Chapter 3: Marriage Contract (3)

From the moment she accepted the proposal, everything moved swiftly.

The Crown Prince sent a marriage proposal the very next day, causing a commotion in the household. Summoned to the study after a long time, Gerania’s father handed her a letter from the Royal Family and asked if it was true. Gerania nodded in confirmation.

“Do you really want to marry the Crown Prince, my dear?”

“Yes.”

Her resolute answer caused a wrinkle to form on the Duke’s forehead. He sighed and spoke, looking at her sharply.

“His Highness wants to marry you, but what exactly happened? I’ve heard reports that he’s been visiting our mansion recently, but…”

Facing her father’s piercing gaze, Gerania smiled gracefully.

“His Highness is a good person.”

“Well, that’s not the point. In this matter, don’t you already know that His Highness’s disposition is unimportant? Do you know what it means to marry His Highness the Crown Prince?”

Gerania nodded lightly, and the Duke’s expression became even more perplexed.

“If you marry the Crown Prince, our family will undoubtedly become entwined with the royal family.”

Her father, Duke Vichen, was known for his political neutrality. Considering his influence in the country, it was somewhat unusual for him to take this step.

It was evident that their family’s name would carry significant implications. It could be interpreted as loyalty to the King, but it was even more likely to be seen as Vichen harbouring ambitions for power.

Anyway, her marriage partner was the person designated as the next King.

Considering the complexity of such political relationships, Gerania looked at her father, wondering if she had made this decision all by herself.

“I know there might be many concerns, but…”

“No, if you like him, then it doesn’t matter.”

To her surprise, the Duke showed a warm acceptance, leaving Gerania stunned. 

“Really?” 

She asked again, and he nodded.

The King even sent a letter to persuade him, so what else could he do? With his concerns quietly tucked away, Duke Vichen just smiled kindly.

Perhaps the Crown Prince’s influence played a part. She didn’t know what means he used, but he was thorough, to say the least.

“If it wasn’t for this opportunity, I wondered when I would see you get married. Your mother would be very pleased.”

Gerania smiled as she looked at her father, who wearily touched her forehead. All she could say to her father, who sighed, was that she would be all right.

That was settled, and the next challenge was her sisters.

Gerania struggled for a long time, trying to explain to her curious older sister and Cordelia, but unfortunately, there wasn’t much she could say.

Franz and Gerania both agreed to keep the contract quiet unless they had to discuss it, based on each other’s judgment.

The day before the official marriage proposal from the Crown Prince, the day after accepting the proposal, the two of them worked on the contract with much thought. It took longer than expected, so they moved from the outdoor table to the reception room and locked the door.

Gerania suggested they discuss it later since it was getting late, but Franz insisted on resolving it quickly since they had already started.

It looked like he was somehow worried the fish he had caught would slip out of the net. Well, maybe that was just an illusion.

Gerania was worried that mentioning the contract might come off as rude, but the Crown Prince was genuinely accommodating.

He even went so far as to have a drink.

“I think it’s better to pretend I fell in love with the lady.”

“Why do you have to do that?”

“That way, it’ll be easier for you to adapt to the Royal Family.”

Certainly, it would be better to appear as if the Crown Prince were genuinely fond of her rather than entering into a loveless political marriage. Looking at the Royal Palace alone, it was clear that the Crown Prince’s affection could easily become a source of power.

While they couldn’t avoid the appearance of a political alliance, it was better to pretend to be in love on the surface.

In the Royal Palace, a woman’s power was based on the favour of the powerful. For Gerania, who had no background other than being the daughter of a Duke, the Crown Prince’s affection would be her shield.

She still didn’t understand how she could be of any help to him, but she readily agreed because she wanted to lead a peaceful life.

Of course, the two people, who were dull in the concept of love, had no idea that such an appearance would stimulate the outside.

Franz promised to act as affectionately as possible in public, and Gerania quietly accepted. Of course, being kind was better than being cold.

“Wait, then what about when it’s just the two of us?”

“Can I still be affectionate then?”

There was no trace of humour in the earnestly inquiring, beautiful face. It was a cold expression to the extent that one might suspect he didn’t know how to smile at all.

Despite the intimidating eyes, Gerania was not frightened.

“By any chance, Prince, is this your true personality?”

“Your true personality?”

“It’s just that what my father mentioned about you is slightly different. He said you were witty, full of humour, and always smiling, but I shouldn’t let down my guard. The only thing that matches is that you are flawless.”

As she grumbled quietly, a faint smile appeared on the Crown Prince’s lips. 

‘Wow, is he smiling now?’

Along with the corners of the mouth that slightly curved upward, the eyes that slightly softened appeared and disappeared like afterimages.

Gerania, staring at the captivated face, almost rubbed her eyes without realising it.

‘Did I see it right?’

It was a face more memorable than the one he had shown when he declared his affection earlier. It was as if emotions were infused into a sculpture.

She didn’t know why he used such expressions.

Without even realising that he had smiled, Franz watched Gerania intently. Despite her appearance reminiscent of a herbivore, her strong demeanour suggested she had a keen eye for judging people.

“Looks like you’ve got a little more comfortable. Your words are more outspoken than before.”

It might be embarrassing, but Gerania responded shamelessly.

“If you don’t like my attitude, you can call off the engagement right now.”

“No, it’s not bad.”

Being comfortable with each other was better than feeling awkward. If they were to spend their lives together, it couldn’t be one-sided comfort.

He knew better than anyone the tragedy that could arise from such a relationship.

“To be honest, as long as we maintain proper decorum, I find you, the current Crown Prince, acceptable. You’re, well, less taxing.”

Yet, her current words were quite surprising.

“I don’t think I have a very kind personality, but would it be okay?”

Before answering, Gerania pondered. 

‘He is definitely blunt. He didn’t even talk much.’

‘But he listens carefully to what I have to say.’ 

As for the contents of the contract, he listened to what she suggested, and suggested things he wanted to add or had trouble with.

Oh, yes. Rational. The word “rational” suited him perfectly.

“But if you weren’t trying to hide your personality from me… I believe that since the day we first met, you would have been seen as affectionate as honey inside, isn’t it?”

Unlike Gerania, who spoke quite playfully, Franz’s face stiffened slightly. It wasn’t like he became rigid. It looked more like he was taken aback.

“It wasn’t like that on purpose… .”

“Really?”

“…No, it wasn’t.”

Why was he drinking while talking now?

His face seemed to avoid eye contact, and it didn’t provide a clear answer, but Gerania let it go.

When the agreement was finalised, there were two contracts left in front of the two of them. Writing her name right next to Franz, Gerania glanced at the contract.

[Marriage Contract

The two parties hereby enter into the following contract regarding their marriage:

As a married couple, they shall respect and defer to each other in all matters.

They shall resolve any issues through communication without resorting to violence.

Matters pertaining to this contract shall be kept confidential unless unavoidable. This typically applies when there is no risk of the contract being leaked or when the lives of both parties are directly threatened.

(Middle section omitted)

This cannot be refused and shall be carried out in the name of the Royal Family. However, the timing of the fulfilment shall be determined by Franz Rivera Rinaun after he ascends to the throne as King.]