stood in the terrace room where the garden could be seen, listening to the story beforehand.

"No, usually, one should take a bath to wash off the dirt and fatigue from the journey and then take it easy... but the shock was just too great."

"Did you know, Lord Ardan?"

"No... I was aware that all the documents were in order, and I had intended to register early, but even so, this is much faster than expected."

"I didn't do anything improper. I just hurried as much as I could."

"Father was really enthusiastic. After all, that young master finally decided to get married. We have to put a lock on him before he runs away."

It's rare, but indeed, feelings can change in a year.

I've heard that there are many flirtatious men, and some women are easily swayed. There was even a widow in the viscount's territory who couldn't refuse any invitations from men. I've never met her because 'it's bad for education,' but rumor has it that she's a very alluring woman.

This time, I considered the family environment rather than feelings.

"Unfortunately, there's a rumor that the Rynx Viscount family might not last a year... If the worst happens and the title is returned, you won't be a viscount's daughter anymore, right? Our family thinks that if Ardan likes a girl, even a commoner would be fine, but there are many noisy people."

"I appreciate your concern. Since I'm already registered in the Armlux Margrave family, I can refuse if Father says anything."

If the situation is that dangerous, he will almost certainly say something. He might bring people from the viscount's territory back and place his stepson as an assistant in the house.

"Normally, I should have brought a dowry, but I came alone, with the villagers as a bonus, and furthermore... I received a considerable amount of money as a preparation fee from the Margrave."

I had gone through all the documents, but the dowry was zero, and there was a monetary transaction under the name of a preparation fee.

"My shallow-minded father probably wouldn't think that if he cancels my marriage, he has to return the entire preparation fee."

"Hadley, did you really go through all those documents?"

Lady Lucia asked Ardan for confirmation.

"Yes, I read them. I was there, and I answered any questions I didn't understand."

"It was... very embarrassing."

Her eyes drifted a bit, truly embarrassed. But.

"But, it made me want to cut ties with the viscount's family even more. If I miss this opportunity, I'll be overworked in the viscount's territory for the rest of my life. I don't mind working for the villagers, but why should I be the only one working when there are others who should be working too?"

That's the key point. If everyone works together, I wouldn't complain. I understand some inequality due to the weight of responsibility and the rewards.

But the viscount's family is different; I'll be the only one running around.

Thinking about it, I clenched my fists.

"You're right. Don't worry, I don't plan to return you to the viscount."

Lady Lucia nodded and explained why she chose me as a candidate.

"While looking for a bride for Ardan, I checked the backgrounds of many young ladies... but I didn't expect to find someone who perfectly fits the criteria."

Appearance aside, she should have a good temperament and be honest. Noble ladies from the city would immediately refuse Ardan, so a naive country girl would be fine.

If the title is above a baron, the rest can be arranged.

"After narrowing it down to about five candidates, I checked their reputations in their territories, and Hadley, you were very popular among the villagers. I knew you were well-liked, but for people to move just to be near you, it would be a curse on the Armlux Margrave family if I made you unhappy."

Indeed, I was well-cared for. I have many acquaintances from my childhood.

"Also, a girl who won't run away easily. Someone with a sense of responsibility, no place to return to, and who makes decisions based on reason rather than emotion."

It was easy to imagine the money involved, and there was nowhere to run to. It would be better to build a life in the margrave's territory than to return home.

"Such girls are rare among noble ladies."

"They can't make decisions on their own, and when the result of following someone's advice is different from what they expected, they cry and say, 'It's not my fault, I had no choice because I was told to...' They cry easily, thinking that crying will get them forgiveness."

It seems that Lord Noe has a lot of pent-up feelings too.

"At least Ardan doesn't have any strange fantasies."

"Strange fantasies...?"

"Well, he looks completely black and mysterious, right? It's easy to let your imagination run wild."

Indeed, I think he's very beautiful.

I understand. He's extremely handsome.

