“I possess vast lands abundant with Arc Stones. I offer them all to you, enough to sustain Arundell for a hundred years.”
In the past, Count Alessin’s position at court had been precarious, primarily due to his lack of experience. He often boasted that his rise was due to his favorable relations with a certain woman, namely Rihannan’s mother. He was an outspoken figure, always ready to oppose the Queen vehemently, to the point where the Queen, exasperated and irritated, had investigated his estate. It was then that the existence of the Arc Stones had come to light.
The seemingly worthless hills, once considered the least valuable in the kingdom, turned out to be the Nordaji Mines. It had taken countless years of excavation, but the mere discovery of the Arc Stones buried deep underground had elevated Count Alessin’s status and worth to unparalleled heights. None could ignore the Count who had acquired immense wealth overnight.
Rihannan had instructed her butler not to sell the lands, choosing instead to retain them in her possession. Though she had no personal interest in their growth, she believed they might prove useful someday.
And her intuition had been correct.
“These are the correspondences from my butler at the Arundell estate. The documents will prove the truth of my words, Your Majesty. Should you find yourself in Arundell again, please feel free to verify it.”
Rihannan unfolded the letters sent by Jeffrey, which contained information known only to her. Following her instructions, the easily accessible Arc Stones had been utilized to alleviate the hardships faced by those afflicted by famine or natural disasters.
Igor reached out and perused the papers, his demeanor somewhat insincere. His face bore no signs of surprise, a reaction Rihannan had not anticipated. She had expected him to be pleased.
Why…
Rihannan looked at him nervously. She knew what Igor desired and pursued—power. And to attain that power, amassing immense wealth was necessary. His extensive taxation investigations had targeted the royal family, ensuring that money did not flow elsewhere. Moreover, he had surely spent a substantial amount on building those warships. Rihannan had a vague understanding that Arundell’s treasury was not overflowing with riches. Igor needed a source of income to fill the empty coffers.
“It’s an intriguing proposal,” Igor responded with a half-hearted smile as he perused the documents.
“Do you not like it?” Rihannan asked, feeling embarrassed.
“No, I do quite like it. How could I be dissatisfied with what you are offering me?”
However, his facial expression spoke otherwise. He appeared… disappointed. Perhaps Rihannan’s imagination was playing tricks on her…
“But I do not believe this is sufficient. I am certain you have an additional condition in exchange for this proposal,” Igor stated.
Rihannan was taken aback, but quickly regained her composure. “Yes, Your Majesty. There is indeed one more condition for the transfer of all this land. If you agree, it will all belong to you.”
“And what is this condition?”
“Please marry me and divorce me after one year.”
A year from now, most of Chrichton’s male royals would have perished. After a fierce battle for the throne, Dimitri would emerge victorious and be proclaimed king.
Once he ascended the throne, Dimitri would not leave Rihannan alone. He would find a way to bring her back to Chrichton. Thus, by that time, she would have a means to return to her homeland.
“Did you say divorce?” Igor’s reply was sharp.
Rihannan echoed his words internally.
“Yes,” she nodded.
“Although I am unsure of your reasons for desiring this.” A scowl formed on his lips. “You ask me to marry you, and now you wish for what… a divorce?”
“It can be arranged, Your Majesty.”
Chrichton would have paid a considerable sum to repatriate their princess from Arundell. However, if Igor were to give up on Rihannan and accept Chrichton’s compensation, the public would denounce him as despicable—a man who married for wealth alone. He would face condemnation.
Thus, Rihannan intended to intervene. She would bring her assets into the equation. Moreover, she needed to resolve this matter swiftly and without worry. After all, their marriage would only last a year.
“You require a marriage partner who can bring great benefits to both you and Arundell. It would not be a loss, but a gain. Even after our divorce, you will be left with immense fortune.”
Although Rihannan could not reveal that this proposal aimed to save her cousin, the very same cousin who had sought to rescue her from her tragic fate, Igor would not understand. How could he? He had imprisoned his own wife in order to attain the power he desired.
Subconsciously, Rihannan lowered her head. “Any reason for the divorce will suffice… Whether it be my inability to bear you a child, my infertility… if you agree to divorce me after a year, I will accept any condition.”
This was all Rihannan could do. She waited for his decision. But as his silence lingered, a cold sweat formed on her back. She clasped her knees to quell her trembling. It troubled her that Igor showed no reaction, but she made no attempt to display her concern. She had believed… she had thought he would be surprised, his mind swayed by the temptation of such immense wealth.
After what felt like an eternity, Igor’s response finally came, shattering Rihannan’s despair.
“Very well.”
Just as she had given up hope, Igor’s voice rang out suddenly, and Rihannan looked up in disbelief.
“…Yes?”
“I accept your offer.” His voice was sharp, almost as if he held no interest in the terms and conditions she had laid out. Nevertheless, he accepted.
Rihannan stared at him, unable to believe what she had just heard.
