The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Decided to Divorce

15

“Hmm…”

“I didn’t say anything special.”

“We were just having a little chat.”

The noble ladies, conscious of Brillié, slowly began to back away.

Brillié approached Alter with a gentle smile.

Then, clinging to Alter’s side, she only shot cold glances.

“Since it’s my fiancé’s first time here, I hope you didn’t put too much pressure on him. You understand my feelings, right?”

“Of course. It can be tough the first time.”

“Maybe we talked a bit too much.”

“Then… shall we leave you two alone?”

The noble ladies disappeared immediately, following the chilly atmosphere.

Brillié finally relaxed and checked on Alter’s condition.

“Are you okay? It’s not too hard for you, is it?”

“I’m fine. I’m just standing here.”

“If it’s tough, just say so. We’ll leave right away.”

In truth, Brillié had not wanted to bring Alter to the social gathering.

Even while dealing with several people at once, it’s overwhelming to be exposed to such a chaotic environment.

It could cause Alter to feel uncomfortable or suddenly worsen in condition.

It was only because Alter had expressed a desire to attend the social gathering that his wishes were respected.

“It’s not easy. With people talking from all sides, it’s hard to keep my head straight.”

Of course, Alter had some expectations about the atmosphere of the social gathering.

But the gap between theory and practice was huge, and it wasn’t easy to adapt to an unfamiliar environment.

Only with the presence of Lang or Brillié could the pressure be alleviated, just like now.

“But if I don’t do this, I won’t be able to meet the Crown Prince.”

Noble ladies may show much interest in the Crown Prince, but Brillié doesn’t even glance their way.

That’s why, until the midpoint, Brillié and the Crown Prince could not be linked in any relationship.

Only if I prepare now, the chances of encountering the Crown Prince will increase.

“What I can do here is…”

“His Highness the Crown Prince is entering!”

A sudden proclamation quieted the banquet hall.

No one moved, and all eyes fixed on the grand entrance.

Soon, the clanking of armor was heard, and the escort knights began to enter the hall first.

“Pay your respects to His Highness the Crown Prince!”

As the cry echoed again, the nobles bowed their heads in unison.

Most of the escort knights lined up near the main entrance, but among them, the elite stepped forward resolutely.

A man draped in a dazzling cloak led the elite guards and slowly came to a halt.

“I hope I’m not interrupting your enjoyment.”

The Crown Prince of the Agnes Empire, Velder Root Celestion, surveyed the surroundings and murmured indifferently.

Usually, he would give a heads-up to the host of the social gathering before visiting, but this time he acted on impulse.

However, wherever he went, the escort knights followed, so the result was not much different.

“Ah… No, Your Highness. We are honored by your presence, and we would be grateful if you enjoy yourself.”

“I shall do so. I’d like a moment alone.”

“Yes. I will arrange a place immediately.”

Lebaton responded politely and hurriedly called for the butlers and maids.

The Crown Prince was a guest of honor, capable of elevating the social gathering.

But since he wished to be alone, a suitable space had to be provided where no one could approach.

“… It seems I’ve shattered the mood. Let all the drinks and food here be on my tab. Enjoy to your heart’s content.”

Velder uttered dryly, taking a step forward.

If one is to inherit the imperial lineage, naturally, they must possess a matching magnanimity.

Of course, all funds would be provided by the royal house, but for the next emperor, it was nothing but an inevitable outcome.

‘It’s about time to seek a consort. A political marriage would only prove tedious.’

Velder settled nonchalantly into the seat of honor after being shown his place.

The knights moved silently, lining up behind Velder.

The attendant serving Velder waited at a distance, anticipating orders.

‘Not just in appearance… I wish for someone with a bit of audacity.’

Velder had already inquired into various candidates for the crown princess consort.

Yet none appealed to him, and he even rejected the noble lady recommended by the emperor on the spot.

There was still time, so he must continue searching for a lady to be his companion.

‘They’re all too similar. Perhaps it’s time for a change?’

A maid from the social gathering pushed a tray towards the attendant.

The attendant poured wine into a prepared glass and took a discreet sip.

It was a precaution, in case someone intended to poison the crown prince.

‘The social world is pretentious and empty. What can one achieve in such a place?’

The attendant placed a glass before Velder and began to pour the wine with decorum.

Velder looked down at the glass, filled just right, and carefully picked it up.

‘No matter whom I marry, it will make no difference… Hm?’

Velder tilted his glass and then noticed something.

White hair neatly tied back, and slender eyes drawn along fair skin.

Not only were nobles gathered around, but the next Sword Saint stood guard beside them.

“… Presil.”

“Did you call for me, Your Highness?”

Presil Arnos, the crown prince’s personal attendant, approached lightly and bowed.

Presil, along with the other attendants, was dedicated solely to the crown prince’s affairs, always upholding his authority.

They were bound to obey the crown prince’s commands and, if necessary, lay down their lives for him.

“Who is that noble?”

“If you’re referring to that noble…”

“A man with white hair and a graceful appearance… No, should I say a boy?”

