My Dear Grand Duke on a Leash - Chapter 90

Chapter 45.2 — Chalonné’s Man (6)

This morning, as soon as he walked in front of Ceres and Narkissis, the blunt way I proposed marriage was actually the result of thorough calculation.

What did the Queen of Chalonné need?

National stability.

Thanks to its geographical advantages, Chalonné has long maintained independence, although its defense capabilities were lacking. This was because the nearby powerful countries didn’t allow them to be properly armed. Her or her daughters’ marriages were the only chance to reorganize the internal affairs, but the Queen loved her deceased husband dearly. The eldest daughter, the most valuable princess on the continent, married a commoner.

In a political context, Princess Beatrice’s marriage was the worst possible outcome, as it left the Queen dependent on Narkissis’s favor. Especially now, in the current situation, it was even more critical not to lose the friendship with the powerful prince of Helios.

In essence, if a strong ally to keep the surrounding countries in check were to be established internally, it would mean that Ceres would no longer have to rely entirely on Narkissis.

Cain knew himself well.

He was now a man who possessed all the conditions to steal the heart of his reluctant mother-in-law from Narkissis.

He gently took Riette’s hand on the table.

“However, I deeply apologize for breaking the order of things by not being able to overcome my passion. So please, officially permit our marriage so that I can take full responsibility until the end.”

As he turned his head and looked at her, Riette’s shoulders jumped as she faced the blue eyes.

The look in his eyes reminded her of the gaze they had exchanged so passionately in the bedroom last night. His eyes sparkled as if reflecting sunlight on an icy lake, and a face that appeared entirely indifferent on the surface. How could he contain such a gaze?

If she hadn’t understood his character, she might have mistaken him for being swept up in a storm of uncontrolled love for her.

Riette was secretly impressed.

That was impressive acting. Yes, practice indeed made perfect.

Even though she knew it, her cheeks still flushed. Feeling embarrassed to face him, she quickly turned her head and lowered her eyes to her plate.

‘Why? Why does he look particularly handsome today…’

“Judging by her expression, it seems like there’s no need to ask about my daughter’s intentions.”

Riette jumped in surprise as if she had been hit with cold water. Her face flushed even redder than before, feeling as if she was about to burst out of embarrassment as if her mother had discovered the obscene thoughts that had just crossed her mind.

As Ceres set down her cutlery, the servant naturally brought out plates for the three of them.

Due to her nervousness, Riette hadn’t even touched the sorbet, so her untouched plate was retrieved. She smiled at her mother belatedly.

“I’m sorry for suddenly surprising you like this, Mother. I understand you must have been preoccupied with Sister’s wedding…”

“Did you know that? It’s pointless to make a fuss now. It’s like digging up a pit and then offering a belated apology. It’s not as if you’re mocking your mother.”

Her tone was sharp and different from when addressing Cain.

“Let’s wait until your sister’s wedding aftermath settles to decide what to do about the engagement ceremony. You handle the list of maids to send to Katak. You know your maids better.”

Cain raised an eyebrow defiantly.

Choosing maids to accompany her daughter to her marital home was a very significant matter. So naturally, any household would need the mother’s assistance. It was an intimate matter of deciding which of the mother’s more experienced maids to send.

In such a case, more attention should rightly be given to the second princess, who would have to travel a long way to Katak since Princess Beatrice was staying at the palace.

Ceres exhaled as she gracefully sliced through the duck confit, which was full of herbaceous flavor.

“Grand Duke Acheron, you’re a nobleman with a sense of decency and manners that few young men these days possess. It’s truly difficult for an old-fashioned person like me to imagine what talents Riette possesses to entice a gentleman like you… I’ve already done everything I can to capture a match like you for this child. The fantasy that has enchanted you won’t last long, but marriage inherently always has a few shadows.”

I’m not sure what you saw in her, but whatever it was will soon fade once you’re married. My daughter isn’t that remarkable.

To put it bluntly, that was the meaning.

“Although she isn’t particularly outstanding in appearance or wisdom, she has something to please you as a woman. That should be enough. She lacks in many ways, so I worry she won’t be able to serve her husband well after marriage. If you had desired Beatrice instead, perhaps I wouldn’t have these concerns…”

In the end, Cain’s eyebrows furrowed as he listened to her words.

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