TNBTW | Episode 1

Chapter 1: Benefits for the Children of National Heroes

 

Edith placed the wooden cup in front of Vincent. After a brief pause, she spoke with great caution.

“I’m terribly sorry, but the tea isn’t prepared yet.”

“It’s fine. I shouldn’t have arrived without notice, so please, don’t worry about it.”

Vincent gently smiled as he briefly glanced down at the white milk in the cup. However, he did not touch the wooden vessel.

‘How did such a distinguished person end up in this humble place?’

Edith felt somewhat embarrassed and subconsciously glanced around the room. The small, dilapidated brick house was hardly fitting for someone of the Emperor’s Chief Secretary’s caliber.

Vincent maintained the composure befitting the Emperor’s Chief Secretary. His neat and polished appearance, as well as his expensive attire, gave off an air of nobility.

‘Wouldn’t selling just one of those buttons buy this entire house?’

The glistening gold buttons on his overcoat didn’t seem to be merely gilded; they were probably made of real gold, and quite possibly, they were. In fact, that seemed likely.

“First, His Majesty the Emperor wishes to convey his gratitude for the dedication and efforts of Baron Brussels to the Empire, which he has not forgotten.”

“Ah…”

So sudden?

Edith barely suppressed the genuine reaction that almost slipped out of her mouth.

Edith’s father, Baron Brussels, was a national hero who had died while fighting in the territorial wars. By the time Edith had gained consciousness, he had already passed away, so she had no vivid memories of him.

What was certain, however, was that for the past decade, she had never received any form of acknowledgment or gratitude.

And now, all of a sudden? As Edith blinked her large eyes in confusion, she managed to compose herself.

“I truly thank His Majesty the Emperor. My father will surely be happy in the heavens.”

‘Well, perhaps? I’m not entirely sure, but it’s likely.’ Edith decided to think of it optimistically.

Fortunately, Vincent seemed not to mind the brief pause and quickly continued speaking.

“If you’ll permit me to ask, Miss Edith, you are twenty-two years old and unmarried, correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

It was a rather abrupt question, but Edith answered willingly.

‘Does the Chief Secretary of the Empire conduct personal censuses in the Robedon Empire?’

For a moment, she wondered, but the idea seemed wasteful. Could this be some sort of surprise event for the children of national heroes?

‘Oh, my. Could it be that you are going to give me something? Perhaps a monetary gift? A reward?’

Edith’s eyes sparkled. It was too early to expect anything, but there seemed to be no other reason for Vincent’s visit than this.

The question about her age and marital status seemed to fit perfectly. Usually, the younger or more numerous the family, the larger the reward.

Though it was a bit disappointing that she didn’t qualify for either, every little bit counted for Edith. After all, a great deal of money would be needed if she ever hoped to meet a mage capable of crossing space and time.

“I see. I know it may be considered improper to ask but I needed to confirm, please understand. Thank you for your reply.”

With a polite acknowledgment, Vincent pulled out an envelope from inside his coat and placed it on the table. It was thick, and whatever was inside was certainly substantial.

‘Are they really giving me a reward?!’

Suppressing her pounding heart, Edith calmly reached for the envelope. If it contained a check sealed with the Emperor’s insignia, it would be an incredible windfall.

But even if it wasn’t that, perhaps a small plot of land, or even a special employment opportunity for the children of national heroes… Edith’s hopes, though modest, continued to rise.

‘…Huh?’

Finally, as Edith confirmed the contents of the envelope, she froze.

「Marriage Contract」

The words written on the document were truly beyond her imagination.

 

***

 

“The fact that Robedon emerged victorious in the territorial wars, which have lasted for several years, is probably something you already know, Miss Edith. Now, the Robedon Empire stands as the undisputed victor of the continent.”

The standard, precise imperial language flowed into Edith’s ears as her mind wandered.

The territorial wars had started over a dispute over the diamond mines located along the borders and had eventually spread across the continent.

