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⋆ Chapter 1 ⋆
The great Empire of Terra.
It was an empire built together—Terra, which used magic, and Kailum, which used spirits. For hundreds of years, Terra ruled as the absolute emperor, and Kailum remained a loyal Grand Duke.
But now, things were different.
The emperor’s power was no longer absolute, and the Grand Duke was no longer obedient. Terra feared Kailum’s growth and began to pressure them. Kailum, feeling betrayed, turned its back on Terra.
Now, the empire was in chaos, divided between the emperor’s faction and the Grand Duke’s faction.
“And that’s the current situation of Terra.”
“So even people with powers like magic and spirits still feel fear.”
“Because those powers aren’t absolute.”
Edward gently patted Hector’s head as he looked bored.
“It may be boring, but you should listen carefully if you want to become the youngest manager.”
“I-I’m not bored!”
Hector wagged his tail and looked at Edward with excitement. Henry, who was sitting on the desk, shrugged.
“In the end, all we need is to make a lot of money.”
“That’s true, but you need to understand politics to avoid trouble.”
Edward crossed his arms and looked at the map. The vast empire was marked with different symbols—circles, squares, and anchors.
“Hector, what do these marks mean?”
“Yes! Circles are Mare Guild branches, squares are regional offices, and anchors are the main headquarters. Branches are in every district, offices are in each major city, and the headquarters is in the capital, Wita!”
“Smart.”
Hector blushed at the praise, while Henry teased him.
“Hey kid, hide your tail.”
“Be quiet, old man!”
Henry staggered at being called “old man,” making Edward chuckle.
Hector was still young, a beastman who couldn’t fully control transforming into human or animal form.
Edward had taken him in after he was abandoned early, and personally taught him so he could help the guild.
Today’s lesson was part of that.
“You awakened too early. It’ll get better with time.”
“Yes!”
“Good voice. Now, let’s continue.”
Coincidentally, from the time the emperor and Grand Duke fell apart, the imperial family began losing magic users, and the Grand Duke’s family began losing spirit users.
Still, one appeared each generation, keeping balance.
But the emperor feared that one day, no mage would be born.
So, the law was changed.
“A woman of a noble house must have a husband to inherit a title. However, the imperial family is an exception—women may become emperor.”
“What kind of law is that?”
“That law is named after the emperor of that time—”
“The Lucrum Law,” Henry cut in.
Hector frowned, and Henry patted his shoulder.
“Future manager, don’t hate too easily. Hate is immature.”
“I’m not hating!”
Edward asked:
“Then why is this law such a hot topic now?”
“…Because the imperial family has two princes who can both use magic… but in Kailum, only the Grand Duke’s daughter can use spirits, and the son cannot.”
“Correct.”
Edward handed Hector a tin of candy.
“A reward.”
“Wow, thank you!”
“It’s unfortunate, but the Grand Duke’s daughter has a… personality.”
“She’s prickly.”
“Stubborn is more accurate. She doesn’t seem interested in marriage at all.”
“Then what will happen to the Grand Duke’s family? They can’t change the law without approval, right?”
“Technically, it must pass the noble council. But with the empire divided, getting two-thirds approval is unlikely.”
“Then how did the law pass before?”
“The Grand Duke at the time loved the emperor’s illegitimate daughter. He allowed it in exchange for marrying her.”
“He allowed something that important… for love?”
“Future manager, people often make blind decisions because of love.”
Edward smiled.
“To marry someone not even legitimate—he ignored logic and reason. Only love can do that.”
“…That’s strange.”
“You wouldn’t understand. You haven’t even had your first love.”
“You old man!”
Edward caught Henry as he stumbled back.
“Sir, I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Does that mean the Grand Duke’s daughter has to marry even if she doesn’t want to? Can’t the Grand Duke just have another child?”
“The Grand Duke is ill and may die anytime. His wife died ten years ago, and he never remarried.”
“…Oh.”
“If he dies, the family will be left unstable. The emperor is probably waiting for that—to take everything.”
“I feel bad for her… she has to marry or her family will disappear.”
“Hector, I told you—don’t give pity so easily.”
“Ah, sorry.”
“You must consider how the other person feels. A good merchant shows empathy without offending.”
“…But still, isn’t it okay to feel sorry for her?”
Henry sighed.
“She already hates the idea of a political marriage. Changing her family name would be worse. And no man would want to marry into her family either.”
“Why?”
“The situation is already against them. Marrying into her family would make you an enemy of the emperor.”
“So… you could be assassinated?”
“Exactly. Not bad.”
Henry then noticed Edward fully dressed.
“Where are you going? Why are you dressed like that?”
Edward wore an elegant navy suit, decorated carefully—even his cufflinks matched his eye color.
“I’m going somewhere formal.”
“Where?”
“The Kailum Grand Ducal House.”
“…What?”
Edward walked to the door, then turned back and held out his hand.
“Can I have a candy? I’m nervous.”
“…If I give it to you, will you tell me why you’re going?”
“You’re starting to think like a merchant.”
Edward took a lemon candy and smiled.
“I’m going to propose to the Grand Duke’s daughter.”
“…You’re insane!”
Leaving behind a shocked Hector and a cursing Henry, Edward walked out.
At the Kailum Grand Ducal residence—
“My lady, you have a visitor.”
“I wasn’t expecting anyone.”
Diana’s voice was sharp.
“Baron Edward de Mare wishes to see you.”
“The Mare Guild?”
“Yes.”
Diana thought for a moment.
The Mare Guild—rich beyond imagination. Nobles mocked them, yet envied them.
Even their title was bought with money.
But Diana had a different impression.
He stayed calm even when mocked. Not arrogant. Not hot-tempered.
At least… he seemed patient.
“Fine. I’ll meet him.”
“I will guide him to the reception room.”
“But—”
“Yes?”
“Make him wait one hour.”
If he came without an appointment, he should be ready to wait.
