Chapter 6
“Mmm, the meat is so tender… it’s really delicious.”
Violette spoke casually, glancing at him. Narsia, as if nothing had happened, returned to his meal.
Yet, even when she stole another look, his appearance felt almost sacred, noble, and extraordinary. She felt a strange sense of déjà vu, but dismissed it. A beauty that perfect was rare; if she had seen someone like him before, she surely would have remembered.
‘Should I just go ahead and marry him? With a beauty like that, even seeing his face would make each day enjoyable.’
As such fleeting thoughts passed through her mind, she quickly recalled Tereso’s existence and shook her head firmly. If she let herself drift into marriage with him, the life she currently enjoyed would be completely out of reach.
Whether he was naturally taciturn or simply uncomfortable in this situation, Narsia spoke little throughout dinner, offering only brief responses.
‘As expected, he’s also probably forced into this engagement.’
A confident smile spread across Violette’s lips. With her own eloquence, she felt certain she could persuade him to agree to a breakup.
Before long, the dinner—which had excited only the parents—ended. As everyone prepared to move to the dessert room, Violette, observing the atmosphere, spoke brightly:
“Um… may I spend some time alone with the young Duke? There’s a lot I’d like to discuss.”
“Huh?”
All eyes turned toward Violette. Narsia, raising one eyebrow, appeared somewhat surprised. Soon, the Duke of Kegrainner nodded slowly, smiling warmly.
“Indeed, this is your marriage after all. Perhaps we’ve said too much. Marquis, shall we step aside for a moment?”
“Oh, of course! That’s only natural. Sorry, Violette, I wasn’t being perceptive!”
Argon’s face lit up with a smile. He firmly believed that just yesterday, his daughter had been sulking over the marriage but had now fallen in love at first sight with the young Duke.
Veronia, Violette’s older sister, seemed to share the same thought and gave her a small wink.
Soon, Violette stepped into Narsia’s study. The room exuded a classic atmosphere, with all furniture crafted from solid wood.
Books lined every wall, welcoming her quietly. Quick-moving servants had already set desserts and tea on the table before they arrived.
“Wow… so many books…”
Violette, who hadn’t been this close to books in years, glanced around in awe. Narsia, a few steps ahead, guided her to their seats.
They sat across from each other, a brief silence settling between them. Narsia broke it first.
“What is it?”
“Huh?”
It was abrupt to speak informally to someone she had just met, but Violette didn’t mind formality and responded immediately.
“I have something to say.”
“Something to say?”
Narsia tilted his head. Even in the middle of dinner, she had thought it, but looking at him directly now, he was mesmerizingly beautiful.
Again captivated, Violette shook her head vigorously, forcing a composed expression.
“Well… I’m sorry to bring this up, but honestly, I didn’t want this marriage. My father pressured me. But I think it’s the same for you. A marriage for mutual gain has no meaning. Yet my father insists. So, if it’s okay, could you request a breakup from your side first? I promise I’ll compensate you properly.”
She delivered her prepared words quickly. Narsia frowned slightly, as if struggling to understand.
“But you were the one who agreed to marry first. And now?”
“That’s true, but my father’s will was the largest factor, and… I was a bit drunk that day. So, I’d appreciate it if you understand.”
Embarrassed to bring it up, her face flushed slightly. But she spoke honestly—she had indeed been heavily intoxicated when signing the contract.
“I knew you were drunk. But I didn’t think you were completely serious?”
Contrary to her expectation that he’d be indifferent, his tone was somewhat sharp. Surprised, Violette added:
“I-I’m really sorry. I usually keep promises, but honestly, I don’t remember much from that night… Anyway, if you request the breakup first, I’ll compensate you with my personal assets. How much would be enough? Double the dowry? Triple?”
“Hmm…”
Narsia covered his face with one hand, thinking for a moment, then spoke slowly:
“Honestly, I don’t need the money.”
“Oh… right.”
“I persuaded my parents diligently because I wanted to marry someone I truly liked. It took quite an effort.”
“I’m really sorry about that.”
“You know how serious I am about this marriage, and suddenly you come at me like this. What am I supposed to do?”
“I really am sorry…”
Violette’s voice grew smaller with guilt. For some reason, the contract seemed very serious to Narsia.
Though she didn’t fully understand him, she maintained her polite demeanor, as she was the one who needed to yield.
Narsia rested his chin on one hand, staring intently. His amethyst-like eyes seemed to pierce right through her, making Violette feel inexplicably uneasy.
“How drunk were you that day? Do you remember why you wanted to marry me?”
“N-no.”
She hadn’t received any explanation from her father. She guessed she probably forgot because she was drunk and smiled awkwardly.
“Alright, I’ll briefly explain.”
With that response, Narsia let out a small sigh.
“I’m the young Duke, but I have no interest in the title. My parents placed me here and expect me to lead the family. That’s all their wish.”
“Huh?”
No interest in the title? Surprised, Violette blinked. Narsia had held the title since his first appearance in the original story.
Though it made sense he was still young Duke in the mid-late events, she never imagined he would declare he had no interest in the title. Undeterred, Narsia continued:
“Originally, I would’ve been training as a mage at the Tower. But my parents opposed it, so three years ago I couldn’t take the Tower’s public exam. They wanted me, as a Kegrainner, to lead the family. My father wants to retire as soon as possible.”
“I… see.”
Violette nodded slowly but didn’t fully understand him. She herself had no interest in titles, but she had simply given up competing with her siblings.
Still, Narsia was already appointed young Duke, and the Kegrainner family was one of the most prestigious in the empire. He refused it just to be a mage—a truly strange child.
‘In the original story, he eventually inherits the headship. The Tower is so exclusive that combining it with the family headship is nearly impossible…’
“My parents proposed this marriage as a last resort. If my wife manages the family well, they’ll let me go to the Tower. Later, if we have children, they could inherit the headship.”
“You want me to manage the Kegrainner family instead of you… and have your child?”
Frowning, Violette made her concern clear. Narsia rubbed his face in exasperation.
“Sigh… I thought it would be complicated, but things are going surprisingly smoothly.”
“Huh?”
Violette tilted her head, not hearing his whisper.
“No, anyway, I’m not handing the house to you immediately. And… um…”
“What is it?”
Narsia hesitated, and she urged him. After observing her briefly, he continued, muttering:
“My parents know your reputation… They welcomed me having someone I truly wanted to marry, but they were hesitant to entrust the family to you. So I had quite a time persuading them.”
Violette paused, feeling a bit wounded but unable to argue.
In fact, she felt more respect for the Kegrainners. Even knowing her reputation, they still allowed the marriage. Their kindness matched what she had heard of their gentle temperament.