Noticing her expression, Igor added, “If you happen to change your mind, I will rescind my acceptance.”
Rihannan shook her head in response. No… she needed to swiftly advance matters before he reconsidered.
“Could you draft a contract outlining the agreement?” Rihannan requested.
“You wish for a marriage contract document?” Igor growled lowly, his displeasure evident.
“Yes. It is not because I lack trust in you, but rather to prevent any unsavory incidents in the future.”
As she spoke, Igor smiled, though his eyes remained despondent. “It appears that you have not forgotten your Arundell roots after all. Very well, let us proceed with the formalities.”
Igor summoned Basil, who promptly entered the room. When asked to bring paper, pens, and seals, Basil grew curious, but he complied without question.
There, in that room overlooking the azure sea, the documents were written and arranged. Over five pages were filled with intricate details. Among them, the most crucial clause read as follows: Rihannan and Igor would marry within one month of the contract date and divorce precisely one year after their marriage. In the event of divorce, ownership of the Nordaji Mines within Rihannan Alessin’s estate would be transferred from Rihannan Alessin to Igor Cesca. The marriage contract would remain a secret, and any violation would warrant compensation from the offending party.
Rihannan scrutinized the wording of the document repeatedly, finding nothing amiss. This was enough… she could claim victory. However, just as she prepared to sign, Igor interjected.
“I believe we need to add one more clause here.”
Rihannan looked at him with a hint of nervousness. “What additional clause would you like to include?”
“Although this is a contractual marriage, it entails certain formalities and a consequential relationship. What if, within this short year of our marriage, you were to conceive a child? I would like to include a clause granting me custody of the child even after our separation.”
Painful memories of the past stabbed at Rihannan’s wounded heart. A child… she had forgotten about that possibility, knowing full well her difficulties in conceiving a child for Igor.
The chances of her bearing the heir he desired were slim to none. And even if she were to succeed, it was only proper for the child to be raised within the royal palace. History had no records of a child being brought home by the mother long after a royal marriage had taken place.
“That goes without saying. Although I do not believe it necessary, if it eases your concerns, you are free to add the clause.”
“You mean… it matters not to you?”
Rihannan nodded. “Indeed.”
He muttered something akin to a curse and promptly wrote down the additional clause. Rihannan followed suit. She knew Igor yearned for an heir… but she understood that she would not be able to provide one in this lifetime or within their brief marriage. It had taken her years to conceive, and when she finally did, she lost her unborn child…
“I possess vast lands abundant with Arc Stones. I offer them all to you, enough to sustain Arundell for a hundred years.”
In the past, Count Alessin’s position at court had been precarious, primarily due to his lack of experience. He often boasted that his rise was due to his favorable relations with a certain woman, namely Rihannan’s mother. He was an outspoken figure, always ready to oppose the Queen vehemently, to the point where the Queen, exasperated and irritated, had investigated his estate. It was then that the existence of the Arc Stones had come to light.
The seemingly worthless hills, once considered the least valuable in the kingdom, turned out to be the Nordaji Mines. It had taken countless years of excavation, but the mere discovery of the Arc Stones buried deep underground had elevated Count Alessin’s status and worth to unparalleled heights. None could ignore the Count who had acquired immense wealth overnight.
Rihannan had instructed her butler not to sell the lands, choosing instead to retain them in her possession. Though she had no personal interest in their growth, she believed they might prove useful someday.
And her intuition had been correct.
“These are the correspondences from my butler at the Arundell estate. The documents will prove the truth of my words, Your Majesty. Should you find yourself in Arundell again, please feel free to verify it.”
Rihannan unfolded the letters sent by Jeffrey, which contained information known only to her. Following her instructions, the easily accessible Arc Stones had been utilized to alleviate the hardships faced by those afflicted by famine or natural disasters.
Igor reached out and perused the papers, his demeanor somewhat insincere. His face bore no signs of surprise, a reaction Rihannan had not anticipated. She had expected him to be pleased.
Why…
Rihannan looked at him nervously. She knew what Igor desired and pursued—power. And to attain that power, amassing immense wealth was necessary. His extensive taxation investigations had targeted the royal family, ensuring that money did not flow elsewhere. Moreover, he had surely spent a substantial amount on building those warships. Rihannan had a vague understanding that Arundell’s treasury was not overflowing with riches. Igor needed a source of income to fill the empty coffers.
“It’s an intriguing proposal,” Igor responded with a half-hearted smile as he perused the documents.
“Do you not like it?” Rihannan asked, feeling embarrassed.
“No, I do quite like it. How could I be dissatisfied with what you are offering me?”
However, his facial expression spoke otherwise. He appeared… disappointed. Perhaps Rihannan’s imagination was playing tricks on her…
“But I do not believe this is sufficient. I am certain you have an additional condition in exchange for this proposal,” Igor stated.
