The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Decided to Divorce

16

Belder laughed at himself for harboring such excessive greed.

The emperor’s dignity was immense, but he could not oppress the nobles at will.

Moreover, if it were the grand dukes and dukes, he would rather need to be cautious himself.

‘The Duke of Elenath holds sway over the capital.’

From the emperor’s standpoint, by winning over just the Duke of Elenath, he could win over many nobles.

Moreover, they maintained their respect for the emperor meticulously, and even if they suffered great losses, they would quietly let it pass.

In essence, they clearly distinguished what must be grasped and what must be let go, leaving no room for problems to arise.

‘The northern grand duke is intimidating by his title alone… and his military power is considerable too.’

The Duke of the North can legally operate troops as he is stationed at the front lines.

It was as if he had regular troops under his command, not just common soldiers like the nobles.

Moreover, while generating revenue from local specialties, he continued to receive supplies from the capital.

‘Such families have formed political marriages; it could become a bit dangerous.’

Velder was foreseeing even the unforeseen circumstances.

Once the nobles’ power tilts to one side, the air of rebellion begins to stir.

Of course, the Emperor’s authority and military might remain solid, but if discord arises, it would be the Agnes Empire that suffers the loss.

‘However… The Duke’s private soldiers cannot withstand the army, and the Northern Army is far from the capital.’

The Emperor must be thinking along similar lines.

Even if the Northern Army’s Commander-in-Chief and the influential families join forces, they cannot defeat the Emperor’s direct troops.

Besides, ruling wisely and managing public sentiment, it would be difficult to persuade the people with just any cause.

‘Considering such, keeping them by my side would serve as a precaution.’

If the head of a family places their child in the royal household, they wouldn’t dare plot a rebellion.

After all, before being nobles, they are people who cannot ignore the life of their child.

Of course, for Velder, even that was merely an additional condition.

‘It seems unlikely, but perhaps I should at least confirm their intentions.’

Velder took a sip from his glass and looked at Brillié.

Normally, he should have been wearing a sword at his waist, but he probably didn’t carry it because of the social gathering.

From what I’ve heard, he participated in a monster subjugation battle alone; his courage and resolve are indeed remarkable.

“Brillié. What about you? Don’t you wish to join the Royal Knights?”

“It is an honor, but I am already serving as the Vice-Captain of the Setinos Knights. I believe I lack many qualities to join the Royal Knights.”

Brillié spoke with strict formality yet with a firm expression.

Being a member of the Royal Knights is quite an honorable position, but it was disconnected from his ideals.

To reach a realm comparable to that of a Sword Saint, he would need to experience more real battles.

“I thought you would answer that way. Are you too concerned about your fiancée to go anywhere?”

“…”

Brillié continued in silence but inwardly agreed.

He couldn’t enter the royal household leaving behind his fragile fiancée.

He had to stay at the Duke’s residence and look after her from time to time.

“Let’s wish for the happiness of your marriage. You may withdraw now.”

Upon hearing the words, the two immediately bowed and left.

Belder watched their retreating figures before lifting his glass.

“Presil, what do you think of Alter Radiant?”

“… I cannot be certain of his qualifications as a servant, but his appearance is certainly without lack.”

“There’s no need to teach him the duties of a servant. Just having him by my side would suffice.”

“I shall send a letter to the Duke of the North.”

Presil, discerning Belder’s intentions, quickly drew a firm response.

Alter Radiant, not yet having come of age, could not decide on important matters alone.

Therefore, permission had to be sought from the Duke of the North, his guardian and father.

“No, that won’t do. The Duke of the North wouldn’t want his child to suffer. I have no desire to commit such rudeness.”

“I shall follow your command.”

“… Better to make an appointment with Duke Ilenath.”

Belder could not quite let go of his desire for Brillié.

Alter was said to be frail, making it difficult to employ him as a servant.

But Brillié’s skills would remain intact wherever he was, so enlisting him in the Imperial Knights would pose no problem.

“Understood. I will arrange the schedule.”

Only then did Belder empty his glass, satisfied.

Of course, meeting with Duke Ilenath wouldn’t necessarily yield the desired answer.

It was, after all, a courtesy call, and Brillié would inevitably come up in conversation.

‘Even if one marries, it doesn’t mean they’ll have children right away… Perhaps it’s alright to have them by my side for a while.’

***

Lang felt a natural suspicion upon hearing Brillié’s explanation.

Not content with offering Alter a position as a royal servant, he was also attempting to recruit Brillié.

Though both had declined the offer, the crown prince seemed unlikely to give up easily.

“It would be wise to be cautious. He might even try to take you or your fiancé.”

“Even after we’ve declined? Besides, we’re from the ducal and grand ducal families.”

