The Duke And The Count

It was several days later that Marguerite was informed of the measures taken against House Clavel.

This was Noel’s third visit to House de Broy, but this time he was not incognito. He wore formal court attire, and Lucien and Marguerite, who received him, were likewise dressed formally.

There was a reason for this.

For the crime of submitting false reports to the royal family, and for attempting to provoke a rift between House de Broy and House Clavel and throw state affairs into turmoil, Isabella was stripped of her right to inherit the countship, and along with it, her noble status was revoked.

Sent to a convent under conditions little different from confinement, she would likely not set foot outside for the next decade or more.

Maurice Clavel was likewise removed from his countship on the grounds of inadequate supervision over Isabella. He was expelled from the Royal Capital and would never be allowed to set foot there again.

If he returned to his territory, he would probably be able to find work sufficient to get by. However, whether the people of the Clavel lands would forgive the man whose mismanagement after Marguerite’s marriage had driven the domain into steady decline was another matter entirely.

“So, as you can see, House Clavel no longer has anyone with the right of succession. Still, it would be regrettable to completely destroy a house that rendered meritorious service by aiding relations with a neighboring country. For that reason, we have decided on a special arrangement this time.”

A single document was handed to the visibly tense Marguerite.

A parchment decorated with gold, bearing the seal of the royal family.

“We permit you the name Marguerite Clavel de Broy, and entrust to you the title of Count of Clavel and the position of lord of the Clavel lands.”

“I am deeply grateful for such undeserved consideration. I swear my loyalty to the royal family and will endeavor to be of even greater service.”

Marguerite bent deeply at the waist and accepted the document with both hands, as if presenting it reverently.

Noel smiled, then turned to Lucien.

“And Lucien de Broy. We hereby recognize you as Duke of de Broy.”

“This is an honor beyond measure. I pledge that Marguerite and I will work together to serve as strength to the royal family.”

Lucien bowed his head as well.

“This is only a preliminary notice. The formal oath will be taken at the palace before both Majesties.”

“Yes.”

“—Ah, one more thing I forgot to mention. My mother has said that, where possible, dukedoms and countships tied to territories should be inherited by different people.”

If a single domain grew too large, it would itself become a threat to the royal family. This arrangement was a special exception.

“…Well, I suppose you’ll manage somehow.”

“?”

“….”

Marguerite tilted her head in confusion, while Lucien turned bright red with a face like he had bitten into something bitter.

Noel gave Lucien a light pat on the shoulder.

“I’m counting on you. Even though we’ve concluded a treaty, tensions with the neighboring country have continued for a long time. If the lords of the borderlands are husband and wife in both name and reality, it adds pressure on them. And in public, feel free to be as openly affectionate as you like.”

“…So when you said the marriage could be dissolved, that was a lie.”

Lucien sighed, his face still red, and Noel shrugged without a trace of guilt.

“Of course. If it were dissolved now, the neighboring country would realize it was all just a performance.”

“Call it a drastic measure if you like, but I won’t forget for some time that you hurt Marguerite. Keep that in mind.”

“L-Lucien-sama!”

At his insolent tone, Marguerite panicked, but Lucien drew her close by the shoulder and fixed Noel with a steady gaze.

“I know. I’ll make accommodations until I’m forgiven.”

“What would you have done if we really had said we wanted to dissolve the marriage?”

When Marguerite had said, “Please dissolve the marriage.”

If Lucien had not loved her.

If he had seen it as a convenient opportunity and agreed.

Or if, intending to respect Marguerite’s wishes, he had accepted her request.

To Lucien, it felt like a gamble with very poor odds.

“…There was no way you could let Lady Marguerite go.”

Noel chuckled softly, and Marguerite’s cheeks flushed.

She still was not used to being treated as though she were something precious.

‘Really… how far does this man see?’

Leaving Lucien and Marguerite, who could say nothing more,

“Well then, I’ll see you again at the palace.”

With his usual inscrutable smile, Noel departed.

Having changed out of their formal wear and returned to more relaxed clothing, Lucien was sitting on the sofa when Marguerite came to him.

Lucien sat sunk into the cushions, brows drawn together.

In the past, Marguerite would have wondered if he was angry with her.

But just as Sharon had told her, the feelings she had imagined for Lucien had been mistaken. The truth was something she could only know by asking him directly.

“Are you tired, Lucien-sama?”

“It’s nothing.”

Lucien answered expressionlessly as he looked up at Marguerite sitting beside him.

Then Lucien, too, remembered Nicholas’s advice—to explain his condition in detail, to voice his wishes honestly.

“I am tired. But I have a prospect for taking leave. I’ll rest then, so there’s no problem. …Just now, I was only thinking.”

“I see.”

“Marguerite.”

Lucien straightened and pulled Marguerite into his arms.

“It calms me down when we’re like this.”

“I-I see…”

Though she shrank slightly, her face reddening, Marguerite did not resist.

‘So being with me truly brings Lucien-sama happiness…’

Lucien was showing her that through his actions.

That alone left Marguerite feeling light and dreamlike.

After continuing his thoughts for a while longer, Lucien seemed to reach a conclusion and released Marguerite.

Before she even had time to feel lonely at the distance that formed between them,

“We’ll likely be summoned to the palace next week. By then, the internal documents will be in order. Both you and I have reviewed the materials on our territories. I’ve asked Father and Mother to remain in the Royal Capital a little longer.”

After saying all that in one breath, Lucien smiled gently and held out his hand.

“After the audience, let’s go to the de Broy lands. To see the sea. And then, show me the Clavel lands as well.”

“…Yes!”

Marguerite’s face lit up as she took Lucien’s hand.