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The Wulken Duchy. It was one of the five duchies of the Empire, located in the east.

It was also the center of the Empire’s military academy, earning them the nickname ‘Iron Blood Duchy,’ with ‘iron’ representing it. The ‘blood’ part came from the former Iron-blooded Duke's brutal victories on the battlefield.

Is this a demon's castle?

Such thoughts came to mind instinctively as I stood before the grand ducal castle. It was a territory specialized in military supplies and ruled by a war hero with blood-stained hands. It was hard not to feel like this was a demon's fortress.

Because of this, I almost thought that Marghetta was a princess kidnapped by the demon king. But I knew that the Iron-blooded Duke would be furious if he knew, so I kept that thought to myself. I wasn’t that clueless, after all.

"This is my first time in Wulken."

While I was absentmindedly staring at the castle, Louise, who was unexpectedly dragged into this trip to Wulken, looked around and muttered. Irina, equally bewildered by this sudden journey, stuck close to Louise while cautiously taking in the surroundings.

I felt sorry for them. They were dragged to Wulken because of Marghetta and me. Still, they seemed intrigued despite their confusion, which was a relief.

"It's livelier than expected, right?"

"Uh, well..."

Marghetta's sudden question caught Louise off guard, and she couldn't give a proper response. Wulken’s image was indeed a bit peculiar.

Given that it was the Iron-blooded Duke’s territory which was specialized in military, it was understandable. Outsiders might imagine Wulken as a giant forge with molten steel flowing in the rivers and the sound of hammers ringing 24/7.

Of course, no one would tell the duke’s daughter, ‘I thought there wouldn't be much to see, but it's nicer than expected!’ Hence, Louise’s hesitant response.

"Fufu, it's okay to be honest. It's true that Wulken has a harsh and rigid image."

Fortunately, Marghetta was very understanding and let it slide.

"But Wulken has many unique sights. Since you’re here, let’s do some sightseeing."

Louise and Irina nodded enthusiastically at her suggestion.

A guided tour of the duchy by the duke’s daughter herself would be a rare and precious experience.

"Alright, let’s go inside first. We should find a place to stay before going sightseeing, right?"

Marghetta led us to the main gate with a gentle smile. Although the castle which looked like a demon’s fortress instantly became our lodging, Marghetta certainly had the right to do so.

I spoke up quietly while watching this warmly.

"Mar, I'll join you later."

"Huh?"

Marghetta, who was walking lightly, blinked in surprise, as if not understanding what I meant.

"Sorry, I have something to take care of."

She tilted her head even more, clearly puzzled.

It was a natural reaction. What business could I possibly have in a place I was suddenly brought to without any plans?

"...Well, we can’t help it. When do you think you'll be back?"

Still, she remained understanding despite her disappointment, her eyes drooping slightly.

Appreciating her consideration, I gave her a small smile and knelt.

"When His Grace forgives me."

Marghetta, Louise, and Irina were clearly bewildered by this sudden turn of events.

However, there was no choice. This was something I had to do.

— If you don’t kneel before my castle, I’ll rip your legs off.

This was how my mind remembered the Iron-blooded Duke’s warning, even though it wasn’t exactly what he said.

So, I knelt. For the sake of marrying Marghetta, and to earn her father’s approval.

***The largest training ground in the ducal castle was a place only I had access to, off-limits even to the knights of the house without my permission. I trained there tirelessly from dawn till noon; the day before yesterday with a spear, yesterday with a sword, and today with a mace.

This was the one activity I continued daily after practically handing over all my duties to my son. Although I had stepped back from work, I could never give up physical training. For the head of the Valenti family, stopping training was equivalent to dying.

It’s not like it used to be.

However, the more I trained, the more bitterness I felt. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t beat time. Continuous training only slowed down aging; it couldn’t stop it.

Still, what could I do? For my age, I was holding up well. Besides, there were many heroes to protect the Empire after me.

The Invincible Duke, the Minister of Intelligence, and that bastard too—

"That damned scoundrel."

Thinking of that scoundrel, I gripped the mace harder. I realized it too late, but the handle was already crushed, and so the head of the mace dropped to the ground.

It was a fairly decent weapon, but now it was ruined because of him.

That insolent wretch.

I couldn’t forgive him. How could he be enamored with other women with such a perfect bride like Marghetta?

I wasn’t against having multiple wives. I had several myself, and it wasn’t an issue. For a noble, marriage was an extension of politics—it was a form of socializing and a display of capability.

But to keep adding women without marrying them and without giving Marghetta any position?

How dare he.

