Chapter 161
Chapter 161
Ch. 161 .｡.:✧ Chapter 161 ✧:.｡.
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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“So, we were discussing compensation. A permanent and reliable alliance in exchange for a substantial investment in our territory, correct?”
“And I accepted those terms.”
“I’ve been thinking about what could symbolize a permanent alliance, and it turns out there’s a rather simple solution.”
I had honestly expected her to pledge her house’s honor. Nobles didn’t make such pledges lightly. Honor was paramount to them.
Considering their reputation and the stigma surrounding necromancers, a permanent alliance with me wouldn’t be appealing.
However, considering my contributions, it would be difficult for others to object, and the royal family would likely support Lineta’s decision, making it the most reasonable option.
However, Prina had a different idea.
“Do Inha-nim, let’s get engaged.”
My companions gasped, and Atrok closed his eyes.
“A simple engagement can be broken, but… this one is different. My house is indebted to you, and if news of my engagement to a necromancer becomes public, my chances of marrying into another noble house are effectively zero. Therefore, you can trust the validity of this engagement.”
While I was still processing her words, Prina continued,
“We’ll be engaged with the intention of marriage, and we’ll officially wed the day my younger brother, Diar Lineta, comes of age and inherits the territory. In return, I ask for one thing, I don’t want children. However, I won’t object if you take another wife. This marriage is primarily an alliance, a symbol of our agreement, so I believe that’s a reasonable request. …If we do have children, they will have no claim to my house.”
“What…?”
I was still struggling to comprehend her sudden proposal.
“I will fulfill my duties as a wife. You’ll have the right to participate in house events, and as previously agreed, I won’t interfere in your affairs within the Barren Lands. Regarding Desert Shield… I’ll recognize a certain percentage of ownership.”
“That’s preposterous! Who agreed to this?!”
Kayla, unable to contain herself any longer, exclaimed, and a startled Atrok drew his weapon, shielding Prina.
“…I suspected there might be a special relationship, but it seems my suspicions were correct. With all due respect, considering your position and mine, I need to be the first wife, at least publicly. I promise to treat you with respect, so please reconsider.”
“This is absurd… Inha, say something!”
Athena, following Kayla’s lead, expressed her shock. Annelise, while initially surprised, seemed relatively calm, while Thea, like the other two, was visibly shaken.
However, perhaps due to her experience dealing with merchants, she quickly regained her composure, though she couldn’t hide her trembling hands.
Seeing my companions’ distress, I quickly regained my composure. I also understood Prina’s reasoning.
‘It’s certainly… effective.’
A marriage alliance.
Using marriage to forge alliances was common among noble houses.
However, I hadn’t expected her to propose such an alliance with me, a commoner, and a necromancer at that.
‘There are only two members of House Prina. And Prina is the current lord. Marrying the previous lord… would ensure a stable alliance, at least until Prina’s death.’
As long as I continued to manage the Barren Lands, the non-interference agreement would remain in effect, and even after Prina’s death, the permanent alliance would likely be honored. Prina wasn’t an ordinary lord.
Thanks to the royal family’s support, my assistance, and favorable circumstances, she would be the lord who revived House Lineta after its downfall.
Her stipulation that any children we had would have no inheritance rights suggested she intended to leave the house after our marriage.
Even so, her accomplishments wouldn’t be erased.
Marrying a lord with such achievements, regardless of the circumstances, would be akin to me joining House Lineta, effectively establishing a permanent alliance.
‘…And it would be less detrimental to the house than a royal guarantee or a pledge of house honor, as Atrok suggested.’
A royal guarantee or a pledge of house honor would force them to share my fate, even if it meant their destruction.
A marriage alliance, however, allowed them to sever ties with me in dire circumstances, preserving the house.
Such dire circumstances would include me becoming a continental enemy or incurring the royal family’s wrath.
‘But in such a scenario, Prina would likely be sacrificed.’
She was willing to sacrifice herself to minimize the burden on her house in the long run, ensuring a permanent alliance and protecting them from unforeseen future events.
