Episode 13

Compared to the wealth of the Cartier family, that amount was inconspicuous. However, it was not an easy amount to say.

At the words of the family head, Jacob tried to answer something. It was soon interrupted by Lucerne's heavy voice.

“They said it was war reparations,” He said. The woman I want to marry is the daughter of a noble from the old kingdom, Lord Lore.”

“Ha, how much did you inflate the war reparations? Did you really want to take the land and collect the amount of 30,000 in addition to that?”

“That is……. Grandpa…….”

“Didn't I tell you to call me the head of household? You pathetic bastard! Besides, Lucerne. You said it was helpful to Jacob, but on the contrary, isn't that what you did to lose money? Spending 30,000 gold coins on a woman? It's nothing like being possessed and doing something stupid.”

Suddenly, the focus of the story was cleverly changed from 'Lucerne's fault' to 'Lucerne doing something that deserves a loss' and 'Jacob's benefit'.

Jacob was about to burst into death.

However, I had nothing to say. When the head of the family first established the prestige of the family, they accumulated wealth regardless of means.

But now, he had instructed the family to refrain from methods bordering on illegality. It was because the family's power was already large and sufficient.

“I think it is reasonable.”

“…….”

“I don't want a wife who has the slightest chance of climbing on me. You can pay more than 30,000 gold coins to get a woman with no regrets.”

“…….”

“Besides, it remains to be seen whether my woman will be worth it.”

Gaju pressed his forehead. He saw Jacob.

“Jacob, readjust the cost and charge Lucerne. And let's finish this.”

“I can't!”

Jacob stood up. Carola bit her lip, and Marco ignored it.

“My lord, you are too much. Even cut the money! I am the victim.”

“I will decline.”

Lucerne said calmly. People's eyes were focused on him.

“What do you mean?”

The housekeeper narrowed her eyes.

“I will pay all 30,000 gold coins. I do not bargain for the ransom of my woman.”

“…….”

Jacob shut his mouth.

“I don't want to value my woman in money, but if I have to put a price on her, I'd like to buy her at a high price if possible.”

Jacob recognized the words, and his face instantly turned red. Jacob is now an idiot in many ways. Lucerne had stolen the woman, and he had become a small bastard who bargained for a ransom.

“Lucerne, you really…….”

The patriarch clicked his tongue, but said nothing more. Lucerne added quietly.

“If there is a problem with the amount of 30,000 gold coins, we can review it later.”

“Lucerne!”

Jacob's expression changed. If he paid the full amount of 30,000 gold coins, even if he filed a lawsuit over the amount in the future, only Jacob would be disadvantaged.

Lucerne ignored Jacob and got up. He glanced lightly.

“Then excuse me. Since I got permission from the head of the family, I have to go to propose.”

“Wait, Lucerne.”

The family head's expression had already changed. He twisted the corner of his mouth.

“There are conditions.”

*​ *​ *​

Elisha had a very short sleep. She was in fact uncomfortable with her mind and she hardly slept. She tossed and turned in Lucerne's bed, wearing only Lucerne's shirt.

She said, 'Lucerne said they would negotiate the debt with Jacob. Jacob shouldn't hold the book.'

It's true that she was a bit insecure, but since she's Lucerne, I thought she'd make it somehow. Elisha pressed her forehead. Last night was like a dream.

'Well, you talk like someone who's been with me.'

'Where do you mistake me for someone else, it's no fun.'

'You can do well. Elisha.'

The nape of her neck turned red at the sudden passing events.

'There is no such thing as a beast, why are you so quick to notice? It's like someone who sees through everything.'

The Cartier family were all devils, but Lucerne was an outlier among them.

'If things go well.'

Elisha really thought positively after 10 years. A life she had never experienced before. A life lived as a person, not as someone's property or slave.

'Is that possible? If so, how many years will I have to endure under Lucerne?'

Negotiating with Lucerne to buy him was the first step to avoiding the road to hell. However, I had no idea what kind of road this way would be.

'A demon on the battlefield, a madman against enemies, but hitting or harassing women, or being a womanizer. I've never heard of that.'

However, that alone was not enough. Elisha did not believe in Cartier's bloodline itself. The Cartier family trampled on Elisha in various ways in her past.

