Chapter 5
It was a simple question, but it gave me a glimpse into the future.
If she were to marry Sion Laird, she would either stay with her family for the time being, or move over to his side of the family entirely.
She would be noticed wherever she was, but if she behaved carefully, she would not cause a scene.
I dont have to drink or gamble. Its not something I enjoy doing.
Drinking and gambling were just ways to pass the time.
I was never a good drinker to begin with, and I would stop gambling as soon as I felt I was losing money.
I would sneak money out under the guise of throwing it in there.
Once Im married, I wont be interfered with
She was now the dukes beloved daughter and living with her parents, but once she married, she would be treated as just another noblewoman.
Even if they were living together, the boundaries would be clearly drawn, and they would be given a small amount of financial support just for being there.
Above all, the feeling of independence from the family meant that she could move around more freely than before.
I wont be questioned if I learn magic, because Im already married.
Killing monsters was just one reason to learn magic.
She had been curious about magic since she was a child, but her parents had forbidden her to read books on the subject.
Though she managed to learn magic in secret and reach a certain level, she wasnt satisfied with it.
He wont interfere. Theres no point in fighting me.
Both Sion Laird and herself were not happy with this marriage.
Even if they found themselves comfortable with each other, marriage was forced, and they couldnt get any closer than that.
If they could agree to stay out of each others way, the marriage could be quite peaceful.
Just dont have kids. Raising a child isnt easy.
There have been cases where nobles have married and not had children.
But I didnt know if it was a deliberate choice or if it didnt happen despite their efforts.
It was only gossiped about at social gatherings and through the maids.
Wed better split up quickly, otherwise itll be noisy on either side.
Even if she could skip other things, she wouldnt be able to neglect the issue of a successor for him.
Having children would establish a family, and no matter what, it wouldnt be easy to tear them apart.
Maybe one side would insist on seeing their grandchildren.
Its easier to break up when you dont have kids.
While its true that its easy to breakup when youre just getting engaged, once youre married, the process becomes quite complicated.
In addition, both families become entangled, and rumors are often spread by other nobles.
Even if you do manage to get a divorce, youre already married, so your value is reduced and youre completely cut off.
In other words, she could not be used as a marriage tool, and her family would completely abandon her.
Its better for me to be abandoned, but I feel sorry for him.
If she gets a divorce, she can leave quietly and do as she pleases.
But there was no telling what the consequences would be for Sion Laird.
Conversely, the possibility of the damage could make him oppose a divorce.
Hmm getting married is not a good thing. I need to think about it more.
There was no guarantee that Sion Laird would give in to her demands in the first place.
He could show his true colors, or he might cause trouble.
In that case, it was better to run away before the wedding.
Did I hear six months? Thats plenty of time.
From what Ive heard, the engagement was extended at the Marquis request.
He was probably thinking about his future, but it wasnt going to change my course of action.
She would simply use the time to secure the funds and prepare to flee.
I have to take advantage of that. Stay normal, so I dont raise suspicion.
His father had been keeping tabs on her through maids and bodyguards.
In case she should become displeased and attempt to escape from the mansion.
Thats why he permitted her to drink and gamble to keep her in check.
Should I at least pretend to get along with him? Perhaps hell feel generous and provide me with some extra money
Hanette pulled the blankets over herself.
She had to get some sleep and then go to the pub or the gambling house.
That way she could raise a little more money.
If I had to guess, I dont think wed get along.
Why?
Because she doesnt like me.
Oh, thats what you meant.
Now he couldnt even laugh.
This was going to be even worse than he expected.
But if he told his father, it would only get him in trouble.
I hate her just as much, so were on even terms.
Are you going to hate her even after you get married?
Well have to wait and see.
Hmm I have a few friends who are married, and they all had arranged marriages, just like you.
Are your friends happy in their marriages?
Not really happy But they say its bearable. Once you have kids, you have responsibilities, youre babysitting, it costs money
Isnt that just adjusting to reality and giving up on life?
Kaltz scratched his head, at a loss for words.
What Sion said was correct, and even he couldnt deny it.
They were married out of necessity, so they could only adapt to the situation by taking it less personally.
Im just making it up because I dont know what else to say, and accepting it makes me feel easier.
You seem to know all too well? Have you ever been married behind our backs?
Hahaha, thats a funny joke.
Sion bursts out laughing and thinks about life in the modern world.
He had never dated a woman, let alone married one.
He never talked to women, and when he did, he treated them as strangers.
He lived his life alone, trusted no one, and experienced endless examples of human malice.
Uh but shes beautiful, and my friends dont have that.
I suppose that is reasonable; its better than being ugly, after all.
Right? I heard shes really pretty. What do you think?
Shes pretty, Ill agree.
Even Sion had to admit it.
She was certainly striking, and a man would surely take a look or two.
Even royalty would have taken an interest in her if she hadnt been called a crazy.
So youre admitting it, but How would you match up with that quirky personality of hers?
Thats Well it wont be easy.
Do you expect her to bend first? Or perhaps ignore her equally? Either that, or take a concubine?
Ehehe! Thats not possible. My fianc is a duke.
Thats right, thats what I think too, even if were the same marquis, hell have eyes on you.
Sion smiled wryly at the thought.
Hed never marry Hanette, but it was fun to play along with the assumption.
Perhaps other family members would think similarly to the Kalts, and perhaps other nobles would feel sorry for him.
As long as he didnt act out of character, everyone would be sympathetic to him.
Brother, I have no intention of bringing trouble to the family, and it would be better in many ways if I did as I was told.
Ill be grateful if you think so.
So Im going to have as much fun as I can before I get married, and with your help, I could have even more fun.
Sion secretly turned to Kaltz and asked for his help.
He wanted to find a way to protect himself before he got the sword.
While the Demon Sword contained great power, it also put a strain on its wielder, and he needed to be sure he was prepared.
How can I help you?
I need you to get me something. Since youre a palace administrator, it shouldnt be too hard for you to get it.
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