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Chapter 5
There were five great noble houses entrusted with protecting the imperial family of Libre.
Long ago, when the Empire’s banner was first planted across the continent, the closest companions of the Libre family—the founders of the Empire—became its greatest heroes.
The House of Harriet in the East.
The House of Ertel in the West.
The House of Linus in the South.
The House of Mason in the North.
And House Fontaine, the guardians of the capital.
Together they were known as the Five Great Houses, scattered across the continent to protect the “Central Libre.” As time passed, however, their role expanded beyond protecting the imperial family—they also served as a check against the Emperor’s authority.
Among them, House Fontaine stood closest to the imperial palace. Because they were responsible for both protecting and restraining the imperial family, they possessed the strongest military force of all five houses.
If such a family were to unite with House Mason, the guardians of the northern frontier, it was only natural that the other great houses would become wary.
It was a lesson Father had drilled into her countless times.
Although House Mason had long since declined and no longer possessed the power worthy of one of the Five Great Houses, people still feared the title itself and carefully balanced against one another.
Likewise, for one of the Five Great Houses—whose duty was to keep the imperial family in check—to become tied to the imperial bloodline through marriage was simply unthinkable.
“Father.”
“If House Fontaine of the capital is unacceptable, then marrying into the House of Libre should be even more impossible.”
“So who, exactly, would be suitable for House Mason of the North? One of the insignificant frontier branch families?”
“Eloise.”
“The will of the imperial family is absolute.”
“Even an imperial command cannot force someone into marriage without justification.”
“No matter how desperately you wish to return to the capital, you have no right to sacrifice me for it.”
“And besides…”
“The Crown Prince merely made a private suggestion to you.”
“There has never been an official imperial decree.”
Eloise took a steady breath before meeting her father’s eyes directly.
“And just because you’re my father doesn’t mean you have the right to decide whom I marry.”
“I am your father.”
“By Imperial Law, a daughter’s marriage is her parents’ decision.”
“The father who merely gave me life and nothing else?”
“I’ve heard people call that a parent in name only.”
“Eloise!”
“Um… M-Miss…”
Just as their voices were about to rise, the Wellington household’s butler carefully interrupted.
Had he not stepped in, the argument might have continued without end.
Eloise was the first to turn away.
She had no intention of wasting another moment on such a pointless quarrel.
“What is it?”
“Our… our guest has arrived.”
At last.
The guest she had been waiting for.
She nodded calmly.
“Please show him to the drawing room.”
Then she looked back at her father.
“I’ll be going now.”
“I hope we never have to discuss this matter again.”
“Eloise.”
Deep lines formed between his brows.
For a man who had always shown her nothing but an indifferent expression, this rare display of emotion was almost surprising.
So…
Even Father could be shaken when the obedient daughter he had always taken for granted finally rebelled.
Without another word, she walked past him and entered the drawing room.
At least today…
She refused to be manipulated by his repeated reminder that he was her father.
