The Immortal Queen Cannot Escape the Lies and Obsession of the Demon — Not That She Wants To - Chapter 14

About six months ago.

Ariana had held an unofficial meeting with Valerio and proposed the contract to him.

“Lord Valerio, I’ll be direct. Soon, there will be talks of marriage between us. I want you to accept it.”

It was a secret discussion inside a single carriage, with the four of them present: Ariana in disguise, Fols, Valerio, and his attendant.

Valerio widened his eyes slightly at Ariana’s words, then gave a weak smile.

“…That would be a marriage decided under royal decree, wouldn’t it? It’s not something I can refuse.”

“Yes.”

“That’s precisely why I have a question. Why arrange this meeting?”

Ariana had learned that her marriage talks were progressing through Rai, who had come by as usual with an insincere congratulatory “Congrats on the marriage!”

It was true that she wanted a royal consort. Valerio’s reputation wasn’t bad either. From Ariana’s perspective, there were only benefits. Externally, joining the royal family would likely be welcomed by the Sigiazma ducal house as well.

But what about him?

The reason he had continuously refused marriage proposals was probably to find a complete cure for Sorel’s disease as quickly as possible. Yet, even after that, there hadn’t been a single rumor about him being involved with anyone.

And so, Ariana secretly investigated.

“Mary Sigia Lyrical.”

“!”

“I learned that you developed the cure for Sorel’s disease for her sake. It’s wonderful to hear she’s gradually returning to normal daily life.”

Lady Mary of the Lyrical viscountcy had contracted Sorel’s disease ten years ago.

Her skin was covered in burn-like scars, and even after her debutante season, she never appeared in social circles. Being from a low-ranking viscount family, she rarely came up in conversation, leaving only the impression of a name in the registry.

The two of them, despite their difference in status, had met through their mothers, who were friends.

Mary, who had no siblings, and Valerio, who only had an older brother. Being just a year apart, they were good playmates and had a relationship like sister and brother.

Even after Mary’s mother passed away and their interactions decreased, they kept in touch through letters. But when Mary contracted Sorel’s disease, their connection was completely severed.

However, he didn’t give up.

He set out to find a path to completely cure Sorel’s disease, something no one had achieved before. For the sake of that one girl, Valerio chose a thorny path.

And after many long years, he reached the future he desired. But the story doesn’t end there.

“However, even if she can appear in social circles, the duke would never approve of a marriage with Lady Lyrical.”

From what Ariana had investigated alone, there were no advantages to a marriage between Duke Sigiazma’s house and Viscount Lyrical’s family.

It would simply be a beautiful tale of his achievements passed down, and two people in love being united. That’s all. Whether the outcome is good or bad can only be known in the future, but even from Ariana’s perspective, living beyond a similar conclusion, it can’t be called a significant advantage.

At the very least, it’s impossible to surpass a marriage with the royal family.

Valerio, who had shown astonishment at Ariana’s words, suppressed his agitation and lowered his eyebrows calmly, yet with a resigned expression.

“…You’re right. I’m surprised you even know about Mary.”

“I was surprised too when I looked into it. And I realized that if I unilaterally proposed marriage, at worst, you might emigrate to another country with Lady Lyrical. That’s why I arranged this meeting.”

“I see.”

He smiled but didn’t deny it. Sensing that he had truly been on the verge of defecting, she broke out in a cold sweat.

“In other words, may I interpret this as His Majesty bringing a favorable proposal not to the ducal house, but to me personally?”

“Yes. For our mutual benefit, I want you to accept the marriage proposal. The details are here.”

Ariana presented the contract she had brought to Valerio. The handwritten bullet points were as follows:

-Both parties agree to a white marriage.

-The engagement and marriage period shall be a minimum of six years and a maximum of ten years.

-After the annulment of the marriage, Ariana shall provide Valerio with territory and a title.

He quickly finished reading the brief contents and reread them several times to ensure there were no flaws.

In essence, it meant that he, a son of a ducal house unable to inherit, would become a member of the royal family, later be recognized as a noble with a title, and lay the groundwork for marriage with Mary. The candidate territories under royal management planned for transfer weren’t bad either.

Valerio looked somewhat puzzled, shifting his gaze from the contract to Ariana.

“…Where in this contract is Your Majesty’s benefit?”

“Having you assume the position of royal consort and work for us is the greatest benefit, isn’t it?”

“Then, shouldn’t my performance also be stipulated in the contract.”

“You have already achieved a great feat for Lady Lyrical. I trust the result and your character.”

Fundamentally, this wasn’t a marriage contract.

It was a backdoor deal to prevent him from fleeing to another country, offering perks if he accepted the engagement with Ariana.

The length of the period was a concern.

If asked for an explanation, she would have to mention Theodor, but if possible, she wanted to avoid deception and keep it confidential.

As if reading Ariana’s prayer-like state of mind, Valerio narrowed his eyes as if dazzled.

“…I see. Indeed, even if it’s only in form, if I’m to be engaged, it should be to someone I can trust.”

“Will you accept it?”

“Yes! I’d like to agree immediately, but let’s discuss the details a bit more. If I accept this as is, I’d be a terrible man taking advantage of your trust.”

Through the unofficial meeting, the matter was settled smoothly and amicably.

It was an excellent result, as she could both enlist Valerio’s talents and prevent him from going abroad.

However, there was just one thing that Ariana couldn’t shake off as a concern.

“Will Lady Lyrical be convinced about this matter?”

“…She won’t be happy about it. But I’ll make her understand. Both she and I are nobles who bear responsibility for this country.”

She had believed Valerio’s words.

She had believed that Mary possessed the qualities befitting a noble.

“Lady Lyrical, I’ll be direct.”

And so, returning to the present.

Ariana now directs the same words she once told Valerio to Mary. Not as an equal, but as the queen passing judgment.

“Confess now—your involvement in this attempted poisoning, your guilt. Confess it here and now.”