0 – 0. The Path to Becoming a Viscount
Duke, Marquis, Viscount, Baron, Earl…
A class system of nobles that I have no need to listen to or understand for a lifetime.
Somewhere, it seems that power is determined by this class system, but at least not here.
Although I am the son of a Duke, what benefit is there in being closest to the king in a country where the monarchy is shaky?
And now, I find myself being sold off to become a Viscount.
“Irene, she will become your fiancée, the daughter of Viscount Melbus.”
Since morning, I have been listening to the absurd words of an old man who spews nonsense, the most compassionate person in the world.
*
The world I fell into… is the inside of a trashy game with an unknown name.
To put it briefly, they set up a super arrogant black-haired girl on the cover and created a story that couldn’t even be conquered.
So –
“…Lephety Gail.”
“Yes, yes! Father.”
That is my name. The protagonist here, a character who can’t do anything, a very passive character.
There weren’t many choices. There wasn’t much I could do with my own power or the power of my shallow status.
I just always looked at the situation with hope, trying my best to survive.
To say that fulfilling the engagement is the beginning of misfortune, this story threw him into the abyss.
“Lephety Gail!”
With a slightly weighty voice, he shouted once again, now the letters that have become my name.
I’m not sure how my expression looked, but Frederick Gail, the pitiable Duke and now my father, looked at me with a worried gaze.
“…I know it’s not a pleasant story for you. The difference between us and them is significant. Both in terms of power and the size of their territory.”
The Kingdom of Caveril, with the largest territory, army, and military might, and in fact, the reason why this kingdom has thrived so far is due to the loyalty to the Malverus royal family.
“But Father.”
However, I know the reason why the Malverus family has remained silent until now.
It was to prevent Frederick Gail from daring to mention his subordinates who slowly spread throughout the country, using me as a hostage.
“Don’t think about refusing. The agreement has already been made between the two families.”
With a deep exhale, he slowly sat down in his seat and I joined him on the sofa.
“And she, isn’t she quite the one who doesn’t give up? I think it’s an opportunity like no other for a man.”
He chuckled insincerely and patted my shoulder repeatedly, but his trembling fingertips couldn’t be hidden.
“That may be true, Father, but she-“
I turned my gaze towards him with a frown.
But I couldn’t bring myself to speak. Who would believe it? Malverus, who had been quietly pledging loyalty all this time, plotting a rebellion to devour the country in silence.
And even though I knew that fact, this situation, where I could do surprisingly nothing, didn’t even dare to break through my limited mind.
…Can someone swept away by the current do anything?
While being scratched and bumped,
I can only see and feel the moments where I can only hope not to die.
The overwhelming power and strategy of the Malverus Viscount family.
There, Irene Malverus and Lamber Malverus, the eldest daughter and the head of the family, exist.
The protagonist, almost sold like a commodity, ends up in a strategic marriage and serves their purpose, being handled by Rambert.
And thus, their life comes to an end, slowly drifting away in the sewer while a new country is being established.
I wondered what the reason was for creating such a bizarre work.
Some say that the game was created to convey a story where one is inevitably forced to surrender in the face of overwhelming power,
while others say that the game was created with the simple intention of messing with people.
They called it the beauty of Irene Melvers, who was cold and ruthless to the point of being terrifying, but left a deep impression.
It sparked controversy and debate, but ultimately the latter opinion prevailed, and the game fell into disgrace.
Curiosity ruined my mood, and in the end, I too left a scathing review and turned off the game.
Of course, I did see it through to the ending, though.
But then, the second time, when I accidentally opened the game, that popup message appeared.
“Would you like to challenge again?”
“Oh, f*ck, no way.”
In an empty room, with a frown on my face, I was about to click “no,”
but I swear, I saw that “no” change to “yes.”
Now, there’s no one to complain to.
Because I’m here.
“I can’t refuse. It’s a great opportunity for our family to rise again. And if we can establish a good relationship between the two families… it will be a great chance to increase Your Majesty’s power, surpassing other families like tigers.”
I feel like giving him a mouthful of curses. I want to grab him by the collar and ask why the hell he became my husband.
But on the other hand, I understand. Rambert Melvers waited quietly for this moment alone.
And this marriage, just a formal ritual, was an opportunity to break down the walls of suspicion and caution.
It might not be an unreasonable story for him, the king’s confidant, to cling to the last glimmer of hope.
And… anyway.
「*Quest: The Beginning of Fate」
– Fulfill the marriage with Irene Melvus.
– Reward: Next Quest – 「Life of Marriage」
– *Failure will result in annihilation.
In that popup window that reaches the end of my sight, it created an irresistible reason for me.
A compelling reason that I cannot refuse this engagement.
“Yes, Father. I will do as you say…”
Taking a deep sigh, I clenched my fists tightly.
“I will accept the engagement. With Irene Melvus.”
Fine. Whatever.
I’ll play the role of a pillar husband, perfectly.