"I have something to tell you. I have no intention of loving you as my wife."
Immediately after the wedding, Alexis, who had just become Melfina's husband, uttered not words of condolence to the tired bride but a declaration in a voice as cold as freezing ice, more unsuitable than anything else.
Marriages between high-ranking nobles are a kind of festival, a celebration. Rumors fly about for days about the grand parties and parades, the magnificence of the wedding, the scale of the dowry, and the splendid dishes served, becoming fodder for commoners' gossip.
Not only nobles but also the people of the bride and groom's respective territories around the venue are treated to food and drink, and the marriage of Duke Alexis of Ordrand, who holds the highest power in the North, and Melfina, the daughter of the Crawford Marquis family, who governs a large territory in the South, is a festive occasion that stirs the country, especially since it involves a union between two major noble families.
"Our marriage is merely a political alliance between the Ordrand Duke's family and the Crawford Marquis's family. I won't ask you for anything more than your role as my wife on paper. In return, don't waste my time by trying to gain my love or flaunting your position as a wife."
The eyes of the same color as the ash-gray hair often seen in the nobility of the North, especially the icy blue eyes, are like a statue made of ice, and the well-proportioned face, together with the cold, emotionless tone, exudes an oppressive air. The young Duke of Ordrand, whispered about among the beautiful duke and duchess, spoke to Melfina, who was wrapped in a pure white dress, with eyes as cold as those eyes.
"Unless you exceed your role as the Duchess, you can live as you please anywhere. Whether you want to go to the theater or open a salon, it's up to you."
"...Is that so?"
Although she stiffened momentarily in response to the one-sided words, Melfina finally opened her mouth, sounding somewhat deflated.
The Ordrand Duke's residence, Soalassonne, is a large city known as the Great Flower that blooms in the North, despite being in the countryside. It focuses on protecting culture and promoting the arts, and its development is by no means inferior to the capital.
Although he said pleasant things, it's essentially a declaration that she should do as she pleases from afar because she's an eyesore.
After two weeks of carriage travel from the capital, without even a moment to catch her breath, tightly bound in a corset and a heavy dress, exhausted from the engagement party, wedding, and parade, she was tired. Just when she thought these events had finally come to a halt, these words came.
Beyond being in a bad mood, all anger and frustration had reached their limit.
――This man is really only good-looking.
There's no consideration for his marriage partner, no respect, no manners. Although the daughter of the marquis is of a lower status than the head of the Duke Crawford family, it's not a household to be taken lightly.
Moreover, from the moment they took their vows in the church, they should be equal as a married couple.
Melfina is not a quick-tempered person. Rather, even if there are things she doesn't like as a lady, she has acquired the ability to handle them appropriately without showing it on her face or attitude.
――But if the other person behaves without manners, there's no need for us to do so.
"Is it really okay for me to do as I please?"
"No problem."
Without hesitating in response to the confirming words, Alexis finally raised his eyebrows slightly, looking somewhat puzzled.
With perfect features, staying expressionless gives the impression of a statue made of snow, but a little emotion brings out a human touch. Indeed, this gap is likely what makes the young Duke of Ordrand popular among noblewomen.
However, at least Melfina has no interest in such things.
"Are there any other requests from the Duke?"
"None."
"I understand. However, since married life will continue for a long time, and I don't want to be asked for things later, please let me confirm a few things first."
Extending a hand covered in white silk gloves, she raises one finger.
"First, as long as I don't go too far, the Duke won't interfere with what I do. Second, I can live wherever I want. Third, whether it's a social gathering or going to the theater, I can do what I want."
With three fingers raised, it seems like the life of a noble daughter who is free and selfish. Having to deal with this like a spoiled and selfish noblewoman is quite tiring.
"Is this a definite agreement? I don't want any unnecessary trouble when a son is born later."
"... My younger brother, who was a knight, left behind a son. He's an excellent and wise child. I plan to have him succeed the family."
"Then, please exempt us from the obligations of husband and wife. If, by any chance, a son is born, I don't want any unnecessary trouble."
However, she knows that there won't be any children between "Melfina" and Alexis. Even without stating it explicitly, she knows that he has no intention of doing anything with her. But since she doesn't know what might happen, it's better to be safe than sorry.