Though Hedon County was rural, Edith was no stranger to the war news.

Her father, Baron Brussels, had died in that very conflict.

Baron Brussels had volunteered to fight in the war during the Robedon Empire’s troubled early days and had died as a soldier.

“Duke Devion, as a loyal servant to His Majesty, played a significant role in leading Robedon to victory in the territorial wars.”

Duke Devion.

Edith’s gaze shifted to the left side of the marriage contract, where the name ‘Skyle Elliot Devion’ was written. It could only be the Duke of Devion.

“…He must be a remarkable person.”

“Yes, His Majesty holds him in great esteem, treating him like a close friend. Ah, do not misunderstand. Duke Devion is quite young.”

I see…

Edith, unsure of what else to say, remained silent.

So, Duke Devion was a war hero and a nobleman whom the Emperor so highly regarded. What struck her was why such an important name was written on a marriage contract, right next to hers.

As though understanding her confusion, Vincent spoke up at the perfect moment.

“His Majesty the Emperor wishes to arrange a marriage between you, the only daughter of Baron Brussels, and Duke Devion.”

“The… Emperor wishes to arrange my marriage?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

Edith’s head spun, and she placed her hand on her temple. She couldn’t comprehend what she was hearing.

Emperor, marriage, Duke. It was an overwhelming combination of words, but what truly shocked her was that she was the one involved.

“Why, of all people, me…?”

“Your father, Baron Brussels, was a shining example of what it means to be a noble of Robedon. He showed others the path and was admired by all. You are his only daughter, Miss Edith.”

So, this was a benefit given to the children of national heroes. With this realization, Edith felt even more dizzy.

‘Who would give such a benefit in the form of a marriage?!’

It was a ridiculous idea, but if the one offering this was the Emperor, the logic shifted.

“Er… I’m deeply grateful for His Majesty’s consideration, but I’m too old, and there are many reasons why I’m not fit to marry.”

Edith spoke quickly, grasping at her composure.

In this world, noblewomen were usually betrothed by the age of sixteen, if not younger. By eighteen, most would already be married. If a noblewoman was still unmarried at twenty, she would face a great deal of social stigma.

In that regard, Edith was in a critical situation. She was already twenty-two.

“If you are concerned about age, please, do not worry. Duke Devion is turning twenty-three years old this year.”

“Ah…”

Edith opened her mouth, stunned. She hadn’t expected her excuse to be so easily dismissed.

After all, if they already knew her age, it was clear the marriage proposal hadn’t been based on age in the first place.

‘But if that’s the case, then what’s his problem?!’

Edith was the daughter of a fallen noble family. The remaining wealth and the compensation for her father’s service had all gone to distant relatives.

What remained was taken, and her family’s fortunes plummeted, especially after her mother passed away. Edith had found herself reincarnated shortly thereafter.

In a situation where finding a good marriage partner was impossible, Edith had no intention of marrying. But it didn’t matter to her, for she had no plans to stay in this world for long.

However, Duke Devion was a different case. A young Duke with close ties to the Emperor… How could he have not married yet at such an age?

‘He could be either terribly unattractive, on the verge of ruin, or perhaps suffering from an incurable, debilitating illness….’

“Duke Devion is a handsome war hero with wealth to his name, and he is in perfect health.”

“Huh?!”

Edith’s eyes widened in disbelief. Vincent had read her mind so accurately, it almost seemed like he had been using telepathy.

“Ah, did that point concern you? I seem to have guessed right.”

It was such an accurate guess that Edith couldn’t help but feel stunned. But Vincent remained unfazed, as though he had anticipated her thoughts.

Still unable to decide whether to agree or deny, Edith merely shook her head.

Handsome, wealthy, and healthy… Those were just hearsay. If someone were truly that perfect, why would they be proposing to her?

Having worked numerous part-time jobs before attending the orphanage, Edith knew better than to believe in such easy scenarios.

‘There’s definitely a trap!’