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

Side Story 6

Uriel was absentmindedly glancing over the man before belatedly turning her head away.

In the northern territory, the secrets of history and animosity shrouded in madness lie in wait.

Only by leading this war to victory would they be able to advance toward the future.

'It may take a little time, but the northern territory will eventually become peaceful.'

Uriel tried to envision the best possible outcome, yet she was unable to decide her own fate.

In order to reach that future, she would have to actively involve herself.

But the process would not be smooth, and she could only rely on fragmented glimpses of the future.

'What on earth is hidden in the northern territory...?'

"Is there some problem?"

"No. I must have been mistaken for a moment. Let's keep going."

Only then was the man able to erase Uriel's lingering image from his mind.

It lasted only a moment, but an enigmatic atmosphere emanated from her.

Moreover, she possessed a graceful and delicate appearance, making him feel like he was attracting unnecessary attention.

'Could it be that I am interested in that woman...'

The second son of House Radiant, Zair Radiant, continued to ponder seriously before quickly brushing it off.

If not for a political marriage, he would not have paid any attention to the northern territory at all.

Even if he harbored affection, could he really impose such unilateral sacrifice?

'If she's a commoner, it would be even harder to get permission.'

Nobles valued bloodline and origin above all, granting not even the slightest chance to commoners.

If one were to break with that custom and marry a commoner, they would face unending ostracism.

For that reason, he too could not keep a commoner woman by his side.

'For me... there's nothing I can do here.'

After all, he was only visiting the capital for a short while on orders from the Northern Grand Duke.

Once he returned to the northern territory, it would be back to battling monsters as always.

Especially now, with ominous signs appearing, all sorts of dangers could follow.

'I have to secure a promise from the Emperor for reinforcements.'

Surely the current Emperor knew well enough the importance of the northern territory.

It was the site where Tiksa the Frostbane had been sealed, and they had to block the monsters and barbarians at all costs.

If the front lines were ever breached, wouldn't innumerable foes immediately flood down into the capital?

'For now, I must be diligent in the task given to me. There's no time to think of anything else.'

*

Two men strolled slowly, wandering the city streets.

One was neatly dressed in a suit, but the other was armed with sword and armor.

It would seem that the bodyguard knight was protecting a certain individual alone.

"What do you think of this Imperial order?"

The blond man, his hair flowing, glanced languidly at his bodyguard knight.

The knight, alert to his surroundings, nonetheless answered calmly.

"I judge it to be extremely dangerous. We must endure the cold and fight enemies—it will not be an easy task."

"That's exactly why I must go. If I am to inherit the throne, shouldn't I demonstrate that I'm worthy of it?"

The Crown Prince of the Agnes Empire, Vanderas Lute Celestion, understood why he had been appointed as commander of the reinforcements.

His father, the current Emperor, wished for his own authority and position to be solidly established.

Only then, after inheriting the throne, could he rule the Agnes Empire more effortlessly.

"Even if seasoned commanders and knights join us... I still cannot quite accept it. You will one day ascend to a great position—how can you be sent to the front lines?"

The Crown Prince's exclusive bodyguard knight commander, Karaf Roberta, lowered his voice as he spoke frankly.

He understood perfectly what Vanderas was saying, but as a bodyguard knight, he simply couldn't accept it.

Being dispatched somewhere unfamiliar, and having to join the battle, meant thrusting the Crown Prince into mortal danger.

"Just because someone is great doesn't mean they should cower in safety. Shouldn't a ruler always take the vanguard?"

"It's only when a ruler rules that the people can move as one. If anything untoward were to happen to the ruler, wouldn't the people waver as well?"

"How can you rule without giving the people faith? If you set an example at the top, those below will follow in obedience."

Vanderas constantly agonized over what qualities made a good Emperor, seeking the right way forward.

If all he asserted was his imperial rank, tyranny and oppression would follow.

Instead, he needed to draw loyalty and trust from the masses while keeping humanity at heart.

"It's hard to find wise people among the populace. Is that not why we rule as sovereigns, since the foolish cannot be enlightened?"

"I can't say that's wrong, but there are too many cases of it being abused. Don't certain nobles and officials exploit ignorant people just to line their own pockets?"

"... There are cases like that from time to time."

"Even if I ascend the throne, I won't be able to provide for all my people. That's why portions of political affairs are entrusted to nobles and officials, but every time, those who abuse them come to light. Simply ruling from above won't eliminate such evils."

Because he wished to become a wise monarch, Vanderas was weary of both nobles and officials.

Nobles and officials had expanded their vested interests and passed them down to their descendants ever since the founding of the Agnes Empire.

Meanwhile, commoners struggled through every day, having to face unsteady tomorrows.

With such a chasm of wealth opening between the two classes, something had to be done rather than leave it unchecked.

"Naturally, I can't overturn the very foundation of the Empire. How could someone like me deny all the history and tradition the Empire has built? But recognizing such injustices and just ignoring them—I can't do that, so I must at least make the effort, mustn't I?"

"... Your Highness, the Crown Prince, your words are correct. I, a humble bodyguard knight, have overstepped my bounds. Please extend your magnanimity."

"Ha ha! Just because you're a bodyguard knight, do you have to refrain from discussing things with me? Earnest remonstrance is exactly what shakes off my complacency."

