11. I’m Getting Married
“Want to stay over?”
What did he mean by that?
Was he simply suggesting she sleep here and leave tomorrow? Or did he mean he wanted to be intimate again?
“…What do you mean?”
“Depends on how you interpret it.”
“Are you saying you want to do it with me?”
“Not exactly, but if you want, it’s not impossible.”
Do it or don’t do it. Whatever happens, go with your own will, perhaps.
Riley stared at the audacious younger man. The one who had just dropped such a loaded comment seemed entirely unbothered himself.
What was going on behind that calm mask? Was he teasing her? Or did it really have no meaning at all? Or perhaps there was some hidden intent?
He’s skilled.
Riley realized he was someone who could manipulate people with ease. He seemed excellent at taking control of situations, leading with authority. Just a single question from him had stirred so many thoughts in her mind.
…I don’t want to go.
Honestly, she didn’t want to return to Rupla.
Their encounters had been few, but she didn’t dislike the man in front of her.
It wasn’t love, but there was a definite fondness. There was no reason to dislike him. Despite all the little incidents, he was the very person who had annulled that hellish marriage.
Moreover, he was intriguing.
She was curious about him. Now that they were going to be married, she wanted to know a little more about him.
“Ah, look who it is.”
At that moment of contemplation, someone joined their conversation.
Both Riley and Givnen turned their gaze to the speaker.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Ah.”
A faint trace of annoyance crossed Givnen’s face, but it was fleeting. He quickly recovered, turning into a master of social grace.
“Long time no see, Sir Peltro.”
The man greeting them was a middle-aged noble.
Sir Peltro stroked his beard, visibly pleased.
“Sorry I couldn’t attend the reception despite being invited. My return was delayed.”
“You’re back today?”
“Yes. Oh, and I have a meeting with a buyer here. Would you like to join? This is the buyer you asked me to introduce before.”
“No, I have an important appointment right now. Hopefully another time.”
“Ah, I see. What a shame. As you know, he’s connected to Sir Tenkas, known as the king of Forenko’s mines. With the recent mass production of magical tools, the demand for steel has skyrocketed. Ore prices have gone absurdly high, so many are trying to secure deals with Sir Tenkas. This is the opportunity…”
The middle-aged man glanced at Riley, standing beside Givnen. Perhaps he assumed she was there for personal reasons. Riley quickly interjected.
“Givnen, it seems like important business. You should go.”
“You’re more important.”
“I’ll have to return anyway. Staying here another day doesn’t feel right. I’d rather rest at home; it’s more comfortable than a strange place.”
“Very well, do as you wish. This is a rare chance.”
Givnen remained silent, lost in thought. After a moment, he took Riley’s hand.
“…Understood. Go ahead upstairs first. I’ll escort the lady. It’s dangerous at night these days.”
“Still romantic. Go ahead, I’ll be waiting.”
Once Sir Peltro departed, Givnen furrowed his brow.
“I wish I could stay a bit longer.”
“…You’ll get plenty of time once we’re married, even if you don’t want to see me.”
“Until then, it’s hard to meet.”
Riley suddenly realized the strangeness of their conversation.
This was more like a couple’s dialogue than anything else.
“This… is like a conversation between lovers.”
“There’s nothing strange about it for a couple-to-be.”
I suppose not.
“Do everything properly. Even if this is a marriage of convenience, I won’t treat it carelessly. You’ll have to adjust as well. After all, we will live as real husband and wife. Loving, caring, affectionate.”
He seemed the type to do everything thoroughly.
Was this perfectionism showing? Riley nodded knowingly.
“I’ll escort you.”
“…Alright.”
He held out his hand. Riley hesitated briefly, then took it.
It felt strange.
Meeting him, receiving his help, spending a night together by chance… and now a marriage promise.
All of this had happened in just three days. And here they were, casually talking, holding hands, walking together, as if it were normal.
Not real lovers, not even close. She had thought they belonged to entirely different worlds.
Even knowing that this display was for appearances, it felt odd. Outwardly, they would become husband and wife, but their relationship was closer to guardian and ward. Yet walking side by side, holding hands like a real couple, felt almost real.
She questioned the need for such formality, but at the same time, she didn’t dislike the attention.
Even if artificial, in this moment, she felt like someone truly special.
“Welcome. How many passengers?”
“One lady.”
“And the destination?”
Riley answered on behalf of Givnen.
“Soboster.”
“I’ll cover the fare with my magic.”
“Understood. Preparing now.”
It was finally time to part.
“I’m going.”
The teleport was ready. As Givnen waved, Riley raised her hand in return—and in the next instant, he disappeared into a bright haze.
A remote mountain village, shrouded in darkness.
They had returned.
To the place she had desperately tried to escape.
It all felt unreal, like a dream. Her first outing, so surreal and intoxicating, had come to an end.
After Riley left, Givnen successfully completed the meeting with Sir Peltro and the buyer he had been introduced to.
The deal with Tenkas, the mining king of Forenko, was also secured.
With the reception over and his objectives regarding Riley achieved, Givnen finally relaxed, loosening his tie and lying down.
It had been a hectic schedule.
Closing his eyes, Givnen recalled his master’s final words.
“No matter what happens, protect that child.”
“Why are you leaving this to me?”
“It’s not something I can handle. You’re better suited.”
“…Am I to spend my life taking care of others?”
“Guard them well.”
“And if I fail? That’s not my nature.”
