(2)PROBLEM (one year ago)

"How can he ask for a bride in just a month?" Ray's voice thundered as he entered the room. He just had a heated conversation with his father, the duke of Aflantia. He was fuming with anger, even his aids seemed terrified.

"This time that old man has really gone senile." He paced up.

'tick-tock tick-tock'

As time went on, the room became tenser. He walked up and down, glaring into the space.

"Sire, have some tea, and please calm down. You are scaring the people." The butler offered the tea and its aroma filled the space. Somehow the room seemed less tensefull.

Ray's eyes were still throwing daggers but he sat down and sipped the tea. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Ray had a tough character and because of this he and butler looked more like friends than master and friend. The reason was simple, as somehow the butler was always able to calm him but was also terrified of him just like everyone.

Raymond Aflantia, the one and only heir of the Duchy Aflantia, one of the most prominent Dukedom. It was famous for being the most historical which goes as far back as the Empire's history. It was the house that contributed the most to the formation and unification of the Spanier Empire. It was the house that produced the most sword masters and talented swordsmen. And Raymond was a prodigy. He started showing his talent at an early age and after his lessons started it became clear.

Raymond was one of the most handsome men in the empire. If the crown prince was the sun then he also shined brightly yet coldly like the moon.

He wasn't a male model but he should have been. His lustrous platinum hair that he groomed so carefully had a rippling quality, a sign of his rude health. His only blemish was that he was beetle-browed and they sometimes knitted in frustration. The aquiline nose he sported complemented his prominent cheekbones. His basalt jaw and Spartan shoulders spoke of strength. He possessed a latent, lupine power and always walked with purpose and authority.

People had always remarked that his best feature was his entrancing, wayfarer-blue eyes. Sloe-shaped, they could shine as bright as the evening stars when they were alight with joy, but unfortunately, they were always cold as if a giant wave will soon strike the silently resting ocean. Too deep...Sometimes they also resembled two liquid-blue pools of flashing fire. Despite his rude and cold character, he had a large fan club. The girls were head over heels for him but no one dared to talk to him, it was only with some formal company or with the crown prince he talked with.

But even with such talent and popularity, he'd had a major flaw that was not even his fault. He was the illegitimate child of the duke and was born out of wedlock. The only reason why he became the heir was that the duke became infertile. Even Ray was not sure whether it was some sort of blessing or curse.

The other thing was his title as the 'Monstrous Duke'. After the war with the kingdom was over, his forces, as well as wealth increased and also the scornful looks. He contributed a lot with his unfound talent and brought victory but the same thing became the reason for fear. His merciless killing without an ounce of guilt becomes the subject for many. On the battlefield he was unstoppable.

Though the nobles feared him but because of his origin and father, no noble would let him marry their daughter. His father was a big reason for their decision after all he controlled everything from the back. Despite this, he asked for a daughter-in-law. Ray's forces were not small but he still needed time.

The Duke told him to marry the girl of the Duke's choice but his intentions were clear. He wanted Ray to marry the princess. In exchange for the marriage, the emperor must have asked for support for prince Rayon, his favorite son. It must have been a tempting offer for the Duke, not only he will get rid of the stigma of having an illegitimate heir but will also come under the good grace of the Emperor. The only problem was that Ray had no intention of following his father's plan. He had already promised his loyalty to the crown prince.

"Haa!" Ray decided to calm down and think objectively. Now that he had cooled himself and regained his composure, he noticed all the eyes that were on him. Noticing his every move.

"Dismiss everyone." his words expressed authority and all the servants left the room at once, not even daring to steal a glance.

"You stay here, John"

"Yes, sire" The butler bowed and moved to the corner of the room. He waited for the next command from his master.

"Hmm..." Ray glanced outside, thinking deeply. He was not looking at anything particularly rather he was looking at everything.

John observed him silently. He had known Ray for five years now. They had been through thick and thin together and he had earned Ray's faith in that time. People may see Ray as some sort of monster or fear him but John knew very well how hard that time had been for Ray or how hard he had struggled to survive. After all the time that he had spent in that hellish war where it was difficult for Ray to even distinguish between friend and for, obviously he would become ruthless and heartless.

He still thinks back to that day's incident when Ray had gone berserk and killed everyone. He had done it so skillfully that no one was even sure whether he was really a human or a demon in human clothing. It was the start of the rumor and from then on he became indestructible but he had lost something very important then. John still remembered his eyes back then and a shiver of horror passed all over his body.

"Come, sit down. What are you thinking about so intensely that you didn't even hear me calling you?" Ray gestured toward the sofa with a blank face.

'Yup, he is totally an emotionless punk' John chuckled.

"What?" John sat in front of Ray. "We are not in the army anymore so don't be so rigid, Commander. Ah! No, lord~" he joked.

"So you don't need this month's salary. Right? Since you are my friend and friend help each other out."

"Hahaha...." John wasn't sure whether Ray was joking or not but hopefully he was.

"So what should we now?"

"Are you talking about your bride"

"Hmm"

"Then shouldn't we look for someone who fits well with us?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"The duke didn't say anything particular so shouldn't we use this loophole to our benefit."

Ray stared at John for more explanation.

"We are short on time so we can't be picky. So instead of looking at her background, we should look for capabilities just like we do when hiring someone, and if the background is good then it's better for us."

Ray gave it some thought and made his decision immediately.

"Ok! Then make a list of all the women who are of age above eighteen and below twenty-two and should be born in Aflantia. Give it to me tomorrow evening."

'Wha- what? What is he saying? Tomorrow?' John was left speechless but he managed to keep himself composed.

"As you wish, My lord." After all, he still wished to keep his pocket full.

"So what's your ideal type, sire? I-i mean what type of girl will be better?" John changed his words as he saw Ray's expression.

'I should change my habit of talking directly otherwise, it will get me killed someday.'

"The girl should be smart, tight tongue, and be flexible. Someone we could fully trust. She should know how to change her attitude according to the situation and should not get succumb to the hungry dogs. It would be better if she is agile and strong..."

Someone came to John's mind as he listened to Ray, but before he could say anything Ray continued.

".....and it would be beneficial to have her weakness in our hands and make sure that it would be easy to silence her if needed." He smirked.

'Gulp' As soon as he finished his description, John left the room. He decided to look for someone thoroughly. But he soon realized that his question was not actually answered.

'Knock-knock'

"Sire." And he again entered Ray's office.

"I was asking about the bride's looks, not qualities."

"Why? How is it necessary?" Ray tilted his head as he thought of its importance.

"It would be easy to come up with the excuse of choosing her as your bride."

But Ray couldn't perceive his words.

"Leave it. Just close your eyes and imagine a girl. Alive. And now describe her features one by one."

Ray decided to follow the instructions and closed his eyes. As he tried to imagine, a silhouette started to form.

"Hmm..."

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