The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Decided to Divorce

27

***

She entered the social gathering with a displeased expression.

She could accept not becoming the imperial princess, but she didn’t want to marry as dictated.

If she really needed a husband, shouldn’t she be the one to choose?

‘I don’t need someone with too much spirit. They’d only be a nuisance.’

Of course, if she wanted to solidify her position, she would have to marry a current patriarch or a noble destined to inherit the position.

But having not been chosen as the imperial princess, there was no benefit in increasing her power any further.

Once the crown prince ascends to the throne, he would start by eliminating any threatening forces.

‘Imperial family or not, I’ll have to take someone to my liking.’

She glanced around with her escort knight in tow.

As always, familiar nobles were mingled in, but occasionally there were new faces.

If at least their appearance was striking, wouldn’t a bit of interest arise?

“Oh… you’ve arrived.”

“Give me a place with a good view. I want to be quiet, so tidy up a bit.”

“As you command.”

The host of the social gathering glanced around and quickly set to work.

The third princess was capricious and acted arrogantly, but surprisingly, she didn’t cause any problems.

Certainly, she had to assert her authority appropriately without abusing it.

If she carelessly gave others a reason to nitpick, she would only suffer for it. Perhaps it was best to appease them as much as possible.

“Why even bother with something like marriage? It’s utterly vexing.”

Princess Yulia Root Celestion of the Agnes Empire leaned back in the seat of honor.

She crossed her legs naturally and began to look down upon the nobles with a venomous gaze.

Just for the sake of flitting in and out of social gatherings, she had donned a dress and even heels.

Having to apply makeup meticulously every time, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of irritation.

“There should be a worthy partner to dress up for. What am I even doing all this for, alone?”

Yulia had many grievances and still held onto her resentments.

Though the throne was traditionally reserved for the firstborn, she couldn’t help but feel it was somewhat unfair.

Was it right for someone to be treated so grandly just because they were born earlier?

“I could rule as empress too… Ah, really.”

Once the next emperor was decided, it was almost impossible to change.

Only if the crown prince were to die suddenly or cause a significant scandal could an opportunity arise.

If the succession continued as is, she would only gain the title of the emperor’s sister.

“Should I just overturn everything?”

Yulia harbored impure thoughts for a moment but soon banished them from her mind.

The forces supporting her were not strong, and the troops she could muster were few.

Above all, there was no just cause for rebellion, and the people’s hearts were with the emperor.

“How could I draw a sword against my father? The crown prince, I could care less about…”

She was connected to the crown prince only by the emperor’s bloodline.

Meaning, they had different mothers and had always been hostile as half-siblings.

She couldn’t let go of her desire for the throne, but it seemed time to finally relinquish it.

“There’s nothing to gain from being disliked by the crown prince. Standing out too much would only be bothersome.”

Yulia was envisioning her future after the crown prince ascended the throne.

Still, they were half-siblings, so he wouldn’t push her too hard.

But if she showed an annoying attitude, he would likely pressure her in some way.

“So the marriage partner should be somewhat ordinary. Perhaps a count’s family… No, a viscount’s or lower.”

Yulia pondered, slowly shifting her gaze.

They couldn’t be too unremarkable, but those with outstanding qualities needed to be handled with care.

His mere presence was enough to arouse the crown prince’s suspicion.

“Let’s start with the face. Wouldn’t it be delightful if at least that was handsome?”

Yulia scanned the room and soon spotted someone.

A noble lady, yet dressed in a suit, she had made a name for herself as a knight.

Moreover, being the second daughter of a ducal family, no one dared to cross her.

“How utterly trivial. Does she think wielding a sword makes her something special?”

Yulia still found her disagreeable, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Her prowess had been proven since the demon subjugation, and she was still serving as an active knight.

Besides, clashing with a lady from such a powerful family would only cause trouble.

“Who would fancy such a woman? A woman becomes more beautiful the more demure she is.”

After all, the sword is a man’s domain and symbolizes a knight’s lady.

Thus, it is forbidden territory for women, not even to be contemplated.

Yet, she flouted the rules, acting as if she were a man.

“Her hands and feet must be calloused. Scars on her body, and likely reeking of sweat?”

Surely, other nobles thought similarly.

Despite this, she maintained her connections smoothly, and some noble scions even showed interest.

How dull and ignorant must one be to fancy such a woman?

“I heard she’s engaged…”

Yulia knew a bit about her fiancé.

The youngest son of the Radiant Grand Duke’s family, frail and young, but at least he had a decent face.

It seemed an inevitable political marriage, a reluctant union for the sake of lineage.

“How handsome can he be, after all…”

Yulia scoffed inwardly, then her gaze inadvertently fixed on someone.

White hair flowed elegantly, and even the skin was unblemished.

The azure eyes were profoundly pitiable, and an air of loneliness and numbness seemed to emanate from him.