“…Then kill them yourself. Do not let them fall into ‘their’ hands. Never.”
“Annoying old man.”
Dead or alive, he left behind only responsibilities and troubles.
Now Givnen was even getting married. Should he be grateful for an early start to family life, or despair at a life inevitably tied to Riley?
Annoying.
He wasn’t the type to nurture or care, especially not someone needing delicate attention like a woman or child. His life had become tedious, thrust into responsibilities after his master’s death.
But he could not ignore his master’s last words. He had no choice but to comply.
“Ah, I almost forgot.”
A lingering unease reminded him there was one more thing to do. He got up and hurried off.
“I’m getting married.”
Givnen’s bombshell halted the two people enjoying their meal.
One was his father, Alton Lianster, head of the Lianster family. The other, his twin sister, Livne.
Especially Livne, who glared at Givnen in disbelief.
“Are you crazy? Deciding to marry without consulting the family? Are you out of your mind?”
“I’m getting married; why are you making a fuss?”
“Marriage isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a family affair!”
“Which is why I picked someone you’d like.”
Alton, who had been silently observing, finally spoke calmly.
“Who is she?”
“You’ll like her too, Father.”
“I mean, whose daughter is she?”
“Daughter of Mr. Ryston.”
Alton paused, visibly surprised.
“Ryston had a daughter?”
“Yes, apparently.”
“How did you find out?”
“My master told me before passing.”
Alton stroked his beard, frowning.
“This is complicated.”
“Don’t you like her? I thought you’d welcome this marriage. My master said you and Ryston were close.”
“…I didn’t know Ryston had a daughter. I certainly didn’t know he was still alive. Well, if it’s his daughter, I like her, but can she handle your temperament?”
“I’ve met her. She’s capable enough.”
“That’s assuming you know everything,” Livne interjected.
“Who is Ryston anyway?”
“Father’s friend.”
“I’ve never heard of him.”
“Me neither.”
“Is this a scam? Are you sure?”
“I’m serious.”
“Hey!”
“Enough.”
Alton mediated, smiling, patting Givnen on the shoulder.
“Well, if she’s Ryston’s daughter… I suppose there’s no better match. There are concerns, but I trust you. Finally, you’ve come to your senses, Givnen.”
He was genuinely pleased. He no longer had to endure rumors about his reckless son.
Thinking back to when his son had rejected the ninth princess, he shuddered. Defending him before the emperor had been unbearable.
In ordinary circumstances, rejecting a princess could have been fatal.
But because of his family’s status, the wealth of the Horizon Tower, and the emperor’s reluctance, he survived. Still, the ninth princess, born to the empress Bianez, had certainly fallen out of favor.
“So when will you bring her here?”
“I’ve sent her back for now.”
“Why?”
“Her uncle said she couldn’t come immediately.”
“Ryston had relatives?”
Givnen looked at his father in disbelief.
“You two really know nothing, do you? That man disappeared without a word, never contacted anyone. A complete rogue.”
“I see. What about her family?”
“A troubled house. Minor charitable works, many shady dealings. They hold a minor baron title in a remote territory called Rupla, under the Kiev Duchy.”
Livne, listening, nearly jumped.
“A baron? Not even a count? You’re marrying into some unknown frontier family’s daughter after rejecting the ninth princess? Are you joking?”
“Family status doesn’t matter. Our priority is whether she can produce a pure-blooded mage heir.”
“There are plenty of accomplished mages in prominent families! And the ninth princess is a mage too!”
“She barely has any magic.”
“What does that matter? Even if her power is small, marrying a mage ensures a mage heir. That’s what counts.”
“It’s better if she has more magic than almost none.”
“How can you marry a nameless, low-ranking family? This is the Lianster family’s shame, Father! It doesn’t match our status!”
Marriages among nobles traditionally ensured compatibility and status. In modern times, families also sought business alliances. Marrying a minor frontier family seemed like lowering the house’s prestige.
Yet…
“I approve.”
“Father! Why?”
“She’s Ryston’s child.”
“Who’s this Ryston person anyway?”
“Ryston was a mage of unparalleled talent. His bloodline is coveted by every mage planning for succession.”
“…A mage surpassing your master? I’ve never even heard of him.”
Alton ignored Livne and spoke firmly to Givnen.
“Does anyone else know this?”
“No.”
“Good. Protect her under your supervision before the world learns she’s Ryston’s child.”
“Of course.”
Livne, unable to comprehend, stormed off. Alton clicked his tongue.
“When will she learn to control her temper? Yours is worse, of course.”
Givnen simply smiled and continued eating, methodically chewing his meat.
“Your temper worries me; she might run away.”
Unlike Livne, who worried about the family’s reputation, Alton worried if Riley could endure Givnen’s nature.
He was his son, but a hopelessly reckless one—especially with women.
Though not all rumors about him were true, his relationships were casual, superficial, and fleeting. Love for him was a trivial experiment, nothing serious.
Alton’s concern was that he might treat someone truly devoted with the same casualness.
“Treat her well.”
“I am, as much as possible.”
“…She won’t be allowed to think of running away, carefully managed.”
“Your mindset is the problem. You lack sincerity in relationships. You’re calculating. One day, you’ll regret it.”
Expressing relationships as “management” revealed Givnen’s flaw. Alton worried, gave sincere advice, but Givnen merely smiled, continuing his meal.
No response—his silent action said he’d handle it himself. Alton sighed quietly.