“Hmm…”

Presil found the noble Belder pointed out, but couldn’t easily respond.

While heads of families or nobles of high repute could be recognized at a glance, others required a check against the registry.

Moreover, his unfamiliar features suggested he might be a noble from outside the capital.

“Do you not know him?”

“I apologize. I will find out immediately.”

“Hmm… Strange. With such a face, it’s impossible not to recognize him.”

Belder watched the man with a captivated curiosity.

With such a handsome appearance, his name should be known in some form or another.

Yet, if even the prince’s personal attendant couldn’t identify him, it must mean he’s making his debut in the social circle.

“I recognize the next Sword Saint… But who is that lady in the suit?”

“That’s the second daughter of the Elenath ducal family, Brillié Elenath.”

“Elenath? Ah, yes. The young lady is said to wield a sword.”

Belder belatedly recalled the name, observing Brillié.

Despite her beautiful appearance, she exhibited the strength of a swordsman and a knight.

He had taken it for granted before, but now he couldn’t help but be intrigued.

“…Ah! I think I know who that noble is. The youngest son of the Radiant archducal family, Alter Radiant.”

“Radiant? Isn’t that the family of the northern archduke?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Why would the scion of an archducal family come all this way?”

“I believe he is engaged to the second daughter of the Elenath ducal family.”

“So, they are together because they are engaged?”

“Yes, they are promised to each other in marriage.”

Hearing this, Belder harbored a peculiar curiosity.

Strategic marriages among nobility are quite common, but an alliance between an archducal and a ducal family is exceedingly rare.

Moreover, Alter Radiant’s appearance was so singular that it was impossible to look away.

“Summon that noble. I wish to have a conversation with him.”

“Understood.”

Prescil bowed lightly and turned around.

Belder watched Alter for a while before casually sipping his drink.

“It would be a shame to leave such a face unattended. I’d like to keep it by my side.”

***

Alter was summoned by the Crown Prince and intended to go alone.

However, Brilly followed soon after, citing health concerns.

Prescil, though troubled, reluctantly led the two to the Crown Prince.

“…I believe I only called for one noble gentleman, yet a beautiful lady has accompanied him as well.”

Belder looked at Alter and Brilly, murmuring indifferently.

There must have been a reason for them to come together.

Moreover, he couldn’t treat the lady of the Illehnat ducal family carelessly, so it seemed he had to allow them to join.

“My fiancé is frail, so I cannot leave him alone. I believe it’s right for me to be by his side.”

“Ah, I see. In that case, I shall heed the lady’s advice.”

Belder didn’t argue and offered them seats.

If she had followed out of concern for her fiancé, it was somewhat understandable.

Besides, her tone and demeanor were so bold that he couldn’t help but take a liking to her.

“Please, stay as you are for a moment.”

Belder stood up immediately after they sat down.

He then approached Alter and began to scrutinize him carefully.

Alter didn’t understand his actions, but he had no choice but to remain quiet for now.

“Hmm… Did you say you were 18?”

“Uh… Yes, that’s correct.”

“You look quite young for 18.”

“I often hear that.”

“How ill are you?”

“Quite ill. I could get seriously hurt if I move incorrectly.”

“Is it that bad? Then you must have difficulty going out.”

“Yes. At least with my fiancé accompanying me, I can move around a bit more comfortably.”

Alter replied calmly and glanced cautiously at Belder.

Blonde hair imbued with splendid colors, eyes of restrained light green, an expression stern and seemingly indifferent.

He was indeed a man who could be called handsome, and from his speech and demeanor, a solemn air was present.

“It’s a pity. I had thought of entrusting you with the position of a royal attendant.”

From noble mtl dot come

To be appointed as a royal attendant, one must be of noble status, proving lineage and qualifications.

Fundamentally, one must be of at least the rank of an earl, requiring both appropriate beauty and the ability to perform duties.

Above all, it had to be a noble whom one could trust, hence a step-by-step verification process was in place.

“That position is too much for me. With this body, I would only be a nuisance to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“That’s why it’s regrettable. A noble like you should be assisting me, shouldn’t they?”

“…?”

Alter felt puzzled by the remark but couldn’t dare to ask.

While others positively assessed his appearance, from his own perspective, he looked nothing but haggard.

With such a state, stirring up the royal court would surely bring severe punishment.

“However, I have no intention of forcing you. Even as the Crown Prince, I cannot meddle with the offspring of a grand duke.”

“I am humbly grateful.”

“You can’t drink alcohol, and… you must have many dietary restrictions?”

“Just as you say. I cannot afford to fall ill from eating wrongly.”

“You must be very tired. I shall wish you a swift recovery.”

“Even your words alone are a kindness I am thankful for.”

Belder finally moved away from Alter, returning to his own place.

Having heard Alter’s circumstances, he couldn’t help but feel it was a waste.

Even Brilliante, who had come along, seemed bold enough that he wanted to try and win her over somehow.

‘Both are to my liking. How can I not keep them by my side?’