Chapter 8: The Best Things Are Saved for Last (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 8: The Best Things Are Saved for Last (2)
Marriage.
It was a word that had absolutely no connection to my previous life, but in this life, born as the second son of a Count’s family, I had always considered it a trial I would eventually have to overcome.
Nobles, whether they like it or not, are a breed destined for marriage.
Therefore, while I was surprised by the sudden mention of it, I wasn't despondent.
What was bound to come had finally arrived.
I never expected my mission—to bring joy to demure, well-endowed older women—to be a smooth journey from the start.
Thus, there is no such thing as failure. There are only trials.
Steeling my resolve, I sought a private audience with my father, Margrave Konstanz.
“Father, it’s Leon. May I come in?”
“Enter.”
Perhaps it was just my imagination, but my father’s voice coming from behind the door sounded different than usual.
It felt as if he were saying, If you want to challenge me, give it your best shot…
Despite everything, I still carry the memories of living in the Republic of Korea, a liberal democracy.
Because of that, I can say this with certainty:
We were not born merely to obey.
“Father.”
“Yes. I assume you’re here for a reason.”
“Yes. I’ve come to ask about the matter of my marriage.”
“Haha, is that so? You are a man, after all. It’s only natural to be curious about the person who will be your lifelong companion.”
The only thing mentioned at the coming-of-age ceremony was that my marriage had been decided.
At first glance, it might seem like a settled matter… but if you change your perspective, it can be interpreted differently.
In the highly political language of the nobility, it could mean "it is planned," "it is being reviewed," or "it is under active consideration."
Therefore, what I need to do now is identify exactly where my battlefield lies.
“With all due respect, as the party involved, I haven't received any prior notice. So, I must ask: which family’s son-in-law am I to become?”
For a moment, I felt my father’s gaze sharpen.
Where am I being married off to?
This question carried two meanings.
The first was the literal meaning: which family’s daughter is my bride-to-be? But the second meaning was the truly important one.
Am I the one being married off? Or is the bride being brought in?
In other words, if I am going as a son-in-law, it means I am marrying into a family of higher status than ours.
If the answer is that she is coming in as a daughter-in-law, it means I am marrying into a family of lower status.
My father, who couldn't possibly miss that nuance, spoke in a low, measured voice.
“You truly are clever. To a degree that is hard to believe for your age.”
“As I’ve told you before, I am simply trying to know my place and station and act accordingly.”
“Indeed. You were always the son who spoke and acted that way.”
The look in my father’s eyes as he watched me wasn't that of a father looking at his child.
To put it in Korean terms… it was like the look a politician from one party gives a rival from the opposition.
With that gaze fixed on me, my father continued.
“Regardless, to answer your question, unfortunately, nothing has been finalized yet.”
Glancing at my father’s desk, I saw letters sealed with the crests of various families.
The Bayern Marquisate, which is one rank higher than our family; the Barony of Albrecht, which could be seen as two ranks lower; and the Friedrich Ducal family, giants in central political circles who have produced generations of Chancellors…
Since the crests of other families are knowledge every noble must memorize, I was able to identify the seals in the blink of an eye.
So, the only thing decided right now is the fact that I am getting married. The specific family I’ll be joining is still being negotiated.
Of course, my own stance wasn't reflected at all in the decision that I was getting married.
Typical Mother and Father.
They even treat their own children as mere pieces on their game board.
Anyway, now that I’ve grasped the situation to some extent, the next step is…
“So, you’re saying a marriage prospect hasn't been settled on yet.”
“Correct. Though it won't take very long.”
It seemed my father had no intention of taking back the move he had made.
Of course he wouldn't. I’d do the same in his position.
My marriage is a golden opportunity to eliminate future seeds of conflict and legally forge a strong bond with a powerful family.
Now that my older brother has gotten his act together, my only remaining use is to be sold off to another family.
Now… shall I take it one step further?
“I understand. Then, may I ask one more thing?”
“I’ll allow it.”
“Thank you. When should I expect this marriage to actually take place?”
“Hmm, the timing.”
Despite everything, I’m still only nineteen, a greenhorn who has just barely become an adult.