"Imagination can make the person himself disappear. 'I didn't think he was like that' or 'Lord Ardan wouldn't say such things.' What kind of things? He's been aloof and rude since childhood. Some people think he's the Dark Spirit King, a disguised Demon King, or a tragic prince who fled from a war-torn country. They've read too many romance novels."

I can understand the urge to sigh a little.

"Lord Ardan, it's not as extreme as that... but I've also been a victim of such fantasies."

Fairies and little birds, eating flower nectar, always smiling and spending time in the flower bed... Some even say they don't go to the bathroom... Of course, they do, they eat meat and use the bathroom, it's normal.

"No, that's funny, the Dark Spirit King and a fairy getting married?"

"Oh, if you're writing a novel, a Demon King and a little bird would be more original."

No, please don't, I prefer ordinary people.

In any case, from today, I'm a 'bride.'

When I was shown to my room, it was connected to Lord Ardan's. It was actually three rooms in a row, with the bedroom in the middle. However, there were beds in all three rooms.

"You can move between the rooms, but the first night will be after the wedding. If Lord Ardan tries to attack you, scream. I'll come to your rescue."

I don't think Lord Ardan would do that, but I nodded under Kati's pressure.

"Maybe it's better to keep things as they are for a while. It feels so unreal..."

"Given the unprecedented speed of this, it's understandable."

Most people get engaged by the age of fourteen or fifteen and get married around eighteen. There's a three-year preparation period between engagement and marriage.

"Hadley, you've only been here for half a year. The wedding will be here before you know it."

The wedding plans are already set.

This summer, I'll be introduced and greet close acquaintances. In the fall, we'll return to the territory and introduce me to the villagers. The wedding will be in the spring in the territory, and next summer in the capital. Then, in the winter, we'll go on a honeymoon to the newly completed hot spring town.

What's challenging... choosing the outfits seems to be the most difficult.

If I say I'll leave it to you, you'll be disappointed... I don't have any preferences.

After a week at the Armlux Margrave residence in the capital, I've been quite busy, though I haven't gone out.

First, a review of etiquette. Lady Lucia and Lord Noe confirmed my manners, walking in a dress, posture and gestures when drinking tea.

I also practiced walking alongside Lord Ardan.

Holding hands, linking arms, hugging the waist... even just walking side by side, the position of Lord Ardan's hand varies depending on the place. Then, there's the dance I'm not good at.

Speaking of which, fitting the outfits. Lady Lucia and Lord Noe joined in, choosing jewels to match the dress.

Mother, I'm more concerned about the price of the jewels than the design... Just thinking about staining, losing, or having them stolen makes me shiver.

"Gems don't break easily. If precious metals get dirty, they can be cleaned by a professional. If they break, they can be remade with a new design. If they're stolen, it means Hadley's life is in danger. I want you to prioritize your own safety."

Hearing Lord Ardan, I calmed down a bit. That's right. Gems are hard. Some are fragile, but expensive gems are usually hard and resistant to impact.

"I'll be with you until we reach the ballroom, and I won't leave you once we're there."

Of course, I'll leave when going to the restroom, but Meryl, the daughter of a baron, will accompany me. Since it's a ball at the palace, commoners can't enter, but noble ladies can bring maids.

Meryl has also learned some self-defense, though not as much as Kati.

"Since it's a ball at the palace, you'll be wearing expensive accessories, but once you're in the venue, you'll be among other ladies and young ladies wearing similar accessories."

Indeed... it's also a place to show off expensive accessories.

"That's true. Thinking about it, the most valuable thing I can show off to everyone isn't something that can break."

Beautiful gems and fashionable dresses, everyone wears them. They're all similar, but Lord Ardan is one of a kind.

Even if you've never been to a ball, you can tell.

There can't be many men as beautiful as him.

"Lord Ardan won't be stolen, of course."

Kati tried hard not to laugh at my forceful statement, and Meryl smiled with a look of disappointment.

Lord Ardan's face turned red.

"If you think that, then watch me to make sure I'm not stolen."

"Yes, I will."

"Really... don't leave my side, okay?"

Whispered with emphasis, for some reason, my face turned red too.

