The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Wants to Break Off the Engagement

Chapter 26

She entered the social gathering with a displeased expression on her face.

She could accept not becoming the crown princess, but she did not want to marry as she was told.

If she really had to have a husband, shouldn't she at least choose him herself?

'I don't need a strong-willed man. He would only be a nuisance.'

Of course, if she wanted to solidify her position, she would have to marry a current head of a noble family or an heir to such a position.

But since she had not even been selected as crown princess, further increasing her power would be of no benefit.

Once the crown prince inherited the throne, he would try to eliminate any threatening forces first.

'Whether royal family or otherwise, I'll take someone I actually like.'

Accompanied by her escort knight, she glanced around.

As always, familiar nobles were mingling about, but occasionally, there were faces she saw for the first time.

If at least their appearance was impressive, maybe she would have a little interest.

"Oh... you've arrived."

"Give me a spot with a good view. I want to be left alone, so tidy it up a little, too."

"As you command."

The host of the social gathering eyed her briefly, then swiftly set to work.

The third princess was capricious and acted arrogantly, but surprisingly didn't cause trouble.

That is, she asserted her authority appropriately, yet did not abuse it indiscriminately.

If you were caught on her bad side for no reason, you'd only suffer for it, so you had to try your best to please her.

'Should I just not marry at all? It's just so bothersome I could die.'

Agnes Empire's third princess, Yuria Ruth Celestion, leaned back in the seat of honor.

She naturally crossed her legs and began looking down at the nobles below with a fierce gaze.

Just to attend a mere social event, she had to wear a dress and even heels.

Having to put on intricate makeup every time, she felt irritation well up for no good reason.

'It's only worth dolling up if a decent match is around. What am I doing all this for alone?'

Yuria had a lot of complaints on many fronts, and she was still filled with regrets.

Even if succession to the throne usually went to the eldest, she thought it was a bit unfair.

Just because someone was born earlier than herself, did they really deserve all this treatment?

'I could do a good job as emperor, too... Ugh, seriously.'

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

Only if the crown prince suddenly died or caused a catastrophic incident would there barely be a chance.

If the succession proceeded as it was, she would only get the title of "sister to the emperor."

'Should I just overthrow everything?'

Yuria entertained a seditious thought for a moment, but soon erased it from her mind.

The factions supporting her weren't that powerful, and she didn't even have many troops to mobilize.

Most importantly, she had no justification for starting a rebellion, and public sentiment was in favor of the emperor.

'How could I point a sword at my father? I don't care about the crown prince, but...'

She was only related to the crown prince by imperial blood.

Their mothers were different, so as half-siblings, they had always been on opposing sides.

That was why she had not been able to let go of her desire for the throne, but now it seemed time to give up.

'There's nothing good about getting on the crown prince's bad side. If I stand out too much, it'll only be annoying.'

Yuria was considering the future after the crown prince inherited the throne.
Still, as half-siblings, he wouldn't push her too hard.

But if she acted provocatively, she might face every kind of pressure.

'So even my marriage partner should be rather ordinary. A count's house... No, below a marquis.'

Yuria slowly shifted her gaze as she weighed her thoughts.

He couldn't be too unsightly, but someone outstanding would be dangerous.

Even his mere existence could spark the crown prince's suspicions.

'I should judge from the face first. At least if he's good-looking it'll be enjoyable, right?'

Surveying the room, Yuria soon spotted someone.

A noble lady dressed in a suit, renowned as a knight.

Moreover, as the second daughter of a duke, no one dared to meddle with her.

'How ridiculous. Does she think wielding a sword makes her special?'

Yuria still didn't like her, but couldn't interfere.

Her abilities had been proven in the monster subjugation campaign, and she was still an active knight.

Besides, as a lady of a powerful family, picking a fight would only make things troublesome.

'Who would like a woman like that? Women become more beautiful the more modest they are.'

The sword was traditionally the domain of men and symbolized a knight's daughter.

For women, it was a forbidden realm, not even to be gazed upon.

But this woman ignored the rules and acted as if she were a man.

'Her hands and feet must be calloused. She'd have scars and probably stink of sweat, right?'

Most other nobles likely thought the same as she did.

Even so, the woman maintained good relationships, and some noble's children even showed interest in her.

How foolish and ignorant must they be to like a woman like that?

'I heard she's engaged...'

Yuria had heard a bit about her fiancé.

The youngest son of Grand Duke Radiant, in poor health and young, but at least he was presentable.

Clearly, it was a political marriage due to his grand ducal bloodline.

'How handsome could he actually be...'

Yuria sneered inwardly, then unconsciously fixed her gaze to the side.

White hair flowed down neatly, and his skin was unblemished.

