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CHAPTER 12
Adelle explained her position as sincerely and briefly as possible before he could change his mind.
She had to marry in order to inherit the merchant guild, and there wasn’t much time left.
She needed someone to stay married to her for about a year, and he was the most suitable candidate. She hoped he would consider it.
If he could enter the Sergio family as a live-in son-in-law just for that period, it would be perfect.
She didn’t bother trying to tactfully appeal to his emotions or reason anymore. Her instincts told her he wasn’t the kind of person that would respond to such things.
And indeed, throughout Adelle’s explanation, Killian didn’t interrupt once or frown.
But that didn’t mean he was receptive, either.
“…So, you’re saying you need the position of heir to the merchant guild?”
“It’s been mine from the beginning. And it will remain so.”
“I see.”
He maintained the demeanor of a marble statue—silent and upright, not moving an inch.
Adelle grew anxious and bit her lip without realizing it. This felt more like being summoned by a principal than a conversation.
Talking nonstop in front of a man who looked like a sculpture made it hard to tell whether she was praying or trying to negotiate.
“My father assumes I’ll naturally marry my childhood friend.”
“Was that also your intention, Lady?”
“Well, yes, but…”
Her voice dropped as Xerox’s name came up.
It wasn’t a pleasant memory, and her pride was wounded by the fact that she didn’t realize what was happening until it was too late.
Killian, who had been silently observing her, slightly lifted his chin.
“It seems that man had different thoughts.”
“Well… that’s how it turned out. He suits my younger sister better anyway.”
“And your sister’s a blonde, I presume.”
“….”
What the heck, this guy?
Adelle’s eyes wavered slightly, and Killian turned his head as if avoiding her gaze.
For a brief moment, it looked like he was stifling a laugh—but that couldn’t be. The biggest reason she had picked him as her groom was because he was a cold, emotionless man, impervious to feelings.
A man who wouldn’t run away even after seeing all the dirty dealings in the heart of the guild. A man like a blade—who, once he turns away, does so without regret.
“So you weren’t very sincere with him either, I suppose.”
“Of course not.”
It might’ve sounded shameless, but there was no point hiding it anymore. Besides, even if she pretended to be a “tragic woman who lost her lover to her younger sister,” he wouldn’t believe it.
Or even if he did, he likely wouldn’t care.
“I barely have time to deal with guild matters as it is. This isn’t a world generous enough to let you daydream about other things.”
“So you think such a marriage is natural for you, Lady?”
Was it just her imagination, or did his tone sound a bit bitter?
Excuse me?
Adelle’s eyes widened, but he quickly returned to his impassive state.
“Most ordinary ladies wouldn’t think that way.”
“Those who want love should be with someone they love. I’m not one of them.”
“Then why me?”
“Do you want love, Commander?”
“…”
You don’t, do you.
No need for instinct to tell her that.
Those cold, unfeeling eyes could never look at anyone with warmth. She couldn’t even imagine it. Maybe he’d never done so in his entire life.
That’s what made it possible for Adelle to make such a proposal in the first place.
As Killian remained silent, Adelle bit the inside of her cheek as if nothing was wrong.
“Everything is a transaction. Just as I will gain something from this marriage, you will also receive something of equal value.”
“…”
“You don’t think I’m offering all this without expecting anything in return, do you?”
Of course not. Do you know who I am?
I’m the heir to the Sergio family—the richest in the South.
A confident air spread across Adelle’s face.
“If you act as a perfect husband in front of my father, I’ll give you whatever you want.”
“Whatever I want?”
“There’s nothing our guild doesn’t deal in. If it exists in this world, you can have it.”
Except for a proper husband, I suppose.
“Even a one-of-a-kind jewel would be shining in your hand within a week.”
“I have no interest in jewels.”
“Then the legendary sword of Trevia, the holy sword of Zorne—I’ll give you one in each hand. And the first king Yohas’s battle tactics manual, too.”
“…With conditions like that, there should be a line of people waiting.”
“True. But surely a man like you wouldn’t want just those things, would you?”
Adelle gave a dry chuckle.
She listed things that would make any knight ready to die, yet Killian remained completely unmoved. Just as she expected—his standards were far too high.
“…You should be thinking of the day you enter the imperial palace.”
For the first time, his eyes wavered.
Adelle lowered her gaze to hide her excitement.
“You don’t seriously intend to remain as commander of Mount Fidelio forever, do you?”
“And what makes you think that?”
“It’s too small. Cold, and hungry.”
Adelle spoke slowly and clearly, placing her hand on the desk.
No matter how grand it may be, it was still just the top of a southern mountain. A man like him would never stay here forever.
If this were a bet, I’d wager my entire fortune.
Three years from now—or even in just one year—his name would be known throughout the entire Traneth Empire.
She’d never seen a single powerful man in the South who didn’t dream of going to the capital.
“Your final destination is the imperial palace, isn’t it?”
“…”
“It won’t be easy, of course. The power struggles there are brutal, and everyone in the empire has their eyes on that place.”
“And?”
At his lowered voice, Adelle’s smile deepened.
“When the time comes, I’ll put the full honor of House Sergio behind you and support you with everything I have. I’ll clear the road to the position you desire, no matter what it takes.”
“I refuse.”
“Commander.”
Adelle bit her lip, surprised by how quickly and decisively he rejected her. She knew he wasn’t an easy man, but she’d thought he’d at least pretend to consider it.
“I’ve heard your proposal. I believe I’ve fulfilled my duty to a guest. You should leave now.”
“If you would just consider it a little more—”
“No. I’ve never changed a decision once I’ve made it.”
He was more stubborn than a blade of bamboo. As he stood up like he was throwing her out, Adelle also rose without lingering.
“Yes, Commander. Understood. So you’re not interested in any paved road to success.”
“That’s right.”
Very well, then.
Adelle lowered her eyes and turned away. Her face was resolute, almost solemn.
Click, clack.
The sound of her sharp heels echoed through the room.
She’s leaving that easily?
Killian hesitated slightly—but that was all.
What did he expect?
He clenched his fist. This wasn’t a relationship where one could hold on or be held.
He stood silently, watching her retreating figure—elegant even from behind.
“…Please take care—”
Creak.
She suddenly stopped at the door, and Killian’s throat moved with a gulp.
“Lady Adelaide.”
“From here to there,”
Her voice was flat as she looked down at the distance between them.
“I’ll pave it with gold.”
Her brilliant pink eyes, bright enough to make invisible gold shimmer into view, curled toward him.
“Because flower paths are too cliché.”
