7. Let Me In, Sis
“I would like to proceed with marrying Lady Riley.”
The shocking statement made everyone question their own ears.
Claire was aghast, as if she couldn’t believe it; the baroness who had brought Claire looked pale as a sheet; Ryan stiffened like a statue. Even Riley, the person in question, lifted her bowed head in surprise.
As soon as she looked up, their eyes met. Calm, unreadable eyes met hers—eyes that held not a trace of affection, far from what one would expect in a proposal.
Which made it all the more incomprehensible. Why had he come all the way here to speak of marriage?
Could it really be because of last night… because we slept together?
At that moment, everyone’s minds were a whirlwind of speculation, and Ryan, uncharacteristically, stammered.
“W-why…?”
His question was filled with bewilderment. He truly could not understand.
A young master of the Mage Tower with a bright future! The same man who was known to be embroiled in scandals with countless daughters of the upper class, including imperial princesses… why, of all people, would he—
“Does marriage need a reason?”
Is a reason needed or not? Marriage isn’t child’s play.
“I just… want to.”
The simple, straightforward answer made Ryan grimace, though he tried to control his expression.
“I… I’m sorry, but Riley already has a fiancé…”
“I am well aware that you are proceeding with marriage to Count Ermeints.”
“Then why…?”
“From what I can see, it doesn’t seem like the marriage is what she truly wants. Besides, I hear there’s talk of a potential breakup.”
“Oh, no! That’s not…!”
“And what do you think, Riley?”
Givnen gave Riley the floor.
Riley set aside her curiosity about his intentions and fell into thought.
Givnen Lianster and Count Ermeints. If she had to marry one of them, this wasn’t even a matter requiring deep contemplation. In fact, just thinking about hesitating before this man would be rude.
If marriage was fate, a predetermined path… no matter how much she struggled, if she couldn’t escape the bounds of Ryan Eadalin…
“I don’t want to marry Count Ermeints. It’s a marriage arranged unilaterally by my uncle.”
“Riley!”
“He says so himself, but what do you think?”
“B-but it’s already decided… and even if I wanted to cancel it, what right would I have to defy Count Ermeints…?”
“Then I shall make an offer.”
“…?”
“If you give Lady Riley to me, I will offer double the marriage settlement that Count Ermeints proposed. Furthermore, I will provide residences in my lands for her entire family.”
Ryan’s eyes widened at the audacity of the proposal.
“So you’re saying you would accept our family as residents of the Lianster Duchy?”
“I can also promise support from Horizon for any future endeavors.”
Ryan quickly calculated in his mind.
Becoming a relative of the Lianster family meant attaining the honor he had long coveted. And having a residence in the duchy meant becoming recognized as a member of the duchy, which in turn granted access to the capital.
Double the marriage settlement from Count Ermeints, plus ongoing support?
“Do not worry about Count Ermeints’ revenge. Within the Lianster household, she will be safely protected.”
Ryan swallowed hard, intrigued, but then eyed him suspiciously.
“Why go so far to marry my daughter…? And we are not in a position to reciprocate equally.”
“What grand reason do you need to marry someone? You marry because you want to, that’s all.”
“Even so, your offer is far too generous…”
“So you dislike it?”
“Uh… it’s not that I dislike it… I think we should at least hear the opinion of the person involved.”
Riley could barely suppress a laugh at Ryan’s suggestion. Hear her opinion? Really? Hadn’t they silenced her every step of the way until now?
“Lady Riley.”
“…Yes, Lord Lianster.”
“Will you marry me?”
Riley slowly looked around.
She could feel all eyes on her—the expressions of those awaiting her answer. It was fascinating.
Claire and the baroness fidgeted anxiously, their faces contorted. Ryan looked awkward, trying to act nonchalant. Even the servants were staring, curiosity clear in their eyes.
Seeing the variety of emotions on the faces of people who had always looked down on her, Riley realized just how absurd this situation was.
She met Givnen’s gaze and nodded.
“Of course, I accept your proposal, Lord Lianster.”
“It is an honor, Lady.”
Givnen gently kissed the back of her hand.
Claire’s fists trembled, the baroness wrapped her arms around her daughter to calm her, and the servants exchanged glances, trying to comprehend the absurd scene.
“Very well. Since Riley agrees… let’s discuss the details.”
“Agreed.”
“Everyone, out. Riley, you too.”
They hurriedly left the hotel room.
As Riley closed the door and stepped out, Claire blocked her way.
“Wait, let me talk to you.”
“No.”
“Are you crazy? There’s no point causing a scene here—just come with me.”
“I have no intention of causing a scene. That’s your plan. I have nothing to lose, and why should I follow you? It would do me no good.”
“…Were you always this good with words? The girl I knew wasn’t like this… sly little fox.”
“I’m tired. I’m going upstairs.”
“Wait!”
Ignoring her, Riley walked past, and Claire poured out her frustration.
“You’re incredible. Impudent girl. Where did you learn such vile tricks?”
“….”
“You’re the girl the Mage Tower master took away last night. I saw it all. Did you think I wouldn’t know? So… you slept with him? You? And what on earth did you do to make the master come here in person to propose marriage?”
“Causing a scene? You’re the only one making a scene here.”
“Hey!”
Claire followed Riley to her room, blocking her from entering.
Panting and glaring, Claire was transparent in her fury. Riley sighed and looked at her.
“Why did I struggle so much…?”
“What?”
Why were these pitiful people so desperate—Claire, her uncle, the baroness… why did they want so desperately to become a real family?
“Hah! Why are you looking at me like I’m pathetic?”
“I have nothing to say to you. Go back.”
