Previously
Evgenia secures a promise of a massive dowry from Duke Basilian by feigning interest in a high-status marriage while secretly planning her financial independence. After offering a rare apology for her past behavior, she suddenly collapses from a fever, causing a panic among her father and brothers.
Three days later, at the estate of Duke Rodion.
A rare commotion broke out across Duke Rodion’s usually tranquil estate, where raised voices were virtually unheard of thanks to the Duke's mild temperament.
The man reading the words written on high-quality parchment—an unfamiliar luxury for the Rodion estate—set it aside and tilted his head slightly.
Even amid the uproar, the man maintained his impeccably noble and graceful demeanor.
Delano, the Duke's usually calm assistant, shouted in frustration.
In contrast to Delano’s agitated state, Euclid’s expression remained unchanged, with a faint smile gracing his lips.
The northern territory governed by Duke Rodion featured rugged terrain and harsh weather, making it treacherous for merchant caravans to journey there. As a result, food and basic necessities were sold at significantly higher prices than in other regions.
Most supplies had to be purchased through Count Beers, who ran the only trading firm in the North. About ten years ago, the Count had raised prices to an almost extortionate degree.
Naturally, the region's inhabitants began to protest, leaving Duke Rodion with no choice but to intervene personally.
In the end, the ducal house agreed to shoulder a portion of the procurement and distribution expenses, heightening its financial burden with each passing month.
The situation might have improved had the Rodion estate established its own merchant company, but the land lacked any notable specialty goods to sell. Furthermore, they had to adhere to the ancestral edicts of the founding lord.
Beers's distribution fees were a substantial expense, but the real crisis lay in the debt that had accumulated over many long years.
Despite various endeavors to revitalize the North—such as investments in mines and land development—every venture had failed, leaving the household submerged under debt.
The families who had invested or lent money were mostly local or northern houses with close ties, so they charged only nominal interest rates, but the future nonetheless looked bleak.
As the Duke’s assistant, Delano understood the state of affairs better than anyone.
There were even rumors that she frequented the black market, attending auctions where contraband and the slave trade ran rampant!
Euclid asked in a mild tone, watching Delano shudder with a sense of betrayal.
Delano could not hide his frustration, visibly incensed.
Only a few days prior, he had finally met Duke Basilian, an astute politician and ruthless businessman renowned for having an icy heart.
Despite his cold exterior and intimidating reputation, Duke Basilian had proven to be an astonishingly straightforward man.
He had even expressed a surprising wish to establish a branch of the Basilian merchant firm within Rodion territory and pursue lucrative ventures together.
Euclid finally broke into a soft chuckle as he watched his assistant’s aghast expression.
Yet even Euclid could not entirely dismiss Delano’s assumptions.
After all, it was undeniably strange that the Basilian firm, which had extended its reach beyond the empire across the entire continent, did not possess a single outpost within the Rodion lands.
Rumors had long circulated that the founding dukes of Basilian and Rodion were mortal enemies, even though both had been celebrated as national heroes.
Taking off his spectacles, Euclid let the faint smile slip from his face and spoke quietly.
Delano wanted to argue over how they could possibly be thankful when the man was simply trying to pawn off an unruly daughter, but his conscience kept him silent.
Ultimately, if the marriage took place, the Basilian family had promised not only to open a trade branch, but also to deliver a staggering sum of wealth as part of the dowry.
No longer having to rely solely on Count Beers for provisions was a welcome prospect, but the agreed-upon dowry… was simply too vast to turn away.
Perhaps that was why the Duke was willing to break the unspoken tradition of taking northern wives and entertain this match instead.
In truth, Delano would have gladly welcomed the proposal and bowed in gratitude were the other party not Lady Basilian.
Looking bewildered, Delano blinked while Euclid offered an amused smile.
Naturally, being on poor terms with the imperial family was a terrifying prospect.
She would probably remain that way even after marriage.
Euclid’s bitter mutter under his breath went unnoticed.
Adjusting his expression, Euclid turned his attention back to the butler.
Still uneasy about the marriage offer, Delano raised his voice in dismay, only to find himself struck dumb before Euclid, who had placed his spectacles back on and resumed reviewing the papers.
Whenever his lord assumed that look, stripped completely of any amusement, he projected a presence far more commanding than royalty itself. It radiated an aura that smothered any thought of defiance or speaking against his will.
( ‘For a man like him to marry someone like that…!’ )
Concealing his troubled thoughts, Delano could only pray that Lady Basilian was a good person beneath the rumors. Even if she was not, he prayed she would bring no harm to his master.
The butler, sensing the mood, quickly offered his own well-wishes.
Having lost his parents at such a young age, this would be his first new family member in many years, making the occasion all the more precious.
Euclid understood the sentiment behind the butler's words; unable to voice agreement, he merely offered a faint smile in return.
A faint crack momentarily creased Euclid’s brow.
Before anyone could notice, he forced his lips into a smile once more.
Neither Delano nor the butler sensed anything amiss as they bowed and exited the room.
The moment the study door shut, Euclid hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief and pressed it against his mouth.
His face drained of color as he gazed down at the blood staining the fabric.
Recalling his assistant’s words, Euclid let out a bitter smile.
“I truly hope that remains the case. I am sorry to my niece and nephew, but this marriage will not last long.”
In that whisper, spoken so quietly that no one else could hear, lay a faint trace of genuine sincerity.