Chapter 07
Episode 7
Michael found himself face-to-face with Marquis in a greenhouse garden bursting with vibrant blossoms.
“Why here, of all places? Why not in the banquet hall or reception room?”
It wasn’t the usual setting for a meal. Still, Michael, ever composed, decided to wait without showing his thoughts. He wouldn’t act rashly until the king himself revealed his intentions.
As expected, Marquis initiated the conversation during the tea served before the meal.
“Now that I think about it, isn’t it time for you to marry, Count? I understand your caution, of course. Marriage is a life-changing decision, after all.”
“I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s concern. As you said, marriage is a serious matter, and I intend to approach it carefully.”
Michael politely raised a cup of tea, its strong ginger aroma wafting up. He had never truly imagined a future with a spouse or family, but he had no intention of revealing that. Many had already questioned his delayed marriage with curious gazes, but it was unusual for the king himself to bring it up.
Marquis, observing Michael sip his tea, got straight to the point. There was no need to waste time—it was clear he had an agenda.
“What about Adeline of Lechern? As your bride, I mean.”
“…?”
“Although Lechern has fallen, her royal lineage remains a valid asset. And she is quite the renowned beauty, isn’t she?”
Marquis seemed eager to resolve Adeline’s future, someone he once considered a match for his incapable son.
“Besides, wouldn’t a union between war-torn Meitner and Bernadotte symbolize harmony? It could benefit both sides.”
Michael silently studied the king, who casually pushed Adeline toward him. The war between Kassel and Lechern had been a conflict rooted in politics and ideology. For the king to describe it as “war-stained” while having led the bloodshed himself was audacious.
Still, Michael managed a measured response, careful not to offend.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but this is a sudden matter, and I find it difficult to offer a clear answer at this moment.”
In truth, Michael had no desire to become entangled with a fallen princess like Adeline. However, Marquis wasn’t the type to retreat so easily. None of the nobles close to the royal family had accepted Adeline as a match. After all considerations, Michael seemed the most suitable candidate—an aristocrat of proper age and status.
“At the very least, she needs a respectable husband to save face.”
Marquis wore a benevolent smile as if he were doing Michael a favor. Just then, a voice from the doorway announced,
“Your Majesty, Lady Adeline has arrived.”
Adeline?
Michael’s expression stiffened slightly. He hadn’t expected Marquis to call her to this meeting. The king planned to pressure him by placing Adeline right beside him.
As Adeline entered and greeted them with grace, Marquis nodded approvingly.
“You look even better together than I thought. Lady Adeline, I called you here today to introduce you to Count Meitner. Surely you’ve heard of him? He is Count Meitner of Kassel.”
Adeline’s eyes widened at the introduction. She had guessed Marquis had a reason for summoning her, but to think it was to arrange a meeting with Count Meitner. Despite her shock, she quickly understood the underlying motives. Her face turned pale.
Marquis continued, undeterred by Adeline’s reaction.
“Lady Adeline, Count Meitner is a noble of Kassel, known for his immense wealth. A lifetime of comfort would be guaranteed. And for the Count, it’s hardly a losing proposition. I could ensure exclusive mining rights to Lechern’s diamond mines as part of this union.”
Marquis was shrewd. He knew Michael wasn’t easily swayed by simple offers. Still, this was a practical, mutually beneficial deal. Adeline’s feelings were irrelevant to his approach.
“I’ve said my piece,” Marquis concluded, rising from his seat. “Why don’t the two of you dine together and tour the greenhouse afterward? The queen takes great pride in it. Let’s discuss this further at a later time.”
With a polite suggestion, Marquis left the greenhouse. It was all part of the plan. Michael silently watched the king leave before turning his attention to Adeline.
The table, now laden with food, reflected the crimson sky outside. A servant filled their wine glasses before bowing out, leaving Michael and Adeline alone in the vast greenhouse.
Michael gazed at the fiery red horizon.
A union between the unfortunate Meitner and the ill-fated Bernadotte… Quite the pairing, isn’t it?
The offer was tempting—a marriage guaranteeing exclusive diamond mining rights. But Michael wasn’t desperate for those rights. He had other ways to secure them. Marriage, however, meant being tied to someone for life—a prospect he didn’t want.
The answer was clear: refusal. But rejecting the king’s proposal came with consequences. What price would he have to pay to decline?
While Michael weighed his options, Adeline gathered her resolve. She knew Marquis had left her no choice, and her situation was dire. If this proposal fell through, what then?
Gripping the fabric of her dress beneath the table, she finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly.
“I hope you’ll accept this proposal, Count Meitner.”
Michael remained silent, watching her. He knew Lechernians spoke of him with disdain, and Adeline was likely no exception. Yet, he wanted to hear what she had to say.
Adeline met his gaze, her words steady despite her inner turmoil.
“If it’s a marriage with an end in sight… it wouldn’t be a bad deal for either of us.”
“A marriage with an end in sight?”
For the first time, Michael’s indifferent eyes showed a flicker of interest.
