Several years passed. One day, Reiner was working with the crown prince in his office. The two were alone, and Reiner passed documents to Arwin one after another in an experienced manner.
“Arwin, I’ll need you to look at this document next,” he said, placing some papers onto the prince’s desk.
Arwin looked at the mountain of paperwork in front of him and let out a deep sigh. “Why don’t we take a break? I’ve been drowning in documents all morning...”
“I understand how you feel, but we’re already behind. You must keep going.” Reiner smiled, trying to cheer him up.
The two had been friends since they were students, so when they were alone, they spoke to each other in a casual manner. Arwin saw the smile on Reiner’s face and hung his head to show that he’d given in. He quickly lifted his head and put his disdain behind him, then resumed his review of the papers.
Not long after he’d begun working again, Arwin said, “I just remembered, you’re returning to the Valdia Mark next year, right? I bet being my adviser has been a good experience for you.”
“It has indeed. You’ve given me a great opportunity.”
Though they were engaging in conversation, the men’s work continued uninterrupted. Hearing Reiner’s response, Arwin continued speaking.
“I’m sure Lord Aester and Lady Toulette can’t wait to have you home.”
“I’m not sure about my father, but I think you’re right about my mother. She seems excited about my return.”
Since he’d come to the capital, Reiner had made sure to write home every month, without fail. His letters served as a way to regularly keep his parents updated on his work and to simply maintain communication with his family. The letters he received from his mother showed that she was clearly concerned about his well-being.
Reiner’s last response made Arwin stop what he was doing and say, “So, I wanted to ask you something.”
“What is it?” Reiner responded with a stern look, also pausing his work. “You’ve got a lot of questions today, Arwin.”
They were both the type to normally focus silently on their work, so it was rare for them to speak this much in the middle of handling tasks.
“Have you found someone good yet?”
“Excuse me?”
Arwin’s question was so unexpected that Reiner was perplexed—something that rarely happened.
Why must I be questioned about whether I’ve found someone? Reiner thought. He’d come to the capital to gain experience he could use when he became margrave, not to find a lover. As a noble, he also had a duty to be careful in choosing a partner. Arwin was surely aware of all that.
The crown prince seemed amused by the uncharacteristic confusion on his friend’s face and let out a wry chuckle. “I’m sorry. I seem to have surprised you, though your reaction tells me that the answer is no.”
“Of course not,” Reiner replied, slightly annoyed.
“Well, that makes things easy. To tell you the truth, both my wife, Matilda, and your parents have put in a good word about a marriage proposal to a certain noblewoman.”
This discussion seemed to come from nowhere, and Reiner’s mind froze for a moment. He quickly snapped back to reality and began speaking, his shock clear from his raised voice.
“What?! That’s absolutely ridiculous! I haven’t heard anything about this from my family!”
Arwin looked at him, suspicious. “Really, now? I’m sure they’ve at least pressed you about getting married. Also, I have the letter from Lord Aester accepting the marriage offer right here,” he said, pulling out an envelope from his desk.
Reiner took the letter and skimmed it. Then he sighed and replied, “This was definitely written by my father.”
Within the letter were the following words written by his father: Regarding the offer of marriage for Reiner, I would like you to continue discussions with the noblewoman recommended by Lady Matilda.
Thinking back to previous letters he’d received from his family, Reiner faintly recalled statements along the lines of Find someone good and Tell us if you meet someone you’re interested in. He’d paid no mind to them at the time, but it appeared they had been serious sentiments.
Still, why would these discussions proceed without any explanation or notice? he wondered with a grimace.
Arwin seemed to pick up on the question on his friend’s mind. “Lord Aester apparently struggled quite a bit to find a partner before his marriage to Lady Toulette was decided. From what I’ve heard, there were many women at the time who insisted they didn’t want to marry a margrave. Isn’t it possible that your parents also sent you here for the purpose of finding a wife?”
“I understand what you’re saying, but who I marry isn’t solely my decision.”
Reiner was finally processing the position he was in, and both acceptance and exasperation were clear on his face. Just as Arwin suspected, Reiner’s parents had probably thought that once their son was in the capital, he would find someone he liked and bring them home. However, once he had moved to the capital, they had never once heard anything about his love life. These discussions had likely proceeded in secret because his parents had lost their patience.
Reiner slightly shook his head and said, “So, may I ask the name of this noble lady I may be marrying?”
“Of course. Her name is Nanalie Ronamis, and she’s the daughter of Count Tristan Ronamis. I’m sure you’ve heard of her before. She’s quite beautiful, and many nobles have their sights set on her.”
“Nanalie Ronamis, the Crimson Lady, huh?”
He’d never met or even seen her, but Reiner knew the name of the woman in question. Working in the capital, he couldn’t avoid rumors about members of the nobility. One topic that stood out among the chatter was Nanalie Ronamis, the noblewoman whom every last single nobleman wanted to make his wife. She had beautiful crimson hair, which had earned her the epithet “the Crimson Lady.”
Though she was known for her beauty, the mention of a red-haired woman brought someone else to Reiner’s mind. He’d once accompanied Arwin, with Dynus guarding them, to the aristocratic quarter. During their visit, they’d come across a noblewoman who was being bothered by several young noblemen. If he recalled correctly, that noblewoman had also had red hair.
Reiner seemed to be lost in thought, and Arwin’s expression grew concerned.
“What’s wrong?” the prince asked. “Is something bothering you?”
“Hm? Oh, no. I was just thinking. I never thought that I’d be discussing my potential marriage to the Crimson Lady, so I’m shocked. She’s not anyone I would’ve expected to cross paths with.”
Reiner shrugged in a coy manner, while Arwin let out a wry chuckle. “That’s just how marriage discussions between nobles go,” he replied. “It’s nothing you need to think about too deeply.”
“I agree. Anyway, we should finish the rest of our work.”
Reiner picked up the documents he’d been looking through before their conversation and resumed his work.
Several days later, Reiner received a letter from Aester detailing his prospective marriage to Nanalie Ronamis. A date had been set for them to formally discuss the proposal. His father also shared that he and his mother would be visiting the capital to be present at the meeting. It was clear that Aester had put more pressure on his pen when writing the final line in his letter: You have no right to refuse.