His cobalt eyes were deeply pitiful, his demeanor lonely and almost numb.

'I've never seen him before...'

Yuria stared intently, her curiosity piqued.

She could not have failed to recognize such an impressive noble youth.

Could he be that woman's fiancé?

"Chamberlain."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Do you know who that is?"

"... He is the youngest son of Grand Duke Radiant, Alter Radiant."

The third princess's attendant glanced over and replied promptly.

Rumors about Alter Radiant were gradually spreading throughout society.

As a grand ducal scion with outstanding looks, he couldn't avoid attracting attention.

It was also said that the crown prince had shown interest in him, but as they'd only spoken briefly, nothing was certain.

"He's the fiancé of that sword-wielding lady, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Ha! I've only heard bad rumors, but he's pretty well-looking."

"... Shall I arrange a meeting?"

"Bring him here."

"As you command, Your Highness."

The chamberlain bowed softly and walked away with graceful steps.

Only then did Yuria show a satisfied expression and reached for her teacup.

'Just because they're engaged, it's not over. Breaking off an engagement isn't hard, right?'

* * *

Alter, aware of the third princess's personality, quietly followed the attendant alone.

Brillie was busy mingling with other nobles, and Lang agreed with the decision and positioned himself somewhere nearby.

Brillie would question this later, but he thought she would understand to some extent.

"Sorry, but would you stand still for a moment?"

"..."

As soon as Alter arrived, Yuria immediately stopped him.

After inspecting him in silence, she soon stood up.

To get a better look at those looks, she needed to come closer.

"How old are you?"

"I'm eighteen this year."

"Then... You haven't had your coming-of-age ceremony yet, right?"

"No."

"When do you plan to marry?"

"I haven't heard anything yet."

"Hmm... Well, that makes sense. Political marriages are to be decided by the family heads. Ah, did I make you stand too long? You may sit now."

Only belatedly did Yuria motion for him to sit and head back to the seat of honor.

Alter slowly sat down and said nothing further.

"Do you like alcohol?"

"My health is poor, so I cannot drink."

"Hmm? Ah... right, you're in poor health. But you can use magic power, right?"

"It's a meager talent. I still have much to learn."

"I suppose that's not enough to do much. Are you managing?"

"I'm trying to endure as best I can."

"Hm..."

Yuria observed Alter for a long while, then slowly sipped her tea.

Alter was served tea by the attendant, but did not touch it at all.

"Still, isn't it better than the northern regions?"

"It is better. It's not as cold here."

"Are you getting along with your fiancé? You must feel uncomfortable."

"... My fiancé treats me kindly, so I live without inconvenience."

Alter perfectly understood the intent behind her question.

I dislike Brillie, so don't you have reasons to dislike her too?

Yuria was dissatisfied with Brillie and was trying to draw out a flaw to criticize through him.

"Isn't it bothersome that she's not like a proper noble lady?"

"Your Highness, even if my fiancé is inexperienced, I do not think such conversations are appropriate. I would appreciate your consideration for my situation."

"So, you like her? Or are you just being polite?"

Yuria spoke bluntly with a slight smile.

She thought it might be a bit much, but didn't blame directly.

She was only asking Alter questions based on certain traits.

"... Are you trying to insult me? If so, I will take my leave."

"You plan to leave without my permission? Do you think you can do that?"

"I would rather leave than be insulted. Even as a princess, you cannot look down on the Grand Duke's or Duke's houses."

Alter answered calmly and rose from his seat at once.

Since she was a princess, he could not overpower her with authority.

So, he had to assert his pride and honor as a noble.

"I don't think I insulted you."

"Asking a noble about discomfort or annoyances is rude. Saying my fiancé is not ladylike is an insult to her. Do you expect me to remain silent after hearing that?"

"..."

Yuria was inwardly surprised but also curious about his attitude.

She thought there might be some fun in teasing someone so seemingly naïve.

Contrary to her expectations, he stood firm and even pushed back against her.

She suspected she may have misjudged Alter Radiant.

"If you do not apologize sincerely, I will never meet Your Highness again. Farewell."

Alter bowed slightly and turned to leave.

The chamberlain was quite startled, and even the escort knights looked on cautiously.

If Yuria tried to argue right or wrong here, a dispute with the Grand Duke's family was inevitable.

'... Interesting. I like how prickly he is.'

Yuria rested her chin, leaving Alter be.

She would normally have taken offense, but since it was provocation on purpose, she had to allow for some margin.

More than anything, his bold attitude towards her sparked a bit of expectation.

'It's a waste to hand him over to that sword-wielding lady. I want to take him for myself.'

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Oh, mama bear has a rival...
(ㆆ.ㆆ )