At the same time, she was guaranteeing the alliance would remain intact as long as I didn’t betray them. Having sacrificed so much, she made it difficult for me to refuse.
Seeing my silence, Athena asked,
“You’re not actually considering it, are you…?”
“It would be mutually beneficial. You would secure your house, and I would gain a valuable hostage and proof of our alliance. Being related to a county would also grant me a semi-noble status, protecting me from being looked down upon.”
“It’s just for show. We wouldn’t have to act like a real couple. Think of it as a transaction, not a marriage.”
And for now, it was just an engagement.
She had stated we would marry after her brother came of age and inherited the territory… which meant we had about nine years.
“If you wish, I can help you build a stronger relationship with the county. Even if they confine me to my room for the rest of my life… I’ll accept it.”
She was laying the groundwork, preventing me from making further demands.
“I doubt your brother would approve of such treatment. I haven’t met him, but I doubt he would appreciate someone mistreating his sister.”
Sir Atrok’s glare suggested that mistreating Prina would make me an enemy not only of her brother but also of the knight, a figure of considerable influence and reputation within the county.
‘He couldn’t possibly approve. To mistreat his sister, who sacrificed so much for him and the county…’
With only the two of them remaining in the house, he likely held a deep affection for his sister.
Of course, there were exceptions, individuals who defied common decency, regardless of their social standing.
However, it seemed Prina’s brother wasn’t one of them.
“…That’s likely the case. But even if he resents you initially, he won’t be able to mistreat you for practical reasons once he becomes lord. If he does harbor resentment… I’ll mediate.”
She was determined to bear the burden alone. After a moment of consideration, I decided to postpone my answer.
While I considered it a reasonable offer, my companions’ reactions were severe, especially Kayla’s.
‘Our relationship wasn’t… casual.’
Even after I stated I needed time to consider, Prina remained calm, simply nodding.
“Take your time.”
My companions seemed relieved by my response, and interestingly, so did Sir Atrok.
‘Nobles are terrifying.’
To think she would sacrifice herself for her house… When she first proposed marriage, I thought she was insane.
‘No, wait, is she insane?’
I never thought I would see someone willingly become a hostage through marriage, especially to a necromancer.
Unlike Athena or Kayla, our relationship wasn’t based on any special connection. She was literally wagering her life as part of a transaction.
Objectively, it seemed insane.
‘Being a noble isn’t for everyone.’
“Oh, and about Colmail… he’s quite capable. Thank you for the recommendation.”
While the recommendation itself was made some time ago, she seemed to have been observing him.
“I’m glad he’s been helpful. He has connections to the royal family, so he’s trustworthy.”
“The royal family also spoke highly of him. However, it seems you’ve hired a large number of mercenaries in a short period… I heard they were experiencing a manpower shortage.”
She was right.
Especially after I left and they began purging individuals with connections to Baron Jutus, they must have faced a significant shortage.
“They’ll manage.”
“…Well, as long as they’re being paid, it’s not my concern.”
Indeed, money was paramount to mercenaries.
Thanks to my investment and the royal family’s continued support, Lineta County could offer generous compensation, and as a result, they had amassed a considerable mercenary force, seemingly having recruited most of the mercenaries from Doriem.
“Of course, they’re still officially affiliated with Doriem.”
“Does the Mercenary Guild have any plans to establish a proper branch here?”
“No, not at the moment. However, there’s talk of temples wanting to establish branches here.”
“…Temples?”
“Yes. Both the recently revived Earth Mother Religion and the… Goddess Religion have expressed interest in establishing branches in our territory, and negotiations are currently underway.”
While they called them negotiations, with the royal family’s backing, Lineta County was unlikely to accept the Goddess Religion’s offer.
It was likely a polite way of refusing. They would likely accept the Earth Mother Religion instead. They were still too weak to openly reject the Goddess Religion.
However, I couldn’t feign happiness.
Regardless of its recent revival, a religion, especially one opposed to necromancy, was unwelcome. All religions, with varying degrees of severity, rejected necromancers.
“And I have a question regarding that.”
“What is it?”
“Have you had any… unpleasant encounters with the Goddess Religion?”
