Chapter 57
Blind Date (2)
“A blind date…?”
A blind date? So suddenly? Surprised by the words, Letina widened her eyes and asked the Grand Duchess again.
“Your father finally succeeded in persuading the Emperor. The Emperor was wondering which noble daughter to present. He would’ve informed you as soon as the schedule was set, but instead, he hurriedly sent word. Tsk.”
“My father? Who is he that the Emperor himself would be considering this? Why am I suddenly being set up on a blind date?”
Letina asked as if she could not believe it. In the social circles dominated by arranged marriages, blind dates weren’t uncommon. Families who couldn’t find a suitor suited to their daughter’s temperament would often push their daughters into marriage, sometimes even arranging engagements before the child was born.
Still, she had never imagined that she herself would be in this situation. Even after debuting in society and meeting suitors at her father’s urging, she had never considered the possibility that her father might arrange a blind date for her.
“Surely you didn’t hear? The northern delegation was invited from Ludenheim to reestablish relations with the north. The Emperor wanted to strengthen ties, and your father proposed a marriage alliance.”
The Grand Duchess, noticing Letina didn’t know, asked in surprise. Letina pressed her hands against the swaying carriage and squeezed her eyes shut. Her father had decided not to tell her, knowing she would refuse.
“So the northern delegation…”
“Yes. It seems they are finally aiming for a political marriage with Prince Norden Raglas. Normally, a princess would be considered first, but the only royal of a similar age to Prince Raglas is the Crown Prince. So among the high nobles, you are the only viable candidate. Didn’t your father also tell you to establish a connection with Prince Norden in advance?”
This was news to her. Prince Norden’s political marriage was being discussed—and the prospective bride was her? Letina could only blink at the Grand Duchess in shock. Her thoughts froze, unable to form coherent words.
But… I already have someone I like…
“Ah.”
Yes, she did. Letina’s dumbfounded voice escaped as she thought of the Crown Prince. She could not confess her feelings to the elder before her; only the two of them knew the fragile nature of their relationship. One person denying it could destroy everything.
Letina hesitated to speak. She had no valid reason to refuse the arrangement. If the Crown Prince knew and intervened—or agreed with her—it could be resolved. But he, too, was seeking a bride.
“So, you’re saying I’m supposed to meet the prince with marriage in mind?”
“Finally, you seem to understand. There will be many things to discuss, but if there are no disqualifying reasons on either side, it could lead to marriage. Your father is pushing this actively, after all.”
Even though arranged marriages had declined and love marriages increased over time, alliances for familial benefit were still common. Sometimes, families chose partners based on wealth or status. Purely marrying for love was rare.
Letina, who had always assumed she would marry for love without evidence, was shocked by the news of her blind date.
“I’m not ready yet…”
“Today is just a simple introduction. Don’t feel too pressured. Three other young ladies will also meet the prince.”
Since this wasn’t her first time meeting Norden, it wouldn’t be awkward. The Grand Duchess glanced out the window. The landscape outside, part of the imperial estate on the outskirts of the capital, looked like a quiet forest.
“Wouldn’t it be good for you to accompany the prince to the north?”
Looking away from the window, the Grand Duchess spoke. Letina understood immediately. Her silver hair was a symbol of the Raglas royal family in the north. If she went, she could live openly, without hiding herself. The opportunity to live the free life she had once dreamed of had arrived.
Yet, Letina hesitated to respond. Even if she could achieve the freedom she had longed for, she did not feel joy. Her mind immediately returned to the Crown Prince upon hearing of the blind date. The thought of her being paired with Norden while unable to tell the Crown Prince gnawed at her. She wanted to hide this from him.
Perhaps he felt the same. When she heard news of the Crown Prince’s engagement, she wasn’t surprised, knowing he would take a bride. But she never imagined she would be going on a blind date herself until that morning.
If he married the woman chosen as Crown Princess and she married Norden, they would naturally part ways. Like other young social couples, they would leave behind youthful emotions and follow their separate paths.
Even if the separation from someone you love was agonizing, powerless as she was, she had to accept reality. She had already prepared herself when she read the notice of the Crown Prince’s impending engagement.
“How many people know that I am being considered for marriage to Prince Norden?”
Letina, setting aside her worries, asked the Grand Duchess. It wasn’t ideal to hide the truth forever, but for now, it was best the Crown Prince didn’t know. She didn’t want to burden an already busy man with unnecessary worries.
“They know that the Emperor is pursuing a marriage alliance for quick relations with the north. But since the Crown Princess selection is ongoing and relations are still delicate, only the Emperor and a few nobles know the identity of the northern bride. Even the prince keeps it discreet, unlike the candidates for Crown Princess.”
Letina felt relieved that her news hadn’t leaked. After all, she herself had only just learned of it. Since the marriage wasn’t immediate, she decided to keep it secret until things became more definite. By then, the Crown Prince would learn of her situation anyway.
The carriage arrived at its destination—a mansion built on a flat area surrounded by trees.
“This is…?”
“This is where Prince Norden recently moved. He found the imperial palace uncomfortable and requested a quiet, secluded residence. It’s been quite a while since he left the north, so he’s probably tired of the journey.”
The Grand Duchess, opening her parasol, went ahead. Letina followed, looking around as she walked in her footsteps.
“You’ve traveled far. The prince is waiting inside.”
At the entrance, the prince’s steward bowed. Maintaining a steady posture, he guided them into a spacious reception hall.
“You, my lady, may follow me, and Your Grace may wait here. Light refreshments have been prepared, so please let us know if needed. I hope you enjoy your time.”
Only one tea set was arranged, seemingly for the Grand Duchess alone. The steward, leaving the Grand Duchess in the hall, led Letina to the garden.
The mansion seemed small from the outside, but the garden extended to the forest edge. It looked less like a mansion with a garden and more like a garden with a mansion.
Walking through neatly trimmed boxwoods, Letina approached the center of the garden, where Norden was waiting. Sitting with his back turned, he tapped the table, awaiting the woman he was to meet.
“My lady, the guest has arrived.”
Turning his head at the steward’s call, Norden stood to greet her. He followed Lüdenheim etiquette and bowed, but when he saw Letina, his eyes widened in surprise.
“You are…?”
“Prince Norden Raglas, I am Letina Cecelica of the House of Dunneub.”
Letina curtsied lightly, holding her dress. Norden, apparently unaware of who he would meet, looked visibly flustered. Having already practiced her etiquette in the carriage, Letina confidently approached him.
“May I sit across from you?”
“Yes, of course.”
Norden, stiff until then, moved with creaking joints to make room for her. He pulled out her chair, adjusted it as she sat, then returned to his seat, looking bewildered.
It seemed a proper conversation with Norden would be necessary.