'You can't trust Lucerne. No matter how handsome and plausible he is…….'

She imagined the worst that could happen.

'Either Lucerne locks me up and sets up a substitute……. The worst case is to use only the name after killing him.'

From Lucerne's point of view, all it took was Elisha's name. The only thing he wanted to take from Elisha now was the name of an aristocratic wife.

Legitimate nobility title that helps him to hold the lands of the hereditary nobles, save more taxes than when doing business, and establish a merchant house.

Lucerne in his previous life did not marry, so he had lower nobles under him. He remembers that he proceeded with his work in such a way as to do various businesses using their names.

In the end, Elisha also said that she was not indispensable. Although she desperately needed her name, she wasn't without alternative means either. Elisha now was just a convenience to him.

'So, paying the debt instead is paying more than my actual ransom.'

Then there was a knock on the door. Elisha was wary. Then there was the sound of a door opening from outside, and someone entered the room. Elisha wrapped herself in her sheet and went outside.

Standing outside was a woman with papers. She is dark-skinned, in a light tunic and trousers. She was a woman with a refined, youthful face.

'Knight Nora.'

Elisha recognized her right away. She was Nora, Lucerne's proud entourage.

Among the knights Lucerne had, she was famous. Nora, a well-groomed beauty, was one of the popular knights. In particular, the fact that she is one of the few female knights in the empire also contributed to her popularity.

'It's the first time I've seen it up close like this.'

Nora calmly introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Nora de Maratra. This is a knight serving Lucerne-sama.”

Elisha lightly bent her knees.

“It is an honor to meet you, Knight.”

Elisha's courteous demeanor made Nora blink her eyes.

“Lady Lucerne told me to sign the marriage contract in advance. Also, the back page is an annexed contract following the marriage.”

Elisha looked at the wedding vows. Written in elegant handwriting, it was very simple. A vow to marry in front of God. Below were spaces for the signatures of Lucerne and Elisha.

The next chapter was a simple marriage contract, a content commonly followed in aristocratic marriages. The content was simple.

'The bride's side does not receive a dowry, the groom's side pays 30,000 gold coins as a condition of canceling the debt to Jacob, and I am not allowed to use the 30,000 gold coins for any other purpose.'

From Lucerne's point of view, it was extremely realistic. The problem was after that.

– The bride, Elisha de Lorre, cannot ask for a divorce during her marriage.

-In the event of any cause attributable to the bride in relation to the relationship of trust during her marriage, Elisha de Lorre renounces her personal freedom.

Her faults are limited to betrayal, conspiracy, violation of the Imperial Peace Treaty, leaking secrets, and adultery.

Even if her fault is against the law, she will not hand over Elisha de Lor to the imperial family or the police.

'Give up personal freedom, Rani.'

Elisha's hands trembled. So, this…….

'It's actually a conditional physical renunciation memorandum.'

I was afraid. However, the logic was there. Because it's a provision only in case Elisha is her spy.

Elisha read the bottom part.

-In case of divorce due to Elisha de Lorre's negligence, she pays 30,000 gold coins plus the amount of interest calculated at the time of her divorce.

And the interest rate listed is…….

'That's an unimaginable amount of interest.'

It was to the point where the bonds seemed nice. A transaction that earns 10% interest per day. Later, it will be an amount that cannot be written down.

'Well, what does it matter? I don't have the skills to pay back 30,000 gold coins right away.'

Elisha bit her lip. It was me who said she would do anything, so she had nothing to say. On the other hand, she also had good provisions.

– In the case of divorce at the request of Lucerne de Callas, the bride can be granted 30,000 gold coins debt relief, interest exemption, and ownership of all property acquired during the marriage.

-If the marriage is made permanent under the agreement, Elisha de Lorre may ask Lucerne de Cayas to renegotiate the payment of her debts and property.

In addition, Lucerne took over the tracking pattern engraved on Elisha's neck, and it was also included that the pattern would be removed in the event of her normal divorce.

I mean, it was very simple.

'Don't run away, don't betray me, and wait for me to divorce you.'

Then, you'll be able to grab some money and leave safely. So…….

'It means don't do anything.'

Elisha laughed out loud.