The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[Princess Linalia's Presentation: 'The Many Wonderful Qualities of Lord Robert!']
Translated by: ME
For me, the greatest conundrum—'Marriage'—had just found an astonishingly elegant solution. Immediately after, I went with Lord Robert to visit my parents.
As I was walking to my father's study, where he was surely holed up, I happened upon the Chancellor along the way and asked if my father was in. Upon hearing that he was, I requested that the Chancellor inform him of my visit. The Chancellor replied, [As you wish.]
I felt a bit guilty for ordering the busy Chancellor about like that, but he just laughed and said, [It's no trouble at all.] That broad-mindedness is part of what makes him so wonderful, isn't it?
I also took the opportunity to ask a nearby chamberlain to fetch my mother if she was free.
I wanted her to hear this as well, after all.
Upon receiving word that both Their Majesties were assembled, Lord Robert and I went to visit the King's study.
Now that I think of it… while they are just 'my familiar parents' to me, that isn't the case for Lord Robert. I wondered if he might be nervous… and sneaked a glance at his profile.
But Lord Robert's composure is truly remarkable!
He wore his usual, perfectly cool and collected expression! How reassuring! As expected of my future husband!
Both my father and mother looked somewhat puzzled when we entered the study.
…Well, I suppose that's natural. It would be one thing if it were just me, but with Lord Robert in tow…
After greeting my father, he told us to sit on the sofa there. So, I sat there side-by-side with Lord Robert.
Sitting side-by-side! Doesn't it already feel like we're partners?
How wonderful…
[…So, you said you have something to discuss?]
My father and mother sat down together on the sofa opposite ours. Both of them wore expressions of curious bewilderment.
[Yes. Thank you for your time. The matter I wish to discuss concerns my marriage to Lord Robert Aristoll here—]
[Wait, Lina.… I think I just heard a word I don't understand.]
What could she not understand? As my mother interrupted me with a deeply confused look, my father beside her just stared blankly.… Father, you're ruining the 'Majestic King' mask you usually work so hard to maintain.
Since she said she didn't understand, I repeated the purpose of my visit.
[Then I shall say it again. What we wish to discuss with you both is the matter of my marriage to Lord Robert—]
[Yeah, Lina. Let's hold on a second.]
My father lightly raised a hand as if to stop me there.
Now that he mentions it, the Chancellor standing behind them also looks utterly astonished.
[…Did you say… 'marriage'?]
I nodded at my mother, who wore an intensely perplexed expression.
[Yes.… Oh! As for the timing, we were thinking after Brother and Ellie's ceremony has concluded without a hitch.]
[Yeah… no, I mean, yes… It's not really about that…]
Father, you also look terribly confused…
…Hah!? Could it be… do you have some objection to my marriage with Lord Robert…!?
But, a ducal house is a perfectly suitable match for a princess to marry into…
Ah, but that's right. The previous Duke of Aristoll had fallen into Mother's disfavor. But that was resolved with his abdication and retirement. As part of that, the family's rank was lowered, so it shouldn't be a problem anymore…
[Being suddenly told about 'marriage' makes no sense to us. Could you explain it to us step by step?]
When my father said that, I caught my breath in surprise.
He's right. I was so overjoyed at having solved my great dilemma that I just reported the conclusion… How careless of me. What a blunder.
[Then, let me explain in order…]
…But as I started, I realized there wasn't much of an 'order' to follow.
What, and how, should I explain? Saying 'divine inspiration struck me earlier'… wouldn't be much of an explanation at all…
Perhaps sensing my distress, Lord Robert softly said, [Your Highness.]
…I asked you to call me Lina… Oh, but of course, we are in the presence of Their Majesties. We must observe 'formality.'
Feeling a little dissatisfied, I glanced at Lord Robert. He then whispered, [Perhaps it would be best if you told them the 'reasons' you chose me.]
I see! The reasons are indeed important!
[Just a short while ago, I visited my brother's study to consult him about the equipment for the new clinic I am currently establishing.]
My father and mother both muttered, [Just a short while ago…] in unison.
[At that time, I overheard him conversing with Lord Robert. And I thought, 'He is the only one!!']
[…What about him made you think that?]
I smiled at my mother, who still looked deeply puzzled.
This is my cue to fully elaborate on 'Lord Robert's wonderful qualities,' isn't it!?
[First, Lord Robert does not expect the role of 'a Duke's wife' from his marriage partner. It's wonderful!]
[Yeah? Well, uh… what's so 'wonderful' about that?]
Oh my. Does Father not understand?… Oh, but look. Mother beside him also has that very confused look.