I shook my head.
“Nothing in particular.”
“Hmm… then you might want to be careful.”
Prina frowned, seemingly puzzled, and continued,
“They expressed interest in building a temple… near Desert Shield.”
“Near Desert Shield…?”
“It seems you’ve caught the Goddess Religion’s attention, Do Inha-nim.”
It seemed they intended to evaluate me.
To go so far as to establish a temple just to observe me…
‘This is troublesome.’
The Goddess Religion had begun to take notice of me.
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After the temple discussion, there weren’t any other significant topics. Prina informed me that she couldn’t remain at Desert Shield for long due to the temple negotiations.
“I’ll be sending mercenaries, laborers, and administrators to manage this place.”
I immediately replied,
“If you require any assistance, you can contact Thea. She handles most of the external affairs.”
“I heard she was the one who negotiated with the royal merchants. You seem to trust her a great deal.”
“She always strives to improve and has never disappointed me, so I can’t help but trust her.”
“I see. I’ll inform the personnel being dispatched. Regarding the engagement…”
“I’ll give you my answer soon.”
“I would appreciate that. You can refuse, of course. It’s not the only option.”
Having gone this far, she was unlikely to accept a royal guarantee or a pledge of house honor. Her words were a clear indication of her resolve.
She was essentially saying this was her best offer, and if I refused, I would have to settle for less.
“Oh, and please keep this discussion confidential, especially if you intend to refuse. If my marriage prospects are ruined…”
“Don’t worry about that. We’re discreet.”
“I trust you. Then…”
With those words, Prina left the room.
As soon as she left, my companions, especially Kayla and Athena, surrounded me.
“Do Inha, be honest. Are you actually considering marrying her?”
Her?
Despite showing her a certain level of respect just moments ago, the engagement proposal had instantly demoted her to “her” in their eyes.
“I think it’s a reasonable offer.”
“What about Master? What about Master? Don’t tell me…”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’ve never taken Kayla lightly.”
While Athena pressed me for answers, Kayla remained silent, simply observing me.
“Master, Master, say something! This concerns you more than me…”
Kayla silenced Athena with a single word and addressed me,
“To be honest, I was… a little, no, quite hurt when you didn’t refuse outright.”
I understood.
I would have felt strange if she hadn’t been hurt. As I had stated before, I didn’t take our relationship lightly.
However, it was too good an opportunity to refuse outright, so despite knowing it would hurt her, I had chosen to consider it.
“But logically, I understand.”
Athena looked appalled at Kayla’s words.
“Political marriages and marriage alliances between noble houses were common occurrences when I was a knight. Every time I heard of an engagement or marriage between a young lord and a lady, I realized how calculating nobles could be.”
It was a common practice, prevalent throughout history, even in the modern era.
Kayla, having experienced life as a semi-noble knight, viewed the situation more pragmatically than Athena.
Athena, however, couldn’t accept it.
“What are you saying?! It sounds like you’re giving Inha permission to marry that woman…”
“Athena, I told you to be quiet.”
“But!”
“You have no right to interfere. You’re just a companion, not a lover or family.”
“That’s not true, is it?”
I didn’t respond to their exchange.
“…Yes, you’re right.”
“…Sister?”
“Let’s go, Thea. Annelise, come with us.”
“…Yes, Athena-nim.”
“I’ll be going now.”
I didn’t stop Athena.
Kayla and I were left alone in the room.
“To be clear, I don’t intend to object to the engagement or the marriage.”
“Honestly, I never thought I would have you all to myself, not even when our relationship first deepened. As you know, Athena was with you before me, and I was aware of her feelings. So, one more person… while I’m not happy about it, I can tolerate it.”
Kayla’s words weren’t unusual.
In this world, as long as one was powerful enough, having multiple partners was commonplace, regardless of gender.
Whether it was strength, power, or skill, as long as one possessed it, having even a hundred partners wasn’t frowned upon.
“My reaction earlier… was because I was caught off guard. It was unexpected, so I reacted emotionally.”
Considering I was surprised as well, her reaction was understandable.
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