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

Terosa walked with graceful steps, conscious of one side.

When news spread that Alter Radiant had suddenly collapsed, high society was briefly abuzz.

Of course, that interest died down quickly, and only occasionally was the second daughter of the Illenat dukedom mentioned.

But now that the person in question had reappeared, no one could help but turn their gaze.

'He was frail from the very beginning, wasn't he?'

Terosa glanced at Alter out of the corner of her eye, observing her carefully.

The face shining through her white hair was still beautiful, though it did look a bit gaunt.

Perhaps that's why the young lady who wielded a sword was resolutely guarding Alter's side.

'That's only right. You wouldn't want your precious fiancé to get hurt, would you?'

Terosa let out a wry chuckle, fairly intrigued.

Although Brillie hadn't even interacted with noble sons and daughters all this time, she had always cared for her fiancé diligently.

Maybe, by living together with her fiancé, she had started to develop feelings for him.

'So she must have decided not to break off the engagement?'

Just in case, Terosa hadn't gone looking for a marriage partner during this time.

She simply spent her days with dignity as a noble lady, taking things easy.

She had briefly hoped for a dramatic twist of fate, but now even that seemed meaningless.

'After all, he's the youngest son of the grand duke's house and an apprentice to the great mage... It'd be a great loss to even mention breaking off the engagement.'

Terosa, being a duke's daughter herself, could more or less guess at the inner workings of Duke Illenat's family.

No doubt, the Duke of Illenat was involved in the two's marriage, but because of the Northern grand duke, he couldn't recklessly call off the engagement.

Moreover, the sword-wielding lady had been granted a title, so as a Sword Saint, she would have a solemn say.

'Recently, the eldest son from that side caused a scandal. With things like this, the succession of titles will inevitably change a bit.'

If she wields the sword, she might even become the Duke of Illenat.

Duke Illenat's eldest son had already fallen out of favor, and if he even had a child with a commoner woman, cleaning up that mess would be difficult.

In the end, the next head of the family had to be selected from among the other children, and the sword-wielding daughter was by far the most promising.

'She really is capable. Received a title with nothing but her sword, and even nabbed a handsome fiancé...'

Even as she inwardly scoffed, Terosa couldn't help but reluctantly accept it.

The sword-wielding young lady, Brillie Illenat, possessed talent that was both competent and overwhelming.

Her appearance was flawless, and she had the superior bloodline of a duke's family.

Maybe that's why, whenever she met her, she always tried to pick a fight and bring her down a peg.

'Hmm... I think now would be a good time to approach him.'

Enveloped by a strange sense of anticipation, Terosa moved to close the distance.

With Brillie having stepped out briefly, she could have a short conversation.

No one talked anymore of the youngest son of the grand duke being frail and unimpressive.

She was slowly falling under the spell of that pitiful beauty and soothing voice.

"Lord Alter, would you mind spending a moment in my company?"

Terosa stopped in front of him and offered a simple bow.

Alter hesitated for a moment but soon returned the greeting.

"Lady Terosa, it's been a while since we last met."

"I heard the news. I understand you collapsed and have just recovered?"

"Yes. I think I simply had a bit of bad luck."

"Are you all right now?"

"Yes. I'm feeling much better."

Alter had deliberately attended this social gathering to put on a healthy appearance.

Not just for himself, but to prevent Duke Illenat's family from getting swept up in unfounded rumors.

There had already been controversy surrounding the eldest son, so they couldn't let the family's honor be tarnished any further.

"You're going through a lot. Don't you think you should rest a bit more?"

"I've recovered enough to go out. I can't always stay cooped up at the estate, can I?"

"If you want to spend time alone with Lady Brillie, wouldn't it be better to go somewhere quiet?"

"I was the one who insisted we come here. Lady Brillie needed to attend the social gathering."

"You're very considerate. You almost look as if you're already married."

"Marriage... That might be difficult right now, don't you think? In this condition, I doubt I could do anything."

"Ah, are you perhaps worried about having heirs?"

"Uh... I don't think I've thought that far."

"I completely understand. Spending a night together can be tied to one's pride. If something goes wrong, it can get very awkward between you."

"Hm... You're not wrong."

Alter answered cautiously, but didn't deny her words.

Terosa's opinion was quite valid, and marriage meant there were things to be careful about.

Besides, considering the difference in stamina between a swordswoman and a mage, things could become quite awkward.

"This isn't something I can properly speak on either. It's a sensitive matter—and you and I are of different genders, after all."

"That's true. But I'm grateful just for you bringing it up."

"I hope things work out well. Talking about it often with Lady Brillie might not be a bad idea."

