The King Arranges a Marriage 4

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

In the Northwest Bay, there's a custom similar to some places in my previous life where age is counted based on the lunar calendar. When Paul first awakened his memories of his past life, it was the year 1990 of the Sacred Calendar, and he was 14 years old by lunar standards, which meant he was actually 13.

After being thrust into the role of lord for five years, it is now the year 1995 of the Sacred Calendar, and he has turned 18.

People in the Northwest Bay marry early, and Paul is considered a late bloomer at this age. His contemporary, Malon Ganard, got engaged to a noblewoman last year. Meanwhile, two years older Derrick Heller is already a father.

Paul's picky attitude regarding marriage has been quite distressing for his old butler, Philip, especially after a recent rebellion sparked by reforms. Philip is now even more eager for Paul to settle down.

During this trip south to Crystal Glare to meet the king, Philip devised a plan. If the girls of the Northwest Bay don't appeal to Paul, surely there would be someone in Crystal Glare.

Thus, he urged Paul to socialize more, attend parties, and bring back a mistress for the Grayman family castle.

Of course, he understood that Paul wasn't good at mingling, so he also requested that others accompanying them help guide Paul in that regard.

On the way to Crystal Glare, Paul entertained some fantasies about his future. However, he never expected that his lifelong affair would arrive in such a manner.

Hansel's father, Earl Pearson Abbott, was sent by King Rodney XVIII to ask if Paul was willing to take Princess Catherine Rodney as his partner for life.

Catherine Rodney—she was the dream of countless noble youths across the kingdom—was actually… going to marry him?

Just recently, he had met the famed warrior princess. Her beauty was beyond reproach; unlike the serene beauty of Lady Ladia, Catherine possessed an aggressive and commanding allure.

Though she didn't speak much, every word she uttered resonated with a certain strength, shaped by her long-standing position and leadership over a predominantly male army.

She was the epitome of a powerful woman.

As for Paul's feelings about such a woman? He was undoubtedly thrilled—one thousand percent satisfied.

After a long silence, Paul asked Earl Abbott, "What does the princess herself think?"

Earl Pearson Abbott smiled slightly at him. "Since it is the king's wish, I believe her Highness would also be agreeable."

Huh? So is that a yes or a no?

Paul felt there was something veiled in the response.

"Um… could I have some time to think about it?"

This wasn't just a piece of good fortune dropping from the sky; it was like stumbling upon a giant gold mine!

Could there really be such good fortune in the world?

Even if it did exist, could he handle it?

Paul had doubts about all these questions and felt he needed to consult someone.

Earl Abbott appeared slightly surprised by Paul's response.

"Should I inform the king that you are considering? Or would you prefer I delay my reply, and bring him a definitive answer of yes or no?"

After thinking for a moment, Paul said, "If possible, I'd prefer the second option."

The king wanted to marry his sister off to him, and he should really put on airs and claim he needed to consider it?

Earl Abbott nodded. "Very well, I will go to the palace tomorrow afternoon to inform His Majesty. Before then, you will have a day to consider."

As he listened to the conversation between his father and Paul, Hansel felt a stirring in his heart.

This stirring was tinged with a hint of sourness—after all, which nobleman in Crystal Glare hadn't once held a crush on Princess Catherine?

However, the main focus for Hansel was the renewed appraisal of Paul; the Earl of Grayman had become so powerful that the king was willing to forge a marriage alliance?

Of course, Hansel also learned from his father about the new king's wariness towards supporters of the princess.

But if it were merely wariness, the king could have easily married his sister off elsewhere—there were plenty of options.

Yet, His Majesty had specifically chosen Paul Grayman.

Unable to hold back, Hansel urged, "Lord Grayman, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If you become connected to the royal family, you will instantly join the highest echelons of the kingdom."

"The Northwest Bay will also play an important role on Aldor's political stage."

Hansel's voice was filled with temptation, but he also had his own considerations.

As someone who had served Paul for many years, if Paul were to rise to the kingdom's upper echelons, Hansel's own importance would undoubtedly increase.

"You're right, Hansel. That's why I need to consider this more carefully."

Sighing, Paul regretted not bringing Old Ford or Philip along to Crystal Glare; they would definitely analyze the situation for him.

In a state of confusion, Paul sent off the Abbotts.

He closed the door, returned to his seat, and fell into a long silence.

---

"What?"

A chorus of surprised voices erupted around the table.

Malon, Victor, Ladia, Bernard, the recalled Hansel, and a few other nobles from the Northwest, such as Pryce Parker and Derrick Heller, were all gathered in a room at the Aldar office in Crystal Glare.

"The famous Princess Catherine? The king actually… wants to marry her to you?"

Everyone expressed disbelief.

"What? Don't you think I'm worthy of marrying her?" Paul asked, somewhat annoyed. What do they think of him?

"Oh, don't get me wrong, Paul!"

Earl Parker stepped in to smooth things over. "A princess getting married is a major event. Whoever she marries will naturally raise eyebrows."

"So what's your opinion?"

"Do we even need to discuss that? Of course, you should agree!" Pryce Parker spoke emphatically.

"Bringing home a royal bloodline is something every noble dreams of. And marrying this Princess Catherine is something many nobles wouldn't even dare to dream about."

As soon as he finished speaking, Malon and Victor chimed in.

"This is a tremendous opportunity! We'd envy you!"

"Exactly, be a little bolder, Paul!"

It seemed they all found it hard to disagree.

Paul turned his gaze to Ladia, questioning.

"Um, cough cough, Ladia, what do you think?"

The witch didn't answer immediately; it was the first time Paul saw her in a daze.

He waited patiently, only to receive a somewhat dismissive reply.

"I have no opinion. Lord Grayman, you decide for yourself."

(End of the Chapter)

---

Read (FF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c808. [+2]

Early Access at $5.

Translated (5) Series, (2K+) Chapters, (2.5M+) Words.