RTPM 9

Chapter – 9

Decarno’s words were as smooth as they were close to the truth. In fact, even judging by how Evangeline had conducted herself in the household and in society over the past two years, the matter was settled. On top of that, she was the only woman recognized by the proud and fastidious duchess of the northern Duchy of Nyx.

Still, given the gravity of the matter, it was true that letting it pass without thought felt somewhat uneasy.

“Even so, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime marriage… shouldn’t we take a little more time…?”

“This is a woman who has never disappointed me—except for this incident.”

“Duke.”

“I can’t stand anything bothersome. Let’s finish this here.”

As the duke pinched the bridge of his brow, even Count Lian fell silent. Through his long fingers supporting his head, Decarno’s piercing gaze swept over them one by one.

“If you ever try to speak to me like that again, you’ll have to hand over not just the jewelry you’re wearing, but all the lands and business rights bearing the name of Teze.”

“…Hngh.”

“Then I’ll take that as your consent.”

It was a warning—elegantly put—that they should leave immediately. All of them here lived in one way or another depending on the Duke’s house. If the head of the house so desired, the collapse of their fortunes could happen in an instant.

Being quick calculators, they all turned and left without a sound. Only Count Lian glared back reluctantly, but there was nothing he could do. It wasn’t until the sound of the closing door and hesitant steps faded that the Duke tilted his head back on the chair.

“Ha.”

Love, huh. It wasn’t even funny.

Being in this position, one hears all sorts of things, but he hadn’t expected to hear such a preposterous statement.

Yes, preposterous.

There was no other way to put it. Evangeline Ohara… was, quite simply, convenient. Even if something like this happened, it did not diminish her value as a duchess.

Given his age and position, he had to marry sooner or later, and there was no better choice than Evangeline. There was no need to seek his mother’s approval either.

Evangeline was graceful, rational, and skilled at concealing her emotions. She was flawless in handling people, even manipulating them when necessary. She was well-educated, able to converse on any topic without awkwardness.

That was all there was to it.

“…Very well.”

Tilting his head back, Decarno slowly opened his eyes. Of course, that didn’t mean everything pleased him. The recent mark on her cheek was irritating, though it would soon be smooth and unnoticeable again. There was no reason to expect anything more. It had to be that way.

That was how this sort of matter always went.

Although it was an unsatisfying conclusion, the Duke was not the type to revisit a decision once made. He didn’t want his mind to get more cluttered. Without hesitation, he signed the contracts that had been in front of him moments ago.

The lands and vineyards of the Rodka plains in the south.

Even if they were the most fertile lands in the Bellice Empire, he felt no regret. It was a reasonable price to restore Evangeline to her perfect role as duchess.