A Background Character’s Path to Power

"What is it?"

My phantom self asked, hearing my curse.

I ignored it, reading the paragraph two more times before facepalming myself.

It was one of the most well-known cliches in existence(my memories) - arranged marriages between the children of allied families to strengthen political bonds.

I wasn't worried about it since I was already dead now. But...

Based on Mother's letter, those records I read, a coincidental encounter with Viremont's daughter, and now this...

I knew what they meant, and that's why I was reacting like this.

Damn it!

I didn't really like this trope, and yet, I was already involved in one. Well, it was always like this from the moment I woke up, and maybe so, I was becoming used to it. But, can't I have a normal life for once?

"Hmm..."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself from overreacting. Wasn't I 'dead' now anyway? There is no way such arrangements would still be valid.

But then...

What happens then?

That was the real question.

I was about 70% certain that the Carmine girl I'd met was probably my supposed soon-to-be fiancée. And whatever Mother had mentioned in her letter about 'important matter to discuss' must be related to this too.

Urgh...

My phantom self, who had been following my thoughts, suddenly chuckled. "Well, at least we managed to escape from being engaged to that girl cause of our death."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his words. "Haha, you are right. Let's think of it as a blessing in disguise."

My phantom self laughed along with me.

We both knew her personality, and that's why we felt this much comfortable with the fact that we dodged that particular poisonous bullet.

Even so, I had a hunch that I still wouldn't have been engaged to her regardless, because of her affair with the Crown Prince and that young man who confronted her, Derier City Lord's son. My past self had done an amazing job ignoring her and maintaining no connection or relationship with her whatsoever.

But...

Would my siblings have to step up to take my place in this arrangement? Or was an even worse fate awaiting the Luthaire family now?

And...

She's not gonna come here herself to break off the non-existent engagement like in stories, right?

My phantom self chuckled. "You can expect exactly that from someone like her."

I nodded grimly. "Great. Just great."

It seems like I needed to make preparations for these kinds of scenarios now as well. But I still needed to confirm if my guesses are really correct from someone credible first. I couldn't be having delusions and jumping to conclusions on my own now, right?

"Yeah. And I think old man Veylan is a good choice for that." My phantom self suggested. "He probably knows the history of the family and can explain it to us way better than these dusty books."

I nodded in agreement. "You are right, I'm gonna talk with him then. But let's finish reading this book first, we might find more useful information."

"Sounds like a plan," my phantom self replied, turning back to its own research. "Better to be at least informed before we start asking questions."

"Hmm..."

With that, we dived into researching again.

Two more hours passed in the blink of an eye. And we both finished three more books each.

Seeing it was already almost dinner time, I decided to stop and unsummon the phantom me.

We both learned a lot, both about the shield families and the Orlan Kingdom. But of course, they were mostly history, and that's why we couldn't be certain that the info was 100% correct.

Even though the time we spent was still worth it. Especially that info my phantom self found. We both agreed to search for more info about it later. The barony's fate depended on it. And maybe even the fate of the kingdom.

Hmm?

My senses picked up a presence approaching the library.

Oh, it's just Cassandra.

The maid must have told her where I was just as I instructed. I hope her talk with Mother went well.

"You were really here," Cassandra said as she spotted me as soon as she entered the room.

"Yeah, and how did it go?" I asked calmly. "Were you able to talk with Lady Selva properly? Is the lady fine?"

"Mm, we had a wonderful conversation," Cassandra replied with a genuine smile. "She's really a great person, both as a mother and as an individual. I can see where Amaniel got his considerate nature from. And you can rest assured, although... There were some tears shed... It's all fine now."

I felt warmth spread through my chest. It was good to know that Mother had made such a positive impression on her. And she must have gotten to open up her pent-up feelings thanks to Cassandra.

...She's countless times better than that girl.

Cassandra walked over and sat down in the chair opposite me. Reaching out to her storage ring, she pulled out that orb and activated the three-layered aura barrier.

"There's still some time before dinner. Should we continue our conversation from earlier?" She asked, settling into her chair.

"Alright, I'm good with that."

"There were many things we didn't get to discuss, and after talking with your mother..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Let's say I have more questions now."

"Questions? What did you two talk about exactly?"

"Nothing about your secrets, don't worry," she said quickly, then smiled mischievously. "But we did talk about you the most. About how cute you were, or how you hated carrots, or how they would always find you here..."

"..." Damn, is she gonna tease me again?

"...It seems like old habits never disappear, even if you lose your memories, huh?" She giggled, probably meaning the fact that I was at the library again.

"Maybe, but I don't really dislike carrots now, you know." I scoffed. "I'm sure you had something you disliked in your childhood, right? Was it broccoli? Reddish? Or-"

My voice trailed off abruptly as I caught sight of Cassandra's expression.

The playful smile had vanished from her face, replaced by something bitter and melancholic. Her eyes seemed lost, as if she were remembering something painful.

My stomach dropped.

I instantly realized that I'd stumbled into something far heavier than I intended to.

...Should I... use that?