Chapter 4: Marriages of Convenience

“I have no intention of marrying. But it’s not that I dislike marriage in general. What disgusts me is the attitude of those courting me.”

“Your attitude, sir?”

“Yeah. They’re all over the place, trying to get to me. No one is looking at me. They’re looking at my name, my position, my power…my future. That is not to say there is anything wrong with it… But I’m not interested in marrying someone like that.”

That speaks to me a little.

He appears to have avoided marriage altogether, instead being approached by someone who only sees him as a prince.

He doesn’t dislike it; he just can’t find the right woman for it.

“But my father and everyone around me are urging me to find someone as soon as possible. So I figured I’d just leave the country and find someone else. That’s how I came across you.”

“… Eh?”

I’ve been surprised before, but this was the biggest one yet.

“Phyllis, I’m going to marry you.”

“…”

“Did you not hear me? I said, “Be my wife.”

I did hear you.

Clearly.

I’m just too surprised to say anything.

“W-What exactly do you mean? I’m with His Highness?”

“Yes—I believe you are the best woman for the job.”

“N-No way, I’m not the right woman for this job! Why me?”

“Because the conditions are favorable and our interests appear to be aligned.”

“I-Interests?”

I’m not sure what he’s saying, so His Highness continues to explain.

“You mentioned earlier that you wanted to quit your job.”

“Uh… yes…”

“But there’s a reason you can’t quit so easily. I understand you’re in debt.”

” Y-Yes…”

“I’ll handle the debt for you.”

This is yet another unexpected statement.

I’m afraid I’ve lost sight of what’s unexpected.

“There will be no one to bind you then. Come to my country and become my wife. Things will be very different from how they are now. All I need is for you to play the role of my wife. Isn’t that a good deal?”

“N-no, but I’m just a grantmaker.”

“Not just. You were born into a prominent family and are the first grantmaker in history to be appointed to the court, correct? That’s a good position to be in. It also has political value in terms of cultivating friendships with other countries.”

“I-Is that so?”

Is it acceptable?

I feel like I’m being acknowledged, but I can’t honestly say I agree.

because I have no idea what I’m worth.

“I’m not going to make you do it if you don’t want to. This is referred to as a contract marriage. Either we collaborate for mutual benefit, or we don’t. Choose.”

This is the ultimate choice.

Continue to work at the court.

Alternatively, you could marry a foreign prince.

Your life will never be the same again.

“I――.”

What would bring me joy?

That’s obvious.

***

“――Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“…”

My final words were directed at the secretary, who is always so bossy.

I’m going to a neighboring country.

I’m going to marry His Highness and join the royal family.

She had a look on her face that indicated she didn’t like it.

“I completed all of the tasks you assigned to me. Please delegate my work to someone else from now on. Goodbye…”

“W-Wait. Phyllis Reelkan: How did you…”

“I’m under no obligation to respond. And the marriage has already been consummated. I am already Phyllis Istonia. Make no mistake about it.”

“Wait a minute…”

I could see her frustration on her face.

Maybe I have a bad personality.

because seeing that face gave me a little thrill.

“Farewell, my home.”

As a result, I left for a neighboring country.

with a hunch that I will never come back here again.

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