Chapter 153: Discussion at the Crocus Duke House
“…And that is the situation. Celestine, what do you wish to do?”
“…”
In the grand hall of the Crocus Duke House, Celestine gently closed her eyes, pondering her father’s grave announcement.
“I see… So you are suggesting an engagement with Rest…”
Her father had broached the subject of a potential engagement with her classmate and friend, Rest Clover. Rest had played a significant role during the recent civil war, achieving feats that far exceeded what could be compensated by his title as a Count and his territory. The royal family, eager to keep Rest close, devised a plan to engage him to Celestine, the daughter of noble blood.
Until just recently, Celestine had been engaged to Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince, due to a magical contract established by the Queen Dowager and her grandfather. However, that engagement was annulled when Rodel was punished with the poisoned chalice for his rebellion… and now, here she was, faced with this new engagement.
“…I understand. I will accept.”
Celestine replied without much hesitation.
“Are you certain? The royal family has stated they would not force you into this.”
“How strange of you to say that. If that were the case, they should not have brought this proposal to me at all.”
“That is…”
“As the daughter of the Crocus Duke House, I have a duty to marry for the sake of the country and my family. There was never a choice to refuse from the start, was there?”
“…I apologize.”
The Crocus Duke bowed his head, his words tinged with resignation. If Celestine had not been born as his daughter, if she had not been born into a noble family, she might have lived a more liberated life. Instead, she was now engaged to a troublesome prince, forced to clean up after his mess, only to be thrust into another political marriage immediately after.
“Why do you dwell in despair? It is not as if misfortune is guaranteed.”
Celestine smiled wryly. Unlike her father, she did not perceive this situation negatively. Rest Clover was currently regarded as one of the most promising men in the kingdom. She had heard that many noble ladies were vying to become his wife or mistress. With the royal family acting as intermediaries to propose the engagement, it was unlikely Rest would refuse.
(Rather, this is a stroke of luck… After all, there are no suitable gentlemen left of equal standing.)
Most men of appropriate age and noble rank were already engaged. The only exception was the Second Prince, Andrew Aiwood, but Celestine knew he had someone he loved, even if he had no fiancée. He was entangled in a forbidden romance that the royal family would never approve of, and he likely had no desire for an engagement with her.
(And if I were to become engaged to His Highness Andrew, it would disrupt the power balance in this country.)
If Celestine, the daughter of a prominent noble house, were to unite with Andrew, the Second Prince, it could threaten the position of Richard Aiwood, the Crown Prince. Given the political instability following the civil war, she could not risk shaking the already precarious status of the Crown Prince.
“…Indeed, marrying Rest seems to be the best choice for me.”
“However… you will likely not become his legal wife. You will end up as a concubine.”
The Crocus Duke’s expression grew pained at this realization. Should Celestine marry Rest, she would become a concubine, for he was already engaged to the sisters of the Rosemary Marquis House. Although the Crocus Duke House held a higher status, if Celestine were to usurp the position of legal wife from the Rosemary family, it would create lasting enmity between the two houses. The Crocus Duke House, a powerful ally of the Royalist Faction, could not afford to be at odds with the Rosemary Marquis House.
“I do not mind. The titles of legal wife and concubine are merely labels. Fortunately, there are plenty of territories to inherit.”
The conflict between a legal wife and a concubine often arose from the question of which children could inherit the family name. However, Rest possessed an abundance of uncharted territories, ensuring that there would be no shortage of lands to pass down. As long as they did not cling to the distinction between main and branch families, there would be no worries for their children’s futures.
(Rest… The royal family will likely be concerned if the Clover Count House gains too much power, so it would be better for the territories to be divided among the children.)
“I am on good terms with both Viola and Primula, and I believe we can maintain a harmonious relationship after marriage. So… please do not wear such a gloomy expression, Father.”
“…I am sorry.”
Today, her father was apologizing frequently. His complexion was pale, and he wore a perpetual look of regret. Celestine found it unusual and smiled wryly as she contemplated how to approach Rest and the others with this news.