Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 153: The Discussion at Duke Crocus’ Family
“…So, that’s the situation. Celestine, what do you want to do?”
“…………”
At Duke Crocus’ residence.
Celestine closed her eyes gently and pondered the weighty words her father had just conveyed.
“I see… So, you’re proposing that I… marry Rest?”
Her father had broached the subject of a marriage proposal to her classmate and friend, Rest Clover.
Rest had achieved great deeds in the recent civil war, so much so that his accomplishments were not adequately compensated by his title and lands alone.
The royal family, wanting to keep Rest close, had devised a plan to engage him to Celestine, who is of royal blood.
Until just recently, Celestine had been engaged to Prince Rodel Iwood due to a magic contract between the Queen Dowager and her grandfather. However, their engagement was dissolved when Rodel was given the poisoned cup for inciting rebellion. And now, this new engagement proposal had come up.
“…I understand. I will accept.”
Celestine responded without much hesitation.
“Are you sure? The royal family said they wouldn’t force you into it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. If that were the case, they shouldn’t have brought it up in the first place.”
“That is…”
“As the daughter of Duke Crocus’ family, I have a duty to marry for the sake of the country and the family. There was never a choice to refuse from the start.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Duke Crocus bowed his head at Celestine’s words, which carried a tone of resignation.
If Celestine had not been born as his daughter, or if she had not been born into the duke’s family, she might have had a freer life.
She was engaged to a worthless prince, was made to clean up the mess, and just when that seemed over, she was now to enter into another political marriage.
It seemed as though she was merely a convenient tool for the royal family.
“What are you lamenting for? It’s not as if it’s been decided that I will be unhappy.”
Celestine smiled wryly.
Unlike the Duke, Celestine did not view the situation negatively.
Rest Clover, her betrothed, was currently considered one of the most promising men in the kingdom.
She had heard that many young ladies were trying to become his wife or lover.
If the royal family acted as intermediaries for the engagement, it was unlikely that Rest would refuse.
(If anything, it’s a stroke of good luck… After all, there are no other suitable gentlemen left who match our family’s rank.)
Men of similar or higher rank and near Celestine’s age already had fiancées.
The only exception might be the second prince, Andrew Iwood… but Celestine knew.
Andrew had no fiancée, but he was in love with someone he couldn’t be officially recognized with by the royal family. He probably didn’t desire an engagement with Celestine.
(And… if I were to become engaged to Prince Andrew, it could disrupt the power balance in this country.)
If the second prince, Andrew, and Celestine, the daughter of the leading noble family, were to marry, it might threaten the position of the Crown Prince, Richard Iwood.
Especially with political instability after the civil war… It was not acceptable to shake the position of the Crown Prince, who was already informally chosen as the next king.
“…Indeed, it seems like the best choice for me. Becoming Rest’s wife is the best option.”
“But… you will likely not become the official wife. You will probably become a concubine.”
This was the reason for the Duke’s pained expression.
If Celestine were to marry Rest, she would become a concubine because he was already engaged to the Rosemarie sisters.
Although Duke Crocus family’s rank was higher, if Celestine were to take the position of the official wife, it would create enmity with the Rosemary Marquis family.
Duke Crocus and the Rosemary Marquis family, both influential factions within the royalist camp, could not afford to be at odds.
“I don’t mind. The title of official wife or concubine is just a label. Fortunately, there are plenty of lands to inherit.”
Conflicts between the official wife and concubine often arise over the issue of who can inherit the family lands. However, Rest had an excessive amount of unclaimed territory, so there was more than enough land to pass on.
As long as there were no issues with the main and branch families, there was no concern for the children’s future.
(Rest… The royal family is likely uneasy about the Clover family gaining too much power. It would be better for both parties if the lands were distributed among the children.)
“I am also on good terms with both Viola and Primula, so I believe we can get along well even after marriage. So… please do not look so worried, Father.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Her father apologized frequently today.
He looked pale and continuously wore an apologetic expression.
Celestine smiled wryly at the unusual situation and pondered how to approach the matter with Rest and the others.