Chapter 219: First Wife
What about it?"
"I understand you’re considering various candidates for your primary wife," the Duke said carefully. "I wanted to propose an additional arrangement that might benefit both our houses."
Grim gestured for him to continue.
"My daughter, Celeste, is eighteen and has received an excellent education in household management, mathematics, and political theory," Ravencrest explained. "I would be honored to offer her as a secondary wife—someone to manage domestic affairs and provide additional heirs for House Ambrose."
The proposal was straightforward and politically logical. Secondary wives were common among high nobility, serving practical purposes while allowing the primary wife to focus on political and social responsibilities.
"She’s intelligent, well-trained, and understands that her role would be primarily administrative and reproductive," the Duke continued. "No political ambitions or expectations of romantic attachment. Simply dedicated service to strengthening your bloodline."
The offer was generous and would create valuable political ties, but something about it felt wrong to Grim. Not morally wrong—such arrangements were normal—but personally unsatisfying.
"I appreciate the offer, Your Grace," he said finally, "but I’ve decided to focus on selecting a single wife for now. Perhaps in the future, as House Ambrose’s needs evolve, such arrangements might be reconsidered."
"Of course," Ravencrest replied, though his disappointment was obvious. "The offer remains open should circumstances change."
After the Duke departed, Grim had brief meetings with several smaller officials—trade representatives seeking favorable agreements, minor nobles requesting audience for various petitions, and diplomatic functionaries managing routine imperial business.
Each interaction reinforced his growing sense that his demonstration of strength had enhanced rather than damaged his political position.