The Strongest Magician Can Only Love His Dead Wife — After I Reincarnated, My Cute Younger Husband Turned Yandere - Chapter 9

Arsenio did not want a new bride. However, as a member of the Tark clan, he couldn’t afford to incur the emperor’s displeasure, so he hastily decided to take Rubia as his bride; that was likely the situation.

Within the main family, Rubia was the only unmarried daughter of marriageable age.

Moreover, Rubia’s father was the next clan head.

It was only natural that Rubia, being his eldest daughter, would be chosen.

And Arsenio, unable to defy the emperor’s command, must have reluctantly accepted this proposal.

“I’m glad you’re thinking of your late sister. But precisely because of that, this marriage might not bring you happiness.”

“Father…”

“Once you’re married, it would be difficult to seek a divorce given the emperor’s involvement. So, if you say you don’t want this, I’ll try to persuade your grandfather to offer a daughter from a branch family as the bride instead.”

Grandfather was a man who cared deeply for the clan and was compassionate, but he was also a realist. There was no doubt he would consider a daughter from a branch family inadequate to serve as the wife of an imperial noble.

Or perhaps he thought that Rubia, who was said to resemble his late wife, might win Arsenio’s favor.

At any rate, Father surely understood that no matter how indulgent Grandfather might be toward family, he wasn’t the type to be swayed by sentiment and refuse the emperor’s proposal.

But Father must have been prepared for that, determined to protect Rubia.

It was a decision typical of Father, whose excessive kindness was considered a disadvantage for someone destined to be the next clan head.

“Thank you, Father. But I’ll be fine. As a daughter of the Tark main family, I will fulfill my duty with dignity.”

This was merely a facade for Father’s benefit.

Though she felt guilty toward Father and Grandfather, Rubia genuinely didn’t care about pride or duties as a main family daughter.

There was only one thing on Rubia’s mind:

Whether Arsenio was living well and happy now.

If she could just see for herself that he was happy, that would be enough for her.

(Even if Lord Arsenio has a lover, even if we have a cold marriage, I would gladly support his happiness.)

Her optimistic and carefree nature hadn’t changed from her previous life.

Unaware of his daughter’s inner thoughts, Father gently embraced Rubia.

“Rubia, I’m proud of you. But if you ever face hardship in your new home, let me know immediately. I’ll bring our private soldiers and storm the Silva mansion.”

“Oh, Father…”

In her father’s arms, Rubia chuckled softly.

She reflected with emotion on how her younger brother from her previous life—who had been immature and unreliable as ‘Rubia’—had become such a dependable and kind father.

Two months passed, and Rubia spent them busily preparing for her marriage.

As expected, just like in her previous life, Arsenio didn’t wish to hold a wedding ceremony, so there was no need to prepare wedding attire.

She packed her personal belongings, clothes, favorite cosmetics, and miscellaneous items into boxes, bid farewell to her grandfather and branch family relatives, and prepared for her departure day.

Everyone in the southern territory knew about Arsenio’s bad reputation.

“The head of House Silva is said to have cursed killer eyes, are you sure about this?”

“They say he’s called the strongest but is cold-hearted and rarely lets anyone close.”

“The previous Lady Rubia might have been—”

“Quiet, that’s going too far!”

She had witnessed such exchanges not just once or twice when visiting branch families.

But Father outright denied those rumors.

“Lord Arsenio truly cherished your sister. When she passed away, he personally came all the way to the distant southern territory to bow his head to us.”

Father said he felt ashamed of himself when he saw the boy, years younger than him, apologizing sincerely with such mature words.

He realized how childish he had been to secretly blame Arsenio for his sister’s death. Arsenio must have suffered greatly from losing Rubia too.

“I’m sure he’ll treasure you as well.”

On the day of her departure for the royal capital, Father gently stroked Rubia’s head as he said this.

Though tears welled in his eyes, Rubia pretended not to notice.

“Rubia, take care.”

“Get along well with Duke Silva.”

“Princess, stay well. Please take care of yourself.”

“Big sis, come back to see us!”

Family and relatives who came to see her off offered their farewells one after another.

The younger siblings, nieces, and nephews she had doted on were crying, their faces wet with tears.

(Even in my previous life, everyone saw me off like this.)

While fondly remembering this, her heart ached at the fact that she had never been able to return.

After bidding a careful farewell to each person, Rubia boarded the carriage but continued leaning out the window for a while, waving to everyone.

As if this were the last time, she burned the scenery of her hometown into her eyes.