Duke Argenthoz, unable to bear to watch, stepped in and began to explain the situation to him.
“It hasn’t been that long since we last spoke. We only spoke in passing last time, so this is the first time.”
Duke Argenthoz guessed that Rudnine was upset because he had planned something big without properly consulting him.
So he made a truly apologetic expression.
"Oh, I should have consulted Duke Iels long ago. I'll apologize on his behalf."
“No, Lord Magic Tower! I just...”
His black eyes, which trailed off and eventually closed their mouths tightly, became even more gloomy.
At that moment, Count Ollit, who had been holding his trembling hand and just watching him, swallowed his fear and gathered his courage.
"I, Duke of Iels. Of the young ladies of the families participating in this operation, the only one of them is of similar age to His Highness Prince Felix, Princess Argenthoz. I thought it would be a good idea to be engaged to her."
“Engaged?”
...No.
It wasn't courage, it was recklessness.
A cold sweat formed on Count Ollit's forehead as he turned his head to face Duke Iels, who was wearing a gloomy smile.
'Scary!'
The black pupils felt like cold ice.
Count Ollit, terrified, began to hiccup.
“Heep, heep.”
He swears he's never felt such fear in his life.
Duke Iels was now bare-handed and unarmed, but he was a sword master who could kill him in an instant.
If he makes a mistake, he'll be mercilessly crumpled like the documents the Duke is holding.
Looking at Count Ollit, who was trembling with a pale face, Rudnine truly wanted to grab the man by the collar and throw him into a corner.
But that shouldn't be the case.
If Yvonne finds out about his cruel actions...
'That's terrible.'
Just thinking about Yvonne, who despised him, made his blood run cold.
He didn't want to be hated by her even a little bit.
Besides, Yvonne said she liked him because he was kind and gentle to everyone.
'Well.'
He mocked himself bitterly.
Yvonne is deeply mistaken. He's merely showing a superficial affection to those outside the line.
His innate temperament and the special circumstances of being the successor to the Iels family helped him grow to this level.
The generous leisure of those who have.
But if someone dares to look down on or steal away 'her' who has entered deep into his line, he can no longer be tolerant.
He realized this was his nature after meeting Yvonne.
Duke Argenthoz approached him as he tried to calm himself down so as not to run wild like an excited dog.
“Are you alright, Duke of Iels?”
“Oh, yes. Lord Magic Tower. I’m sorry.”
Rudnine barely managed to raise his lips and smiled softly, as usual, at Yvonne's father.
Because Magic Tower Lord is one of the people he needs to look good in.
“Just a moment. I don’t feel well.”
Rudnine turned his head away from the tower and bought some time.
He felt a burning sensation inside him, his stomach turning, and he was in agony.
What the heck... what the hell is going on here?
He didn't expect it at all.
He thought all he had to do was chase that petty, disgusting fish called Crown Prince Adrian out of Yvonne's fishing grounds.
Another fish named Prince Felix is coming in, and with the worst tag of all: engagement?
For a moment, the dark expression she had on her face during our walk flashed across his mind.
Yvonne's unforgettable, ominous question also came to mind one after another.
- Then, could it be that Rudd didn't like me on the other hand?
'Could it be because of her engagement to Prince Felix? Why would she ask such a ridiculous question with such a dark expression?'
His already tightly clenched teeth clenched even more tightly, making a clicking sound.
Yvonne is never one to talk nonsense. Unfortunately, she's a candid woman whose thoughts are clearly visible on her face.
Unfortunately, some people fall for Yvonne, but Rudnine is not one of them.
He remembered her habits, her moods, everything. If Yvonne showed even the slightest sign of anxiety or a change in her demeanor, he would react immediately and swiftly.
Rudnine's stomach was filled with pitch-black clouds, like it were about to rain heavily.
Perhaps Yvonne had made some kind of promise with Prince Felix. Perhaps she was hinting in advance that he should forget her now that they were engaged.
The endless hypotheses he spouted in his head became like a sharp knife that stabbed his heart.
Rudnine chewed his lips and thought.
"Why on earth? Why? Am I not enough? If Yvonne's ultimate goal is the royal family... then I can turn the royal family into Iels."
Treason.
His expression, which seemed to be thinking very dangerous thoughts, seemed even more cold because of his relaxed attitude.
The calculations showed that it would be possible even if it took some time.
In fact, the Duke of Iels's family's financial and power capabilities were far greater than what was known to the public.
Perhaps it once surpassed the imperial level.
However, this position is only maintained because of the oath of protection sworn to the imperial family by the first Duke of Iels when the Verbent Empire was founded.
The Dukes of Iels, however, were men who valued honor and prided themselves on their oaths.
Thus, he steadfastly defended the empire by defeating the monsters coming from the northern gate.
Rudnine was also the Duke of Iels, who had no particular greed.
