CHAPTER 137……………………………………..
The Emperor’s Matchmaking
At Anje’s reaction, which seemed as if not a single drop of blood would come even if pricked, Algernon cleared his throat and averted his gaze.
“No wonder she’s not the marquis’s granddaughter…”
Algernon secretly clicked his tongue at Anje’s attitude, which, in trying not to suffer even the slightest loss, seemed to go a step further than the marquis himself.
Exhaustion finally hit Algernon, and he decided to change the subject of conversation.
“Are you getting along with the duke?”
But once again, it seemed to be a futile attempt. As the atmosphere grew sharply cold, Algernon was caught off guard, while Mariana watched Anje carefully and spoke.
“Brother doesn’t come home often because he’s busy.”
Not true…?
At Mariana’s words, Anje shook her head inwardly.
Until last week, the duke had visited at least four or five times a week. The duke, arriving in the early hours before dawn, carried the scent of dry autumn leaves.
Several times, Anje, startled awake by his presence, almost opened her eyes to the large, cool hand of the duke resting on her forehead. Each time, she had managed the embarrassing moment by pretending to stir in her sleep.
And after he left, Anje would remind herself that the cold hand on her forehead wasn’t a dream, using the remaining bouquet of flowers as proof.
“I heard a rumor that the two of you will soon… ugh!”
Algernon, about to mention the rumor that the duke and Anje would soon set a wedding date, groaned as Mariana unexpectedly kicked him.
“Aren’t you busy? You should return to the palace.”
Had her affection for him already cooled? Algernon, slightly annoyed at Mariana’s almost formal attitude, adjusted his posture as if nothing had happened, making sure this time his legs were turned away so Mariana couldn’t kick him again.
“Why, did you quarrel with the duke?”
Mariana glared at Algernon while watching Anje. It was puzzling why the grand duke was being unusually tactless today.
“Quarrel? How dare I, with His Grace the Duke? That’s out of the question.”
Anje’s gaze returned to the head of the bed. The spot where the bouquet had been looked unusually empty. Why was she feeling upset over a few days’ worth of lost kindness, even though she hadn’t left the flowers for him herself?
“No, you’re no longer just a marquis, are you? By rank, you’re not inferior to the duke. So what could you have possibly quarreled about? As they say, a married couple’s fight is like… eek!”
The grand duke quickly dodged the flying kick from Mariana and pushed his chair back to create distance.
“I think the visit has been sufficient. Anje is still not fully recovered, so you should return. I worry that our presence might slow her recovery.”
Mariana hurriedly tried to stop Algernon from speaking, but, once again, failed. The grand duke ignored his fiancée’s words and observed Anje’s expression.
Whether it was Anje or the side duke, both had been of great help to him, but if they had quarreled, that was also entertaining. Other people’s quarrels always made for a good show.
“I don’t know.”
But Anje’s straightforward answer left him no choice but to be surprised.
“You don’t know?”
“I have no idea what I did wrong, that’s why.”
“Wrong? Not at all! It’s just that your brother has been so busy. Mother said she hasn’t seen him in quite a while. He’s just been very busy lately.”
Mariana paused and gave Algernon a sharp look.
“Your Grace, I don’t think this is the time to be dawdling.”
Despite Mariana’s gritted-teeth urging, Algernon was lost in thought.
Until recently, the side duke had been quite the doting fool, openly showing his feelings for Anje everywhere. Something must have happened in the meantime. The problem was that no one knew exactly what.
“Hmm…”
The grand duke’s gaze turned to Anje. Though she looked better than before, her pale complexion and frail body were what first caught his eye. Her overly meticulous behavior was irritating, yet he admired how she carefully managed her responsibilities even in her weakened state.
Yet, aside from that, Anje was still a woman. He could not have failed to notice that the places her gaze lingered held some story.
As for the side duke… Algernon had not forgotten how he had opposed Mariana. And ever since, he had picked quarrels with him whenever he appeared.
After finishing his calculations, the grand duke smiled gently and spoke.
“By the way, I wondered why the kingdom was so quiet while the empire was in turmoil, but it seems they’ve been quite noisy over there too.”
“I heard the king has changed.”
Relieved that the topic had shifted, Mariana quickly responded.
“Rumor had it that the previous king had been bedridden since last year due to old age. I thought it was just a rumor, but recently I heard of his passing. Ironically, the second prince, whom the late king had despised, ascended the throne.”
He didn’t get along with his son?
Though she had become part of the duke’s household, Mariana, who had always seen a harmonious family life, couldn’t understand that.
“Was there a reason the former king didn’t get along with him?”
Algernon shook his head with a crooked smile.
“It’s a bit embarrassing, not something with a clear reason. The first wife was a love match, the second wife a marriage of convenience. Still, he should have shown equal love to his children as a father.”
“What happened to the first prince?”
There was no need to say. The fate of a royal who lost a power struggle was obvious. Algernon had been lucky to survive and eventually become emperor, but most vanished without a trace.
Shrugging to avoid specific mention of the first prince, Algernon continued explaining about the king.
“He was ambitious. The former king’s dislike likely stemmed from the first prince’s sharp mind and governance skill, surpassing even the king. Perhaps he was jealous of his son?”
“Jealous of his son? Surely not.”
Mariana looked incredulous, and Algernon nodded.
“That’s how power works. Speaking of which…”
Leaning forward, the grand duke met Anje’s gaze.
“He plans to attend my coronation. He says it’s to celebrate, but I think he’s eyeing trade negotiations. Also, he’s probably looking for a bride while he’s at it.”
“The king is unmarried?”
“Apparently, he hasn’t found a match yet. That’s why the empire is looking for a bride. What do you think?”
Algernon tilted his head with a playful smile. Despite his age, his youthful, mischievous expression made him seem approachable, almost as if showing interest.
But Anje, knowing his habitual manner, remained indifferent.
“What do you mean?”
“Shall I introduce him?”
“Your Grace!”
Mariana squealed softly, but Algernon continued as if unaware.
“He’s handsome and, unlike the duke, attentive and kind to women. Though his palace is smaller than the empire’s, it’s no comparison to a duchy.”
“Then why is he still unmarried? From what you’ve said, he could already have a queen and consorts.”
“One must have high standards. Even as a prince, the kingdom’s top beauties lined up to win his heart, but as far as I know, there wasn’t even a single scandal.”
Algernon was only praising the king, but Anje’s expression grew even more indifferent.
“Your Grace, I know my place very well. From what I hear, he’s incredibly guarded. I doubt I could ever make him fall for me. If I foolishly acted, we’d both likely be reprimanded by him.”
“Guarded… no one’s easy. That’s not a concern.”
Algernon’s gaze flicked toward Anje, as if imagining a spectacle of two strong-willed people clashing. It would be even more entertaining if the side duke were involved.
“Having the coronation and wedding together was a brilliant decision. It’ll save some tedious work but promise plenty of entertainment.”
“Your Grace, please stop.”
Mariana muttered through gritted teeth.
Was marrying Algernon the right thing to do? Should she have listened when her brother, the side duke, advised against it? Mariana couldn’t help but reconsider.
