In a Political Marriage, Isn’t It Normal to Treat Your Fiancée Well? - Chapter 8

I am Beatrice Landolt, the middle daughter born among the three sisters of House Landolt.

The Landolt Marquisate has maintained neutrality, belonging to no particular faction.

Ours is an esteemed lineage dating back to the nation’s founding.

As court nobles since the establishment of the kingdom, we wield influence in political and financial circles without holding territories.

Even the royal family cannot ignore our power.

That’s precisely why we must be cautious in marriage matters, and above all, we are particular about “bloodline preservation.”

Though when it comes to “bloodline preservation,” older bloodlines are all kept under control, so it’s not just our family.

And yet…

“Father. The legitimate sons of Duke Regenburg have formed extremely intimate relationships with the illegitimate children of a baronial house. You must take immediate action.”

“Understood.”

My father nodded slightly while stamping documents.

Judging by his lack of surprise, he must have already been aware.

“The royal family is also making moves. Are you truly certain about this?”

Father asked without looking up from his papers.

He must be referring to my fiancé’s treatment.

If the royal family is involved, no half-hearted punishment will suffice.

“Of course.”

When I answered, Father let out a small sigh.

“Very well! I shall convey this accordingly.”

Saying this, he resumed stamping documents.

I confirmed this and bowed to my father.

“Thank you for your concern.”

Then I left the room.

This marks the end for that baronial house.

As for the ducal house… well, when the royal family gets involved, that’s what happens.

Despite this being a marriage contract involving the royal family, they behaved as if they could disregard it. Do they not understand, or have they forgotten?

Either way, it’s the height of presumption.

“Still this is troubling.”

A replacement fiancé, or perhaps an engagement with another house.

The royal family will likely decide one of these soon.

The wishes of those involved won’t be considered.

Well, even in marriages not involving the royal family, personal preferences are mostly ignored among nobles.

Though extremely rare, cases where one marries a mutual love do occur perhaps once every few decades.

Younger children with many older siblings who don’t need to secure family foundations might be told “you may marry whomever you like.” Though this hardly ever happens. And even then, the reason is “because further consolidation would draw suspicion from those above.” Reading deeper, it means “don’t choose someone above you. Choose below. But not from opposing factions. Select from neutral factions.” They impose unreasonable demands in different ways, so frankly, even “free marriage” is its own kind of hell.

“Sigh…”

I let out a breath.

A broken engagement at my age. How depressing.

All the promising young heirs my age is already engaged.

They’ve practically all been taken, leaving only the dregs. Even if I’m lucky enough to catch a promising candidate, he’d likely come with complications.

Truly depressing.

Well, fortunately, thanks to the royal family’s intervention, I’ll probably avoid being labeled with disgrace.

“Not that I can talk. Now I’m damaged goods with complications of my own.”