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Chapter – 06
Time rewound for a moment.
Shortly after Astarote was born, the king—once a war hero—had no trouble controlling the nobles with his authority.
But after the war ended and the nobles got back their private armies, they began strengthening their own voices in their territories.
The nobles were divided into two groups.
One group supported the king and stayed loyal. The other represented noble rights.
If the leader of the noble faction was the Marquis of Montpellier, then the leader of the royal faction had always been the Granada Duke family—the founding heroes in the north.
“Who would have thought this child would be here…”
It felt strange. I had only ever met him after he became an adult in the future. Meeting the Granada Duke at this age was the first time.
“I greet the Star of Halstein.”
Seeing him kneel respectfully on one knee brought back old memories.
Even as the royal family weakened and the Marquis of Montpellier gained power, he still had to be careful around them.
The one who always protected Astarote’s unstable position was the loyal guardian of the royal family—the Granada Duke.
Of course, the only flaw was that he was too far away to help often.
“…You may rise.”
Only after I gave permission did he stand up.
Then, naturally, he stepped forward and stood between me and the Marquis of Montpellier, as if protecting me.
Like a loyal dog guarding its master.
The Granada family had served the royal family for 30 generations. The young heir who would become the next duke looked like he had stepped straight out of a painting.
‘Still just a kid.’
Even though I remembered him later as a huge adult I had to look up to, right now he was only about ten years old.
“The Emperor is looking for you.”
“In that case, I shall take my leave.”
At the young duke’s words, the Marquis of Montpellier stepped back without resistance. Before leaving, he added one last thing.
“Lady Astarote. Please do not forget our earlier agreement.”
His slimy eyes demanded confirmation.
I nodded slightly. Satisfied, he left calmly.
As his disgusting back disappeared, the young duke spoke first.
“What agreement did you make with him?”
“Nothing at all!”
I tried to brush it off but reacted too strongly.
“Well… he’s my age, and it was our first meeting, so I was just surprised. Can I speak casually with you?”
I tried to make it sound like nothing important.
But the young Granada heir immediately knelt again and lowered his head.
“I would never dare speak informally to Lady Astarote.”
…Why is he so intense? He’s only ten, but he talks like an old man.
“The Marquis of Montpellier is not someone you can trust.”
“That’s true.”
I already knew that. But this child didn’t need to worry about it.
I smiled as if I knew nothing.
“Still, he’s the leader of the noble faction. As a member of the royal family, I must show proper respect.”
“There is no one more noble than you in this world.”
“What are you saying…”
Flattery was a bit too much, even if he was loyal.
“His Majesty is right here, you know?”
Still, just in case, I lifted the edge of my dress slightly and smiled brightly.
“You’re a very interesting young duke.”
I tested whether this body’s charm would work on him.
But nothing appeared above his head.
‘Too bad.’
He might be a non-recruitable character. Then there was no need to spend more time here.
“I’ll take my leave. Have a peaceful day.”
It was a little disappointing. If he had been a target, it would’ve been great.
“Next time, feel free to speak casually!”
I waved and smiled.
A while later
My sudden escape plan made my maid panic.
“Are you really going?”
“Of course.”
“If you get caught, I might get fired…”
I comforted her and went to my father.
“Dad, I’m going to rest for a bit.”
“Will you be in the lounge?”
“No, I’ll take a walk somewhere quiet.”
“Isn’t that dangerous?”
“It’s fine. I won’t be alone.”
After confirming the maids were following, my father still looked a bit sad.
“There are beautiful flowers there… but none more beautiful than my star.”
“Dad!”
“Have a safe trip.”
It worked out.
But my maid Mina was still panicking.
“If the Grand Duke finds out, I’ll be in trouble…”
“What? No way, Dad wouldn’t do that.”
“I’m worried about the Marquis! What if he harms you…!”
Mina had suffered under Montpellier before, so her fear was real.
But now, I had the King’s Protection.
“He wouldn’t gain anything by harming me.”
After I explained, she finally calmed down.
We walked toward the garden under faint starlight.
“There it is.”
Under blooming acacia trees, I saw a young boy standing alone.
“Good luck, miss!”
Taking Mina’s encouragement, I approached quietly.
This was finally the moment I would meet Cedric Montpelier.
The boy turned toward me.
“Wait. Don’t move. Listen from there.”
He stopped immediately.
I didn’t want to see his face yet. It might shake my resolve.
“Let me be direct.”
I closed my eyes and spoke clearly.
“I will attempt the heir succession trial.”
“….”
Cedric was easy to influence. If pushed, he could be convinced.
“I know it won’t be easy. That’s why I need a partner who will support me.”
Just like how Queen Rosetta supported King Rodrigo and upheld royal dignity through noble gatherings.
“You would be able to support me among the nobles.”
“…Are you proposing to me?”
He suddenly spoke informally, but that actually made things easier.
So I did too.
“Yes. If my plan succeeds, my future husband will gain honor as well.”
I offered him the reward first.
If I became king, he would become prince consort. Even someone like him would gain the title of duke.
“That sounds like you’re asking me to be a live-in son-in-law.”
“If you need time to discuss with your father, I can wait.”
Even the cautious Marquis of Montpellier would find this hard to refuse.
Of course, after using him, I would marry someone else anyway.
That was my real plan.
“Marriage is about choosing a lifelong partner. I can decide without my father.”
“Really?”
His tone sounded strangely mature for a child.
To be sure, I asked again.
“This is serious. If you marry me, you must stand on my side no matter what your father says.”
“If that is your will, it is my fate to obey.”
“…Huh?”
This was going too smoothly.
Cedric was agreeing without even consulting his father.
“Alright then. I accept your proposal.”
At that moment, the clouds cleared and moonlight filled the garden.
But under that light was not Cedric.
It was the young heir of the Granada Duke family.