Given the nature of the nobility, who value prestige more than life itself, a child’s early marriage becomes a topic of gossip in its own right.
For instance, a simple question like Is the Konstanz family that desperate? could turn into a suspicion for certain factions that Are they plotting something else?
If I were to name one of those factions specifically… the Imperial House would be the prime example.
It goes without saying, but if you get on the Imperial Family's bad side, you're fucked, to put it mildly.
No matter how much the Konstanz family is one of the top five prestigious families in the Empire.
No matter how powerful a Margrave they are, responsible for a section of the border and fully capable of defending it.
Before the Emperor, before the State, they have no choice but to kneel.
Everything they enjoy now was given as a reward for kneeling to the Emperor.
Perhaps realizing that fact once again, my father’s voice dropped even lower.
“In my heart, I would like to see you start a family as soon as possible… but unfortunately, I cannot handle all the world's affairs according to my own whims.”
“You are absolutely right. There is only one person in this Roycen Empire who can do that.”
My father gave me a silent smile, and I returned it.
In Korea, there’s a saying perfectly suited for this situation: If you’re going to be a servant, be one at a high-ranking official’s house.
In other words, the Emperor is effectively standing behind me right now.
Which family will the Konstanz family—who possesses an army powerful enough to guard the border—form a blood tie with?
In truth, there is no event better suited to catch the Emperor’s eye than this.
If handled poorly, a power group stronger than the Imperial House itself could be born.
Now… you’ll have to think quite carefully about your next move, won't you?
If he rashly proceeds with a marriage to a high-ranking family, it will invite suspicion from the Emperor.
On the other hand, marrying into a low-ranking family is out of the question from the start.
A family that is of similar rank to ours—one of the top five in the Empire—yet doesn't arouse the Emperor’s suspicion…
Where in the world would such a convenient family exist?
As a result, the answer that finally came from my father’s mouth was exactly what I had anticipated and induced.
“You are also a son of the Konstanz family, carrying my blood. I cannot rush the marriage of such a son.”
“To hear such generous words for your lacking son, my joy knows no bounds.”
“Enough with the flattery. So, it would be best to take our time and observe regarding your marriage. After all, marrying and starting a family is the greatest event in one's life.”
“Yes, Father. Then may I assume that my marriage will take some time?”
“Yes. Therefore, you will have to go on blind dates with the daughters of various families. A connection isn't something you wait for; it’s something you find and create.”
“Haha, yes. Then I shall look forward to creating new connections with a joyful heart.”
“Good. You may leave.”
“Yes, Father. I’ll take my leave now.”
You can't get full on the first bite. You have to give a little to get a little.
Instead of going on blind dates I never wanted, I’ve bought myself some time, so I should be satisfied.
Now… the next battlefield is…
Where else could it be? It’s Helena, whom I’ve been working so hard on.
Because a crisis is just another word for opportunity.
*
Come to think of it, Helena had been acting strange at the gathering where my marriage was announced.
While everyone else was smiling, she alone wore an ambiguous expression.
While others were cheering and applauding enthusiastically, she was only going through the motions of clapping.
And finally… I think it might have been my imagination, but she looked like she was on the verge of tears…
Confronting Helena with those suspicions, she was clearly different from the Helena I had known until now.
She seemed to avoid the sparring she usually welcomed, only accepting it with a sorrowful face as if she had no choice, which confirmed my suspicions.
“Hah!”
I lunged with a strike, putting my whole body into a large rotation.
Just in case, as a way of testing the waters.
My suspicion immediately became a conviction.
“…Kh!”
Because she took the full weight of the blow head-on, Helena was forced back a great distance.
My certainty grew. A heavy attack that would never have worked under normal circumstances was landing.
Regardless of anything else, Helena is a noble carrying the blood of a Sword Saint family and an outstanding swordsman.
Therefore, her sword is a mirror reflecting her heart.
In other words… my marriage talk has unsettled Helena’s heart.
Hahaha, they say life is full of ups and downs.
When there is bad news, there is good news, and a crisis is indeed an opportunity.
The marriage talk came to me as a trial, but that trial also became the catalyst for me to learn how Helena truly feels about me.
