When Rosa revealed that she was Waalthe’s successor and also Harald’s aunt, Harald and the others’ eyes bulged.
Their shock was understandable. Even Jared, who was related by blood, still couldn’t bring himself to think of Rosa as his aunt. Perhaps it was because she was too close in age, or perhaps he still couldn’t accept it somewhere deep down.
If their mother were still alive, things might have been different, but tragically, she had passed away.
“…I’m surprised in many ways, Jared.”
“Yes?”
“Hypothetically speaking, if she were to marry Conrad, would it be possible for her to decline inheriting Waalthe’s position?”
“—What?”
“Te-Therese?”
A voice of confusion arose. For a moment, they thought she was joking, but Therese’s face was entirely serious.
“Well, I’m not involved with Waalthe, so I don’t know if Rosa can decline the succession. I’m sorry.”
“Please don’t apologize. I apologize for my haste instead. Indeed, if possible, I would like to speak with Rosa Roen directly…”
Jared, as well as Olivier and the others who had heard Therese’s words, couldn’t hide their surprise.
This sounded as if—they were seriously considering the marriage.
“Um, Lady Therese, I don’t mean to pry, but do you actually think it would be alright to marry Conrad to Rosa?”
Olivier asked hesitantly, a look of confusion on his face. Therese offered a smile and affirmed.
“Yes. I don’t think it’s a bad idea.”
“I-is that so… If you don’t mind, may I ask why?”
“Of course. While her being the son of a Ducal Family might sound good, in reality, one of his older brothers will inherit the title, not him. Once he comes of age, or if a successor is decided for my Husband, he will have to think more about his own future than he does now. Therefore, as a mother, I wish to let him choose his marriage freely.”
“That may be so.”
“Of course, even if Conrad, as a member of the Ducal Family, cannot inherit the title, he will not cease to be a noble. However, his burdens will lighten. Looking at my son now, he will naturally aim to become a Knight or Magician. If that is the case, he shouldn’t have much trouble with marriage.”
Indeed, Jared mused.
Unlike someone from a Baronial Family like himself, Conrad, being the son of a Ducal Family, would not cease to be a noble even if he couldn’t inherit the title. In fact, Jared himself wouldn’t be free even upon reaching adulthood without becoming a commoner. He could only become a commoner by obtaining the country’s permission and being officially recognized as non-noble.
Setting aside Baronial Families, this would be difficult for those from Earl Families or higher.
There are those without noble status but who possess power. Merchant Families, for example. Many of them wish to become nobles, and to that end, they gradually incorporate noble blood and forge connections by marrying those nobles who cannot inherit titles.
Harald would not likely permit Conrad to be absorbed into a Merchant Family, but it wasn’t impossible.
Instead of a marriage he didn’t want, if he were to be exploited, Therese’s wish as a mother would be for him to find happiness with the one he loves.
“—Therese, wait a moment.”
“What is it?”
“I understand what you’re saying. I also want Conrad to be happy, but, well, how should I put it…”
Harald wore a pained expression for some reason. Upon closer inspection, Tobias was also sweating cold and had an awkward expression.
Perhaps they still couldn’t accept that the successor to Waalthe was his beloved.
However, even if Conrad conveyed his feelings to Rosa, there was no guarantee she would accept. It seemed she wasn’t entirely against it, but it was difficult to predict what would actually happen.
“Lady Rosa saved both my son and me the other day. The strength I glimpsed then was nothing short of remarkable, even for someone like me who isn’t a combatant. It goes without saying, but becoming the wife of a Ducal Family comes with danger. This will not change even if one of his future brothers inherits the title. However, she should be able to protect herself—”
“That may be true, but… Olivier, Jared…”
When asked for their opinions, the two considered for a moment.
“As Lady Therese says, Rosa can undoubtedly protect herself from danger. I know nothing about combat, but I am aware that Rosa is strong.”
“Yes. I pity whoever she targets. Honestly, in terms of sheer skill, she’s better than me, and she should have enough power to protect Lord Conrad as well.”
“My, my!”
Therese burst into a smile at Rosa’s combat prowess, which had received such high praise.
Perhaps the fact that she could protect not only herself but also Conrad had left a good impression.
“However, Lady Therese. She is a little older than Conrad, but is that alright?”
“…Lord Olivier, that’s a bit…”
“Be quiet, Jared! I’m just asking to be sure! Or do you have something against older women?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Jared thought they shouldn’t worry about the age difference, but due to what happened the other day, he was too afraid of his fiancée to speak up.
Even if he were chosen as a Court Mage, some things were still frightening.
“Yes. If they are about five years apart, I don’t mind. Conrad is a bit weak-willed, so perhaps someone older would create a better balance.”
Therese’s impression of Rosa exceeded their expectations, leaving Jared, Olivier, and even Harald and the others utterly astonished.
