Vincent and the butler were busy preparing for Diana's coming-of-age ceremony and Christmas party.
“Secretary Ford.”
The butler, who was scanning the list of invitations, looked at Vincent with dark gray eyes, blurred by time.
"Yes."
Noah's secretary, Vincent Ford, hails from an aristocratic family and treats everyone with respect, regardless of social status. Unlike Noah, who can be subservient to others depending on his mood, he is a gentlemanly and respectful individual.
“Do you really intend to marry her, Master?”
“If there was something greater than marriage, he would have done that too.”
“Are you talking about succession?”
Vincent sighed at the butler's question. If it were a normal obsession, he would have used that method long ago, but the Duke's very thinking was different from that of ordinary people.
This was the first time the Duke had shown interest in a woman of the opposite sex. Despite his long stay at the front, he had never visited a brothel for officers, and he heard he showed no interest in women who approached him with the intention of a one-night stand.
“He is not someone who acts impulsively.”
“I’ve known him since he was little... I’m glad.”
The old butler, who was now old enough to manage the mansion where Noah occasionally visited, let out a hollow laugh.
It was remarkable that the Duke, who did not seem like he would love or keep anyone by his side, brought a woman to him, doted on her, and did things for her that he had never done before.
People are curious and interested in the woman known as "Diana Parsene." She wasn't raised like an ordinary noblewoman, having been embroiled in politics and power struggles since childhood.
Within the Frogen Empire, one of the imperialist powers, a struggle between divided factions was in full swing.
After the death of the Duke and Duchess, who were the commanders-in-chief, Noah inherited the title, land, and property at a young age and was subjected to all kinds of slander and threats.
One of the military leaders who admired the former Duke advised him to become a soldier to protect him.
Noah accepted the advice and graduated from the military academy. However, due to the influence of opposing forces, he was once again forced into the middle of a war zone despite being a spy. However, Noah proved to be an extraordinary individual, demonstrating overwhelming prowess on numerous battlefields with his exceptional strategic and tactical prowess and marksmanship, leading to his rapid rise through the ranks.
In the long-term trench warfare between the great powers, where they fought for supplies and manpower, he used the terrain to destroy the enemy and win, stopping their war plans, and even made it possible to demand compensation from Belford.
It was an opportunity for him to gain power by being recognized by the Emperor and becoming a powerful figure within the empire.
Even if he was an independent family that had broken away from the line of succession, he could become a general-level officer, considering the title of Duke of the collateral royal family and his achievements on the battlefield, but the opposing forces desperately tried to block him, citing his inexperience and youth.
Moreover, Noah did not care much about rank, saying, "It's annoying."
As a major landowner, he had amassed a vast fortune from his vast lands, which generated rents and fees, cash, stocks, and the iron ore mines and steel business. He had no regrets. At the time, nobles often became soldiers, unable to inherit wealth or titles.
Naturally, he was the perfect groom, both politically and conditionally, and countless proposals and courtships poured in from noble families and foreign nations. His only drawback was his madness.
He burned the marriage proposal without even reading it, and every woman who tried to woo him cried.
A noblewoman who entered Noah's room, stripped naked, and seduced him with her entire body was even tried for "attempted assassination and insult." The bizarre reason given was that he felt he was dying from the insult to his eyes.
The anecdote that Princess Medea was willing to give up the throne to marry him is already famous.
A ridiculous farce where she was about to throw everything away after hearing just one playful line: "You're giving up everything for me? That's great."
The woman he brought home, saying he would marry her, was the daughter of an enemy officer he had kidnapped. Of course, only a few people knew this fact.
Even if everyone knows, he won't care. No one can carelessly argue about it. He knew it was unusual, but his tastes seemed unique, too.
What was so special about his indifferent expression? The butler, who had been observing Noah for a long time, noticed something. The expression on his face as he looked at Diana. It seemed like he had made that face long ago, when the Duke and Duchess were still alive.
This is something that Vincent and the butler, who have known him for a long time, share in common.
“I wonder when they’ll get married. As I get older, I long to have a baby.”
The butler was a little excited, like a grandfather longing to see his grandson.
"Surprisingly, he followed Miss Parsene's advice. She said she didn't want to get married yet."
The butler's wrinkled face became slightly sad.
“Secretary, please hurry... You’re so handsome, many women like you. I’ll take good care of you like my own grandchild.”
"What do you mean, I don't have time for dating? That's not even polite to a lover."
"Love requires a lot of time," Vincent said, rubbing his eyes with a tired expression.
Damn. He wants to date, too. With all the asset management and business stuff all on his shoulders, he just doesn't have the time.
"Secretary, the invitation list is full of military personnel. I wonder if you won't even relay the news to Queen Medea."
The butler, who had been carefully reading the list of invitations, tilted his head. Queen Grace II of Medea and Noah had a deep connection.
“It’s kind of like an engagement ceremony and coming-of-age ceremony, but it’s full of soldiers.”