This is a greater harvest than anything else.
After all, my entire life up to this point has been for the sake of taking off Helena’s clothes… no, no, for the sake of making her happy.
Now, shall I back her into a corner!
A formidable opponent I could never guarantee victory against under normal circumstances was showing an opening.
I couldn't let this golden opportunity slip away.
I lunged at Helena like a starving wolf that had spotted its prey.
Imperial Knight Order Standard Swordsmanship, 5th Form!
The Imperial Knight Order Standard Swordsmanship I had learned from Helena is a style that is easy to enter but difficult to master, and it is extremely practical.
The fifth technique utilizes a rigorously trained body to its full potential, delivering an unlimited barrage of consecutive strikes from all directions.
The barrage continues until the opponent is silenced.
Or until I can no longer sustain the technique and my stamina runs out.
“Haaah!”
“Ugh…!”
The sound of the wooden swords clashing grew increasingly heavy.
It was proof that Helena, who always parried with exquisite timing, was now clashing with me head-on.
I can feel it. I’m almost there!
Every time she deflected my sword, I could clearly see Helena’s ragged breathing.
Helena’s posture, which had always been flawless, was visibly crumbling.
Now, all that remained was the finishing blow to decide the match.
“Hah!”
“Kh…!”
With a strike from low to high, bolstered by the momentum of my body rising from an extremely low stance, Helena’s sword and arms were knocked high into the air.
Helena’s entire posture was broken.
All her vital points were completely exposed.
…If I attack thinking that, she’ll strike through that opening!
Regardless of anything else, I had only one goal.
To trip Helena up.
Without turning away from that dream, I lightly hooked my leg behind Helena’s.
As expected, my prediction hit the mark once again.
“Ah?!”
Caught completely off guard, Helena fell while still holding her sword high.
This is exactly the moment to call out "Checkmate."
I pointed my wooden sword at Helena’s throat and gave a light smile.
“Whew… I won this time, Teacher.”
“…Impressive. I was planning to counter if you had swung your sword as it was, but…”
“I figured as much, so I used my head a bit. Fortunately, it worked well, hahaha.”
I withdrew the wooden sword from her throat and reached out a hand to Helena.
Helena hesitated for a moment… but eventually took my hand and stood up.
Her ragged breath, her sweat-drenched face, her heaving shoulders.
Helena’s scent drifting on the cool evening breeze…
Damn, seriously… if I could have it my way, I’d just…!
I am the second son of the Konstanz family, and you are someone who serves our family.
So, serve me.
It was a moment where I struggled to suppress the impulse to rely on my authority.
“Ugh…”
“Hmm? Teacher, what’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. I think I sprained my ankle slightly during the sparring earlier. Please don't concern yourself.”
Don't concern myself? How could I not?!
This is a legal opportunity to touch Helena’s leg!
“Teacher, sit over there. Let me take a look.”
“What?! Yo-Young Master. Even so, that’s…!”
“Teacher.”
I know.
In this day and age… that is, in this world I’m living in now, it’s absolutely unheard of for a woman, especially a noblewoman, to reveal her bare legs.
To even let another man touch them? It’s something a woman could never tolerate.
In other words, this rejection is the strongest evidence that Helena views me as a man.
A teacher who views her disciple as a man—that taboo only makes me burn more intensely…!
I have no other intentions whatsoever.
My desire to touch your leg is solely for the sake of your treatment.
I only ever want to make you happy.
…I didn't say those words out loud, but with that intent, I grabbed Helena’s shoulders and looked her straight in the eye.
“Yo-Young Master… please…”
“Teacher.”
Helena gripped my hands that were holding her shoulders, but I felt no strength in her grip.
Good… her head thinks she should push me away, but her heart can't follow through.
After all, Helena is someone who can't bring herself to be harsh with me.
As if proving my conclusion, Helena’s head dropped weakly.
“…I understand. If that is truly the Young Master’s wish…”
“Yes, Teacher. I only want to make you happy.”
“I… see. You were always that kind of person. Young Master…”
“I still am.”
“…”
Finally, Helena’s skirt was slowly lifted.
The secret flesh that had never been revealed to anyone was being bared before me.