Very well. It seems I must explain carefully so they can comprehend Lord Robert's excellence.
[Then, Father, Mother, I shall now explain Lord Robert's wonderful qualities!]
My father and mother replied in unison with a weak, [Oh, yes…] What's the matter with you both? You can show more interest, you know!?
Meanwhile, Lord Robert seemed to be looking down with a slight smile.
…What are you smiling about? Our future is at stake here!
*Ahem.* I cleared my throat once and straightened my posture.
[First of all, I wish to continue assisting my brother and Ellie in the future. That is tantamount to 'having a say in affairs of state.']
When I confirmed if that was acceptable, both my father and mother nodded.
[The reason it is possible for me now is because of my position as a 'Princess.' However, once I marry, I must inevitably take on the role of that house's 'wife' before being a 'Princess.' For instance, if I were a Countess, it would inevitably become more difficult to voice my opinions compared to when I was a Princess. That is where Lord Robert comes in!]
I gestured to Lord Robert beside me.
[If I am the wife of Lord Robert Aristoll here, it will be possible to prevent those of lower rank, like Marquesses and below, from offering unsolicited opinions!]
How wonderful is that!… Or so I thought, but my parents in front of me nodded with a complex, [W-well, yes…] Was my explanation unclear?
[Furthermore, Lord Robert is my brother's close aide. That means a future high-ranking position is practically guaranteed! From that position, he can deliver my words directly to my brother! The power of the Aristoll Dukedom and the position of my brother's aide! Could there be any more attractive conditions!?]
No, there could not!!
Just with this, Lord Robert is perfect!
[And on top of that, Lord Robert has said I need not bother with managing the ducal household affairs. He also understands what I am trying to accomplish. In other words, I can become the Duchess of Aristoll and wield its power for the things I want to do!!]
…Ah! I got so carried away I clenched my fists! How unladylike…!
Flustered, I hurriedly placed my hands back on my knees. Beside me, Lord Robert was still looking down, seemingly stifling a laugh.… So, what is so funny?
My father called out, [Duke,] to Lord Robert. At that, Lord Robert raised his head.
…This is the first time I've looked at him so directly, but he has a lovely profile, doesn't he?… My, he has surprisingly long eyelashes.
[From the way Lina is talking, it sounds as if she's just 'trying to use you.']
[You are quite correct.]
Lord Robert nodded with a cheerful smile. My father was left speechless.
[…Well, yeah, uh… So… Are you… fine with that…?]
[I am far more grateful to be sought after for what I can provide than to be demanded for a 'love' that does not exist.]
Oh, what a lovely smile.
In contrast to Lord Robert's bright smile, my father and mother wore indescribable expressions.
[So 'love'… does not exist…?]
Lord Robert smiled cheerfully again at my mother's complicated tone.
[At present, there is nothing of that sort, no. However, 'Princess Linalia's hand in marriage' also holds significant utility value for me. I would not do something as crude as treat her poorly.]
Exactly!
[You see! My interests and Lord Robert's are in beautiful alignment! If this is not 'fate,' then what is?!]
[…'Fate'…]
[…'Fate,' is it…]
Why are both Father and Mother staring off into the distance like that?
Wondering if there was something behind me, I instinctively turned to look.… But there was nothing.
Seeing me do that, Lord Robert smiled again.
[Lina.]
Hearing Lord Robert call my name, I hurriedly turned my gaze from behind me back to him.
[Yes! What is it?]
[It was amusing to stay silent, but generally speaking, a 'marriage based solely on shared interests' is not a very welcomed situation.]
[Oh my!]
Is that so? And Lord Robert knew that and 'stayed silent because it was amusing'!? Wait, first of all, *what* is 'amusing'!?
[However, aren't the majority of noble marriages political?]
Are those not relationships of 'aligned interests' or 'total benefit to one side'?
Lord Robert smiled his amused smile again at my words.
[You are correct. However, in the case of those 'political marriages,' they are first arranged by the adults, and do not stem from the will of the individuals being married.… That is why they sometimes fail.]
[…Now that you mention it, that's true.]
'Politics' is fundamentally the world of adults. It is common for children to be used for the circumstances of that adult world in 'political marriages.'
The will of the children getting married rarely comes into play.
Therefore, it's not rare for marital relationships to break down due to things like incompatible personalities.
[Their Majesties are likely concerned about such an outcome.]
[I see…]
Father and Mother are both very kind people, after all.
But—
[If you are worried that I will be mistreated in my marital home, or that I will be cast aside the moment my utility vanishes, then I believe that concern is unnecessary.]
