MLHBMH 31

Chapter 31

Don’t Fall in Love

“Here you go.”

Harald smiled when he saw the name “[Dillon Oppenheimer]” written at the bottom of the envelope on the letter Dillon handed him. The only person who knew this name was Lily, so it was clear that she had sent the letter.

I wonder what she wrote. Harald immediately opened the letter and read:

“See you at 6 p.m. in front of the clock tower on Roped Street.”

Her neat handwriting reflected her straightforward personality. It also hinted that she was unsure what to write in response. Imagining Lily biting her pen in thought, Harald’s lips curved into a cheerful smile.

Meanwhile, Dillon’s eyes narrowed as he watched the scene. Crossing his arms, he complained:

“So it really was the letter from Lady Benjamin to the commander. Why did it have to come to me?”

“You already know the reason, so why ask?”

Harald replied slyly, shaking the letter.

“You’re lucky you’re staying at an inn instead of the duke’s mansion. Otherwise, the address wouldn’t have fit on the envelope.”

“…I’m not staying at the inn for your sake, Commander.”

“I know. You just want to avoid your parents bothering you.”

“Then do you realize you’re the reason they bother me?”

“What, me?”

Harald responded innocently, shrugging as if he knew nothing. Dillon groaned, mentally slapping himself for not hitting him—if Harald weren’t the captain of the Cardin Guard and the second son of the Maximilian Ducal family, he would have.

“Please stop impersonating me, Commander.”

Dillon pleaded desperately, but Harald shrugged as if he had no intention of stopping.

“I had no choice. If she knew my identity, it would make the investigation difficult.”

“But using someone else’s name without permission and even adding your own surname? Oppenheimer! If the Oppenheimer family found out that you attached their name to a worthless commoner like me, they’d be furious.”

Harald lowered the letter onto his knee and looked at Dillon curiously.

“Why would you call yourself worthless?”

Dillon thought about saying, ‘Compared to nobles like the Commander, I am insignificant,’ but swallowed the words. Harald didn’t care about social status, unlike most nobles. He judged purely on ability—a rare quality among aristocrats.

“The point is, I’m a commoner. The Oppenheimers would definitely be angry if they found out.”

“Oh, that’s fine. Just say I wrote it. Besides, in a few days, you’ll become a noble too.”

“What nonsense are you talking about? How could I become a noble? Are you planning to introduce me to a noble lady?”

The fastest and most certain way for a commoner to become a noble was to marry into a noble family. Dillon asked hesitantly, and Harald blinked slowly, looking at him.

“Didn’t I tell you?”

“Huh? About what?”

“You never did.”

Placing Lily’s letter on the sofa table, Harald stood and grabbed Dillon’s shoulder.

“Listen carefully, Dillon.”

Harald, unusually serious, made Dillon tense and swallow nervously. Seeing Dillon’s eyes filled with tension, Harald continued slowly:

“At the title conferment ceremony in three days, you will receive the rank of Baron.”

“…What?”

Dillon couldn’t believe what he just heard. Harald patiently repeated:

“Dillon, you’re becoming a Baron.”

“I—this isn’t a joke, Commander,” Dillon said, laughing awkwardly, convinced Harald was playing a cruel trick.

“It’s not a joke.”

Still doubtful, Dillon looked at Harald, who shrugged and added:

“Do you need the Maximilian Ducal family to vouch for me for you to believe it?”

It was like pledging his whole house as proof. Only then did Dillon’s disbelief turn into shock and awe.

“I’m becoming a Baron? Impossible… this can’t happen…”

“It is impossible only in your imagination. What you’re receiving is exactly what you deserve.”

Harald’s eyes softened as he looked at his bewildered subordinate.

“I didn’t defeat the Salamans alone. You and the others helped make it possible.”

Harald stroked his chin and continued:

“I wish I could grant everyone a title, but since that’s impossible, you’ll receive it on behalf of the group. Don’t worry; everyone else will be properly rewarded for risking their lives for the empire.”

“….”

“The rewards from His Majesty should have arrived in Cardin by now. I wish I could see everyone’s happy faces, though it’s a shame I can’t.”

Harald had a way of inspiring people with his words. Dillon swallowed his swelling emotions and lowered his head. So many things he wanted to say, but he couldn’t speak, afraid his suppressed feelings would flood out.

Finally, Dillon lifted his head slightly to express thanks and noticed a small scar under Harald’s jaw. He frowned. That scar came from rescuing comrades captured by the Salaman tribe—people who were ordinary commoners, strangers to him—but Harald risked his life to save them.

Recalling this, Dillon’s eyes reddened. Tears threatened to spill, and he lowered his head again, letting a stray tear fall.

“…You should have told me sooner.”

Trying not to show he was crying, Dillon spoke brusquely.

“I’ll need expensive and proper clothes to stand before His Majesty. How could you tell me so late? You may have many, but I have none. I don’t know what to wear to the after-party either.”

“Don’t worry. Your clothes are ready. You just need to show up.”

Dillon lifted his head in surprise. Harald smiled faintly.

“Was my speech so moving it made you cry?”

“Ah!”

Realizing he had cried, Dillon quickly turned away, but it was too late. He heard soft laughter behind him, his ears turning red. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm his flushed body and heart. Harald added:

“I may be impressive, but don’t fall in love. It’s troublesome if a man does.”

Dillon calmed immediately, frowning as if he had never cried.

“Don’t worry. That will never happen.”

“Good. Now go on.”

As Dillon bowed and left, he remembered he hadn’t properly expressed his gratitude. He turned back:

“…Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a noble, Commander.”

Harald smiled faintly and waved, signaling that he understood.

“Thank you sincerely. And congratulations on receiving your title.”

Dillon wanted to make sure his gratitude was clear and said it again before leaving.

Walking through the quiet corridor, the excitement of becoming a noble faded, and old anxieties crept back.

Harald Maximilian likes Lily Benjamin.

“Haah.”

The absurd and impossible thought raced through Dillon’s mind. He wasn’t sure if Harald truly liked Lily, but there was clear interest—he wouldn’t have smiled at a letter from someone he didn’t care about.

Whether that interest stemmed from curiosity about why the Second Prince was investigating the Benjamin family or genuine affection for Lily was crucial.

If it’s the latter, that would be a huge problem.

Dillon would support Harald if he loved a commoner, but not Lily Benjamin. She was married. Despite a strained marriage, the fact remained: she was not available.

Harald knew this, and he wasn’t the kind to recklessly pursue emotions.

So it couldn’t be the latter. Dillon shook his head hard, dismissing the ridiculous thought from his mind.