Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Political Marriage? (1)
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Chapter 59
Nederman burst into hearty laughter.
"That's so like you."
"There's no alliance more solid than marriage."
As Cardron curled up the corner of his mouth, Nederman said in disbelief.
"You think it'll happen just because you want it?"
"Of course. There's no way he'd refuse Cecilia, and she'll be plenty pleased too. He's the strongest man on the continent, after all. What do you think of his looks?"
"Handsome in an annoying way."
"Excellent."
"A son-in-law who talks down to his father-in-law... That'll be entertaining to watch, but it won't be easy."
Nederman fiddled idly with his teacup and grinned.
"For some reason, that kid seems to have zero interest in women."
He'd never discussed it directly, but you could tell just from how he treated Liriel.
Her hair was short now, giving her a somewhat androgynous vibe, but her features alone were those of a stunning beauty who could shake a nation.
And yet Genesis treated her like a stone.
"Which is good, since he's not a lecher like you."
At Cardron's words, Nederman nodded.
Fair enough—those qualities might actually make for a better son-in-law.
Genesis definitely wasn't a womanizer.
If anything, he was close to being a eunuch.
"You know how beautiful Cecilia is. Even if he's not interested in women yet, he won't outright refuse."
"Of course I know how beautiful Cecilia is. If I were just a bit younger, I'd be the one asking to marry into your family."
"......"
Cardron glared at Nederman, suppressing a surge of killing intent.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Obviously a joke. And a compliment. I wouldn't dream of becoming your son-in-law."
"Don't say things like that, even as a joke. I nearly killed you for real."
"Kukuku. As if you'd let go of a daughter you treasure that much."
"Anyone but a guy like you."
"That's hurtful. What's wrong with me? I'm a fine catch."
"Enough nonsense. I'll have to probe his intentions over dinner tonight. No woman waiting for him up north? No fiancée?"
"Not sure. Doesn't seem like it."
"Good. Once he sees Cecilia, he'll be head over heels."
Nederman shook his head at his confidence.
Cecilia was beautiful, sure—but to a doting father, she was even more so.
That was why Cardron was so sure of success.
But based on the Genesis he'd seen so far, failure was obvious.
How do you seduce a block of wood like that?
In his eyes, not even the goddess of beauty herself could manage it.
* * *
"What do you think?"
Liriel spun around in her white dress, the skirt flaring out in a perfect circle before settling.
She said it was for the dinner banquet, a gift from the Teynan Marquis House.
Allen and I had received snazzy suits too.
Not that I planned to wear mine.
"Super cute, right? Adorably so?"
Thrilled to be in feminine clothes after so long, Liriel grinned ear to ear.
Is it really that great?
"Total knockout! You're way too pretty!"
Allen clapped beside her, making a huge fuss.
"As expected of you, Allen bro. You've got an eye for this. I was shocked when I saw myself in the mirror. Would've been even prettier with long hair."
Liriel brushed her short, reddened hair with a wistful look.
In my opinion, blue suited her better than red, but she kept the red to avoid the marquis potentially recognizing her true identity.
She had no memory of meeting him directly, but he might have seen her.
No need to hide since we were in the independence army together, but no point in him knowing either.
"Sigh. When will I grow it out... Sorry, shouldn't say that in front of you, bro."
Mid-sentence to Allen, Liriel plopped onto the bed and smiled innocently.
"It's fine. Being able to grow it back is a blessing."
Allen ran a hand over his stubbly head.
Ever since seeing his portrait, he'd been growing his hair out again.
I watched them dryly.
"Talk all you want, but why do it here?"
This was my room. We each had our own, so no reason to gather like this.
Especially since I was in the middle of reading.
They spoke in unison, as if rehearsed.
"We're bored."
"......"
Lost for words at their absurdity, I just shook my head and returned to my book.
Dealing with them would just waste my time.
"Haven't you already read that one?"
Liriel puffed her cheeks at the book in my hands, shooting me a dissatisfied glare.
Most of their busywork came from this book.
「101 Ways to Truly Enjoy a Long Journey」.
The title of what I was reading now.
I said,
"Reading it again."
Liriel shook her head with a fed-up expression.
"By the way, isn't it shocking that the Teynan Marquis was leading the Winding Straits? Really takes you by surprise."
It was unexpected that he was with the independence army.
The first traitor was running independence ops from the shadows.
I couldn't read his intentions yet, but I'd put off asking for now.
We'd be staying here a while.
Plus, there were things I had to entrust to him per schedule.
Allen chimed in agreement to Liriel's question.
"Right? No wonder the ciphers were so complex."
It made sense why security was so tight, with different ciphers per mission.
To prevent his house's extermination, he had no choice but to be thorough.
Someone knocked then.
At the sudden sound, Liriel and Allen widened their eyes and exchanged glances.
"No way?!"
As they'd guessed, it was a servant come to guide us to the awaited dinner banquet.
Sunset outside the window.
Our stomachs were rumbling—perfect timing.
We rose without a word.
After so many rough camps, a meal at the marquis's house was something we genuinely looked forward to.
We followed the servant down a corridor lined with various artworks. The occasional pieces kept the walk from being boring.
"Jeneth, sir, this way please."
The servant was guiding only me separately.
Catching my puzzled look, he quickly added,
"You have a private meeting with the marquis, sir."
Seems the marquis had arranged to speak with me alone.
What scheme is this?
"See you later."
They waved happily, relieved, and followed another servant.
Dining with the marquis would've been awkward for them too.
Same for me.
I could only focus on eating with them there to speak for me.
I watched their retreating backs with regret.
Alone, I'd have to talk a lot.
Not ideal for someone who preferred eating over talking.
Moments later, we reached a door.
It split vertically, revealing the dining hall.
A long table dominated the oversized room—too grand for just dining—with an ornate chandelier overhead.
The atmosphere was elegantly antique.
"Come in."
The man at the table greeted me with a faint smile.
A dignified middle-aged man with a stern face and neatly trimmed mustache.
This was Cardron Teynan.
Unfamiliar, yet his face rang a bell.
No major connection, so I didn't remember clearly, but we'd probably crossed paths during my crown prince days.
I gave a light nod and sat where utensils were laid.
"I've arranged this private setting for a more intimate talk. I hope it isn't too uncomfortable."
"It's uncomfortable, but fine."
At my bluntness, he let out a short, dry laugh.
"Indeed, just as Nederman described."
He gestured, and servants filled the table with appetizing dishes.
"I've heard the gist from Nederman."
"Good."
"First, thank you for saving that foolhardy kid. He's a ne'er-do-well, but vital to us."
"Just coincidence. He got lucky."
I hadn't gone to save Nederman.
He happened to be there.
"I hear he's heading to the capital."
"For a mission."
I answered curtly, signaling no further questions.
I hadn't even told Nederman why. No need to hide, but no need to volunteer either.
We fought on the same side for independence now, but strictly speaking, they could become enemies someday.
After independence, each would pursue their own nation.
We should avoid civil war, but unifying without spilling a drop of blood would be no easy feat.
"How's the food?"
"The chef's skilled."
I praised the cook as I sliced the meat with precise knife work.
Juices flowed from the thick cut.
Medium-rare meat melted softly in my mouth despite its size.
"Glad it suits you."
He shifted the mood and continued.
"You seem right at home in a setting like this."
I was dining with top-tier etiquette without thinking. Not deliberate—habits from crown prince days of formal meals.
Not quite that level now, but such manners weren't for commoners raised outside nobility.
He seemed to think I was from a noble house.
"Doing independence work must put your life at risk. Any family to support?"
"None in particular."
"I see. No promised bride? No woman you like?"
I paused mid-bite and stared at him.
Quite a personal question.
I'd expected more official talk.
This guy seems awfully interested in me.
Having heard about my strength from Nederman, that made sense.
Sensing my gaze, he smiled softly.
"No ulterior motive. People grow stronger protecting what they cherish. I wondered if that's your source."
"Nothing like that."
"I see."
He nodded contentedly, smiling in an irritating way.
There seemed to be an agenda.
Whatever it was, I ignored it and ate.
Stomach full now—it was time to state my business.
"You know we saved your subordinate from Itzriel."
"Of course. Tragic news. Grateful for that too."
"I have the cipher he gave me. Mind sharing the decryption?"
He nodded readily.
"Naturally. I don't know the exact contents yet. Might need your help."
He vaguely knew it tied to the crown prince's survival rumors.
Whatever issues arose, he figured he could handle them easily with my power.
I planned to lend it willingly, so I nodded.
I intended to crush the rumor at its source myself.
I handed over the cipher from my pocket.
"...This is it."
He took it gravely, studying it intently.