“A face I’ve never seen before…”

Yulia stared intently at the stranger, lost in thought.

She couldn’t possibly fail to recognize such a tall and distinguished noble scion.

Could it be, that man was her fiancé?

“Eka.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Do you recognize who that is?”

“… The youngest son of the Radiant Ducal House, Alter Radiant.”

Eka Airel, the exclusive attendant of the Third Princess, glanced sideways briefly before promptly responding.

Rumors about Alter Radiant were spreading increasingly throughout the social circles.

Being the scion of the Ducal House, coupled with his remarkable looks, it was impossible for him not to attract attention.

Moreover, there were talks that the Crown Prince had shown interest, but since they had only exchanged a few words, the details were not certain.

“The fiancé of the lady who wields the sword?”

“Indeed.”

“Ha! I’ve only heard unsavory rumors, but he does have a decent face.”

“… Shall I arrange a meeting?”

“Call him over.”

“As you command.”

With a discreet bow, Eka gracefully moved away.

Yulia finally showed a satisfied expression and picked up her teacup.

‘Just because they’re engaged doesn’t mean it’s all over. Annulment isn’t that difficult, is it?’

***

Aware of the Third Princess’s temperament, Alter followed the attendant quietly by himself.

Brillie was busy meeting other nobles, and Lang agreed with the thought, securing a suitable spot for himself.

Brillie might question it later, but Alter thought he would understand to some extent.

“Sorry, but could you stand still for a moment?”

“…”

As soon as Alter arrived, Yulia immediately stopped him.

She then observed Alter quietly and soon rose from her seat.

It seemed she needed to get closer to take a more detailed look at his appearance.

“How old are you?”

“I am 18 this year.”

“Then… you haven’t had your coming-of-age ceremony?”

“Yes.”

“When do you plan to marry?”

“I haven’t heard anything yet.”

“Hmm… That’s true. If it’s a political marriage, the family heads should decide. Oh, have I kept you standing too long? You may sit now.”

Yulia belatedly offered a seat and then headed to the high seat.

Alter slowly sat down in the chair and continued in silence.

“Do you like alcohol?”

“I can’t drink because of my health.”

“Hmm? Ah… that’s right. You mentioned you were frail. But you can still use magic, can’t you?”

“It’s a modest skill. I have much to learn.”

“With that, you won’t be able to do much. Can you hold on?”

“I’m managing somehow.”

“Hmm…”

Yulia watched Alter for a while and then leisurely sipped her tea.

Alter was served tea by a servant, but he didn’t touch it at all.

“It’s better than the northern territories, isn’t it?”

“It is better. It’s not as cold.”

“Are you getting along with your fiancé? It seems like there might be some discomfort.”

“… My fiancé has been kind, so there’s no discomfort.”

Alter perfectly understood the intention behind the question.

I dislike Brillié, and you must have reasons to dislike him too.

Yulia, who found Brillié disagreeable, was trying to extract flaws to criticize from him.

“Isn’t there anything about being an aristocratic lady that bothers you?”

“Your Highness. Even if my fiancé is immature, I don’t think such a conversation is appropriate. I wish you would consider my position a little.”

“You must like him, then? Or are you just being polite?”

Yulia said this with a smile, unabashedly.

It felt a bit too much, but she didn’t directly criticize.

She was merely asking Alter through certain characteristics.

“… Are you trying to insult me? If that’s the case, I shall take my leave.”

“You’re leaving without my permission? Is that allowed?”

“It’s better to leave than to be insulted. Even if you are a princess, you cannot look down upon the ducal and marquis families.”

Alter answered calmly and then immediately rose from his seat.

She could not oppress with authority, for she was a princess.

Then she must confront with the pride and honor of a noble.

“I don’t believe I’ve insulted you.”

“Asking a noble about things that are uncomfortable or irritating is considered rude. Saying I’m not behaving like a noble lady is an insult to my fiancé. Do you expect me to stay silent after hearing such words?”

“…”

Yulia was inwardly flustered but showed curiosity in his attitude.

He seemed innocent enough that it might be fun to tease him a bit.

However, contrary to her expectations, he showed a resolute demeanor, and was now pressing her instead.

She wondered if she had mistakenly provoked Alter Radiant.

“If you do not apologize formally, I will never see Her Highness again. Now, I shall take my leave.”

Alter bowed lightly and turned on his heel.

Eka was quite surprised by the reaction, and even the royal guards couldn’t help but take notice.

If Yulia were to argue about right and wrong here, it would inevitably lead to friction with the Grand Duke’s family.

‘…Interesting. I like his prickly nature.’

Yulia rested her chin in her hand, leaving Alter unattended.

Normally, she would have taken offense, but since she had provoked him on purpose, she had to take some responsibility.

Above all, his bold attitude towards her was unexpectedly exciting.

‘It’s a shame to hand over a lady who wields a sword. I want to take her for myself.’