Chapter 12-1


    Anyway, Sion was getting along with the crazydy and Fred wanted to help develop their rtionship further.


    If he wanted to maintain that rtionship and take it further, Fred had to be generous with his funding.


    He couldnt underestimate Dukes daughter in front of him, though.


    <em>There must be time, when theyll go to ces where she can drink or gamble</em>


    It was a well-known rumor that Dukes daughter liked drinking and gambling.


    But even in the midst of that, she never formed any rtionship with nobles, only apanied by her escort knights.


    She must have been spending a lot of money, and Sion was probably covering some of those costs.


    <em>Hte has never hit or killed anyone. Shes not the type to be swayed by alcohol or gambling.</em>


    This part surprised Fred.


    Usually, when alcohol or gambling is involved, someone gets hurt or killed.


    But Dukes daughter had never caused an ident and only regrly enjoyed drinking and gambling.


    Thats why her father must have been continuously giving her allowance.


    <em>Can I rx now?</em>


    Before the engagement ceremony, Fred thoroughly investigated Dukes daughter.


    He couldnt afford to have any problems with his youngest son, even if it was a strategic marriage.


    But most of the information was based on rumors, so he couldnt shake off his anxiety.


    <em>If the marriage is sessful, Ill be able to grab somemercial rights business.</em>


    The Marquis Lairds family had always maintained their power and honor by bing pce officials for generations.


    But the children who followed them couldnt always be pce officials, so they eventually turned to themercial side to increase their wealth.


    Fred tried to maintain his business like his ancestors and entered into a strategic marriage with Duke Adiya ording to their interests.


    There may be a way to attach to Duke Tyrone, but I cannot expect to gain any more benefit.


    If he had originally nned to be with Duke Tyrone, he would not have gone through with a strategic marriage.


    Duke Tyrones movements were suspicious, and some nobles were slowly catching on.


    In other words, Duke Tyrone was not a good choice for Fred, and he could even be abandonedter.


    <em>Is he greedy for power because he has a title of duke? He wont be able to handle it if he fails.</em>


    There was only one instance in the history of the in Kingdom where a strategic marriage between a duke and a direct member of the royal family took ce.


    That duke exercised endless power and force while enjoying the protection of the king and oppressed lower-ranked nobles andmoners, seizing theirbor and property.


    Eventually, he even attempted to manipte session to the throne after the kings death, but other (His Rivals) two, Dukes and nobles joined forces to drive him out.


    As a result, only two families remained among the three dukes, and future kings implicitly prohibited strategic marriages with the dukes.


    <em>Even if we break off the engagement, it wont look good. We cant turn back now.</em>


    It was something they had already prepared for.


    If he sided with one, he would have to face the other as an enemy.


    However, if he didnt choose anything, they would slowly wither away in istion.


    Since they came together, I should go see them.


    Fred came out of the office, lost in thought.


    He had already exined the strategic marriage to Sion, but he didnt know if he had really understood.


    Even if he didnt, he could still be satisfied with just being with the strange but interesting crazy fiance.


    <em>She really is a peculiar one. She doesnt try to show a proper appearance to maintain noble dignity.</em>


    Fred straightened his clothes as he went down the stairs.


    Dukes daughter only wore a dress on her engagement day, and otherwise dressed in suits like other nobledies.


    She didnt go overboard with her appearance, nor did she behave gracefully, and elegantly like other nobledies.


    She simply evaluated herself highly as a noblemansdy with exceptional beauty.


    <em>Well if Sion likes that part</em>


    As Fred arrived at the first-floor hall, the butlers, and maids stepped aside.


    Just then, Kaltz came out, and Sion and Hat had just entered the mansion.


    Fred greeted Sion and Hat and slowly nodded his head.


    How have you been? I thought you woulde alone.


    That I suggested we go together as she never seen our home.


    Sion lied casually, meeting Hats gaze.


    Hat quickly understood what he meant and continued the conversation.


    Yes I thought it would be good for me toe since my fiance is going back to his hometown.


    Are you two getting along well?


    Um Sion treated me well, so I couldnt ignore him.


    Hat replied politely with an excuse, knowing that the Marquis regarded her as an infamous Crazy youngdy.


    It wouldnt do much good to be good now with her already famous reputation, but she had to speak well to show a convincing appearance.


    <em>Maybe shes changed a bit.</em>


    Fred alternately looks between the two and takes a closer look at Hat carefully.


    He had seen her several times before the engagement ceremony, and he had been more careful on the day of the ceremony.


    Her formal expression had somehow be natural, and her voice had be somewhat softer.


    Now he began to notice her beauty and a strange atmosphere seemed to emanate from her.


    <em> Did Sion do something? Thats why shes changed like that.</em>


    Fred looked at his son, Sion with a faint sense of satisfaction.


    I never expected the personality of a that infamous Crazy Young Lady to change in the first ce.


    Rather, I was worried that she might bother or harass Sion.


    But now they seem to get along quite well, and their rtionship could improve even more in the future.


    Father, what is your schedule for today?


    Im not leaving the mansion. Why do you ask?


    After I finish my errands, could you spare me a moment? I have something to tell you.


    Fine. Ill be waiting for you in my office.


    Fred immediately understood the meaning behind those words.


    The money he brought with him before leaving was probably not enough.


    Normally, he wouldnt easily give in, but this time, he might have to follow Sions wishes.


    Sion.


    Yes, Father.


    Its good that youre taking care of your business, but dont neglect your fiance. Before being your fianc, She is a daughter of Duke Adira.


    I understand.


    Fred turned his gaze with a cold look.


    Hat was momentarily taken aback, but her expression didnt waver.


    Adira Hat.


    Yes.


    Take some rest. When you return, give my regards to the Duke Adira.


    I will convey your message.


    Ill go up first.


    Fred turned around with a faint smile on his lips, and for a moment, his steps felt lighter.


    <em>Did Sion have such a talent? If she was changed, it must have been because of that.</em>