Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 130

Brianna stared at the map, deep in thought.

Lately, she had started gathering information about the war unfolding in Sierra. She pieced together current events using data from Lucius, stories heard during social gatherings, and knowledge passed down from Leona.

Until now, she had faithfully fulfilled her role as a duchess, but after learning that Florian’s death wasn’t an accident, she couldn’t just sit idly by. At the very least, she needed to know what was going on.

It had already been over six months since the war began. No matter how thorough the preparations, a supply shortage was inevitable at this stage. What’s more, winter was approaching. It was time to stock up on food and cold-weather supplies. But above all else, money was needed to make that possible.

“They must be running out of funds by now.”

Brianna quickly identified the Empire’s most pressing issue. The war had begun when the Kingdom of Basel halted its export of wool to the Kazakh Empire, effectively cutting off the Empire’s funds. Now, they were surely facing a severe financial crisis.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Schwerin had recently resolved its financial issues by bringing the bourgeois class into parliament. In many ways, the House of Commons was proving to be a great asset to both the Carlisle duchy and the kingdom. Moreover, the Kingdom of Basel was secretly backed by the Holy See. With centuries of accumulated wealth, the Church was like an endless spring of money.

“So that’s why the Crown Prince is getting desperate…”

Brianna muttered, recalling him from the last royal ball. The fact that he reached out to her was proof of his growing urgency. He must have realized the war was increasingly turning against the Kazakh Empire, and he was aware that Lucius was working on multiple fronts to bring him down. Desperation was likely driving his actions.

Recently, a cardinal from the Holy See had died suddenly. Though the official cause was a chronic illness, Brianna quickly realized that both Lucius and the Pope had a hand in it. The demotion of several of the cardinal’s closest clergy afterward made it easy to guess what had truly happened.

“With the Church dealt with, Lucius will now move in earnest against the Crown Prince. And the Crown Prince must know that, too.”

Lucius had been in contact with the Empress of the Kazakh Empire. Though she hadn’t rejected his proposal outright, she hadn’t given a definitive answer either. But if the Empress were to side with Lucius and hand over evidence proving that Crown Prince Gerhardt had colluded with the Kazakh imperial family, everything would fall into place. Lucius would bring that evidence to the House of Commons, and they would immediately indict the Crown Prince.

So the Crown Prince had no choice but to act now. Even if he didn’t know Lucius’s exact plan, he surely realized he was running out of time. That urgency had finally driven him to action.

The only unknowns remaining were what steps the Crown Prince would take—and what terms the Empress might demand.

Just then, there was a knock followed by a maid’s voice calling her. Brianna folded the map and responded, and the maid entered the room.

“Madam, His Grace is expected to return shortly.”

Brianna rose from her chair immediately. As promised, she had been greeting Lucius every evening unless something urgent prevented her. Though he always insisted it wasn’t necessary, it was clear he quietly appreciated being welcomed home by her. And when he was happy, so was she.

Yes, this must be what it meant to live as husband and wife—stacking up moments of mutual consideration, respect, and small joys.

“Brianna.”

Lucius spotted her waiting by the door and hurried over to embrace her. After placing a kiss on her cheek, he lightly scolded her.

“It’s chilly out. Why are you waiting here?”

Brianna simply smiled and took his hand instead of replying. His large hand quickly wrapped around hers.

The two of them walked into the house, talking about their day. Their conversation continued into the dinner table as well.

“…Mother seems to be quite fond of Lily.”

Lately, Lily had been given a rather important role in a performance, and her singing was beginning to receive favorable reviews from the public. The Grand Duchess also appreciated Lily’s talent and frequently attended her shows. Today, she had gone to the opera and wasn’t expected to return until late at night.

“Why didn’t you go with her?”

“I’ve already seen the performance a few times, and if I go too often, I think Lily might feel pressured.”

It wasn’t ideal for a patron to appear too frequently. It could easily be taken as undue pressure on the theater troupe.

“Then join me for the final performance of the year.”

At his suggestion, Brianna burst out laughing.

“You don’t even like opera. There’s no need for that.”

“It’s true I’m not interested in opera, but I enjoy anything if it’s with you.”

His words were impossibly sweet, yet Brianna gave a somewhat bitter smile. Ever since finding Florian’s letter, she felt both joy and sorrow at his affectionate words and actions.

“Now that I think about it, we’ll be able to ride horses together outdoors for the upcoming Thanksgiving.”

As if suddenly remembering, he spoke with a brightened tone. Perhaps pleased by the thought of spending time with her, he began explaining enthusiastically.

“There’s a royal forest on the outskirts where Thanksgiving is usually held. People stroll there and enjoy the scenery. It’s not dangerous, and the autumn view is beautiful—perfect for horseback riding.”

Though Brianna had been learning to ride, she had never actually ridden outdoors. Lately, she hadn’t ridden at all due to Lucius’s busy schedule—and partly because she herself had refrained, suspecting a possible pregnancy.

She quietly placed a hand over her belly. Her period still hadn’t come. But she also hadn’t experienced any symptoms like morning sickness. Since nothing was certain yet, it was best to be cautious.

“I don’t think I can ride. I’m still a bit scared to get on a horse…”

“Ah…”

Lucius looked slightly disappointed but soon smiled.

“That’s fine. Once you’re more comfortable with horses, we’ll do it then. Just taking a walk will be pleasant enough.”

Later, as their conversation continued, Brianna asked something she had been meaning to.

“Have you heard from the Empress?”

Lucius nodded. “Actually, I was going to tell you. Yes, she reached out.”

Brianna drew a sharp breath. “What did she say? Did she name any conditions?”

“She asked that, if the war ends in defeat for the Empire, we sign a document recognizing the imperial princess’s right to the throne. She also requested our cooperation in obtaining the same pledge from surrounding nations as well as the Kingdom of Schwerin.”

Brianna quickly grasped the situation.

If the Empire lost the war, it would mean the Pope’s authority had once again triumphed over the Emperor. In that case, the Emperor would no longer be able to divorce the Empress, and the three sons he had with his mistress, Countess Rienz, would remain illegitimate. The princess born of the Empress would become the sole heir to the throne.

But that wouldn’t guarantee a smooth future for the princess. There had never been a female emperor in the Empire’s history. Some nations were sure to raise that issue. And there was no telling if Countess Rienz’s three sons would remain passive.

That’s why the Empress appeared to be seeking preemptive pledges from other countries. If she could stabilize foreign relations, she could then focus all her energy on domestic affairs.

“But surely the other nations will demand something in return for offering their pledges.”

In cold international politics, nothing came for free. In exchange for signing, they would undoubtedly demand territory or other rights. If they kept giving in to such demands, there might be nothing left in the end.

“And written agreements can always become scraps of paper depending on how things unfold.”