“Go and tell him you won’t marry him!”
“Why should I?”
“Don’t you know your place? Do you deserve to be mistress of the Lianster house? Someone like you, with no refinement or grace? And you’re an adopted daughter! Do you think the Lianster elders would like you? Consider yourself lucky if you’re not thrown out.”
“If I get thrown out, I’ll deal with it then.”
“Hey!”
“Stop with your ridiculous demands. Don’t think I’ll obey you forever. Stop insisting as if it’s obvious. It’s annoying.”
Riley pushed Claire aside, went inside, and locked the door.
“Disgusting! That’s your true self! All that act of being obedient and proud in front of me was fake! Hypocrite!”
Claire’s shouts could be heard outside, but Riley ignored them. Eventually, Claire returned to her room.
Leaning against the door, Riley touched her forehead and sank to the floor, exhausted.
“What on earth is going on…?”
She had gone along with the situation, but wasn’t sure if it was right, if she’d done well, or what exactly was happening.
“But… maybe this is for the best? I don’t know what the lord wants or demands, but still… better than marrying Count Ermeints.”
There was no argument there. It was a far better choice.
Riley relaxed, closed her eyes, and thought:
I hope this isn’t a dream when I open them.
Discussions about the marriage proceeded smoothly.
Sac, standing beside Givnen, suppressed a constant stream of questions and doubts. To any outsider, this deal seemed to disadvantage Givnen.
Moreover, he hadn’t consulted the elders of his family. Was it really appropriate to make such a decision while his father was still alive?
And yet… the baronial side was dragging out a marriage that was essentially risk-free. How ridiculous.
Unlike the soon-to-be-deceased Count Ermeints… this one is far too young.
Ryan was troubled.
Givnen Lianster compared to Count Ermeints: purely in terms of conditions, Givnen was flawless, but that very flaw—his youth—was concerning.
Count Ermeints had little time left. His desire to marry Riley was simple and carnal, but Givnen? His intentions were unknowable.
With Ermeints, Riley would be just a disposable pawn. But with Givnen? If their hearts truly connected, Riley wouldn’t be disposable… she would be a partner for life.
In that case, she would hold enormous power. And a sword in her hands… where she would wield it was obvious.
Too dangerous a gamble.
“No matter how I think about it, Riley lacks the qualifications to become mistress of the Lianster house.”
“So, you intend to oppose my proposal, even though the person involved accepted it?”
“Not exactly… I hope you give it careful thought. Marriage isn’t something to do on a whim.”
“I have thought it through. That’s why I invited your family to the reception.”
Givnen’s firm stance made Ryan sweat in discomfort.
Givnen looked at him incredulously:
“The Lianster family is far more prestigious than the Ermeints. Why would sending your daughter to an old man nearing death be acceptable, but sending her to me is not?”
“That’s not what I mean!”
Givnen openly showed his displeasure.
“Or is it because she’s an adopted daughter?”
“….”
“Or perhaps you fear what she might do once she’s free from your control?”
Ryan paled. Givnen continued without a change in expression.
“You were never in a position to choose a spouse anyway.”
Givnen tossed a newspaper at Ryan—today’s edition, showing a stereoscopic photo of him and Riley entering the hotel.
“Seems the old man didn’t mention that the troublemaker who ran off with Riley at night is me.”
Ryan opened the paper in shock. The photo showed the two entering the hotel: the man was Givnen, and though only the woman’s back was visible, it was clearly Riley.
So that’s why he suddenly flew into a rage about canceling the engagement…
He assumed Count Ermeints had decided to break the engagement because Riley had been rude and escaped. Furious, he came, gave no explanation, and left after declaring the breakup.
He had no way of knowing the truth: that Riley ran off with a man from Horizon’s Mage Tower, and their scandal dominated the gossip columns.
So… he decided to marry her based on just one night together?
“Anyway, Lady Riley’s identity will be revealed soon.”
“….”
“I doubt Count Ermeints would accept her after spending a night with me.”
Ryan rubbed his throbbing forehead.
This is trouble.
“Give me one day. I will discuss this with my daughter… and our family.”
“Understood.”
Givnen smiled and stood.
“Then give me your answer tomorrow. I hope for a favorable result.”
“You go back first, Sac. I have someone to meet.”
Sac hesitated before cautiously asking:
“Are you sure about this?”
“About what?”
“…The marriage. Are you sure you won’t regret making a hasty decision without consulting the elders?”
“I think my father would welcome it wholeheartedly.”
“…Excuse me?”
“If anyone stands to lose in this deal, it’s not me.”
“Anyone could see this is a marriage where the master loses.”
“If it looks that way, all the better.”
“You’re going to Lady Riley?”
“Yes. She’s my intended, so I should talk to her before the marriage.”
He even hummed cheerfully, waving his hand as if to shoo Sac away.
This is the same man who once recoiled at the mere sight of a proposal… and now he hums happily. She seems like just an ordinary girl. Strange. Not sane. Just earn the money quickly and be done with it.
Sac sighed, turning away. Trying in vain to understand this irrational man with rational logic.
Knock. Knock.
A gentle knock woke Riley, who had dozed off while leaning against the door. Exhausted or tense, she had slipped into sleep.
Late at night, expecting her uncle, aunt, or Claire, she hesitated before opening the door.
Seeing the unexpected visitor, Riley froze, eyes wide.
“Hello.”
Startled by Givnen’s casual greeting, she didn’t move, so he gently held the door.
“Let’s talk for a moment.”
The atmosphere was completely different from before. Could it really be the same person? Slowly, he entered, smiled at her, and said:
“Let me in, sis.”
