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

Chapter 28

Alter sent a letter to his father but dared not reveal its contents to Duke Illenat.

After repeated discussions with Hapnen, they concluded that his being cursed must be kept secret.

Naturally, perceptions regarding curses could only be negative, so they decided to watch the situation for a while, even if just for the time being.

'If this gets out in high society, it won't go over well.'

Of course, Alter wasn't naive enough to be swayed by rumors in high society.

But the family's reputation could be tarnished by this, and he himself could be harmed in various ways.

That was why, aside from his father, he wasn't intending to reveal the truth to anyone else.

'Annulment might become easier... but there's a lot to risk.'

Alter's only goal was the annulment—he hadn't intended to ruin his entire life in the process.

If he mentioned the curse just to speed up the annulment, many would end up avoiding him.

The concept of a curse existed yet felt fantastical, inevitably conjuring a sense of fear from people's imaginations.

'Or should I secretly let just Duke Illenat know?'

If it were the Duke of Illenat, he likely wouldn't go around revealing the fact Alter was cursed.

He'd simply think about putting through the annulment first, or worry about Brillie regarding the situation.

There could be unexpected responses, of course, but most likely, it would lead to an annulment.

'If I told the male lead, he'd probably leave me alone out of pity.'

The male leads each had different inclinations and goals but ultimately longed for Brillie's affection.

That inevitably led them to clash with one another, sometimes dragging Brillie into the situation as well.

But none were ruthless enough to maltreat a fiancé bound by a curse.

'Maybe Brillie's thoughts would change, even just a little.'

Of course, Brillie might have accepted even the male lead's weaknesses.

But unlike them, she and Alter were bound by marriage of convenience, and she sympathized with his frailty.

If the curse came up now, perhaps even that sympathy would waver.

'Maybe the curse is more helpful than I thought. Just who on earth did something like this...'

Overcome with self-loathing, Alter's eyes twisted in distress. Had he been born frail, it might have been easier to accept.

But learning that he had been cursed brought only the sense that his fate was pitiable.

'Someone must hold a grudge against the grand ducal house and cast the curse.'

He had only just learned about the curse on Alter Radiant.

It was something never described in the original work, and no one had ever questioned the cause of death.

That meant someone must have intentionally cast the curse.

'To set a curse on the heart—whoever did it must have been skilled...'

They probably deliberately placed the curse on the heart because it was hard to diagnose.

Plus, since no one had ever detected it, the curse's level must be quite intricate as well.

If he could limit the search to the northern region, perhaps the culprit could be found.

'It might even be someone close by. To get near me, they'd have to first gain access to the grand ducal house.'

Obviously, the Grand Duke of the North wouldn't let just anyone into the inner castle.

To get close to the youngest son of the grand ducal house, significant trust had to be built up first. B

reaking down those conditions, the culprit could be narrowed down quickly.

'I should leave that to Father... I need to make my own preparations.'

As always, Alter still intended to make the annulment happen somehow.

Originally, Duke Illenat should have been the one to initiate the annulment, but so far he hadn't said anything.

Maybe it was time to provide a reason for the annulment.

'Should I speak to Brillie or Duke Illenat first?'

* * *

Brillie got home early after finishing work.

Today was unusually peaceful—there hadn't been a single summons for the Knight Order.

On such days, she either brought her quitting time forward or focused on tasks related to the Order's headquarters.

While night shifts occurred, they were rare, as Lang would allow those only in special circumstances; most of the time, her shifts ended during the daytime.

'He should be out for a walk by now, probably.'

Instead of entering the mansion directly, Brillie glanced around the premises.

She'd observed Alter so often, she naturally memorized his usual walking hours.

While that schedule occasionally changed, at this time of day, he was usually out for a walk.

'... I don't see him. Did he go to the garden?'

After a brief look around, Brillie headed for the garden.

Lately, Alter had been venturing out alone. He was said to have visited the Cathedral of Ergante for a diagnosis by the Holy Apostle, but she still hadn't heard the results.

'I should ask about that. The Holy Apostle should be capable of healing him, right?'

Strolling through the garden, Brillie speculated idly. Flowers of various hues filled the grounds, butterflies flitting occasionally.

With delicate fragrances wafting on the breeze, it was clear the place was well-maintained.

'Ah, there he is...'

The moment Brillie spotted Alter, she approached without hesitation. But after checking his state, she had to pause for a moment.

She thought it best to lower her footsteps.

'Why is he sleeping here?'

Carefully stepping forward, Brillie exchanged glances with the maid nearby.

