The Crown of Rutile Quartz: Volume 2 [Parts 1 to 6] by Surume Enoki

Author:Surume Enoki
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 3: A Quiet Reign

On an April day, in the full bloom of spring, Slaine made a visit to the Adrashelm residence.

Although Adrashelm was an old name, as the house of a Noble of the Robe it possessed no landholdings. Its family manse was small and compact—smaller even than the house of a mere wealthy merchant.

A carriage bearing the royal coat of arms passed through the narrow gates of the modest mansion and pulled up alongside its unassuming front garden. As Slaine dismounted from the coach, the Adrashelm family—the baron, his wife, his eldest son, and Monica—approached to greet him.

“Your Majesty. Welcome to my humble abode,” said the baron, Walter. “I’m afraid I cannot offer much in the way of hospitality.”

“Thank you. However, I am visiting today not as king, but as a private citizen. Please do not be concerned about my presence,” said Slaine, meeting Monica’s gaze for a moment.

Walter led Slaine to the reception room of the manse, where the two took seats opposite one another at the table.

“Lord Adrashelm: as a man, I ask this of you,” said Slaine, dispensing with idle chitchat to cut right to the crux of the matter. “I wish to marry your daughter, Monica Adrashelm. I swear upon my life that I will protect her and make her happy for as long as we live. I shall not disappoint you—or her.”

Then Slaine bowed his head deeply.

Royal and aristocratic marriages were often decided solely through political dealings brokered by the parents—in many cases, weddings would proceed as if they were administrative functions. But Slaine wished to take responsibility for arranging matters himself. Even if it were merely a formality for his own peace of mind, he wanted to do things properly—and so he resolved himself to ask Monica’s father for her hand.

“Slaine of Hasenvalia, please lift your chin,” said Walter.

Somewhat stiffly, Slaine looked up.

“I accept your proposal,” Walter answered. “Please, treat my daughter Monica with care.”

Relieved, Slaine calmly replied, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Monica had already warned her father about Slaine’s intentions, and there was never any chance that Walter would refuse—but what man wouldn’t be nervous when making such a request to the father of the woman he loved?

“It will take some time and preparation for a marriage to be arranged,” said Walter. “If there is anything that House Adrashelm may do to be of assistance, please let us know. I am at your service, my lord.”

“Thank you. Sergey will take the lead in the political preparations, and I will leave the bridal procession to your house. The royal family will furnish full financial support and, once she has moved into the palace, any amenities that Monica may need to live comfortably,” said Slaine. “Well, I suppose she practically lives there already, but...”

Walter chuckled as Slaine awkwardly trailed off.

Monica rested in Slaine’s bedroom almost every night, and already stored clothes and cosmetics in his living quarters. But there were still further preparations to be made so that she could live properly as the king’s wife—noble marriages were a busy affair.

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