Karl's eyes narrowed as he listened to Rose's heartfelt confession. His skepticism remained, but a spark of curiosity lingered within him. "You claim to have fallen in love with me, but love alone cannot sustain a marriage. What benefit could I possibly gain from marrying you?"
Rose met his gaze, her determination unwavering. "Duke Karl, I understand your concerns. Allow me to explain the potential benefits of an alliance between us."
She took a breath and continued, "You're an abandoned prince, left to govern this harsh and isolated land. The people here are struggling due to the unforgiving cold, and your efforts to protect them from demons are commendable. However, resources are scarce, and your efforts could be bolstered with the support of my family."
Karl's brow furrowed, a hint of interest flickering in his eyes as he absorbed her words. "Your family? The Lezette Mortena family?"
"Yes," Rose affirmed. "My family is one of the four most powerful and affluent families in Flatenia Kingdom. We possess the wealth and influence to provide much-needed resources to aid your endeavors here. With our support, this land could flourish, and the people could be relieved of their struggles."
Karl's skepticism wavered, replaced by a semblance of consideration. "So, you propose that by marrying me, your family would provide the assistance needed to protect this land and its people?"
Rose nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes, Duke Karl. I understand the challenges you face, and I believe that together, we can forge an alliance that benefits us both. Your determination to shield this land from darkness and my family's resources can be combined to create a future of prosperity."
Karl's silence hung in the air, his thoughts churning as he contemplated the potential of such an alliance. The walls he had erected around his heart seemed to tremble, challenged by Rose's bold proposition.
Karl's mind whirled with conflicting thoughts, torn between his aversion to marriage and the undeniable truth of Rose's proposition. As he sat in his work room, the weight of his responsibilities as a duke weighed heavily on his shoulders. He had a duty to protect this land and its people, and Rose's offer held the potential to make a significant difference.
Rose, standing before his desk, waited patiently as Karl's gaze drifted into the depths of his contemplation. Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity as he wrestled with his decision.
Finally, with a deep breath, Karl raised his eyes to meet Rose's gaze. His voice was firm, tinged with a hint of reluctant acceptance. "Lady Rose, your proposition is unconventional, and I must admit that my initial reluctance remains. However, I cannot deny that the potential benefits for this land and its people are significant."
Rose's heart skipped a beat, hope kindling within her eyes. "Duke Karl..."
He raised a hand to forestall her words. "I will agree to this marriage, but understand that my decision is rooted in my duty as a duke, not in any romantic notions. Our marriage will be a pact for change, a way to provide this land and its people with the support they desperately need."
Rose nodded, her voice steady with determination. "I understand, Duke Karl. Our agreement is a step toward a better future for all."
Karl's gaze held a hint of acknowledgment as he continued, "Once our marriage is formalized, I expect your family to fulfill their promises of support. The resources they provide must go towards the improvement of this land and the well-being of its people."
Rose's eyes shone with sincerity as she affirmed, "You have my word, Duke Karl. My family's resources will be dedicated to fulfilling our commitment."
With an almost imperceptible nod, Karl leaned back in his chair. "Very well. Our arrangement is one of practicality and purpose. We will uphold our end of the bargain for the betterment of this land."
As the agreement settled between them, an unspoken understanding blossomed in the air. Rose and Karl, two souls from different worlds, had come together for a shared purpose. Love may not have been the driving force, but the potential for change and the promise of a brighter future forged a bond that transcended personal desires.
As Rose left Karl's work room, her heart was a whirlwind of emotions. The weight of Karl's agreement to their marriage proposal settled upon her like a warm embrace, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. It wasn't the grand love story she had imagined, but it was a step closer to the man she had admired and cared for through countless tears shed over the pages of a book.
Karl's acceptance was laced with practicality and purpose, a marriage that served the needs of the land and its people. Yet, for Rose, it held a promise of being by his side, of standing as a support he had long lacked in his solitude.
With a content smile, Rose stepped outside the work room, where Tina and Calos were waiting, their faces etched with anxiety. Seeing Rose's smile, relief flooded their expressions.
Tina's voice trembled with anticipation as she asked, "Milady, what happened inside?"
Rose's eyes sparkled as she answered, her voice filled with excitement, "Tina, Calos, he agreed. Duke Karl has accepted our marriage proposal!"
Tina's eyes widened in disbelief, her hands covering her mouth in sheer astonishment. Calos, on the other hand, let out a hearty laugh, his face illuminated by pure joy. The news was beyond their expectations, and the weight that had been hanging over them lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of hope.
"Truly, Milady? He accepted?" Tina's voice quivered with happiness.
Rose nodded, her smile never wavering. "Yes, Tina. He agreed, not out of romantic sentiments, but for the well-being of this land and its people. It's a step towards the change we both believe in."
Calos stepped forward, a proud grin on his face. "Lady Rose, you've accomplished something remarkable. Duke Karl's acceptance is no small feat."
Tina's eyes shone with admiration as she added, "You've shown him a new possibility, a way to bring light to his world."