I tightened my grip again. The once-crushed handle now turned to dust and scattered in the wind.

I wouldn’t have cared how many wives he had if he had married Marghetta or at least gotten engaged to her. Marghetta’s status wouldn’t change.

But he didn’t, and he and Marghetta weren’t officially together in a situation where the Mage Duchess was showing interest in him. This meant that the Mage Duchess could become his first wife.

That can’t happen.

I had been endlessly thinking about the rivalry between Marghetta and the Mage Duchess since the Crown Princess’s birthday banquet. As a father and a duke, I had to decide how to act in this unexpected conflict.

The conclusion was simple. As Marghetta’s father and the Duke of Wulken, I couldn’t back down. The Valenti family couldn’t retreat even if the Mage Duchess was a formidable opponent. After all, a duke who feared for his child’s marriage wasn’t worthy of his title.

So, I called Marghetta and him to forge a firm bond.

It’s a race against time now.

Whoever moved quickly controlled the battlefield. If the Mage Duchess would complain about my tactics, then I could simply say, ‘Why didn’t you act first?’

...It was truly puzzling, though. The Mage Duchess had been surprisingly quiet. Despite some disturbing news from the capital, there had been no official word of a relationship between them.

But that was just speculation. It was only right for me to make the first move if the other side didn’t.

"Father."

Just as I was resolving to push forward even if it meant clashing with the Mage Duchess, Richard’s voice came from behind.

"Oh no. Did you break another one today?"

He smiled faintly while looking at the mace head embedded in the ground.

"Modern weapons just lack durability."

"Are you saying the old ones were any better? I remember they broke just as often."

He was right, and I couldn’t argue. Weapons never lasted long in my hands, whether then or now.

Only the finest pieces or items bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor could withstand my use.

Richard chuckled at my silence and continued speaking.

"Mar is here, and she brought two guests."

The quick visit prompted me to hasten my steps. If Mar was here with guests, then I had to personally welcome them.

"Make sure the guests are treated with utmost respect. We invited them on short notice, so they deserve proper treatment."

"Yes, Father."

"And it's been a while since I've seen Mar."

Richard fell silent at that.

Strange. Usually, he would add a comment or two about Mar.

"Father, there's something else."

After an awkward pause, Richard spoke again.

"What is it?"

"Besides the guests, the Executive Manager of the Prosecutors’ Office is here too."

Naturally. If Mar had come alone, then I would have considered going to the capital myself.

That scoundrel might be a wretch, but he wasn’t brainless. He knew what would happen if he ignored this summons.

"Of course he should be here. But why are you mentioning it?"

"He's kneeling at the front gate."

Satisfaction filled my chest. Indeed, he wasn't a fool.

I had told him countless times that he wouldn't easily get another chance after rejecting Mar once. If he wanted to marry her, then he would have to kneel before my castle and beg.

It was infuriating when he ignored my words and showed up at the Crown Princess's birthday banquet. But now, he was finally kneeling properly.

Damned scoundrel.

I didn't usually enjoy making people kneel. Why would I bother with such a hassle?

However, he had to kneel.

"Waaahh! Daddy!"

"M-Mar, calm down."

"Heuk, heuk... What do I do...? I really like him..."

Mar had cried so miserably the day that bastard rejected her.

So, he had to pay. He needed to acknowledge his mistake and kneel before the Valenti family. Only then would Mar's tears not be in vain.

"Ignore it. He's tough; he can handle three days like that."

Of course, I didn't plan to leave him kneeling for three days. If he acknowledged his mistake, then there would be no reason not to forgive him. And if I forgave him, he would become part of the Valenti family.

So, I could go and tell him to stand up—

"...Mar is kneeling beside him."

"…"

My mind went blank at those words.

***I rushed to the front gate. If Mar was kneeling too, then it defeated the whole purpose.

This was supposed to cover Mar's embarrassing memory. Because she cried, he needed to kneel in return. But if Mar was kneeling too, it was just a loss for her.

"Ha."

The sight was devastating when I reached the gate.

Two young ladies stood at a distance, anxiously watching the gate. It seemed that my daughters had heard the news and rushed here before me.

"Your Grace."

The scoundrel bowed his head as soon as he saw me.

"Father..."

Meanwhile, Mar looked up at me with tear-filled eyes.

Looking closer, they were holding hands. It was a pathetic sight.

"...Come inside."

I couldn't bear to watch any longer, so I turned away with a brief command.

That damned scoundrel. Did he coax Mar into this? Did he think it would end quickly if they knelt together?

Damn him.

He was using his innocent wife already. I would never forgive him if he did it on purpose.