The maid, standing at her post, offered a slow curtsy. With her charge half-asleep, she did nothing to break the tranquil silence.

'Ah... He mentioned before that he sometimes became sleepy during walks.'

Recalling Alter's words belatedly, Brillie sat down on the opposite chair.

She placed her sword on the table in advance, just in case she bumped into something. She couldn't possibly disturb her delicate fiancé's nap.

'He said he doesn't sleep well...'

Brillie barely dared to breathe as she watched Alter. His azure eyes were hidden beneath his eyelids, slender white hair softly draped around.

His head lolled slightly, dangerously off-balance. She wished she could just let him lie in bed, but didn't want to disturb him for no reason.

'He must be very tired. He's unwell, and barely eats as it is.'

Brillie couldn't take her eyes off of Alter. Every time she saw his face, pity rose up, and every time she turned away, she felt regret.

She had come to the ducal house for no reason but this political marriage, only to worry by herself over the annulment.

Just how difficult had his life been to push himself so hard?

'What will you do after the annulment? Live alone for the rest of your life? What could you possibly manage in that state?'

She couldn't bring herself to say those words aloud. He was already berating himself, displaying only a pessimistic attitude.

If she forced an answer, it would only add to his despair.

'He might be suspicious of me too. Marriage isn't the end of everything.'

Even Brillie herself couldn't be sure about her own future. Would she really manage to earn a title comparable to Sword Saint?

How much stronger could she become here?

How was she supposed to treat her fiancé?

No matter how much she pondered, she found no answer—only endless, hollow hesitation.

'Serve him for the rest of my life? Fine, that might happen.'

Brillie unconsciously recalled Lang's advice: This marriage will not benefit you; if you do not become family head, it will be hard to receive support; if you get too attached, you'll only end up hurt.

There was no error in those words—her father probably thought the same way.

But if she planned a political marriage while knowing all this, wasn't it too cruel?

'I'm not like Father. Even if it's a marriage I don't want... if I made a promise, I should keep it.'

Her father, as family head, was concerned for the family's rise and fall, but even that was premised on someone else's sacrifice.

He only cared about himself and the family, considering everything else just a means to an end.

That was why Brillie, unable to align herself with her father's wishes, instead determined to establish her own foundation.

'If it really isn't right... even then, if I decide I should marry...'

Even as she renewed her resolve, Brillie couldn't shake off her embarrassment completely.

She'd never experienced this, knew of it only through books and rumor. How could she possibly spend a night in secret, all on her own?

'Do I really have to go that far? But maybe I should, at least...'

"Mmm... oh."

Suddenly, Alter opened his eyes and woke from his nap. After glancing around, he soon caught sight of Brillie. Only then did Brillie move comfortably and pull her chair closer.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Oh... when did you arrive?"

"Not long ago. I came by for a moment and saw you here."

"You could have woken me. I hope you haven't been waiting long?"

"I told you, I just got here. You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't wake you."

Alter belatedly tidied his clothes and straightened his posture. He'd meant to just sit briefly before leaving, but had fallen asleep instead.

He hadn't imagined Brillie would see him like this.

"Are you already off work?"

"Yes. They let me go early today."

"... Then may I ask for a bit of your time?"

"Why? Do you have something to say?"

"Yes. It won't take long."

Brillie silently nodded and signaled the maid. The maid vanished immediately, leaving the two of them alone in the garden.

"Go ahead. Just as long as it's not about annulment."

"I suppose you know I visited the Cathedral?"

"Yeah. I heard you were examined by the Holy Apostle."

"I got the results back... but they're not that good. I haven't told Duke Illenat yet."

"..."

Brillie remained silent, watching him with serious eyes. That meant he was telling her for the first time.

If he hadn't even told his father, it had to be a serious matter.

"There's a curse engraved on my heart. I don't know who did it, but that's why my body became so frail."

"... On your heart? Can't it be treated?"

"I've been told treatment is difficult. If they meddle with it wrong, my heart could stop. In other words, I could die."

"..."

"I'll keep looking for a solution, but if rumors spread in the meantime, no one will even want to speak to me. Duke Illenat would likely be troubled by it as well."

Brillie instinctively guessed what he'd say next. Being engaged to someone cursed would bring malicious gossip from all sides.

The family's reputation would plummet, and sneers and rumors would pour in.

Surely, he was about to say they should quickly annul and end things now.

"I'll be telling Duke Illenat soon. But I felt I should tell my fiancé first..."

"... No."

"Sorry?"

"I'm not annulling. Did you think I'd ask for an annulment just because you said that?"

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Hang tight mama bear!
【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】