Chapter 8

Some time after their honeymoon…

Clyde was slowly leaving the Knights’ Headquarters while waiting for Beatrice when a familiar voice called out from behind him.

“Well, if it isn’t Sir Clyde Dalton, who’s become so busy taking care of his wife that it’s hard to even see his face these days.”

Clyde stopped and turned around.

Standing there was a handsome man with silver hair that clearly displayed his imperial bloodline and violet eyes that looked exactly like the Empress’s.

It was Crown Prince Crowell Halo Ronya Edvain.

If one counted his previous life as well, Crowell had been Clyde’s superior and friend for a very long time.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes, it’s me.”

The Crown Prince clicked his tongue as if asking why Clyde was suddenly being so formal.

Then he lightly slapped Clyde on the back.

“So? Have you been enjoying your time with your lovely wife? The Knights are full of rumors, you know. They say you’re completely intoxicated by married life these days.”

At the prince’s teasing question, Clyde let out a helpless laugh and nodded.

“Ah, those rumors.”

“What? Judging by your reaction, you’ve heard them too?”

“Haha. Well, yes.”

It would have been strange if he hadn’t heard them.

After all, he and Beatrice had been desperately working to look like a disgustingly affectionate couple who couldn’t live without each other.

Since their newlywed home was still under construction and they were living separately in their respective family estates, they had to be even more careful.

‘Picking each other up at exactly the right times. Sticking together at every social gathering. Feeding each other in public where everyone could see…’

If he exaggerated a little, Clyde had spent more physical contact time with Beatrice over the last few weeks than during the rest of his entire life.

Even Beatrice, who had nearly died of embarrassment over affectionate nicknames after the wedding, could now casually call him “Honey” in her sleep.

Thankfully, experience had made things easier.

They had started finding shortcuts.

‘Yesterday’s banquet trick was especially convenient.’

They had loudly announced that they were too full and wanted a walk in the garden.

Then they had deliberately disappeared somewhere secluded for a while before returning with their clothes slightly disheveled.

It was much easier than constantly acting in front of everyone.

As Clyde recalled their tearful efforts to gradually wear down Valoa Crawford’s sanity, the Crown Prince raised an eyebrow.

“…I wasn’t expecting such an easy admission from you, Sir Dalton.”

“Because it’s true.”

Clyde smiled calmly.

“My wife is lovely. I enjoy spending time with her. And I’m completely immersed in the joys of married life. Why would I deny something that’s genuinely from the heart?”

“Enough! Stop right there. Any more and I’ll actually get goosebumps.”

“What a shame.”

Clyde lowered his eyes dramatically and greeted him politely.

“Speaking of which, Your Highness, thank you very much for your consideration regarding my marriage. I never expected you to send gifts practically every day. We’re running out of room to store them.”

“Don’t mention it. As you know, I felt very guilty about missing your wedding. I thought I should make up for it somehow.”

“Haha. Your feelings are more than enough. I couldn’t possibly burden such a busy man with extra work.”

“Really? Then you should’ve warned me earlier. It’s not like I would’ve interrupted the two of you.”

Without giving an inch, the Crown Prince lowered his voice.

“It’s not just me. Mother was upset too. Given that your bride was Lady Hartwell, that’s only natural. The Count is one thing, but Lady Hartwell’s father, Jedaric, is from the same kingdom as Mother. She never expected something this important to be hidden.”

“Ah, about that…”

Clyde scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

“I’m sure Count Hartwell never intended to hide it from Her Majesty. In fact, Jedaric didn’t know either.”

“He didn’t know? About what?”

“About our relationship.”

Clyde smiled sheepishly.

“To be more blunt, I wouldn’t be surprised if the day Her Majesty learned about our marriage was only a few days apart from the day Father heard us announce it.”

How many days had it been?

Three?

The Crown Prince stared at him in disbelief.

“What kind of situation is that?”

“Come on, Your Highness. Don’t look at me like that. We had our reasons.”

“Reasons? I heard you’d been dating since your Academy days. What possible reason could justify hiding it that thoroughly…”

Then realization dawned.

“Ah. If it had become public, things would’ve become rather noisy.”

Even though Beatrice was the youngest daughter and Clyde was only the second son, a marriage between the Hartwell and Dalton families was a major event.

The Hartwells produced nearly ten percent of the Empire’s grain supply.

The Daltons were founding nobles who had supposedly drunk dragon blood alongside the Imperial Family when the Empire was first established.

That alone was enough to cause an uproar.

‘And considering Lord Hartwell’s origins, the traditionalist faction would’ve gone mad if they’d found out back then.’

Things were quieter now because Princess Elodie was officially engaged to the Dalton heir.

“Well, when you put it that way, I understand. Still, hiding it from your own families seems excessive.”

“Haha. That’s just one of the hardships of being the youngest child.”

Smoothly inventing an excuse, Clyde moved the conversation forward.

“Beatrice and I will visit Her Majesty soon. If I’m occupied with missions, I’ll send Bea ahead.”

“Good. Mother will feel better once she sees you both in person.”

The Crown Prince paused.

“Oh, and…”

“What is it this time?”

“Speaking of noisy situations, I was reminded of Valoa Crawford. Are you alright?”

“Well…”

“I heard not only about her crashing your wedding, but also about how she ran to Father afterward and demanded your marriage be annulled.”

That was true.

Valoa had declared:

“If the marriage can’t be undone because the Emperor approved it, then surely it can be undone if the Emperor orders it.”

Then she had immediately stormed off to see the Emperor.

Standing boldly before him, she demanded that Clyde be given to her and that his marriage be dissolved.

If Valoa had been an ordinary noble, she would’ve lost her head for such behavior.

Fortunately for her, she was the beloved daughter of Grand Duke Alec.

The Emperor had furiously scolded her, but he hadn’t punished his niece.

“Father really is too soft whenever Uncle is involved.”

The Crown Prince clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction before patting Clyde’s shoulder.

“If you ever need my help, tell me. I’ll assist you.”

“Haha!”

Valoa walking away unharmed from an audience with the Emperor was certainly irritating.

But Clyde found himself genuinely smiling.

Unlike the previous timeline, Crown Prince Crowell was still firmly standing in his rightful place.

And his goodwill alone made Clyde happy.

“What is that annoying grin for?”

“Annoying? I’m simply moved by Your Highness’s kindness…”

“What nonsense. Since when were you so loyal?”

‘You’re right about that.’

Clyde couldn’t exactly explain the thoughts running through his mind.

At that moment, perfect timing arrived.

In the distance, he spotted Beatrice’s platinum-blonde hair.

“Bea! Honey! I’m over here with His Highness!”

He called out immediately, worried she might accidentally address him normally.

Then he quietly spoke to the Crown Prince.

“Actually, there is one thing I’d like to ask Your Highness’s help with.”

“Hm?”

“As Your Highness knows, rumors about how deeply in love we are have spread quite widely.”

The moment Beatrice heard him, she froze.

Then she instantly transformed her expression into a bright smile and even began jogging toward them.

Without taking his eyes off her, Clyde calmly continued.

“I’m worried that, given Lady Valoa’s temperament, she might eventually try to harm my wife.”

Then he finally reached the main point.

“So, Your Highness… would you happen to be free tomorrow?”

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

“If you are, how would you feel about attending a masquerade ball tomorrow evening?”