"To avoid any disputes later, I would like you to write down the conditions as a contract. It will be more reassuring for both of us if you have a written agreement."
"What guarantee is there that the contract will be upheld?"
"A Duke should understand the significance of putting his signature. I don't think the Duke is unaware of the meaning behind a high-ranking noble signing."
The signature a noble bears carries the pride of the family and clan. It's disappointing to think that the daughter of the marquis's family doesn't have that level of dignity. Staring straight at him as if to intimidate, she said, and he slightly raised his chin. As one of the few dukes in this country, a handsome single man who inherited the dukedom at the age of twenty-five, he probably has never been treated this way by a woman.
"Understood. Do you have any requests? It's better to confirm now whether I can agree to them or not."
Hmm, showing a bit of thought, he nods.
"Well, give me the territory around Moltor Lake at the edge of the duke's territory. Give it to me."
"Do you want to live there?"
"No, literally, I want you to give me ownership of the surrounding territory."
By mentioning the cession of territory, Alexis visibly furrowed his brow.
Moltor Lake and its surroundings are in the Enkaer region, the border area at the northernmost tip of the Ordrand Duke's territory. There's a vast forest serving as the border with the neighboring country, and although it's not dangerous beyond the forest, since it's the edge of the country,the local governor wants to rule over it. Even though it's under the direct jurisdiction of the Ordrand Duke, it can be considered a forgotten area due to the lack of an eager governor. Alexis might not have a strong impression of it either.
Regardless, formal cession of territory is not an interesting topic for a lord. Alexis is showing obvious reluctance.
"Why that place? There's a large lake, but apart from that, there's no noticeable industry, and it's a quiet and inconspicuous area on the outskirts of the territory. There shouldn't be anything that would interest you."
"I just want to live as I please in a place with fewer people. However, I can't be sure that you won't change your mind and ask me to leave at any time, so I'd like ownership of that region."
At these words, Alexis looked somewhat displeased.
"I intend to respect your position as the Duchess, now that we're married."
――Does he really believe those words? This man, do you really think that way?
At least, Alexis's words didn't resonate at all in Melfina's heart.
"I don't wish to indulge in wearing luxurious dresses as the Duchess and chatting with noble ladies while enjoying sweets. However, since you asked about my wishes, if you can't accept these conditions, please feel free to reject them. I will live quietly in the corner of this mansion."
"――Fine."
After some thought, Alexis agreed, seemingly convinced that it would be more beneficial to get rid of the annoying woman by ceding the troublesome region with mostly ongoing colonization.
Of course, the Crawford family, from which Melfina hails, did not bring worthless possessions as her dowry for this marriage.
For the Ordrand family to acquire those assets, they need to have a child between Alexis and Melfina. Since she rejected that, after Melfina's death, the inventory will return to her original family, the Crawford family. Until then, the profits she generates will be treated as her personal assets, so the Ordrand family gains nothing.
Either way, for Alexis, one of the wealthiest in the country, it's an expenditure without much consequence.
"I will cede the Enkaer region to you. You can behave as you like as long as you don't mistreat the residents unnecessarily."
――I wonder what kind of personality he thinks I have. We only met for the first time the other day, right?
Perhaps he has a distorted view of human relations, or he believes that this is how noblewomen behave. Well, whatever. What matters now is that my requests were accepted without any issues.
"I assure you that I won't do such things, Duke."
My attitude is quite unappealing. Alexis nodded, and, as if the conversation were over, turned his back.
The guards, who had been waiting behind Alexis like shadows, and the butler, bowed superficially and followed suit. At that moment, I stuck out my tongue.
Unladylike behavior for a noble daughter... no, I've just changed jobs to a Duchess a while ago... but since no one is watching, it's fine.
After all, I am Melfina von Crawford, who has just become a Duchess, and at the same time, I have memories in my head that belong to someone else.
. . . .
※ The setting of this story is in the world of an otome game and has no relation to real history.
All the cultures, customs, religions, and traditions mentioned in the story are purely fictional.
I hope you enjoy it as a work of fiction.