'I might be different now.'
The documents Rudnine was holding were now so badly crumpled that they were unrecognizable.
Ant Rudican, who had been observing his superior's condition, decided that Rudnine had now reached his limit.
'Oh my god.'
Surely, that seemingly calm and peaceful Duke's mind must be full of dangerous thoughts!
Ant decided to save Count Ollit's life and prevent Rudnine from causing an accident.
So he hurriedly approached Count Ollit, who was shivering, and roughly grabbed his arm.
“Count, come to your senses and come this way!”
“Ugh!”
While Ant was evacuating the screaming Count Ollit, Rudnine remained deep in thought with a stern expression.
As Duke Iels's silence grew longer, the nobles who had been watching and observing began to murmur and speak one by one.
“Why are you like that?”
"Hmm?"
“Did Count Ollit slip up?”
“I don’t know about that specifically.”
Duke Argenthoz, who could no longer stand by and watch, stepped forward again.
"What the hell is wrong, Duke of Iels? If you're sick, I'll personally cast a healing spell on you."
“Oh, that’s really okay.”
“If not, tell me why. Then I will know.”
"Ah..."
Rudnine was barely able to regain his senses after seeing the purple eyes of the towering figure that looked just like Yvonne.
Yeah. Nothing will change if he goes wild here and there.
Rather, he will only be evaluated lower by Yvonne's father, the Duke of Argenthoz, and his older brother, the little Duke.
He bowed his head politely and asked in a polite tone.
“Your Excellency, could you please ask about ‘that’?”
“Huh? You mean about our daughter and Prince Felix’s engagement?”
"...Yes."
Rudnine barely managed to answer in a hushed voice.
Engagement.
It was something he didn't even want to say. An engagement to another man, not him.
Rudnaine, frowning, forcibly straightened out the crumpled documents that were almost unrecognizable.
And he glared at each of the nobles who had been excitedly chatting about the engagement between Yvonne and Prince Felix.
"We have other important matters at hand. Do I really need to weigh their importance? Have you forgotten?"
He lifted the papers and scolded the people harshly.
“Oh, that’s it.”
"Sorry!"
“Oh, that’s right. I made a mistake.”
The young Duke from the northern land of Iels was as cold as the north wind.
A cold voice and indifferent gaze, as if it could cut someone down at any moment, like a sharpened sword.
Rudnine didn't even look at those who were hastily repenting and reflecting.
Duke Argenthoz, as well as Barden, were startled by the intense charisma of Duke Iels and swallowed their saliva.
And Barden thought.
'Oh my goodness. Isn't it cool?'
For the first time, Barden took a liking to Duke Rudnine Iels as a 'man'.
Since time immemorial, Barden has believed that his sister Yvonne's match must be a charismatic man.
Since his damn sister Yvonne was so strong, he was convinced that the man she was living with needed to be charismatic for the family to last more than half a year.
Compared to that, he thinks he was even more dissatisfied with the Duke of Iels because he always seemed as soft as cotton candy.
But if a man has this much charisma, it's different!
Barden rubbed his chin, and his eyes sparkled.
'He's perfect for my brother-in-law?!'
Duke Rudnine Iels was obviously much better than the insignificant and charismatic Prince Felix.
But Barden shook his head, saying it was already too late.
Hadn't he previously warned the Duke of Iels not to take an interest in Yvonne?
'There's no way that slick Duke of Iels would be a man without pride, right? Damn it...! I'm screwed.'
While Barden was inwardly weeping and regretting, Duke Argenthoz was deeply impressed and agreed with Rudnine.
“Oh, that’s right. That’s right!”
'As expected, this young man is a man devoted to his work! He's a perfect Duke who knows what's best for the empire! I'm ashamed of myself.'
Duke Argenthoz liked Rudnine even more.
As he realized too late that he had missed out on a perfect son-in-law, his regret only grew.
'Well, I guess there's nothing I can do.'
Frankly, the Duke, who had no desire to betroth Yvonne to Prince Felix, decided to just take his daughter and live with her for the rest of his life if he could not find a son-in-law as worthy as Rudnine.
It was a statement that he would not let her get married.
Rumors are going around that it's a shame for an old noblewoman to live alone, but what can you do?
Yvonne is a princess of Argenthoz who lacks nothing.
Moreover, she is smart, pretty, and a talented magician. Now, she is a confident daughter who is ready to enjoy her life.
"They say there are a lot of women these days who live happily and enjoy life without a husband. What's it called? A capable woman? A gold lady, perhaps?"
While he planned to keep Yvonne as a gold lady for life, Rudnine looked around at the exhausted nobles and smiled devilishly.
"Good. I'm glad you've reflected on your actions. Now, let's resume the meeting."
“???”
"Yes?"
'No way?'
