The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Decided to Divorce

12

***

Hillise, as always, secretly observed Alter’s actions.

No matter how much Alter talked about breaking off the engagement, the fact that he was Brilly’s fiancé remained unchanged.

If time passed quietly like this, they would eventually end up married.

“Even if the engagement is broken off, he’s still out of my league.”

Hillise briefly entertained the thought of longing before burying it deep in his heart.

He was a fallen noble, with nothing left but the empty title of a baron.

Without his noble lineage and title, he would never have been chosen as the steward of the Ilenath ducal house.

“Not just anyone is accepted as a servant.”

The Ilenath ducal house was a power that dominated the capital, followed by several families forming factions.

The prestige and history of the Ilenath ducal house occupied a part of the empire, and even the Emperor couldn’t disregard the Duke of Ilenath lightly.

Being a family recognized by both the ruler and his subordinates, selecting servants was inevitably meticulous.

“I should save up some money and then look for a position as a steward in another family… or find some other work.”

Hillise planned to wait until Brilly’s wedding.

To completely wash away the faint longing, he needed to savor the harsh reality.

If he left Brilly’s side before that, the longing would turn into regret and pain.

“I have to stay as a steward until then.”

Hillise knocked on the door and cautiously entered.

He had to regularly prepare and serve medicinal herbs to Alter.

It was a direct order from the Duke of Ilenath, who even added that money should be no object.

It was probably a condition from the negotiations with the Grand Duke of the North, or perhaps a consideration from the Duke of Ilenath.

“I’ve brought your medicine.”

“Is it already time for my medicine?”

Alter, who had been reading a book, immediately got up from his seat.

Hillise set down a bowl containing the medicine from a tray engraved with an antique pattern.

At the same time, he glanced at the book Alter had been perusing and roughly guessed its contents.

“He’s been looking for books related to magic…”

Whatever Alter did, eventually all the servants in the mansion would come to know of it.

Alter was a precious guest, and it was imperative to treat him thoroughly to avoid any discomfort.

Should there be a failure to properly recognize Alter, it would be the Duke of Ilenath’s honor that would be tarnished.

“Are you interested in magic? Or can you use it yourself?”

Hillize showed curiosity but did not bother to ask outright.

A butler simply has to perform the role given to them.

They must be careful not to cause any trouble for their superiors and provide the utmost convenience.

If that is not the case, then they should not receive a salary as a butler.

“It must be quite bothersome for you, having to take care of all this…”

Alter murmured softly and then gulped down the medicine in one go.

Hillize continued the silence for a moment before opening his mouth.

“There is nothing that can be deemed bothersome for a butler. We only distinguish between what needs to be done and what does not.”

“It sounds like you’re saying you’d do anything?”

“If it is within a butler’s capacity, I will do whatever is necessary.”

“For example… always carrying me around?”

“If it is required, I will do so.”

Hillize answered resolutely, without a flicker of emotion on his face.

Alter watched him for a while and then shook his head.

“No, forget it. I can still walk on my own.”

“It is within a butler’s duties. If you truly need it…”

“Don’t worry about it. It was just a thoughtless remark. It would only embarrass me to be carried around by you here.”

Alter let out a chuckle and forcefully declined.

In truth, he had wanted to tease Hillize for a moment with a joke.

But seeing the serious response, he felt compelled to dissuade him.

“… It’s the first time I see you smile.”

“Hmm… Is that so? Have I not smiled that much?”

Alter pondered his past and then showed a doubtful expression.

If anything, there had been no reason to smile, but he did not take it too sensitively.

After all, with such a body, it was impossible to enjoy pleasure.

“Brillie would probably prefer that look on you as well.”

Hillize muttered bitterly, recalling a conversation he had with Brillie.

Brillie showed interest in Alter, yet there was a faint hint of concern.

She thought if only Alter would show even a slight smile, she might feel a bit relieved.

“I’m not sure. It doesn’t seem like he’s too fond of me.”

“Now that you two have met for the first time since promising to marry, isn’t it more likely that you feel unfamiliar rather than liking or disliking each other?”

“Perhaps that’s true.”

“It’s more important now that you both spend time together and adapt to one another.”

Hillize offered her standard advice without hesitation.

Alter agreed with her words but didn’t take them to heart.

He was already foreseeing an annulment, convinced that sympathy could not turn into affection.

“Isn’t that too optimistic? It’ll all be meaningless after the annulment.”

“Lord Alter, you have not annulled the engagement yet. And… worrying about things that haven’t happened can be harmful to your mind and body.”

“It’s not worry. It’s certainty. I just don’t know when to call off the engagement.”

“Do you have a reason to be so certain?”

“A reason? It’s a bit difficult to say out loud. It would inevitably bring out unpleasant words.”

“…”

Hillize inadvertently grasped what Alter intended to say.

He must hold a negative view of Duke Ilenath.

Perhaps he had delved deeply into the duke’s thirst for power.

‘Could he be considering a political marriage with the crown prince?’

Hillize had roughly guessed that possibility as well.

If one were to give up a marriage with a grand ducal family, then the next emperor or a noble with significant influence would be the choice.

But neither option would be easy to finalize, and it could mean Duke Ilenath would incur great losses.

‘Even if I’ve seen that far… can I be certain?’