Because they were planning to hold an engagement ceremony. Even if there had been a clash with her daughter, the Princess, it was polite to share the news of the engagement.
“There is a reason.”
Vincent frowned faintly and ran a hand through his brown hair.
The butler, realizing that it was a secret that could not be told to anyone, nodded helplessly.
"The Queen will be disappointed. She treated you like a younger brother."
“Secretary Ford.”
The butler, who was scanning the list of invitations, looked at Vincent with dark gray eyes, blurred by time.
"Yes."
Noah's secretary, Vincent Ford, hails from an aristocratic family and treats everyone with respect, regardless of social status. Unlike Noah, who can be subservient to others depending on his mood, he is a gentlemanly and respectful individual.
“Do you really intend to marry her, Master?”
“If there was something greater than marriage, he would have done that too.”
“Are you talking about succession?”
Vincent sighed at the butler's question. If it were a normal obsession, he would have used that method long ago, but the Duke's very thinking was different from that of ordinary people.
This was the first time the Duke had shown interest in a woman of the opposite sex. Despite his long stay at the front, he had never visited a brothel for officers, and he heard he showed no interest in women who approached him with the intention of a one-night stand.
“He is not someone who acts impulsively.”
“I’ve known him since he was little... I’m glad.”
The old butler, who was now old enough to manage the mansion where Noah occasionally visited, let out a hollow laugh.
It was remarkable that the Duke, who did not seem like he would love or keep anyone by his side, brought a woman to him, doted on her, and did things for her that he had never done before.
People are curious and interested in the woman known as "Diana Parsene." She wasn't raised like an ordinary noblewoman, having been embroiled in politics and power struggles since childhood.
Within the Frogen Empire, one of the imperialist powers, a struggle between divided factions was in full swing.
After the death of the Duke and Duchess, who were the commanders-in-chief, Noah inherited the title, land, and property at a young age and was subjected to all kinds of slander and threats.
One of the military leaders who admired the former Duke advised him to become a soldier to protect him.
Noah accepted the advice and graduated from the military academy. However, due to the influence of opposing forces, he was once again forced into the middle of a war zone despite being a spy. However, Noah proved to be an extraordinary individual, demonstrating overwhelming prowess on numerous battlefields with his exceptional strategic and tactical prowess and marksmanship, leading to his rapid rise through the ranks.
In the long-term trench warfare between the great powers, where they fought for supplies and manpower, he used the terrain to destroy the enemy and win, stopping their war plans, and even made it possible to demand compensation from Belford.
It was an opportunity for him to gain power by being recognized by the Emperor and becoming a powerful figure within the empire.
Even if he was an independent family that had broken away from the line of succession, he could become a general-level officer, considering the title of Duke of the collateral royal family and his achievements on the battlefield, but the opposing forces desperately tried to block him, citing his inexperience and youth.
Moreover, Noah did not care much about rank, saying, "It's annoying."
As a major landowner, he had amassed a vast fortune from his vast lands, which generated rents and fees, cash, stocks, and the iron ore mines and steel business. He had no regrets. At the time, nobles often became soldiers, unable to inherit wealth or titles.
Naturally, he was the perfect groom, both politically and conditionally, and countless proposals and courtships poured in from noble families and foreign nations. His only drawback was his madness.
He burned the marriage proposal without even reading it, and every woman who tried to woo him cried.
A noblewoman who entered Noah's room, stripped naked, and seduced him with her entire body was even tried for "attempted assassination and insult." The bizarre reason given was that he felt he was dying from the insult to his eyes.
The anecdote that Princess Medea was willing to give up the throne to marry him is already famous.
A ridiculous farce where she was about to throw everything away after hearing just one playful line: "You're giving up everything for me? That's great."
The woman he brought home, saying he would marry her, was the daughter of an enemy officer he had kidnapped. Of course, only a few people knew this fact.
Even if everyone knows, he won't care. No one can carelessly argue about it. He knew it was unusual, but his tastes seemed unique, too.
What was so special about his indifferent expression? The butler, who had been observing Noah for a long time, noticed something. The expression on his face as he looked at Diana. It seemed like he had made that face long ago, when the Duke and Duchess were still alive.
This is something that Vincent and the butler, who have known him for a long time, share in common.
“I wonder when they’ll get married. As I get older, I long to have a baby.”
The butler was a little excited, like a grandfather longing to see his grandson.
"Surprisingly, he followed Miss Parsene's advice. She said she didn't want to get married yet."
The butler's wrinkled face became slightly sad.
“Secretary, please hurry... You’re so handsome, many women like you. I’ll take good care of you like my own grandchild.”
"What do you mean, I don't have time for dating? That's not even polite to a lover."
"Love requires a lot of time," Vincent said, rubbing his eyes with a tired expression.
Damn. He wants to date, too. With all the asset management and business stuff all on his shoulders, he just doesn't have the time.
"Secretary, the invitation list is full of military personnel. I wonder if you won't even relay the news to Queen Medea."