Noble balls are held for various purposes. Not just for debutante balls, birthdays, or engagement announcements, but also for fun-loving nobles' masquerade balls, wine tastings, hunting, and summer retreats at lakeside villas.

This time, it's a regular ball held at the palace. Every summer, it's held to find new business partners or potential spouses... the purposes vary.

Since it's an invitation from the palace, the identities of participants from other countries are clear.

"But that doesn't mean you should be alone. Got it?"

"Lord Ardan, I've heard that at least ten times today."

I was also reminded several times by the former Margrave Tanga and Lady Lucia.

"Don't worry. When Lord Ardan isn't with me, I'll be with Meryl."

Meryl is engaged to a knight in the first knight regiment of the Armlux Margrave territory and will meet up with us at the venue.

"I'm a naive country girl, so if I get lost in the vast palace... I might wander into a restricted area and end up in jail."

"Knights and servants are stationed throughout the palace to prevent that. If you get lost, call out to a nearby knight and stay put. I'll come to get you."

"About the rest room, which is often seen in novels..."

"Only those with the right status can use the rest rooms in the palace. For us general participants, it's only in case of a real emergency."

Like if you're feeling unwell or caught in an unexpected situation.

"Please be careful too, Lord Ardan?"

"I've had more than enough of such troubles, whether I like it or not."

The way to handle it is to not drink alcohol, only drink water, and not eat anything. If someone calls you, don't go alone. Under no circumstances should you go to the terrace or garden. Always stay in a crowded place and check your escape routes.

"Then you won't enjoy the ball."

"I guess not."

Thinking for a moment.

"Then, when the hot spring town is completed, let's have a party with everyone from the viscount's territory and trustworthy servants. I'll take care of you if you get drunk, Lord Ardan."

"Is that so... I look forward to it."

He smiled.

"Is it okay to have commoners there?"

"Most of my business partners are commoners. It wouldn't work if I worried about every little thing."

"I'm looking forward to the hot spring town."

"Me too... When it's completed, let's take a bath together."

...Eh?

I froze, and he laughed happily.

No, it's fine, we're married, so... I couldn't help but panic, even knowing he was teasing me.

The palace... is really a palace. Of course, but the scale... it's just...

The opulence made my legs wobble.

But it's okay, today I have a strong ally.

Today, Lord Ardan's outfit is black with restrained gold embroidery and blue gems, matching my platinum blonde hair and eyes.

My dress is black with gold embroidery, and the accessories are also gold, but they're small due to my shoulder stiffness. The gems and hair accessories match Lord Ardan's, in blue.

If I had coordinated it myself, I would never have been able to pull off black stylishly, but the boutique madam and maids, and finally Lady Lucia and Lord Noe, did a great job.

It's not okay, but it's okay.

Sticking close to Lord Ardan, we head to the battlefield.

The castle's hall is surprisingly spacious, crowded, and lively... but when everyone notices Lord Ardan, they fall silent for a few seconds.

I understand, Lord Ardan is even more beautiful today.

"We'll greet the king first."

Suddenly? But it's a path I'll have to take. I'm the Margrave's wife now.

I line up with Lord Ardan to greet the king.

Only high-ranking nobles can greet the king directly. Since the number of participants is high today, viscounts and below can't line up.

Dukes, marquises, earls... we're young, so we're at the end.

I'm nervous, but it's okay.

Lord Ardan is with me.

Glancing up, he smiles.

"The second prince is a classmate. I'll introduce you later."

"Is that so?"

"I don't really want to, but... it can't be helped."

Thinking that introducing a poor viscount's daughter would be embarrassing.

"That guy... has a good face, at least."

"...Face?"

"He's not only good-looking but also charming. He's almost a perfect person."

Of course, for a prince. If a prince with many flaws existed in the country, it would be quite a nuisance. You might secretly pray for him to be confined for political reasons.

We were whispering, but as the greeting order approached, we confirmed the greetings and fell silent.

I curtsied and, when asked my name, replied, "I am Hadley, who recently married the Armlux Margrave."

That's it, it's over, it should be simple!