It was a mild afternoon in February, the warm breeze would announce gently about the changing of season soon to be expected.
However, the ocean's cool gust carried the saltiness over to the milky white residence of the Hohengoldlinden family on top of the hill. Benedikt quietly stood at the window facing the garden and observed the bustling of the workers as they prepared for the upcoming visit.
In his mind the idea of marriage was still something he felt rather nonchalant about. Just like his older brother Leopold he will take someone for a wife that their parents the Archduke and Archduchess von Hohengoldlinden have long arranged for.
Though arranged, Leopold and Linda were both happily married and would pose as suitable successors for the Hohengoldlinden duchy. While also strengthening the alliance between the Hohengoldlinden family in Allemania and Linda's duchy in Batavia.
Benedikt only heard so much of his future wife that she was the princess of the Kirishima clan, one of the wealthiest feudal families in Yashima, a country far away in the east. She was the youngest daughter and five years younger than himself. Since the Hohengoldlinden duchy held the strongest naval power within Allemania it was all the more important to secure that position by creating an alliance with other naval powers around the globe. Linda's family owned the greatest naval fleet in the west. On the other hand, Yumiko -his future wife- was the daughter of the family with the greatest naval fleet in the east. It made only sense to combine these potentials.
"Your Royal Highness Benedikt," Hagen his attendant called out to him.
Benedikt didn't turn around and Hagen didn't need any sign from the Archduke to assure that he was paying attention to him. "It is time for the fitting of your wedding attire."
Benedikt's lips curled up to a small grin. "That's the third fitting already. Wouldn't you think that my measurements haven't changed that much since the previous two months?"
Hagen skillfully ignored his comment, which wasn't necessarily wrong per se, however that's what the Archduchess von Hohengoldlinden wanted. Her words still weighed more heavily than his.
Outside the window the other employees of the residence cleaned up the dead leaves and loose branches from the various plants that for now hid their true beauty until the temperatures rose.
"We have to go," he insisted calmly, looking at the tall Archduke before him.
Benedikt didn't react, he wanted to delay the inevitable for even just a bit longer.
In the horizon beyond the garden he saw the shimmering ocean. The waves were strong and he could imagine the sound of the powerful water breaking at the shore of their small island. He'd rather be down at the beach instead of going to the fitting once again.
Hagen politely but with a strict undertone cleared his throat and continued to look at Benedikt.
Slowly, the Archduke turned around defeated and smiled at his brunette friend and attendant. His closest aid since childhood. Faintly, his freckles were already visible around his cheeks. During the hotter, more sunnier days they would look like someone sprayed tiny bits of light brown paint on his face. Benedikt also had freckles, just like his mother, however they weren't that intense like Hagen's.
"Alright, let's go for me to try on the very same suit like the last two times and see if I indeed have outgrown it in the meantime," Benedikt patted Hagen at the back with a smile and together they walked along the row of windows towards the fitting room.
The marriage was set to be at the end of May where the spring flowers were in full bloom even on the Hohengoldlinden island at the most northern point of Allemania. The view from the island to the mainland was a sight to see during this season. The island was connected by a bridge made of white stone and the mainland was also part of the Hohengoldlinden duchy, where most of the residents of the duchy lived. A wide field of flowers would cover the shore along the bridge, all brought from Batavia. A colourful welcome of tulips to the mainland part of the duchy. Some of the employees stayed on the other side of the bridge and commuted to the Hohengoldlinden residence for their work. It was around a half hour walk from the bridge to the beautiful almost castle-like building on top of the hill, surrounded by various plants and an alley of rather uncommon cypresses leading to the residence. The latter were one of the first things that the current Archduchess Ann-Sophie changed after taking up her position. In her home country Britanica those trees wouldn't grow well, so having them here at the Hohengoldlinden duchy in Allemania was a wish come true.
The waters were also less wild and unpredictable than during other months which would pose a lesser risk for the arrival of the Kirishimas.
Quietly Benedikt endured the fitting with exemplary patience and cooperation. His mother, the Archduchess, was a very kind person, understanding and generous to her employees, though rather fiery when it came to enforcing her expectations. He wouldn't dare testing her motherly patience with his reluctance.
"What do you think, Benedikt?" She intensely looked at him in the wedding suit. The naval dark blue colour along with the white button up underneath highlighted his ocean blue eyes perfectly.
"Are you really interested in my opinion or should I only confirm your choices?" He smirked at her playfully.
She briefly glared at him strictly. "I won't ask again."
"It is wonderful. The suit fits me perfectly. The colour and adornments on the vest match our family's sigil spot on, keeping up with our tradition while also separating itself from all the previous attires worn by the Hohengoldlinden men." Benedikt gave the most ideal answer to fulfil his mothers expectations, showing off that he, though cheeky, was fully capable to read the room and stand his ground as an Archduke.
Benedikt looked over to Hagen who stood by the window and he could see the faint grin on his friend's lips. Hagen took up his duty as his attendant very diligently, but sometimes his serious mask would crumble and he was able to see his dear friend underneath it.
Archduchess Ann-Sophie squinted her eyes critically while looking at her youngest son. She knew very well about his playful nature, which only worried her even more.
Tying the knot with the Kirishima clan wasn't only a politically and economically important gambit, but also the very first marriage between two families of two different continents. Never before have people from the western continent married someone from the east.
In regard to the impact it would have throughout the royal society, this marriage would without doubt pose a risk, the Archduchess was fully aware of that. However, the internal benefits outweighed the possible condemnation within their social circles.
She hoped for him to grow with this challenge and to mature while facing the inevitable struggle that accompanied his marriage.
She too left her home in Britanica to connect both royal families and married Richard von Hohengoldlinden from Allemania. Arranged marriages were usually a high risk for the brides since they had to adapt and accommodate their husbands, who were generally still strangers to them. It wasn't uncommon to have the first encounter with each other during the actual wedding ceremony, when everything was already set in stone. However, that was simply the duty of every royal family member born female.
Archduchess Ann-Sophie was glad that Richard turned out to be a kind husband, caring and calm. She had heard stories of other women that were married off to cruel men who would treat them horribly, fully disregarding their feelings and expectations, while only satisfying their very own needs and beliefs. The sheer fear of having to endure that while also keeping up her graceful attitude and carrying out her royal duties used to keep her up at night. Her fears and worries were in vain since Richard never once was a dreadful partner. He even saw her on fair eye-level and treated her with his utmost respect and admiration.
Since she was the one who raised both of her sons, she knew that their future spouses were in equally kind hands. It was only a matter of strategizing and getting the most favourable benefit from an arranged marriage.
Leopold grew up well, fulfilling his duties and expectations as the eldest son and heir wonderfully. Sometimes he would be too strict with himself, which in turn Linda was able to soften up his stiff demeanour. With her he allowed himself to be more himself disregarding his duties for even a short while. The Archduchess was glad that Linda was capable of bringing out the usually soft-spoken and sensitive side of her son.
His marriage with Hertogin Linda strengthened the position of the Hohengoldlinden duchy on the western continent tremendously. No one would dare to provoke their influence.
Now it was only her youngest Benedikt whom she had to worry about.
Being the second in line he grew up more careless, being protected by his brother who wanted to take up the burden of the archduchy upon himself, letting Benedikt live out the life that he never had. Now he had to carry a burden that might be just as equally heavy if not even more severe since no one before had to shoulder the responsibility of uniting two families from two very different cultures. It could have devastating consequences if done wrongly, but the Archduchess was confident in her youngest son.
The feelings of pride and motherly worry welled up inside of her as she looked at him standing in front of her. In his wedding suit with the playfulness in his eyes and neatly combed hair. Though most of his blonde wavy hair would still stick out cheekily. Just like Benedikt himself, who always had a mind of his own, sometimes being unpredictable and surprisingly creative in terms of finding a solution. As a second born son he wouldn't take over the position as the head of the Hohengoldlinden family, however his involvement with the administration and management of the entirety of the duchy with its residents and naval business remained necessary. It was arranged for him, his future wife and some estate employees to take the smaller neighbouring island in order to stay close to his responsibilities while also gaining some independence after marriage. Benedikt took it upon himself to plan for their residence and commissioned the architectures on his own.
Even though he wouldn't specifically ask for any details about Yumiko or had any specific interest in marriage at all, he still carefully arranged for their future home.
Ever since the marriage was officially announced he visited their island, which was lovingly named Kleingoldlinden, at least once a day to check on the process and to supervise the employees. He wanted their residence to be perfect.
There was still a month left until the Kirishima clan would visit the duchy in order to adjust to the new environment and culture. However, Benedikt wanted their house to be finished before her arrival, regardless of the fact that they will only move in after their marriage anyways.
If this marriage allowed him to shape his own future just a little bit more independently, then he was glad that his parents arranged for it. It gave him a sense of freedom and a goal that he could pursue in his own ways.
"Oh my, where is Ojou-sama again?" Takane hurriedly looked around on the ship's deck. It was necessary for her to stay beside the Ojou-sama at all times, but just for a split second she was busy with packing the luggage for the arrival and left the Ojou-sama out of her sight.
The middle aged woman tried to stay calm in order to not attract any unnecessary attention. Having lost sight of the Ojou-sama was devastating enough as it was. She didn't want the other employees to get involved in this ordeal.
A ship this size could be of great danger and the ocean waves were also quite loud. Additionally, the ship itself swayed around as well. The unfamiliar surroundings and all these other distractions were only benefitting a possible accident. If something were to happen to the Ojou-sama, then it would have been her sole responsibility. The consequences were severe and Takane shuddered at the thought of it. Ojou-sama was too curious for her own good.
Amongst the several sailors, Yumiko in her beautiful kimono was easy to spot. She stood at the railing firmly holding onto the metal and had her head turned slightly sideways towards the ocean. A younger sailor stood beside her patiently waiting.
"Ojou-sama Yumiko! You know that you mustn't stray far from me without informing me beforehand!"
Yumiko turned around to her chaperone and smiled. She was beautiful, especially when she smiled and she knew that it would soften Takane's strict tone.
"You didn't have to worry. Minato-san was so kind and accompanied me here."
Said Minato-san bowed down deeply at Takane and nervously kept his head low. Naturally, he had to obey the Ojou-sama requests, so he didn't really have a choice but to bring her to where she wished to be. At the same time he also risked to be punished for bringing the beloved Ojou-sama in any possible danger.
"I wanted to feel the ocean wind and listen to the water," Yumiko reached out to where Takane was standing, wanting to avoid any trouble for Minato as Takane's silence was troubling, "Just before arriving I wanted to enjoy it for a little while."
This broke Takane's heart and she took Yumiko's hand. Currently, they were headed towards the Hohengoldlinden island in Allemania, sailing far into the western continent in order for the precious Ojou-sama to be wed to the youngest Archduke. Someone who was still a complete stranger from a foreign culture. Additionally, she has never been so far from home before. She didn't even know about different cities in Yashima, nor did she ever travel outside their large residence. For her first journey to be so far away and with the intention to marry a foreign Archduke to top it all, gave everyone of the Kirishima clan a feeling of uneasiness and worry.
Takane softly squeezed Yumiko's hand. "Ojou-sama you still shouldn't stray away from me without notifying me beforehand, I was very worried."
The slender figure standing before her puckered her lips into a straight line which she usually did when feeling guilty.
Takane didn't want to be too harsh towards the Ojou-sama, her life was already difficult enough.
"We can stay here for a little while longer. Minato-san, please go and fetch a blanket for Ojou-sama, we don't want her to catch a cold from the cool wind." Takane looked over to the young man who nodded and hurriedly went away.
"I'm so grateful." Yumiko smiled brightly at Takane and she squeezed her hands while smiling back at the young woman in her beautiful and elegant kimono contrasting the greyish white background of the sky and the ocean.
For Yumiko the worries and fears of the others around her didn't catch on. The excitement of travelling for the first time on a ship was overpowering everything else.
Naturally, she did have her fair share of concerns about her marriage, but once she boarded the ship it felt like the cool ocean wind would carry it all away.
Ever since the announcement she had to learn alleman and everything about the western royal society. The customs, traditions and the overall acceptable behaviour were completely different from what she grew up with. Nevertheless, Yumiko didn't struggle with it at all. It rather felt like a stage play that she had to memorise. Like a costume that she would put on to fit into her new environment.
The difference was fascinating for her and the caesura felt refreshing from her stifling home. In the duchy of the Hohengoldlinden family she would for the first time in her life be independent and finally take up a position in the royal society that would be of use for her family. She felt gratitude and pride. The latter especially motivated her greatly. She was the first from the eastern continent to marry into a family of the western continent.
Being the first meant setting the future expectations towards her entire home country Yashima from the west and she would carry that burden with pride. She wanted the western people to be impressed and respectful facing the culture and customs that she embodied.
Yumiko wanted to enter into this new stage of life with her head held high, regardless of any opposing forces and difficulties.
She didn't know much about her future husband Archduke Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden. She was only assured that he was kind. The Hohengoldlinden family and the Kirishima clan have always maintained good economic relations which would only deepen with their marriage.
She was informed that they would take a smaller neighbouring island in order to build up their own home. That too was exciting for her as she never had much to say when it came to managing a household. Her family members and the servants of the Kirishima clan notoriously avoided her to take any responsibility and always cared for her to not do any extra effort whatsoever.
Yumiko knew that she grew up in a lovingly sheltered home with honestly caring people surrounding her, but that in turn gave her the feeling of being handled like a glass doll.
She wasn't necessarily fragile or sickly, neither was her body weak. But that's how her family decided it to be and she felt thankful that this arranged marriage was something that they were willing to do. Yumiko noticed the initial struggles and repulsion that her parents had when the proposal was made for her and Archduke Benedikt to marry.
However, with the rising globalisation and the invention of new things it was necessary to open up to the other continents in order to maintain the status of a leading powerhouse in Yashima.
The Hohengoldlinden family had the well known reputation as an influential force within the Allemanian Kingdom, while also enjoying some independence from the Emperor. They established the economic momentum by opening up sea trading with other countries. It was obvious that the Allemanian Emperor was rather dependent on the favour from the Hohengoldlinden in order to drive the economic upswing.
That dependency made the Hohengoldlinden family a desirable partner for anyone who wanted to benefit from their influence on the western continent. Naturally, the Kirishima clan didn't want to miss out on this opportunity, even though it meant for them to wed off their youngest and only daughter.
Yumiko felt nothing but pride and excitement. Certainly, it might have been naive, but she was full of hope to master the tremendous challenge ahead of her.
"I've heard that they only dine with chopsticks! An entire meal can go without using any other utensil. Truly fascinating," Isabella swung her wine glass around in circles and looked at Benedikt from underneath her long eyelashes.
It was the last public social event of the Hohengoldlinden family before the Kirishimas would arrive. None of the Hohengoldlinden family members actually wanted to attend this royal come-together, but it was necessary to keep up with their social circle and make an appearance before the highly anticipated wedding took place.
Usually, it would only be about exchanging pleasantries and formalities. Hoping for some rumours and news to arise. A scandalous sensation that would finally stir up interesting discussions and speculations. However, with the upcoming wedding everyone's eyes were turned towards them, trying to pry into any details to speak about.
With the official announcement of Benedikt and Yumiko's wedding the Hohengoldlindens had to face a tremendous amount of curious and almost outrageous reactions. The members of the royal society were shocked about this turn of events.
Before that the western high society had always speculated that Benedikt would marry Isabella, a Sovereign Baroness from the neighbouring state of the Halstein family. They were closer in age and grew up together. It was only natural to assume that they would end up together as well, but the announcement threw everyone completely off. Not only did the most sought-after and influential family in Allemania not let their youngest son to be wed to Isabella, but they also arranged for a marriage outside of the western continent as well. No one expected that turn of events and it was quite the uproar.
Though, for Benedikt it was clear from the very beginning that he wouldn't marry Isabella. Every sign might have pointed to that almost natural conclusion, but he knew that his parents had different visions for him than marrying into the Allemanian society. There was no great benefit from it, other than Isabella's homestate being right next to the duchy, but it wasn't in the Hohengoldlindens intention to widen their influence within their own borders. It was more important to go beyond the horizon and strengthen the possibilities from the outside.
Benedikt also knew that Isabella wasn't expecting anything as well. Her family knew that his parents were way too ambitious to just settle with someone already close to them. Additionally, the Halsteins weren't even seafarers, which didn't favour the naval powerhouse of the Hohengoldlinden in any way either. Objectively, there were no reasons to speculate a possible marriage between those two families, but since Benedikt was the last remaining son to be wed, the close proximity of Isabella would cause the rumours to stir up.
Friends his age and from the same social circles would tease Isabella that they were to marry someday. It wouldn't bother Benedikt in the slightest since he knew exactly that this wouldn't be the case, but Isabella would hate the comments and jibes from their peers. She'd vehemently protest against those rumours, but as they got older she stopped putting in the effort to deny it. The high society understood her protest as a sign of humble decency and the louder her protest the more confirmed they felt. So in order to avoid that she resented the gossip secretly and would then loudly complain about it in front of the Hohengoldlinden brothers only.
She was genuinely happy for Benedikt and also just as curious as everyone else who the future Archduchess von Hohengoldlinden would be like. Even though Benedikt and Yumiko wouldn't carry on the honour and burden of the duchy. The name Hohengoldlinden itself would be enough for any future plans they had in their minds.
For Benedikt Isabella was a friend who didn't feel overawed or intimidated by his title. As the only Archduchy the Hohengoldlindens were the second in line after the Emperor and his family themselves. More than often the majorities of other royalties from Allemania shied away from him and his brother so as to not upset them. Being from the Hohengoldlinden family meant an enormous amount of responsibility and influence but also a certain loneliness that came along with it. All the more important that their marriage partner's would surround the family with the right kind of people.
That might be a reason as to why he never considered romantic relationships as necessary outside of marriage. He knew that the end goal was already orchestrated by his parents, their history and the expectations of society. Falling in love with someone other than his future wife would be in vain and he didn't plan on having a mistress either. He simply played along as the second son of the Hohengoldlinden duchy in his own ways.
Benedikt didn't like the prying spotlight and even though no one really asked him directly, he could feel the intense stares in the hall. They had overcome the painfully long dinner and now lounged in one of the large smoking rooms dedicated for the men. Though, no one inside really smoked, it was the most important part of such an event. During this time the possibilities of rumours and gossip would arise. Semi-intimidate conversation could be overheard.
Although this room was mainly for the male attendees, sometimes a few female attendees would join the men for a more lighthearted and flirtatious exchange.
Isabella despised the jabber in the women's lounge and would rather stay with the Hohengoldlinden brothers.
"Did you practise eating with chopsticks?" Isabella pointed her glass to Benedikt.
"I can eat with them, though by the time I finish my meal it has already turned cold." He grinned as he remembered his pathetic attempts. Hagen could handle the chopsticks quite quickly, however Benedikt continued to struggle.
"I shall be the first person you both invite for dinner," Isabella's face brightened up. "I'll impress your future wife with my skills more than you can." She laughed cheekily.
Benedikt felt a bit embarrassed about it, but suppressed his pride. "I'll make sure to put you first on the list of guests."
Isabella has always been very adaptable and would learn new skills very quickly. Benedikt wondered sometimes that it was a waste for her to just marry. She was someone who could achieve greater things than being a wife.
But he wasn't the one to change that traditional structure. In their world tradition and custom ruled above everything else. Personal sentiment or preference was something to enjoy within one's own private space.
"I hope we can be friends." Isabella said and looked into the depths of her red wine. "Your wife and I."
Benedikt wasn't sure on what to respond, since he didn't know if his future spouse would even like him.
"I'm sure she will like you." Benedikt smiled at the blonde woman in the blue dress. It highlighted the colour of her eyes. If she was his friend, then certainly his wife would befriend her as well.
Isabella returned his smile. "She will like you too."
She then drank a sip from her glass. "Just stay the way you are and she will be smitten."
Leopold chuckled beside Benedikt and looked away as he drank from his glass. It seemed like they were both toasting to that statement in silent agreement.
Benedikt slightly frowned his eyebrows not wanting to cause any unwanted observers to suspect some possible drama between the three friends.
Isabella sighed softly and raised one eyebrow. "Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden, don't even try to act like you aren't fully aware of your charming nature." She then pointed her finger at him, which was considered very rude usually but wouldn't offend him in the slightest if done by her. "You got everyone wrapped around your little finger in a blink of an eye. There is no doubt that your wife would be able to resist that."
Leopold laughed softly and nodded. "She is right, you couldn't possibly be worrying about that trivial matter."
"Who said that I'm worrying about that. We will be fine." Benedikt took a sip from his own glass, emptying it. The faint doubtful voice within himself was silenced for now.
Before the lighthearted banter could carry on a woman in a dark green dress approached their corner. It was Henriette von Bedan, the exhausting type of royalty, nosy and arrogant. Benedikt knew that Isabella tried her best to keep a calm facade, but inside of her a whirlwind of annoyance and weariness took place. He was impressed as always that she was able to conceal her true feelings so well. She'd do well in the royal high society if it wasn't for her hatred towards it.
"Your Royal Highnesses Leopold and Benedikt, it is a pleasure to get the chance to speak with you. I hope you have been well, there has been a lot going on in your duchy recently, hasn't it?" Henriette slightly bowed down and smiled at them politely.
"Baroness Henriette, the pleasure is with me." Leopold and Benedikt stood up immediately to return the greeting since men weren't supposed to stay seated when a woman greeted them.
"Baroness Henriette," Benedikt tilted his head a little downwards and waited for Leopold to take her hand first for a kiss.
"We have been well, thank you for your concern. I hope you are in good health as well?" Leopold continued the polite exchange as the elder while avoiding any personal matters to be revealed.
"I'm very well, thank you." Henriette smiles and her eyes wander towards Benedikt as she turns her upper body to him. "How are the preparations going for the wedding, if I may ask?"
Benedikt gave her a courtly smile, he perfected his royal facade. "I can't complain, everyone at the duchy is giving their best."
"Oh well, how wonderful!" Her loud delightful tone almost echoed through the room. Benedikt knew that she wanted to show everyone else that she spoke with them, drawing the attention towards herself. He didn't have a choice but to play along.
"I still remember the day your engagement was announced. I was really surprised so to speak." Her eyes glanced over to Isabella who kept her calm expression. "I wasn't expecting this conclusion to the question who you might marry someday."
Both Benedikt and Leopold didn't reply to that but just politely smiled.
"I hope that your future wife will be able to adapt to all of our customs and practices. I heard that in Yashima they live quite differently." Henriette looked a little bit more concerned now. "It'd be unfortunate if she wasn't able to attend all of our beautiful parties."
Benedikt sensed that she wasn't necessarily concerned about Yumiko, but rather tried to conceal her rude statement in a way that might flatter her as caring.
"Your worries shall be in vain. The people in Yashima do live differently from us, but being different isn't necessarily bad and I'm sure that she already knows most of our precious customs and practices." Benedikt kept up with the polite smile. "Otherwise, I hope that you would be so kind and guide her through the difficulties she might face in our society."
Henriette laughed softly. "It would be my greatest honour to do so."
Benedikt saw Isabella from the corner of his eyes. She was rolling her eyes annoyed. He knew that those kinds of comments will come up someway or another. The Allemanian high society wasn't content with his arranged marriage since she was an outsider, a foreigner.
The reputation within the western continent might get tainted by this arrangement and many tried to voice their concerns in a more indirect way.
However, Benedikt was confident that Yumiko would surpass everyone's expectations greatly, he wanted to prove everyone wrong and he'd help his future wife to do so.
The satisfaction of being right motivated him and he couldn't wait until the day would come where the western royal society would be impressed by him and his wife. No one shall question a decision made by the Hohengoldlindens ever again.