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Chapter 5
Mars de Kailum.
The man who once dominated battlefields and was called a war god could no longer rise from his bed.
He had overworked his body by answering the Emperor’s calls to war. In the end, a carriage accident that took his wife also left his leg permanently damaged.
That accident took not only his wife, but also his health.
Now, he could not walk without a cane, and he avoided standing because he did not want others to see his right leg.
Because he had used too much of his life force in his youth, his body had become weak, as if it could collapse at any moment.
His once sharp cheeks were now hollow, but his piercing eyes and overwhelming presence remained unchanged.
“I greet you. I am Baron Edward de Mare. It is an honor to meet you, Grand Duke of Kailum.”
“Welcome. Forgive me for receiving you like this due to my condition.”
Even after Edward’s perfect greeting, Mars remained cold.
“I heard you proposed a contract marriage first.”
“Yes.”
“What are you thinking?”
Edward did not expect warmth, but he also did not expect such a heavy atmosphere.
He glanced at the blue flame on Mars’s shoulder. Like Uber, it seemed unfriendly.
“A normal proposal would not catch her attention. I didn’t want to be remembered as just another man.”
“And so?”
“This way, I could stand out… and become her husband for one year. It was a good move for me.”
“Are you planning to take advantage of her during that year?”
“If I say no, that would be a lie.”
Mars frowned at his smiling face.
“My daughter is not that easy.”
“I know. Winning her heart will be difficult.”
“If you fail, you will bear all the consequences.”
“The Emperor’s blade may reach my neck.”
He knew it well.
“Then why marry her?”
“Grand Duke.”
Edward’s voice was calm and strong.
“I am a merchant. I pursue profit with logic and reason.”
He was also the most successful merchant in the empire.
“But sometimes… there are situations where even logic becomes meaningless.”
Mars listened quietly.
“Sometimes love makes people choose things that are hard to understand… like Grand Duke Asero de Kailum.”
Mars’s eyes flashed.
Asero de Kailum—the ancestor who allowed the law that created this situation.
“You must be wondering why someone like me is speaking so boldly.”
Mars was still powerful. He could kill Edward easily if he wished.
“I love the Grand Duke’s daughter enough to risk my life before you.”
“Is that your proof?”
Edward stopped smiling.
“It is the truth. And I will show you more proof in the future.”
Mars could not tell if it was courage or recklessness.
“…I will be watching.”
“Thank you.”
Edward stood up slowly.
“I have a question.”
“Speak.”
“Does the spirit’s color follow the eye color?”
“You’ve met Diana’s spirit already.”
“Yes.”
Mars raised his hand, and the blue flame moved onto it.
“The eyes are the window to the soul… and the path for spirits.”
“…I see.”
Edward felt there was deeper meaning, but chose not to think about it now.
“Diana’s spirit is beautiful, but yours is also very beautiful, Your Grace.”
“……”
“I will take my leave now.”
As Edward left, Mars looked at his spirit.
“A strange man.”
“Gladius.”
The spirit complained, and Mars gently touched it.
“Diana already told him the spirit’s name…”
“She’s strange too.”
“I know.”
Mars closed his eyes.
At least… his love for Diana seemed real.
And for now, that was enough.
* * *
“I would like to have tea with you, Diana.”
“I’m busy.”
“Please give thirty minutes to your future husband.”
Diana couldn’t ignore his shining eyes and called Fides.
“Prepare tea in the garden.”
“Yes.”
Edward stood properly and offered his hand.
After a moment, Diana took it.
“Most guests will be from the Grand Duke’s side. But some from the Emperor’s side will attend too.”
“Unwanted guests.”
“We can’t avoid them.”
“Your decision is always right, Diana.”
“…Give me your guest list too.”
“I will send it tonight.”
Diana glanced at him.
Why was he so obedient?
“Why are you looking at me?”
“Nothing.”
They walked slowly, giving Edward time to look around.
They reached the garden. A beautiful lake lay beside them.
Fides had already prepared everything.
“It’s beautiful.”
“The wedding will be in the central hall. The banquet will be here.”
“That sounds memorable.”
“Look at the hall before you leave.”
“Yes.”
Edward pulled out her chair for her.
But for some reason, Diana couldn’t say thank you.
“…After the wedding, move in here.”
“Yes.”
“Run your guild as usual. But attend events with me when needed.”
“As Diana’s husband… I look forward to it.”
Diana turned her head away.
Edward carefully cut a strawberry cream cake and held it toward her.
“Ah.”
“……”
“It will fall!”
Startled, Diana opened her mouth and ate it.
Edward smiled.
“I heard you haven’t eaten yet.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Taking care of my wife is also my duty.”
“…Your tongue is too smooth.”
Diana took his fork and ate another bite.
Edward took a new fork and ate calmly.
“It’s sweet.”
“Our pastry chef is skilled.”
“All servants here are skilled.”
He continued:
“The butler, servants, maids, gardener, and pastry chef… all of them.”
“…Are you flattering me?”
“Is telling the truth considered flattery?”
Diana sighed and drank her tea.
They both looked at the lake.
The sunlight reflected beautifully on the water.
Edward stayed silent.
He wanted her to rest.
He had many things to say, but there was still one year ahead.
Edward was a patient man.
After some time, Diana looked at him.
“At the wedding…”
She spoke casually.
“You may do the vow kiss.”
Edward thought her voice trembled slightly—but maybe it was his imagination.
Still, he smiled brightly.
“Yes!”