The meeting, which they thought was over, started again like a nightmare.
“It hasn’t been that long since we last spoke. We only spoke in passing last time, so this is the first time.”
Duke Argenthoz guessed that Rudnine was upset because he had planned something big without properly consulting him.
So he made a truly apologetic expression.
"Oh, I should have consulted Duke Iels long ago. I'll apologize on his behalf."
“No, Lord Magic Tower! I just...”
His black eyes, which trailed off and eventually closed their mouths tightly, became even more gloomy.
At that moment, Count Ollit, who had been holding his trembling hand and just watching him, swallowed his fear and gathered his courage.
"I, Duke of Iels. Of the young ladies of the families participating in this operation, the only one of them is of similar age to His Highness Prince Felix, Princess Argenthoz. I thought it would be a good idea to be engaged to her."
“Engaged?”
...No.
It wasn't courage, it was recklessness.
A cold sweat formed on Count Ollit's forehead as he turned his head to face Duke Iels, who was wearing a gloomy smile.
'Scary!'
The black pupils felt like cold ice.
Count Ollit, terrified, began to hiccup.
“Heep, heep.”
He swears he's never felt such fear in his life.
Duke Iels was now bare-handed and unarmed, but he was a sword master who could kill him in an instant.
If he makes a mistake, he'll be mercilessly crumpled like the documents the Duke is holding.
Looking at Count Ollit, who was trembling with a pale face, Rudnine truly wanted to grab the man by the collar and throw him into a corner.
But that shouldn't be the case.
If Yvonne finds out about his cruel actions...
'That's terrible.'
Just thinking about Yvonne, who despised him, made his blood run cold.
He didn't want to be hated by her even a little bit.
Besides, Yvonne said she liked him because he was kind and gentle to everyone.
'Well.'
He mocked himself bitterly.
Yvonne is deeply mistaken. He's merely showing a superficial affection to those outside the line.
His innate temperament and the special circumstances of being the successor to the Iels family helped him grow to this level.
The generous leisure of those who have.
But if someone dares to look down on or steal away 'her' who has entered deep into his line, he can no longer be tolerant.
He realized this was his nature after meeting Yvonne.
Duke Argenthoz approached him as he tried to calm himself down so as not to run wild like an excited dog.
“Are you alright, Duke of Iels?”
“Oh, yes. Lord Magic Tower. I’m sorry.”
Rudnine barely managed to raise his lips and smiled softly, as usual, at Yvonne's father.
Because Magic Tower Lord is one of the people he needs to look good in.
“Just a moment. I don’t feel well.”
Rudnine turned his head away from the tower and bought some time.
He felt a burning sensation inside him, his stomach turning, and he was in agony.
What the heck... what the hell is going on here?
He didn't expect it at all.
He thought all he had to do was chase that petty, disgusting fish called Crown Prince Adrian out of Yvonne's fishing grounds.
Another fish named Prince Felix is coming in, and with the worst tag of all: engagement?
For a moment, the dark expression she had on her face during our walk flashed across his mind.
Yvonne's unforgettable, ominous question also came to mind one after another.
- Then, could it be that Rudd didn't like me on the other hand?
'Could it be because of her engagement to Prince Felix? Why would she ask such a ridiculous question with such a dark expression?'
His already tightly clenched teeth clenched even more tightly, making a clicking sound.
Yvonne is never one to talk nonsense. Unfortunately, she's a candid woman whose thoughts are clearly visible on her face.
Unfortunately, some people fall for Yvonne, but Rudnine is not one of them.
He remembered her habits, her moods, everything. If Yvonne showed even the slightest sign of anxiety or a change in her demeanor, he would react immediately and swiftly.
Rudnine's stomach was filled with pitch-black clouds, like it were about to rain heavily.
Perhaps Yvonne had made some kind of promise with Prince Felix. Perhaps she was hinting in advance that he should forget her now that they were engaged.
The endless hypotheses he spouted in his head became like a sharp knife that stabbed his heart.
Rudnine chewed his lips and thought.
"Why on earth? Why? Am I not enough? If Yvonne's ultimate goal is the royal family... then I can turn the royal family into Iels."
Treason.
His expression, which seemed to be thinking very dangerous thoughts, seemed even more cold because of his relaxed attitude.
The calculations showed that it would be possible even if it took some time.
In fact, the Duke of Iels's family's financial and power capabilities were far greater than what was known to the public.
Perhaps it once surpassed the imperial level.
However, this position is only maintained because of the oath of protection sworn to the imperial family by the first Duke of Iels when the Verbent Empire was founded.
The Dukes of Iels, however, were men who valued honor and prided themselves on their oaths.
Thus, he steadfastly defended the empire by defeating the monsters coming from the northern gate.
Rudnine was also the Duke of Iels, who had no particular greed.
'I might be different now.'