From noble mtl dot come

It was a future not even Hillize, let alone other nobles, could recklessly predict.

There were too many constraints, not to mention the pride of the northern grand duke at stake.

No matter how remarkable Duke Ilenath was, could he really act so recklessly?

‘But if he’s certain, then he must consider annulment.’

Alter likely added his own limitations as conditions for the annulment.

Inheriting the grand duke title was impossible, he had no special talents, and he could hardly take care of himself.

After all, being born into the grand ducal bloodline, he was facing reality too harshly.

“Should I tell Brillié about this?”

Of course, it was merely a speculation of Alter’s psyche, but in essence, there was likely nothing incorrect.

Brillié too had harbored doubts about Alter’s actions, so explaining it would probably lead to quick acceptance.

Yet, what followed was unpredictable, hence hesitation took the lead.

“If Brillié finds out… she might not let go.”

Brillié often pursued ideals over succumbing to reality.

Currently, she may pity Alter, but upon learning the truth, those feelings could twist.

It might lead her to cling to the marriage with Alter, or as she had once asserted, to elope with him secretly.

“Can I be content with that?”

Hillize faced the desires that had lain dormant within her for a brief moment.

She didn’t want to give up on Brillié, couldn’t leave her to a political marriage, wished to escape the outcome.

Should she continue to bury her feelings for Brillié?

“… I’ll tell her later. Now is not the time.”

Hillize faintly complied with that desire.

From a realistic standpoint, a fallen noble couldn’t be with Brillié.

Yet, a vague belief, a cunning rationale, sustained her will.

“There’s nothing more to lose here. Whatever the resolution, as long as I get what I want, right?”

After all, Alter couldn’t handle the existence that is Brillié.

Even if they were to marry, conflict would inevitably arise.

Rather than losing it all so vainly, wouldn’t it be right to take it for oneself?

“All Brillié has to do is accept me. If only that happens…”

***

Lang, while handling the duties of the knighthood, did not neglect the social sphere.

To act as a noble, one must inevitably foster connections while elevating one’s own status.

Thus, occasionally, he had no choice but to take time out for social gatherings.

“Ah, have you heard the news? Count Adelvalt is courting the daughter of a duke’s family?”

“Really? Are they planning to marry?”

“I haven’t heard the details. But a count’s title isn’t too bad, is it?”

“Hmm… aren’t count titles becoming more common these days?”

“Just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re all the same. A count like Adelvalt…”

The nobles at the social gathering were incessantly chattering away, their wine glasses tilting in merriment.

Their conversations primarily revolved around the movements of their fellow aristocrats, and occasionally, the state of the empire was mentioned.

Moreover, being mostly young, some were engaged in exchanges of a more romantic nature.

‘It’s bothersome, but if not managed…’

“Come now. Let’s make way for the next Sword Saint to join us.”

As someone acknowledged Lang’s presence, all eyes swiftly focused on him.

Lang accepted their gazes with composure and greeted his counterpart with respect.

“Have you been well?”

“I have been well. How busy must you be to not show your face?”

“Such is the life of the knightly order, isn’t it? I’ve made some time after a while, so please take care of me.”

“Why not? A place for you is always ready.”

Lebaton Podios, the host of the social gathering, welcomed Lang with a bright smile.

To lead a social gathering, one must possess extensive connections and capital.

Thus, they sought diverse venues and had skilled chefs serve expensive dishes.

But to not lose guests to other gatherings, they even invited renowned nobles like Lang.

“Have you, unbeknownst to me, met a beautiful lady?”

“Would that be the case? I am currently devoted to the knightly order.”

“Tsk, tsk… At such a young age, is that how it should be? If the next Sword Saint wishes, I could introduce you to someone?”

“Thank you for the offer, but I must decline due to lack of leisure, perhaps another time.”

Lang politely refused and thought of someone.

His heart had already been inclined since then.

Perhaps that’s why he didn’t even glance at other women, instead focusing solely on the duties of the knightly order.

“Ah, right. The vice-captain of the Setinos Knights is the lady of the Ilenat family, isn’t she?”

“… Yes.”

Lang answered coldly, his gaze fixed on an unknown noble offspring.

Conversations among nobles usually revolved around the person of interest.

Naturally, this led to Brilly being mentioned, but already, an ominous atmosphere was beginning to emanate.

“The lady is engaged to the scion of the Northern Duke, isn’t she? I’ve heard some rather unpleasant rumors.”

“That is so. They say she’s unwell…”

“Even for a ducal family, isn’t that a bit much? She is, after all, a lady of the Ilenat family.”

“Ah. The lords must have finished their discussion by now.”

“The discussion ended well, I presume. But isn’t it a bit strange? Why would the young lady of the Elenath family marry a noble who’s nearly on his deathbed?”

“You! If you say such things here…”

Lebaton hurriedly stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation.

But Lang’s gaze was already sharply honed.

That remark was an insult not only to Alter but also to Brillié.

As Brillié’s superior, he could not overlook such behavior.

“How rude. To belittle the vice-captain and his fiancée in my presence?”

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

“Have you ever met the scion of the Grand Duke’s family? If we’re talking about looks, I don’t think the vice-captain is unworthy… I hope you can take responsibility for your words.”