He turned the conversation smoothly. It was an answer that showed a bit of embarrassment and awkwardness, which everyone would acknowledge, even though it was hidden within.

“But I’m not the type to dictate my wife’s social life. Just in case we get married, I’ll also get closer to His Majesty. It’s a bit…”
“Uncomfortable?”

“Difficult.”

Cedric spoke very cautiously overall. It was quite different from the rough and stubborn attitude he had seen at the Mel River Port.

Unlike the behavior of being rough in front of people, shouting loudly, and stubbornly insisting, he looked very different.

“Even if it’s not us, we have to get married anyway. You will inherit the Viscount Plachet and the Marquis of Purulli, and I will inherit the Duke Alanka.”

Cedric stated this fact very dryly and boringly.

“Like all strategic marriages, we don’t really care if we get along well with each other. In that sense, I think you’ll be fine.”

“Do you think we’ll get along well?”

At the moment Lu was about to ask where he saw that, Cedric answered firmly.

“It will be a relationship that fits the maximum purpose of a strategic marriage.”

“… Where do you see that?”

“If you’ve seen you working in the Mel River, you’ll roughly know. That should be enough.”

Saying ‘that should be enough’ means he doesn’t expect more.

“Just by watching me work? Is it okay even if strange rumors circulate about me?”

Lu couldn’t just pass by, thinking that this strange conversation should end quickly when she heard that. But Cedric just smiled.

“There are already rumors that you have a relationship with His Majesty the Emperor. Such rumors are common, aren’t they?”

“What if it’s true?”

“That doesn’t matter either. How many nobles have governments and lovers? What I mean is, contrary to my father’s intentions, I’m okay with it. I don’t plan to do as my father wants anyway. Since I’ll take care of things like Duke Alanka and the upper rank, there’s no need to be swayed.”

Cedric felt a bit awkward after saying this much. How should he finish it?

“I just wanted to say that. Just think about it.”

He hesitated once more.

“Anyway, you also have to marry someone.”

“Not really…?”

Lu shook her head. Cedric seemed completely speechless.

“Don’t you want to?”

For a noble, marriage is both essential and the best business opportunity. Even for Rustica Gennas, who is a bit late already?

“You have titles, two of them.”

“Yeah.”

“You have to pass them on.”

“Well, I have three daughters. If one of them gets married and inherits, that’s fine.”

“You’re the eldest.”

Cedric strongly said with a look of incomprehension.

“And you’re the second. Titles can be returned somehow, what’s the big deal?”

He lost words again at the answer that was neither noble nor strategic. He looked at Lu for a moment and asked.

“So, you have no intention of getting married at all?”

Seeing Lu shrug her shoulders as if looking at a nonexistent creature, he asked, “If there’s a man you like, you’d probably get married, maybe?”

Cedric Lamber smirked.

“Well, for now, it means no, right?”
He was quite adept at understanding words immediately.

Upon hearing that a man who had only sent unilateral unofficial proposals had come to see Lu, Hayden, leaving Melphirias, smiled oddly and strode through the Aeselot Palace. Since he had sent it, it was obvious that he had come to hear the response.

However, today Lu had a very tiring day and was not in the mood to respond to such trivial matters one by one. So, it was only natural to send away the annoying guy who would make her more tired.

Hayden wondered how to chase that guy away. He had to do it in a way that wouldn’t make Lu uncomfortable, but it had to be clear and firm.

He looked at the roof of the Aeselot Palace. It would be fine to blow off the roof or destroy the building to some extent; however, considering that Lu would get more tired, it was rejected. Well, anyway, it was enough to use power moderately.

“Do you have absolutely no intention of getting married?”

The excessively developed hearing caught the problematic question about Lu and Cedric Lamber before it even got near the room where they were sitting.

No, to be precise, Hayden had been paying special attention to that side, so he heard it even better. Unintentionally, the unblocked hearing picked it up.

As soon as he heard that question, Hayden quickly shook his head. Judging by the tone and voice, Cedric Lamber seemed to have no intention of marrying Lu at all.

‘That’s awkward.’

No, it was very awkward. Lu had made it clear that she would never marry even back in Bellfort when her younger siblings asked if she would marry the boss. Of course, it seemed better than saying that she wouldn’t marry anyone, unlike other people, but it was still very awkward.

Certainly, if Lu had no intention of getting married, Hayden would willingly follow her lead, but it was too uneasy.

If she cut it off, it was just a relationship that could be easily cut off. What was so different from others? Even now, the relationship couldn’t be officially announced without Lu’s permission, so she had ‘absolutely’ no intention of getting married?

Hayden, who had changed from being a man suitable for Rustica Gennas to Lu’s husband, didn’t even realize he had stopped breathing and listened to Lu’s answer.

“If there is a man I like, I’ll probably get married, maybe?”

Hayden quickly came to a simple conclusion.

‘Well, then I just have to be the man she likes.’

Even now, he’s making an effort, but if he tries harder, it might work. His face and body have been good since long ago, and he has seized power at the highest peak. Like before, he just needs to be charming and show a gentle smile.

“For now, it means no.”

The moment Cedric said that, Hayden considered how to drive him away. It was fortunate that he already knew. Lu, who was listening to his words from inside, did not deny that statement.
“I hope you continue to assert yourself.”

Cedric said so, standing up from his seat.

“I’ve never seen a noble with such thoughts.”

Without a trace of sarcasm, Cedric spoke sincerely. Was it because he was the second son who used to rebel and cause trouble?

“Especially nobles who refuse to engage in strategic marriages.”

Lu just looked at him silently.

“That’s impossible.”

Standing alone in the social circle without the cooperation and collaboration of other families was impossible. No one would pay attention. Moreover, the situation was such that strategic marriage was essential, given that the Flache Viscount had only one generation with no accumulated traditions or connections.

“But if your thoughts change, feel free to contact me anytime.”

“I just told you not to give up your principles.”

“I might just appeal to your heart. In that case, it’s a change in thoughts about me, not a change in principles.”

Cedric chuckled. What’s that supposed to mean? It might sound like a wordplay, but in the end, he still didn’t deny the fact that Lu was a suitable marriage partner. It also meant that he wouldn’t give up.

Perhaps he anticipated that Lu might inevitably choose a strategic marriage in the face of harsh reality. Many people comply with such choices.

“Well then, rest well. Until next time.”

The door closed with a thud, and Lu, left alone, sank into the sofa. She lay there silently for a while, then looked at the door through which Cedric had left.

“Come in.”

The door opened slightly, and Hayden, with a somewhat awkward smile, extended his head.

“You knew I would come because of Hayju?”

“I thought you came because of the curse, tearing apart my arm while fighting with Delgow.”

The door closed behind Hayden.