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Chapter 3
“I knew our guild master was crazy, but I never imagined he would marry into the Grand Duke’s family.”
“Henry, that’s the third time already.”
“I’m upset, that’s why!”
Bang.
Henry slammed a stack of papers onto the desk in front of Edward.
“All newspaper companies in the empire have contacted us.”
“The news spreads fast.”
“How could it not?!”
Henry held up the top newspaper and showed the headline.
“The richest man in the empire becomes the son-in-law of the Kailum Grand Ducal House… They could’ve made the title more elegant.”
“Ed!”
“The Grand Duke’s house announced it themselves. That means the Grand Duke knows now. As expected of the Grand Duke’s daughter.”
“They wouldn’t let go of someone who walked into their house on his own!”
Edward stood up and looked out the window calmly.
“Weren’t you the one who kept telling me to get married? Now that I am, you’re complaining about the bride?”
“I told you to marry, not to become a fool!”
“You told me to find a woman who knows how to seize an opportunity.”
Edward tapped the newspaper and smiled gently.
“Diana de Kailum seems exactly like that kind of woman.”
“She’s older than you!”
“I prefer older women.”
It was rare in the empire for a bride to be older than the groom—especially among nobles.
“And I have a flaw.”
“What flaw? What are you lacking?”
“The flaw of being a noble only in name—someone who bought his title.”
“…That’s—!”
Henry shut his mouth.
Before Edward bought his title, both of them had suffered many humiliations as commoners. Edward bought a noble title from a family with the same surname, “Mare,” as soon as he became guild master. Henry refused, saying he didn’t need such a thing.
Later, Henry received a knight title from the Emperor for helping famine areas.
Even so, people treated them differently.
A title that was bought… and a title that was granted.
The one who bought it was always criticized more.
“…What people say doesn’t matter. People think you’re more noble than real nobles.”
“I think so too. But a family like Kailum might see it as a flaw. So I should be thankful she accepted my proposal.”
“What did you even fall for?! What blinded you?!”
Edward only smiled and said nothing.
“Hector.”
“Y-Yes!”
“I heard Henry has an outside schedule today. Is that right?”
“Yes!”
“Guide him.”
Even though Hector disliked Henry, he stood beside him obediently. Sensing the mood, Henry left angrily.
Bang!
“Henry must be really angry. That door sounded quite strong.”
Edward looked at the newspapers Henry left behind.
Since the Grand Duke’s house announced the marriage, it was already a fact.
“Still, it’s better to play along.”
Edward picked up a pen and began writing.
Usually, he only gave direction and his subordinates handled the rest. But this time, he wanted to give detailed instructions.
Because the imperial family would be watching.
“…Heh.”
He couldn’t hide his smile.
The hunter had just lost his prey.
The Emperor must be furious.
Not just hurt pride—his pride had been shattered.
Emperor Morbus.
He always pretended to pity the Grand Duke’s family while secretly looking down on them.
Edward knew well how humiliating that felt.
As he finished writing, he called Hector.
“Hector.”
“Yes!”
“Give this to Henry.”
“Understood.”
But Hector didn’t leave. He hesitated.
“What is it?”
“Um… the manager is just worried about you.”
Edward smiled.
“You too?”
“Yes… What if the imperial family tries something…?”
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”
Hector still looked uneasy.
“Hector.”
“Yes…”
“Right now, I am a man the whole world is watching.”
“…?”
Edward pointed at the pile of newspapers.
“Everyone knows. Even if the Emperor killed me with magic, it wouldn’t be strange. But he can’t do that.”
“…Because everyone knows?”
“Exactly. If I die openly, people will point to the Emperor.”
“But… he’s still the Emperor.”
“Didn’t I tell you before? His power isn’t absolute anymore.”
The empire was divided between the Emperor’s side and the Grand Duke’s side.
“And I control the wealth of the empire. Many people live because of me.”
“If something happens to you…”
“Then the Emperor would be making the worst move.”
The nobles on the Grand Duke’s side would not stay still.
“And I’m a wealthy man with a good reputation. Many would mourn my death.”
Hector stayed silent.
Edward laughed.
“So stop worrying and deliver the message.”
“…Yes.”
After Hector ran out, Edward leaned back.
“Still, if someone really wanted to kill me, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“You understand that well.”
“Wha—!”
Edward almost fell back in shock but grabbed the desk.
It was Diana.
A golden flame flickered on her shoulder—she had teleported using a spirit.
“…You could at least knock.”
“I don’t like announcing my visits.”
Shameless, he thought—but still offered her a seat.
Diana naturally took the seat of honor.
“So why did you come secretly, Diana?”
“You’re quite bold.”
Edward simply smiled.
“Let’s have the wedding soon.”
“Alright.”
“How about one week later?”
Edward hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“It’s tight, but possible.”
“What’s tight?”
“My parents traveling here.”
For the first time, Diana looked surprised.
“Do your parents know?”
“Of course not.”
“….”
“They don’t know I’ll become a son-in-law, marry into Kailum, or become your husband.”
Diana looked at him like he was insane.
“They’ll find out through the newspapers soon.”
Diana sighed deeply.
Edward changed the topic.
“So the wedding will be at the Grand Duke’s house?”
“The High Priest will officiate.”
“Understood. The dress?”
“It’s already being made.”
“That’s unfortunate. I wanted to recommend a designer.”
Diana crossed her arms, still suspicious.
“…I came to get a promise.”
Edward nodded.
“Why me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why did Edward de Mare choose Diana de Kailum?”
Edward smiled.
“I saw you once when we were young.”
“Where?”
“At a charity party in the imperial palace.”
Back then, he wasn’t a noble yet.
“It was boring for children.”
He continued:
“I went outside, got lost… and saw you.”
Diana tried to remember.
“I fell in love at first sight.”
“….”
“I still remember you. Your golden hair like sunlight, your warm golden eyes…”
“Wait.”
Diana’s face turned red.
“Aren’t you embarrassed?”
“Not at all. I even thought I’d be fine going blind after seeing you.”
“….”
“I hope your doubts are gone now.”
“Please don’t doubt a man’s first love.”
His clear blue eyes curved into a gentle smile.