"With that kind of topic, it'd probably... be a bit difficult to talk openly. We aren't married yet."

"That's the difference between a fiancé and an acquaintance. But still, I'm a little happy you've opened up to me?"

Despite feeling bitter, Terosa showed a calm smile.

One couldn't easily bring up talk of heirs in front of a fiancé, but he didn't hesitate at all in front of her.

That was the nature of a relationship arising from marriage—one of expressing feelings to each other.

"Huhu... I should go before Lady Brillie returns. I wouldn't want to create a fuss, you know?"

"Then, I'll see you next time, lady Terosa."

Terosa bowed respectfully and quietly took her leave.

After taking a few steps, she turned to look back—Brillie was now standing face to face with Alter.

Had she been a bit more careful, she might have been the one standing at Alter's side instead of Brillie.

'Maybe fate had already been decided...'

Harboring a faint lingering regret, Terosa walked away slowly.

She wondered if it wasn't time to give up on romance and face reality.

Time would continue to flow, and her youth would not last forever.

No matter how much she regretted the past, nothing would change.

'Should I try my hand at swordplay? Hm... No. I'd be better off elegantly learning magic.'

* * *

Alter was walking through the streets with Brillie.

Normally, he wouldn't have been able to accompany Brillie like this in broad daylight, but after leaving the Knight Order, she had more leisure.

However, Alter still couldn't fully deduce the exact reason Brillie had left the knight order.

"... Lady Brillie."

"Yes?"

"Do you regret leaving the order?"

"Hmm... It's not that I'm totally free of regrets, but I think I would have had to leave at some point anyway. I have dreams of my own too."

"From what you're saying, it sounds like the timing came earlier than expected."

"It did. I think I got stronger quicker than I'd thought, you see."

Brillie had checked her own level while serving in the Setinos Order of Knights.

She had often sparred with the next Sword Saint, Lang Couster, comparing herself—and before she knew it, she had reached the point of being able to hold her own.

To surpass the next Sword Saint with swordsmanship alone was no easy feat, so she judged that her skills were at least adequate.

"Did you join the order simply to get stronger?"

"That was part of it. I also thought it was important to experience what being in a knight order was like."

"So, did that include carrying out missions?"

"Pretty much. It might differ from order to order, but you basically have to be combat capable. Almost every request to a knight order is related to battle."

Brillie, examining the structure of a knight order, sketched out an overall picture.

She was even making plans to found her own order one day using her strength and network.

Essentially, by breaking away from her family, she aimed to secure her own territory, but for now, she considered it just one possibility.

"So, your goal was to establish your own order?"

"That's the goal... but I think I'm not ready yet. I should think it through more, don't you agree?"

"Because you'd have to train your family's private soldiers?"

"That's part of it. Besides, I'm not very good at managing troops or developing tactics. With my skills as they are, how could I possibly run an order?"

Brillie glanced sideways at Alter, coming up with excuses.

Though she hadn't given up on founding an order, the idea was beginning to fade.

Right now, there was someone much more important she needed to protect, so she couldn't spare attention for anything else.

"Then wouldn't it be better to delay our marriage?"

"That's not an option. If it gets delayed once, it'll just keep getting pushed back. If I'm going to do it, I'd rather do it soon."

"Right now you're earning renown as the Sword Flower, lady Brillie. If you get married, all that—"

"It doesn't matter. I can always take care of things like that later. But marrying you, Alter, has to be now, or not at all."

"..."

Alter hesitated for a moment, then fell silent.

His words were meant for Brillie's sake, but she remained resolute.

Still, considering it was a political marriage, some caution seemed necessary.

"Th-that's not to say I want to do it right this second. You're not back to full health yet, right? And... shouldn't we at least meet the Grand Duke of the North before the wedding?"

"Then... how about we go see my father together before the ceremony?"

Alter naturally suggested a visit to the northern region.

Even if it was a political marriage, it was only proper for both families' parents to meet.

Besides, if they wanted to check for the disaster his mother feared, they needed to see the frontlines in person.

"Of course. I'd been thinking about when I should go myself."

"It would be best to visit as soon as I'm better. I'm sure my father would like to meet you, too."

"I wonder how much he'd really want to see me, though... I mean, since this is a political marriage..."

"He wouldn't mistreat a guest from afar. Besides, aren't you the daughter of a duke?"

While persuading Brillie, Alter felt a faint unease.

Brillie was a knight who had experience subjugating monsters and was considerably strong.

And as his fiancé, she'd have every reason to join the northern front.

Thus, he couldn't send her back to the capital; even if he tried, she'd surely find a way to follow.

'Still, if Brillie helps, things might be a bit easier. There aren't many knights this strong...'

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
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