[Well, if he's a Duke, he likely wouldn't make it obvious to the outside world.]
As my mother said this with a sigh, I also nodded.
A man who mistreats his wife loses social credibility. Someone of Lord Robert's standing would surely understand that. So indeed, even if such a situation were to occur, he would likely act in a way that, from the outside, everything appeared perfectly fine.
But that's not the point I'm trying to make.
[At the very least, I hold no negative feelings towards 'Lord Robert Aristoll.' On the contrary, I believe him to be a wonderful and respectable person.]
It may not be the 'romance' or 'love' people speak of, but my respect for Lord Robert is genuine.
[While I may not know his character intimately, he is someone my brother trusts enough to keep by his side. That alone tells me he is not a 'bad person.']
In this case, 'bad' doesn't mean 'not virtuous.' In fact, my brother would not employ someone who was merely virtuous.
The implication is more that he 'holds no disloyal intentions towards my brother, and by extension, the country.' One could say he is 'someone who values the public good over personal greed.'
[Our interests align, and he is someone I can respect. Isn't that alone a sufficiently rare find? Furthermore, I myself do not currently harbor any love or deep affection for Lord Robert…]
My father and mother muttered in unison, [You don't…?]
[Not at this point, no. But isn't that something we can slowly cultivate together from now on?… Just as my brother and Ellie have done.]
My brother and Ellie also started their relationship based solely on 'political strategy.'
But look at them now. To any observer, it is abundantly clear that Ellie holds a special place in my brother's heart. And my brother seems to be a very important person to Ellie as well.
That is something they built together, taking their time, making an effort to understand each other, and meeting halfway.
[I cannot say whether our relationship will become as harmonious as my brother and Ellie's. Even so, I have no intention of neglecting the effort to understand each other, just as they did.]
…Though I cannot know what the result of that understanding will be.
[For me as well, Princess Linalia is a truly rare individual.]
I looked at Lord Robert as he spoke in his quiet voice. He was looking straight at Their Majesties with a slight smile.
[There are many young ladies who mistake me, or the titles I hold, for mere accessories to adorn themselves with. There are also no small number of people who seek to offer up their own daughters as sacrificial pawns, trying to use me as a stepping stone to fulfill their own desires.]
That isn't hard to imagine… Though, to underestimate Lord Robert to that degree is, in a way, impressive.
[In that regard, Princess Linalia is superficially similar to those people.]
Oh my!… Now that you mention it, I suppose that's true…
But…
[To treat Lord Robert as 'just an accessory' seems like such a waste…]
Certainly, many would be drawn to the title of 'Duchess.' Even before that, Lord Robert is a man of exceptionally fine features, so many would also find value in his 'beautiful appearance.'
[Lord Robert is not an 'object,' but a 'person' capable of thought. Rather than keeping him as a display piece, wouldn't it be better to converse with him, think together, and *then* make effective use of his titles…?]
Besides, Lord Robert and I come from different backgrounds and upbringings. We surely see things from different perspectives that the other might miss.
To keep such a person as a 'mere ornament' is far too wasteful.
Lord Robert glanced at me and smiled, then returned his gaze forward.
[As you can see, Her Highness sees me as 'an individual.' That alone makes her a rare existence to me.]
…Are there really that many women who treat Lord Robert as an 'accessory'…? How deplorable…
[And when Princess Linalia makes use of my name or title, it is not for 'her own personal desires.' If her goals are 'for the country' and 'for the people,' then she is free to make full use of all the power my house possesses.]
How wonderful! How reassuring!
My father gave a wry smile to Lord Robert, who had spoken so decisively.
[So, you're fine with being used as Lina's stepping stone?]
[Yes.… As long as the 'future' that Lady Linalia envisions does not diverge from my own.]
I couldn't help but feel delighted at Lord Robert's immediate and firm reply.
[Did you hear that, Father, Mother! What a wonderfully reliable stepping stone he is!]
I'm sure Lord Robert is the kind of stepping stone that won't wobble from supporting just little old me.
How reassuring… How wonderful…
But in response to my words, my father and mother could only reply with a confused, [Ah… well, yes…?] and Lord Robert once again looked down, stifling his laughter.
…So I ask again, what is so funny?
After that, the Chancellor prepared a betrothal agreement for us then and there. My father and Lord Robert signed it, and our engagement was settled with surprising swiftness.
Thank you for reading. If you want to help my hobby please download and install LDP9 with my link down below. Just Click the small yellow LDPlayer Banner.
OR
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
-Horizontal.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment