Without any counsel from his inner circle, Victor made an impulsive decision to accept such a deal. To acquire a wife and more territory was a strategic move, but to promise to go to war with a rival who was equal to him was foolish. It was too late to go back on his word now. He had already agreed to the deal, backing out would be a major insult to the Duponts.
Ecstatic with such a deal, Cedric Dupont's face lit up and began to talk. "I guess you should be, but we can save figuring out titles for later. For now, let us retire for the evening, tomorrow we can go over the marriage and war in greater detail."
With Cedric and Clarisse leaving the room, Victor was able to unpack what he actually agreed to. 'What the fuck have I done! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Sure the deal is favourable, but I can not afford to go to war just yet. Not while I am still trying to build up my new territory. What do I do?' Victor thought, wracking his brain on how to proceed. All Victor could do now was return to his room and prepare for a long day ahead of him.
As soon as Victor awoke he quickly got ready before summoning his inner circle and the Duponts. In the meeting room were Florence, Sebastian, Veronica, General Bertrand and a few of his administrators.
"Everyone I have some news to discuss with you all. The Dupont Marquisate are now our vassal, their lands shall be absorbed into my domain. They have declared their subservience and now will be forever loyal to me," Declared Victor.
Hearing such terrific news the room began to burst out in applause. To expand his territory without a war was extremely impressive. However, General Bertrand paused his applause and asked Victor a question, "For their loyalty what did you give in return my Duke? I doubt they would freely give their territory to you."
Victor paused, stirring a sense of unease in the room. With a deep breath, Victor answered the general's question, "That is a good question general, and you are right the Dupont family would not give their territory to me for free." Dragging out his response, Victor tried to decide how to break the news.
Finally, the words started to form in Victor's mouth, "In return for their loyalty in perpetuity, I am to take Clarisse Dupont as my wife and inherit her territory following the death of Marquis Cedric."
Different to Victor's expectations, the room was positive to hear Victor would marry. Taking a wife and ensuring the Luxenberg bloodline was an issue that had to be addressed sooner or later, so Victor marrying for such a gain was fantastic.
Victor looked at their faces, all of them shared smiles and loving eyes, it was a shame he had not told them everything and would have to destroy their bliss. Clearing his throat, Victor continued to speak, "The other condition was that in return for the territory, I grant Marquis Dupont's wish."
Victor's uneasy expression stoked anxiety within the room. Hesitant to hear the answer, Veronica felt compelled to ask Victor what Marquis Dupont's wish was. Victor's facial expression did not change. He was mentally preparing himself for the onslaught of anger from his inner circle.
"Marquis Dupont's wish is that I allow him to kill Grand Duke Maximillian and his youngest son. I would like it to be known that the war would not come for months, I will at least be wed first before even thinking of taking on the Grand Duchy of Maximillian," Victor said in an uncertain voice.
Dread befell the room. Florence and Veronica were hysterical, it was to the point that they were planning on killing Victor for such an undertaking. Sebastian and the other administrators were having panic attacks, and even some of the administrators were starting to see their hair fall out due to stress.
The only calm person in the room was General Bertrand. His face was stoic and unchanging. Victor was surprised that the only military man in the room was so calm, in reality, General Bertrand had mentally checked out and was now in a conscious daze.
"I know you all are against this, but I have already agreed to this deal and I do not intend to go back on it. As I said earlier, we will not be going to war straight away, it will be many months, maybe even a year before I plan to begin a war," Victor said in an upbeat tone, trying to calm his advisors, although he failed miserably. For over 20 minutes he was berated by every member in that room.
When everyone calmed down a new task had arrived, planning the wedding. For hours the advisors and the Duponts began to plan when the wedding would be and how it should look. After many minutes of deliberation, the group decided to hold the wedding in 4 and a half months. It was a few months after Victor's 2 year anniversary of being taken over by Conrad.
With a date set, everyone began to work on different aspects of the wedding. Veronica was put in charge of the guest list and invitations. Sebastian and Florence were in charge of catering and decorations for the wedding. The administrators were tasked with spreading the news throughout the territory and sourcing anything that the other planners needed. General Bertrand was tasked with security, marrying Clarisse Dupont and expanding the Luxenberg territory would put Victor in the sights of many envious rulers.
Truthfully Victor was a little excited for the wedding. Marrying Clarisse was something Victor appreciated. Compared to the other young ladies of the continent, Clarisse was a calm and respectful person. She was not a person who would try to flaunt her looks for his attention. She had some intelligence and was a reserved person.
Although they had only a singular meeting, Victor would have chosen her over the energetic girls who tried to cling to him at social events. Clarisse was also a beautiful woman which was an added bonus.
With preparations for the wedding already in motion, the next 4 and a half months flew by. The wedding was soon to be upon them.