The documents Rudnine was holding were now so badly crumpled that they were unrecognizable.
Ant Rudican, who had been observing his superior's condition, decided that Rudnine had now reached his limit.
'Oh my god.'
Surely, that seemingly calm and peaceful Duke's mind must be full of dangerous thoughts!
Ant decided to save Count Ollit's life and prevent Rudnine from causing an accident.
So he hurriedly approached Count Ollit, who was shivering, and roughly grabbed his arm.
“Count, come to your senses and come this way!”
“Ugh!”
While Ant was evacuating the screaming Count Ollit, Rudnine remained deep in thought with a stern expression.
As Duke Iels's silence grew longer, the nobles who had been watching and observing began to murmur and speak one by one.
“Why are you like that?”
"Hmm?"
“Did Count Ollit slip up?”
“I don’t know about that specifically.”
Duke Argenthoz, who could no longer stand by and watch, stepped forward again.
"What the hell is wrong, Duke of Iels? If you're sick, I'll personally cast a healing spell on you."
“Oh, that’s really okay.”
“If not, tell me why. Then I will know.”
"Ah..."
Rudnine was barely able to regain his senses after seeing the purple eyes of the towering figure that looked just like Yvonne.
Yeah. Nothing will change if he goes wild here and there.
Rather, he will only be evaluated lower by Yvonne's father, the Duke of Argenthoz, and his older brother, the little Duke.
He bowed his head politely and asked in a polite tone.
“Your Excellency, could you please ask about ‘that’?”
“Huh? You mean about our daughter and Prince Felix’s engagement?”
"...Yes."
Rudnine barely managed to answer in a hushed voice.
Engagement.
It was something he didn't even want to say. An engagement to another man, not him.
Rudnaine, frowning, forcibly straightened out the crumpled documents that were almost unrecognizable.
And he glared at each of the nobles who had been excitedly chatting about the engagement between Yvonne and Prince Felix.
"We have other important matters at hand. Do I really need to weigh their importance? Have you forgotten?"
He lifted the papers and scolded the people harshly.
“Oh, that’s it.”
"Sorry!"
“Oh, that’s right. I made a mistake.”
The young Duke from the northern land of Iels was as cold as the north wind.
A cold voice and indifferent gaze, as if it could cut someone down at any moment, like a sharpened sword.
Rudnine didn't even look at those who were hastily repenting and reflecting.
Duke Argenthoz, as well as Barden, were startled by the intense charisma of Duke Iels and swallowed their saliva.
And Barden thought.
'Oh my goodness. Isn't it cool?'
For the first time, Barden took a liking to Duke Rudnine Iels as a 'man'.
Since time immemorial, Barden has believed that his sister Yvonne's match must be a charismatic man.
Since his damn sister Yvonne was so strong, he was convinced that the man she was living with needed to be charismatic for the family to last more than half a year.
Compared to that, he thinks he was even more dissatisfied with the Duke of Iels because he always seemed as soft as cotton candy.
But if a man has this much charisma, it's different!
Barden rubbed his chin, and his eyes sparkled.
'He's perfect for my brother-in-law?!'
Duke Rudnine Iels was obviously much better than the insignificant and charismatic Prince Felix.
But Barden shook his head, saying it was already too late.
Hadn't he previously warned the Duke of Iels not to take an interest in Yvonne?
'There's no way that slick Duke of Iels would be a man without pride, right? Damn it...! I'm screwed.'
While Barden was inwardly weeping and regretting, Duke Argenthoz was deeply impressed and agreed with Rudnine.
“Oh, that’s right. That’s right!”
'As expected, this young man is a man devoted to his work! He's a perfect Duke who knows what's best for the empire! I'm ashamed of myself.'
Duke Argenthoz liked Rudnine even more.
As he realized too late that he had missed out on a perfect son-in-law, his regret only grew.
'Well, I guess there's nothing I can do.'
Frankly, the Duke, who had no desire to betroth Yvonne to Prince Felix, decided to just take his daughter and live with her for the rest of his life if he could not find a son-in-law as worthy as Rudnine.
It was a statement that he would not let her get married.
Rumors are going around that it's a shame for an old noblewoman to live alone, but what can you do?
Yvonne is a princess of Argenthoz who lacks nothing.
Moreover, she is smart, pretty, and a talented magician. Now, she is a confident daughter who is ready to enjoy her life.
"They say there are a lot of women these days who live happily and enjoy life without a husband. What's it called? A capable woman? A gold lady, perhaps?"
While he planned to keep Yvonne as a gold lady for life, Rudnine looked around at the exhausted nobles and smiled devilishly.
"Good. I'm glad you've reflected on your actions. Now, let's resume the meeting."
“???”
"Yes?"
'No way?'
The meeting, which they thought was over, started again like a nightmare.
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