YLSB Chapter 2

 

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The year was the third of Queen Carolina’s reign—a time of chaos.  

 

The winds of revolution from the neighboring country of Tran had swept into Vincen, toppling a century-old absolute monarchy in an instant. 

 

The people raged against the moral decay of the ruling class, and demands for their removal became an everyday occurrence.  

 

At the center of it all was Saint Campbell, the Chief of the National Police. 

 

Unyielding in the face of political strife and oppression, he relentlessly exposed the corruption of those in power through precise and fearless investigations. 

 

Hedonistic nobles, bribe-taking nobles, law-breaking nobles—all became targets of the Chief.  

 

“A new era calls for new leadership—Chief Campbell to the National Assembly!”

 

The square before the Police Headquarters in the capital, Rioven, constantly buzzed with the clamor of the masses. 

 

Sensing the public sentiment, the royal family summoned Chief Campbell to the palace. The details of his secret discussion with the Queen soon became public knowledge as if someone had eavesdropped.  

 

Rumors spread—speculation that he was being considered for the position of Minister of Justice.  

 

With the current Minister’s term nearing its end, it was the Queen’s best move to quell public unrest and rein in the firebrand sniper of the people. 

 

The downfall of the nobility could very well threaten the monarchy itself.  

 

But to grant a ministerial position to a man of unknown, lowly origins?  

 

The nobles were divided over this uncomfortable truth. 

 

Some argued that regardless of his status as a hero of the people, the Queen should strip him of his authority, while others warned that doing so would only fuel the flames of revolution. 

 

Meanwhile, the shrewd among them subtly aligned themselves with the Chief’s rising influence, willing to stand in his shadow if it meant preserving their positions.  

 

On the other hand, the cautious—or indecisive—nobles questioned: What happens after he becomes Minister of Justice? Would he truly loosen the strict legal scrutiny bearing down on the nobility?  

 

Some nobles even proposed outlandish solutions—like a marriage between Chief Campbell’s daughter, Rebecca Campbell, and Eric Robert, the son of Chief Justice Donald.  

 

What began as a noble’s grumbling soon evolved, passing through many lips, into what seemed like a viable strategy. 

 

Marriage alliances for the sake of national stability and prosperity had been a proven method throughout history.  

 

After all, it was safer to absorb an outsider into the nobility than to leave him as a reckless stranger. 

 

If the Chief became kin to one of the most prestigious families, even his staunchest critics would relent. 

 

And surely, he wouldn’t wield his sharp blade against nobles who were now his allies.  

 

“Now, Eric Robert ought to come to his senses and take charge of the situation. Whether by consulting a renowned psychiatrist or taking medication—he is the next Duke, after all.”
  

The expectations placed upon Eric—now the sole heir to the Robert family, once dismissed as mere excess—were a complete reversal from those held for his elder brother, Albert.  

 

All he had to do was play the part of a proper man.

 

When the most prestigious family in the Kingdom of Vincen found itself on the brink of fading into past glory due to the illness of its young heir, the nobility did not hold back in their gossip. 

 

Whispers spread that the death of the perfect successor might mark the beginning of the upper class’s decline.  

 

Meanwhile, in the grand palace of Rioven Krashen, a banquet was in full swing.  

 

Eric Robert, currently the center of attention, leaned against a balcony pillar, idly observing the nobles’ leisurely amusements. Though he made it a rule never to attend social events, a royal invitation was one he couldn’t refuse.  

 

A banquet in such turbulent times.  

 

Even without the seasoned butler’s hints, it was clear the purpose of this gathering was to scrutinize the nobles’ true faces. 

 

And there was one more reason—to witness the explosive encounter between him and Chief Saint Campbell. 

 

No doubt a few nobles close to the Queen had egged it on.  

 

Given past incidents, dozens of nobles had been eagerly awaiting this meeting. Some were even anxious, fearing a duel might break out. 

 

When others chided them, saying a police chief like Campbell would never dare shoot a young duke in the chest, they retorted that even the chief would be helpless if the hot-tempered young duke struck first.  

 

‘Let them chatter all they want.’  

 

Eric indifferently ignored the fierce gazes directed at him and slowly sipped his wine. 

 

As the cold, blood-like liquid slid down his throat, a shadow appeared at the entrance. The steady hum of conversation instantly died, replaced by bright, cheerful voices.  

 

“Well, if it isn’t Chief Campbell!”  

 

“Good evening, Count Devoir. And Marquis Wayland.”  