“There are ways. For starters… approaching Duke Ilenath might work.”

“To my father? Hmm… It wouldn’t be difficult.”

Brillié answered cautiously, standing beside Lang.

Alter was quietly conversing with other nobles.

Just as she was about to leave him be, recognizing him as the Northern Duke, she thought it might be alright.

“It would be easiest, yes. Otherwise, we could force conscription, or create a reason for you to have to join the Imperial Knights.”

“Forced conscription seems a bit difficult. But would you go to such lengths to take me away?”

“If I’m greedy enough, I might try. The Crown Prince is an enigma; one must never let their guard down.”

“…”

Brillie did not take Lang’s advice lightly.

Before being his superior, Lang was known as the next Sword Saint.

A certified swordsman and a noble of strict yet upright character.

Such words from him warranted serious consideration.

“What about my fiancé, then? What should be done about him?”

“Surprisingly, he might fare better than you. He hasn’t come of age yet, so he can’t make his own decisions.”

“…Ah. So I need permission directly from the Northern Duke?”

“Exactly. Do you think the Northern Duke would grant it?”

“Hmm… Given his poor health, it seems unlikely.”

“This is just speculation, but the Northern Duke probably wanted to send his youngest son to the capital by any means necessary.”

“Is there a particular reason why?”

“The Northern Lands are no place for living. Even robust men shiver in the cold; what do you think your fiancé would feel?”

“…It must be tough for him. He did say it’s better here.”

“They probably want to marry him off to you for a more comfortable life. Isn’t your family’s influence quite remarkable?”

“Remarkable is an overstatement… compared to other families… well…”

Brillie trailed off, reluctantly conceding.

There weren’t many houses that could rival the Duchy of Elenath.

With such vast wealth and a workforce, even if Alter were to live off them, a perfect living environment could be provided.

“Perhaps it’s best to stick with your fiancé. Then, even if they want to make demands, they won’t be able to act rashly.”

“Because my fiancé is unwell?”

“You’re the only one who can care for your partner. If they bother you, they’ll trouble your partner as well, so they can’t just meddle as they please.”

“Um… That does make sense.”

Brillie nodded and turned her gaze towards Alter.

The delicate prince stood resolute, as if he could collapse from exhaustion at any moment.

Indeed, no matter where or what, she couldn’t leave her fiancé alone to suffer.

“… Now that we’ve come this far, I guess it’s okay to say a little more. This marriage is not good for you.”

“I know. It’s not a good marriage.”

“If you don’t divorce, you’ll have to spend your life supporting him. If you don’t become the head of the family, it will be difficult to secure support. The Duke of Ilenath must be aware of this fact.”

“…”

Brillie was vaguely aware of this part as well.

That’s why she couldn’t completely deny it when Alter mentioned breaking off the engagement.

But it had irked her, so she had just been placating him until now.

“Don’t get too attached. It will only hurt your heart.”

“I’ll stop you there. It’s a bit… like that.”

“… Understood.”

Lang tried to respect Brillie’s thoughts.

As a prosecutor, he had to be cruel, but his inner self was pure and tender.

That’s why he advised her not to get attached to her fiancé.

‘If it really comes to breaking off the engagement, then I should take that place.’

Lang was now planning to start his rigorous training.

If he could be called a Sword Saint rather than just a successor, perhaps the Duke of Ilenath would view him differently.

That’s why he had to settle things quickly.

‘Even if my title is low, I will raise my honor high. Only then… can I take Brillie as my partner.’

***

Alter returned to the mansion after a grueling social gathering.

Interacting with numerous nobles caused considerable confusion, and fatigue seemed to accumulate more easily.

But there were gains in many ways, so he felt somewhat relieved.

‘There shouldn’t be any false rumors now.’

The subject of the rumors had shown himself and engaged in endless conversations.

If he hadn’t committed any blameworthy actions, he would be recognized as an ordinary noble.

Moreover, since Brillie and Lang were together, at least some level of qualification had been proven.

‘I didn’t expect the crown prince to show up there… but I managed to handle it properly.’

The crown prince had visited the social gathering on a whim and immediately called for him.

Brillie had followed blindly, but the crown prince didn’t make an issue of it.

He had also smoothly declined the offer to become a royal attendant, and the conversation had been uneventful.

“I can see that the Crown Prince is interested in Brillié,” Alter could assert with certainty when the Crown Prince mentioned the Royal Knights. Joining the Royal Knights was merely a pretext; his true intent was to have Brillié under his command as a personal guard.

Of course, in the original work, he didn’t achieve his goal, but the act itself signified his attention towards Brillié.

“This could lead to a quicker annulment than expected…”