Rihannan was taken aback, but quickly regained her composure. “Yes, Your Majesty. There is indeed one more condition for the transfer of all this land. If you agree, it will all belong to you.”
“And what is this condition?”
“Please marry me and divorce me after one year.”
A year from now, most of Chrichton’s male royals would have perished. After a fierce battle for the throne, Dimitri would emerge victorious and be proclaimed king.
Once he ascended the throne, Dimitri would not leave Rihannan alone. He would find a way to bring her back to Chrichton. Thus, by that time, she would have a means to return to her homeland.
“Did you say divorce?” Igor’s reply was sharp.
Rihannan echoed his words internally.
“Yes,” she nodded.
“Although I am unsure of your reasons for desiring this.” A scowl formed on his lips. “You ask me to marry you, and now you wish for what… a divorce?”
“It can be arranged, Your Majesty.”
Chrichton would have paid a considerable sum to repatriate their princess from Arundell. However, if Igor were to give up on Rihannan and accept Chrichton’s compensation, the public would denounce him as despicable—a man who married for wealth alone. He would face condemnation.
Thus, Rihannan intended to intervene. She would bring her assets into the equation. Moreover, she needed to resolve this matter swiftly and without worry. After all, their marriage would only last a year.
“You require a marriage partner who can bring great benefits to both you and Arundell. It would not be a loss, but a gain. Even after our divorce, you will be left with immense fortune.”
Although Rihannan could not reveal that this proposal aimed to save her cousin, the very same cousin who had sought to rescue her from her tragic fate, Igor would not understand. How could he? He had imprisoned his own wife in order to attain the power he desired.
Subconsciously, Rihannan lowered her head. “Any reason for the divorce will suffice… Whether it be my inability to bear you a child, my infertility… if you agree to divorce me after a year, I will accept any condition.”
This was all Rihannan could do. She waited for his decision. But as his silence lingered, a cold sweat formed on her back. She clasped her knees to quell her trembling. It troubled her that Igor showed no reaction, but she made no attempt to display her concern. She had believed… she had thought he would be surprised, his mind swayed by the temptation of such immense wealth.
After what felt like an eternity, Igor’s response finally came, shattering Rihannan’s despair.
“Very well.”
Just as she had given up hope, Igor’s voice rang out suddenly, and Rihannan looked up in disbelief.
“…Yes?”
“I accept your offer.” His voice was sharp, almost as if he held no interest in the terms and conditions she had laid out. Nevertheless, he accepted.
Rihannan stared at him, unable to believe what she had just heard.
Noticing her expression, Igor added, “If you happen to change your mind, I will rescind my acceptance.”
Rihannan shook her head in response. No… she needed to swiftly advance matters before he reconsidered.
“Could you draft a contract outlining the agreement?” Rihannan requested.
“You wish for a marriage contract document?” Igor growled lowly, his displeasure evident.
“Yes. It is not because I lack trust in you, but rather to prevent any unsavory incidents in the future.”
As she spoke, Igor smiled, though his eyes remained despondent. “It appears that you have not forgotten your Arundell roots after all. Very well, let us proceed with the formalities.”
Igor summoned Basil, who promptly entered the room. When asked to bring paper, pens, and seals, Basil grew curious, but he complied without question.
There, in that room overlooking the azure sea, the documents were written and arranged. Over five pages were filled with intricate details. Among them, the most crucial clause read as follows: Rihannan and Igor would marry within one month of the contract date and divorce precisely one year after their marriage. In the event of divorce, ownership of the Nordaji Mines within Rihannan Alessin’s estate would be transferred from Rihannan Alessin to Igor Cesca. The marriage contract would remain a secret, and any violation would warrant compensation from the offending party.
Rihannan scrutinized the wording of the document repeatedly, finding nothing amiss. This was enough… she could claim victory. However, just as she prepared to sign, Igor interjected.
“I believe we need to add one more clause here.”
Rihannan looked at him with a hint of nervousness. “What additional clause would you like to include?”
“Although this is a contractual marriage, it entails certain formalities and a consequential relationship. What if, within this short year of our marriage, you were to conceive a child? I would like to include a clause granting me custody of the child even after our separation.”
Painful memories of the past stabbed at Rihannan’s wounded heart. A child… she had forgotten about that possibility, knowing full well her difficulties in conceiving a child for Igor.
The chances of her bearing the heir he desired were slim to none. And even if she were to succeed, it was only proper for the child to be raised within the royal palace. History had no records of a child being brought home by the mother long after a royal marriage had taken place.
“That goes without saying. Although I do not believe it necessary, if it eases your concerns, you are free to add the clause.”
“You mean… it matters not to you?”
Rihannan nodded. “Indeed.”
He muttered something akin to a curse and promptly wrote down the additional clause. Rihannan followed suit. She knew Igor yearned for an heir… but she understood that she would not be able to provide one in this lifetime or within their brief marriage. It had taken her years to conceive, and when she finally did, she lost her unborn child…
