(Klaus's PoV)
For three days I'm going to spend in the company of my fiance, Selya. So I prepared myself to present my best self. Though I can't entirely agree with how my family decided on my fiance without even talking with me, I need to understand a bit about her before making any decision.
If she is good, it doesn't matter much. I would love her in time but if she is not, I'll break the contract, damn the consequences.
The problem is that the Duke family may get provoked by this. Though because of his mother, he may restrain, for now, the relationship between us would surely fester. This may cause problems in the long term and they may join Duster Kingdom.
Damn!
This is why they shouldn't decide before the ones involved at least knew one another. I didn't even meet her until yesterday but we are engaged by empire's law.
This is making me crazy. Even if I don't care about the consequences, there would be some in later generations who had to pay for something they don't even know. I don't want that to happen.
Anyhow these predicaments are an 'if-else' scenario. For now, I have to be polite and try to steer her my way if there are any indications of problems. She would be only for three days, so I don't think such problems would arise.
---
"Hello, let me introduce myself again. I'm Klaus Von Emsier", I said extending my right hand.
I introduced myself again to Selya. I thought it was proper. Yesterday when I got introduced first, I didn't know about the marriage situation. So I decided to start fresh.
Selya seemed timid. Well, I can't fault her. She has beautiful purple eyes and white hair like many heroines in light novels. I can only assume that the third prince isn't the only one who tried to make her theirs.
She would certainly be guarded against boys.
After a half minute of hesitation she extended her hand and shook my hand, "Hello, I'm Selya Von Vitren".
Uhhh, her voice is so good. It felt angelic or maybe that's what I think angelic voice is. I don't know but it is sweet and soothing.
I shook my hand before retracting my hand.
Now I have no idea what to speak. I never had any progress in this field even in my past life.
"So, you are a mage too?" I asked.
"Yes, I am".
"Sorry, if I babble. I don't have much interaction with girls of my age".
"It's okay".
"Well, sorry to ask you but how long have you known about the marriage contract?"
"My parents told me when I reached thirteen".
"Oh, mine didn't tell until yesterday. I think my father wouldn't have revealed this yesterday if not because of the prince. I most probably would have been ignorant until the marriage day arrived."
Selya smiled at that but quickly changed back to being solemn.
In this world, a man would have as many women as he can if he could afford them. The women on the other hand had no such option.
Harem is very common among nobles but there are few who chose only one partner for life. My father and Selya's father are among those few.
When there is a harem, the first child of the main wife or first wife would inherit the noble status. This wouldn't always be the case.
For example, the present emperor's wife is officiated as empress. She had the second prince and fourth princess with the emperor. However, the first prince who is the crown prince is the child of his third wife.
Even with the first son being a child of the third wife, the emperor made him the crown prince. This has nothing to do with him being firstborn and has everything to do with politics. The first prince is good at diplomacy and politics whereas the second prince is a straight speaking one which isn't good quality for human leadership.
The empress also knows this, her son is good at fighting but lacks in politics. Unless this is redeemed she can't say anything to the emperor. She tried many times to make her son learn things about politics but it always failed.
The boy is good at leading soldiers than a nation. She can only compromise. She too wanted her son to sit on the throne but with how her son is, she can only sigh in defeat.
Anyhow, my meeting and greeting with Selya went okay. It was neither good nor bad.
We often tried to slim the gap between us whenever we can.
Three days passed away. I can say that we are more than acquaintances now. For now, the status of relation stays as it is. Today they are departing for the capital.
"So, see you in a year".
"Yes, we can see each other again at the academy. Hope we'll spend more time to know each other then".
"Hope so too. Bye for now".
"Bye".
With that, the duke's family left.