"..."

Karaf knew well that the Crown Prince possessed the virtues of a benevolent ruler.

That's why he chose to become a bodyguard knight rather than a peerless swordsman.

If he could serve such a magnificent Emperor, there would be no regrets for a lifetime.

"You gave up the position of the next Sword Saint and chose me. So I cannot treat you as a mere bodyguard knight. With you by my side, even the monsters of the northern territory won't dare approach us."

"I am most humbled. I shall ensure nothing threatens Your Highness's safety."

Even while having such a mighty warrior as Karaf as his guard, Vanderas felt a lingering regret.

If only he had managed to win over the current next Sword Saint, he would have been even more at ease.

But the present successor to the Sword Saint was solely focused on swordsmanship, so he had to give up regretfully.

'Though it's a bit late, I should look for a marriage partner...'

Vanderas revisited his long-standing worries, and soon discovered a young woman.

She was buying bread at a shop, and her profile was quite striking.

Judging by her attire, she must be a mage affiliated with the society, her robe shimmering with vibrant hues.

'Not an ordinary mage, surely. She looks rather young, so she must have exceptional talent.'

Vanderas halted and simply observed her.

Her white hair flowed gently, and her deep blue eyes occasionally sparkled with a faint, wistful glow.

Most of all, a noble aura enveloped her, and the delicate impression she gave off made it hard for him to look away.

'Have I ever seen such a beautiful young woman even among the daughters of the nobility?'

Vanderas realized that his emotions were welling up inside him.

He had always envisioned political marriages, never actually seeking someone who truly caught his eye.

Perhaps, even if it was belated, he had finally found someone who matched his ideal type.

"Your Highness, has something happened to you?"

"... Do you see that woman?"

"Yes, I see her."

"Remember her well. I must find out more about her—whatever it takes."

"...?"

Karaf was momentarily taken aback, but soon saw through the reason.

Surely, the Crown Prince was momentarily captivated by that woman's beauty.

Even he unconsciously found his attention drawn to her—truly, one could call her the fairest among the fair.

'Would a noble lady wish to learn magic? But even for a commoner it's not easy to gain access to magic. If that's the case...'

As Vanderas slowly worked through his reasoning, his gaze met hers.

She looked as if she hesitated, then revealed a subtle expression.

Could it be, she had recognized his status?

'If she were a fallen noble, she wouldn't dare to meet my eyes...'

*

Uriel encountered the blond man and probed into the future.

She hadn't intended to, but spontaneously conjured up a connected scene.

It seemed this man's destiny was intertwined with her own.

'He looks like the Emperor...'

Upon glimpsing the magnificent imperial palace, Uriel made a belated judgment.

The imperial knight order and the servants of the imperial palace all looked up to one person.

The blond man sat upon the throne, solemnly issuing imperial decrees.

'If he's the Crown Prince, then he'll be dispatched to this war.'

From that moment, Uriel understood even the existence of the Crown Prince.

With a massive military force invading the frontlines, the Northern Grand Duke would have no choice but to request reinforcements.

The Crown Prince must have been assigned to the reinforcements and dispatched to the northern territory.

'Does this mean this man could become my companion too?'

Uriel, seized by a sense of sharp dissonance, looked at the blond man.

If chosen as Crown Princess, she would become the Emperor's wife and hence the Empress.

As Empress, immense power and networks would be in her grasp, but she'd also be subjected to heavy pressure by the various powerholders.

'I am a fallen noble. The imperial household would never accept me.'

Of course, if the Crown Prince ascended the throne and married her, the imperial household and officials couldn't oppose it.

But afterwards, they would constantly interfere, possibly even tearing apart her daily life.

If he were to take a concubine as well, she could be completely isolated and cast aside by the Emperor.

'Even if I come to love him, I must not marry him. Otherwise, not just me, but my children would suffer as well.'

At the very least, the nobility might show fallen nobles some tolerance.

But the imperial family wouldn't allow the slightest exception or concession.

So Uriel had no choice but to forcibly exclude the blond man from her thoughts.

'I don't know what he feels toward me, but...'

"Forgive me for the rudeness at our first meeting, but your beauty was simply too arresting to pass by. As royalty, may I ask your name?"

Vanderas approached cautiously, initiating a conversation with Uriel.

He could not openly reveal his identity in public, so he limited himself to the title of royalty.

Even so, it was a rather bold move, and Karaf found himself in a rather awkward position.

"If you put it that way, I can't reveal my name."

"How dare you say such insolent—"

"Enough. Let it be. She's not said anything wrong, has she?"

Vanderas stopped Karaf and turned his gaze back to Uriel.

She could have run away, but instead she was daring to face him head-on.

If the other party handled things formally, then he had no choice but to reciprocate.

"Then, could you at least reveal your status?"

"I hail from a ruined house, so I cannot give my family name. You may consider me one of the great mage's disciples."

"The great mage's disciple? I expected you to be a learned mage, but to think you're a disciple of the great mage..."

Only then could Vanderas feel satisfied with her answer.

If she declared herself the great mage's offspring, he could verify the truth of it later.

And at the same time, her name and house would eventually come to light; in that sense, it was an indirect introduction.

'That should suffice. If she's the great mage's disciple, that can erase the stigma of being from a fallen noble family....'