The butler, who had been carefully reading the list of invitations, tilted his head. Queen Grace II of Medea and Noah had a deep connection.
“It’s kind of like an engagement ceremony and coming-of-age ceremony, but it’s full of soldiers.”
Because they were planning to hold an engagement ceremony. Even if there had been a clash with her daughter, the Princess, it was polite to share the news of the engagement.
“There is a reason.”
Vincent frowned faintly and ran a hand through his brown hair.
The butler, realizing that it was a secret that could not be told to anyone, nodded helplessly.
"The Queen will be disappointed. She treated you like a younger brother."
Vincent closed his eyes as if reminiscing, remembering the beautiful Queen with long black hair and jade eyes.
"The Queen is beautiful... No, Princess Erita already knows. She comes to Frogen as easily as she eats rice. Anyway, the Queen is as kind-hearted as she is beautiful, so I'm sure she'll understand your circumstances."
***
The mansion was bustling and lively because tomorrow was the coming-of-age ceremony.
The atmosphere was completely different from the dark and cold mansion on the outskirts, and the servants were cheerful and smiling.
I prefer the old-fashioned, dark atmosphere of the mansions on the outskirts, but this place wasn't bad either.
“Miss, how about this dress for your coming-of-age ceremony?”
“Good.”
“What if you answer without even looking?”
Rosie, who had been agonizing over what dress I'd wear until late at night, finally seemed to have made up her mind, stretching out both hands holding the dress. It was a dazzling gown, with lace trimming the hem of the skirt and jewels adorning the upper part.
The design covered up to the neck, and since I had an unknown scar on my back, I didn't often wear dresses that revealed my back and chest.
“...I thought I was getting married.”
“You’re going to do it, right?”
Rosie, blushing with anticipation, clapped her hands.
I just stared blankly at Rosie, holding the dress. I was caught in the midst of the chaos and chaos caused by Noah's relentless assault on my marriage. He must be trying to extract a confession from me: "Actually, I just wanted to live comfortably!" Otherwise, there would be no reason to demand marriage from a total stranger he had kidnapped. Despite my efforts to convince and brainwash myself, imagining him suddenly changing his mind, saying, "You bravely held out until the very end, you're amazing!" I was being mindlessly dragged along by that enchanting man.
That vixen man kept diverting my reason, which cried out to me not to fall for him. He must have charmed me with his seductive looks and voice, making me feel powerless.
Knock knock.
A knock on the door caused Rosie to rise and open it. Seeing Noah standing behind it, she bowed politely and left the room. Noah, wearing a thick wool cardigan over a shirt, entered, sat on the sofa, and had bags under his eyes. I hadn't learned this until I was here, but surprisingly, cardigans are a type of military uniform. It suited the dapper man quite well, so I glanced at him and observed him.
“Are you ready? It’s tomorrow.”
“I don’t have anything to do. Noah and the others are suffering.”
“Prepare your mind.”
"We're not going to war, what are you talking about?"
I coughed slightly, brought the empty teacup from my room, and poured myself some black tea. As befitting a Christmas Eve night, fluffy, feather-like snow was falling outside the window.
“Thank you for preparing this. No one has ever done this before.”
“Yeah. There’s no one else but me.”
Noah, with his legs crossed and his hands clasped over his knees, let out a low laugh.
“Since we are dating before marriage, of course, we should have an engagement ceremony.”
I tried to control my expression and asked casually.
“I see. When?”
"Tomorrow."
"Yes?"
Without realizing it, I dropped the teapot with a loud noise.
“Tomorrow is the coming-of-age ceremony, isn’t it?”
The term "coming-of-age ceremony" is also the title of a sexy singer's song, and it feels a bit embarrassing, so I quickly corrected myself.
"It's a coming-of-age ceremony and an engagement ceremony. You're going to marry me later anyway, right?"
This guy... has no brakes. Even the gearbox only allows him to go straight.
I opened my mouth slightly with a bewildered expression.
A crazy man who acts relaxed despite being madly attacked in a hurry smiles at me as if nothing happened.
“Thank you for preparing this. No one has ever done this before.”
“Yeah. There’s no one else but me.”
Noah, with his legs crossed and his hands clasped over his knees, let out a low laugh.
“Since we are dating before marriage, of course, we should have an engagement ceremony.”
I tried to control my expression and asked casually.
“I see. When?”
"Tomorrow."
"Yes?"
Without realizing it, I dropped the teapot with a loud noise.
“Tomorrow is the coming-of-age ceremony, isn’t it?”
The term "coming-of-age ceremony" is also the title of a sexy singer's song, and it feels a bit embarrassing, so I quickly corrected myself.
"It's a coming-of-age ceremony and an engagement ceremony. You're going to marry me later anyway, right?"
This guy... has no brakes. Even the gearbox only allows him to go straight.
I opened my mouth slightly with a bewildered expression.
A crazy man who acts relaxed despite being madly attacked in a hurry smiles at me as if nothing happened.
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