Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 80

For a moment, the room fell silent. Only then did the nobles realize how much this incident resembled the one from ten years ago.

Ten years ago, the late king and queen died suddenly while visiting a villa at the invitation of the king’s brother. Despite a clear diagnosis of acute infection as the cause of death, the current king, who was then the brother, could not escape suspicion of having murdered his sibling. As a result, the nobles had extracted a pledge from him stating that although he would be king, he would not govern.

“So, I hope you make a fair and wise judgment. Unlike back then, when there was no evidence, this time we have clear proof. The bullet that pierced the duke’s body matches the one in Lucius Carlisle’s possession, and he has no alibi for the previous night. If you still defend him, I can only question your intentions regarding the events from ten years ago.”

No one could refute his words. After all, this time, there was evidence.

This situation was getting very complicated.

Erich Kirchner stroked his chin quietly, observing the events unfold. Initially, he thought freeing Lucius wouldn’t be difficult. Upon hearing the news of Lucius’s detainment under suspicion of killing his brother, every noble had risen in protest, declaring it absurd. If they united in their stance at the meeting and pressured the authorities, Lucius would surely be released soon.

But the sudden interference of the crown prince complicated things. If they weren’t careful, not only would the past incident be brought up, but they could also end up undermining their own achievements. This required careful handling.

A few nobles discreetly shook their heads at Erich—a signal that it would be best to withdraw for now.

No other choice, then.

With that thought, Erich called out loudly. “Let’s adjourn today’s discussion here and reconvene once more details come to light.”

Erich walked through the wide hallway, heading to his carriage. Lost in deep thought, he barely noticed his surroundings.

When he first heard about the duke’s murder, he had been genuinely shocked. After all, Daniel’s death was no ordinary matter.

However, as time passed, he realized that this incident might not be so bad for him. With the duke’s death, Lucius would naturally succeed as the next duke, and then Adelheid would become the Duchess of Carlisle. Compared to the seasoned Daniel, Lucius was much younger and far easier to deal with. This meant a better opportunity for Erich and his family.

The key now was to secure Lucius’s release as quietly as possible.

Instead of using public pressure, Erich concluded it would be better if the chief investigator released Lucius on their own accord. If Lucius was released due to lack of evidence, even the crown prince wouldn’t be able to do much about it.

I should first find out if the chief investigator is susceptible to bribery.

Just as he was pondering this quietly, a man approached him—a page of the crown prince.

“His Highness wishes to meet with you, Count.”

When Erich was escorted to the crown prince’s drawing room, the crown prince was already sitting on the sofa, pouring himself a drink. With a somewhat exaggerated gesture, the crown prince greeted Erich warmly.

“Come in and sit, Count. I’ve just received some fine liquor, and I called you here because I wanted to share it.”

Erich took a seat across from the crown prince. Until now, he had never drunk alone with the crown prince. Their exchanges had always been limited to formal conversations at official gatherings. Yet, here was the crown prince suddenly being friendly.

The prince offered a glass filled with red liquor, but Erich firmly declined.

“Forgive me, but I’m not in the mood to drink right now.”

Even as Erich refused the prince’s drink—a blatant discourtesy—the crown prince only smiled.

“Is that so? But perhaps, once you’ve heard what I have to say, you might feel differently.”

“What do you wish to tell me?”

“Count Kirchner, how long will you be content to remain second-in-command?”

The words “second-in-command” made one of Erich’s eyebrows twitch. After taking a sip of his drink, the crown prince smiled broadly at Erich.

“The late Duke Carlisle… Ah, should I call him the former late Duke Carlisle now? In any case, you’ve spent your life supporting him, then his son, and now it’s to be Lucius Carlisle next?”

“Did you bring me here just to mock me?”

“Of course not. I simply pity you. The Kirchner family finally has a chance to surpass the Carlisle family, but it seems you’re failing to recognize it.”

The crown prince set his glass on the table, his gaze turning meaningful as he looked at Erich.

“What do you think will happen if Lucius Carlisle isn’t released? Naturally, the next leader of the nobles will be none other than you, Count Kirchner, don’t you think?”

For the first time, Erich’s expression wavered. The crown prince didn’t miss this small change and leaned in, whispering.

“…And if that happens, Count, not only would your grandson inherit the title of duke, but you could also become the first Duke of Kirchner yourself.”

The title “Duke of Kirchner” sent a shiver down Erich’s spine, something akin to a thrill surging through him.

The Duke of Kirchner…

“And, Count, you needn’t do anything special at this moment. Just stay put, observe quietly, and eventually, the world will change on its own.”

The crown prince’s lips curled into a smile.

“Of course, this is just some friendly advice—a pity from someone who hates to see opportunities wasted. There’s no need to take it too seriously.”

The crown prince reached for his glass again, but before he could, Erich’s fingers touched the rim.

Through the clear glass, he could see the reflection of the crown prince’s red hair. The wine inside, as red as blood, swirled with his movement.

Looking straight into the crown prince’s eyes, Erich drank the glass down.

The tannin-rich wine was bitter but sweet at the same time.

***

Upon returning to Count Kirchner’s estate, Brianna offered a rather flimsy excuse about getting lost while chasing after a thief. Fortunately, the maids who had gone out with her were simply relieved she returned unharmed and didn’t press her further. However, the countess warned that if she stayed out without permission again, she would be dismissed.

For the next several days, Brianna devoted herself entirely to tutoring Michael. In her free time, she stayed locked in her room, contemplating her future. Just as she had decided that leaving this place was the best course of action, unexpected news reached her.

“…Charged with murder?”

“Oh, you didn’t know? Bastogne’s been in chaos because of it lately.”

Cecile handed Brianna some leftover cookies from the kitchen. It was a gift she had brought for Brianna, who had been staying in her room lately.

“The young lady’s fiancé only needs to say who he was with and where he was that night, but he’s keeping his mouth shut. Because of that, even people who initially thought the accusation was ridiculous are beginning to doubt him.”

“Wait, you mean the night Duke Carlisle passed away…”

“Yes, the day… Oh, right, the very day you chased after that pickpocket…”

Crash!

The plate Brianna was holding fell to the floor, shattering into pieces, the cookies scattering.

“Miss Brianna? Are you alright?”

Brianna stood frozen for a moment, then quickly regained her senses.

“S-sorry. I lost my grip suddenly…”

She hurriedly apologized, bending down to pick up the broken shards.

“Ouch!”

Not long after, she cut her hand on a shard. Seeing the blood trickling from Brianna’s finger, Cecile quickly wrapped it in a handkerchief.

“Oh dear, what a mess! Miss Brianna, it seems you’re not in the best condition today—why don’t you go rest? I’ll take care of this.”

“Wait!”

Instead of heading to her room, Brianna grabbed Cecile’s arm.

“Is it true that all he has to do is reveal where he was and who he was with that night, and then everything will be alright?”

Cecile tilted her head before nodding. “I suppose so? The biggest problem is that he has no alibi. But if he had one, wouldn’t he have said it by now? There must be some reason for his silence… Also, speaking of which.”

Cecile glanced around, then leaned in close to whisper in Brianna’s ear, “Because of this, the count has told the young lady to break off the engagement. If you ask me, it seems like the Carlisle family is finished.”