 

“To think the busiest man these days would grace us with his presence!”  

 

“When Her Majesty calls, one must make time.”  

 

“Indeed, soon you’ll be working directly under Her Majesty. Consider this a rehearsal.”  

 

‘How utterly shameless.’  

 

Nobles who prided themselves on their eloquence were now competing to flatter. They were the type who, if shaken, would scatter clouds of dust. 

 

How terrified would they be if their friends, relatives, or even distant in-laws were exposed?  

 

Not that Eric felt any urge to defend Chief Saint Campbell, who seemed to relish the situation.  

 

Especially these days, with all the strange rumors circulating.  

 

“Was it Rebecca Campbell? It would’ve been lovely if your daughter had joined us.”  

 

Eric flinched involuntarily at the name ‘Rebecca’. The last topic he wanted to hear was about to begin.  

 

“I would have liked that, but she wasn’t formally invited. My daughter was quite disappointed.”  

 

“I can imagine. It would’ve been a chance to meet a fine match.”  

 

“Chief, why not take a look today? The daughter of the next Minister of Justice—what noble family wouldn’t welcome such a marriage?”

 

The Marquis openly stared at Eric. The Count Devoir took it even further.  

 

“Please overlook past mistakes. A man is little more than a foolish boy until he settles down and starts a family.”  

 

Past mistakes, my foot. 

 

Those were mistakes that could easily repeat themselves. Like the urge to retch at the sight of Rebecca Campbell’s face.  

 

Of course, if those mistakes were repeated, Eric Robert’s future would be either prison or the afterlife. The obsessive and deranged Director of Public Safety wouldn’t let a noble who disgraced his only daughter walk free.  

 

“In that case, I suppose it wouldn’t be too much to expect a marriage proposal instead of an apology.”  

 

“How wise of you.”  

 

They were really playing around.  

 

Eric tightened his grip on the glass in his hand. The glass expanded, filling his palm. If this continued, he’d end up headbutting Director Campbell. 

 

No matter how highly regarded his family was by the royal court, he couldn’t cause a scene inside the palace.  

 

Setting the slightly twisted glass down on the table, Eric hastily moved toward the balcony. Before he knew it, Director Campbell had followed him in, just a step behind.  

 

“Prince Eric, is it? When did you arrive?”  

 

If he was deliberately picking a fight, Eric had no reason to refuse. He faced Campbell head-on.  

 

“I’ve been here the entire time. In the banquet hall.”  

 

“Surrounded by so many people, I must have missed my surroundings. The palace is still unfamiliar to me.”  

 

“I heard every word of the conversation you had while surrounded by those people. Quite interesting.”  

 

“I’m glad. To think Prince Eric found it interesting.”  

 

Director Campbell stroked his sideburns with a sinister smile.  

 

“A man who became heir overnight would naturally find such topics intriguing. That is, if he knows what’s best for restoring his family’s prestige.”  

 

“Ah, then we should discuss it.”  

 

Eric fixed the Director with a victorious gaze and slowly drew out his words.  

 

“What do you mean?”  

 

“About moving up the marriage. You see, the man who became heir overnight already has a fiancée waiting in secret.”  

 

“A fiancée?”  

 

Watching Campbell’s pupils suddenly dilate, Eric’s lips curved into a gentle smile.  

 

“Yes, a fiancée. Frankly, she’s quite uncomfortable with public attention. Since she’s someone precious to me, we’ve kept the engagement unofficial to protect her. I trust you’ll respect this decision, Director.”  

 

“Respecting a fiancée whose existence is in question seems like an unreasonable request.”

 

The director’s eyes gleamed sharply. Eric took a step closer and whispered into his right ear.  

 

“If the opportunity arises, I’ll quietly introduce you to Director Campbell.”  

 

Then, with a playful wink that seemed to drive the final nail into his sullen expression, he stepped out onto the balcony.  

 

Eric, who had been walking out nonchalantly, quickened his pace as he passed through the hallway. 

 

John Rivers, waiting in the car, was startled by his employer’s early appearance and sprang out of the vehicle.  

 

“To Heringberg. Right now.”  

 

“Did something happen at the banquet?”  

 

John, having confirmed his employer in the back seat, climbed into the driver’s seat. When the chauffeur wasn’t present, he took the wheel. 

 

As John started the engine, Eric spoke again.  

 

“I need to find a fiancée.”  

 

“What?”  

 

“I need a woman who can play the part of a fake fiancée. Someone plausible enough but without any complications.”