Chapter 14-1


    Sion ced the envelope on the table with inward glee.


    He hadnt expected Fred to give him the money so easily.


    Normally, he would have toe up with some excuse and might even receive a scolding instead of getting the money.


    He had some idea why he was being so generous, but it didnt mean he would grant his request unconditionally.


    How did you know I needed the money?


    If you want to keep up with the Dukes daughter, the amount I gave before wont be enough. So Ill let it slide this time. Spend it wisely.


    I havent even mentioned her yet. But are you giving me money?


    Ive seen the way you two look. Thats enough. Talking wont change anything.


    Fred answered calmly with a relieved heart.


    Of course, it was possible that Hte hade by force under Robbins orders.


    Perhaps Sion and Robbins were not that close.


    But even that spection was meaningless when faced with something substantial.


    <em>It wasnt an act to deceive. It was sincere.</em>


    Fred saw a faint smile from both of them when they came together.


    They didnt look at each other affectionately, but the two had goodwill between them.


    If it was a mere formal action, he would have quickly realized and been disappointed.


    <em>Right. If it could change Hte, then</em>


    Fred had nothing else to ask for.


    Through strategic marriage, they could strengthen the rtionship between the two families, and the Marquis Laird could benefit from it.


    If Htes character became meek thanks to Sion, they could continue their married life peacefully.


    <em>I have to choose one of them. Since Ive decided, theres no reason to dy.</em>


    If the king rules the country while staying in the pce, the two dukes umted wealth and power by frequenting the pce.


    Although they did not perform tasks rted to the pce as they were not bureaucrats, they were able to indirectly intervene through nobles who belonged to their factions.


    Having held the ducal title for a long time, they had firmly established their power and foundation, which even the king and his bureaucrats could not easily deal with.


    Above all, the two dukes had once established a new king by uniting the nobles under theirmand, so the subsequent royal family, who inherited their bloodlines, treated them as loyalists.


    <em>If things go like this, we should consider advancing the wedding.</em>


    Fred, after much consideration, decided to join himself in Duke Adira faction.


    ording to the negotiations, he could have given his eldest or second son away, but he opted for his youngest son to hold the engagement ceremony, considering a strategic marriage with the direct royal family.


    If Sion and Hte were to hold a wedding, Fred would be able to establish a formal rtionship with Duke Adira as a father-inw and receive various help from him.


    Sion.


    Yes.


    I know Im forcing you, and I understand that its a marriage you dont want. But I cant help it. You have the blood of Laird, so you must be a support for the family, right?


    Yes, youre not wrong.


    Sion knew very well what his engagement with Hte meant.


    An alliance between two families. A choice based on need, and gain, containment of other families. A strategic marriage to preserve power and reputation.


    There were probably other reasons as well, but Sion and Hte were only being used unterally.


    Perhaps this was also rted to why Hte ran away and their engagement was not called off.


    I know other nobles are doing the same, and I think its right for me to follow suit. But this marriage wont necessarily bring only good results.


    I wont deny it. Dont say its not my fault either. You may also feel resentful, but I still want you to ept it. You are going through the same process as I did.


    If the Duke and father do well, it will be good for me too. Im just afraid someone will get hurt.


    Fred understood the meaning vaguely, swallowing his silence.


    Regardless of what he did, he wouldnt always get the desired oue. He could either experience misfortune due to unexpected idents, or end up with better results than expected.


    Sion was cautious because he knew that the parties involved were excluded from this strategic marriage.


    I will do my best to prevent such a thing from happening. Dont worry.


    Yes, I will do my best too.


    Sion replied convincingly, watching Freds reaction.


    Even if he knew what would happen in the future, he had to hesitate and act as if he was unsure.


    Anyone experiencing a strategic marriage for the first time would react that way.


    Thus. He had to act naturally in order to avoid suspicion and get help whenever she needed it.


    Are you getting along well with your fiance?


    Wellwhat should I say? I think we are getting along well, but at the same time, we are not.


    Sion held back a chuckle as he recalled the arguments at the engagement ceremony, meeting face-to-face with her pajamas, another argument, and what happened at the bar. Looking back, he couldnt help but sigh deeply, but it was quite interesting.


    Then you are getting along well.


    Is that so? Im not sure.


    Just because you are engaged doesnt mean you will always get along well. Even if you love each other and get married, you will fight at some point. Thats why love and marriage are simr yet different.


    At the sudden teaching, Sion closed his mouth wisely.


    Fred continued with a more serious look in his eyes than ever before.


    When youre in love, you think you wouldnt mind giving up everything. But after marriage, things that were invisible be visible and you be disappointed. You end up not being able topromise and be greedy.


    Hmm Have you actually experienced it?


    Well, I was young once too, so I have loved before. Although I couldnt fulfill that love, I got married, andter on, I realized the difference between the two.


    Fred has a bitter look in his eyes, recalling his past.


    He loved a woman ofmoner status, but due to his familys opposition, he had to give up on those feelings. In the end, he married the daughter of a Viscount through a political marriage, and was able to endure until now by loving herter on.


    Getting along well but not Getting along meanspromising little by little even while arguing with each other. Through that, you get to know each other and learn what you should and shouldnt do.


    Well, I dont think its that extreme.


    If you know that, it means youre not interested in your fianc. You act only for your own benefit, so naturally only you can know yourself, right?


    ?


    Sion felt confused and his mind became hazy.


    Although it seemed like he understood, he couldnt fullyprehend what Freed was saying.


    What exactly was Fred talking about?


    As much as you put in effort, your fianc will also start to pay attention to you. Be considerate, but dont be led on. If she only have eyes for you, shell naturally give up drinking and gambling. Thats why you have to cultivate yourself.


    I understand. Ill try to take your advice.


    Sion answers reluctantly, pretending to have understood.


    There was nothing that could change the predetermined future. He could only wait for that time toe.


    <em>It sounds like something profound, but its useless to me. How do you hold onto someone whos leaving?</em>