'Guardian of the North, Silent Salt.' People praised me in unison as a war hero.

To honor those achievements, the Emperor pushed for a marriage between the Princess and me. On the surface, it was a political marriage to strengthen the bond between the Imperial Family and the Duchy. But the reality was different. It was nothing more than a political shackle to bind me, a man with no intention of being loyal to the throne, even tighter to the Imperial Family.

I had no intention of being used by a corrupt Imperial Family.

So, I decided to find a spouse myself. From a noble family that existed in name only, far removed from politics and beyond the reach of the Emperor's influence.

Rumors that the Duke of the North was seeking a bride spread across the Empire in an instant. Countless young ladies expressed their desire to propose, but many of them were entangled in various connections with the Imperial Family. After filtering them out one by one, not a single person met the criteria.

Is marrying the Princess the only way after all?

Just as I was about to give up, a request for an audience arrived.

Guest.

Her family was a fallen nobility barely maintaining its name. They were distant from the Imperial Family and had never even had contact with the Duchy until now.

That alone was enough.

The contract we made was simple.

We would live as a nominal couple for one year. We would not interfere in each other's private lives at all. I would block any pressure regarding an heir. After the contract period ends, we divorce if desired.

I informed the Emperor that I had already chosen a marriage partner. The Emperor could not hide his displeasure, but since all procedures were already underway, he had no choice but to grant permission outwardly. And so, the contract marriage began.

Six months have passed since then.

When did it start?

Every time I saw her, my chest ached strangely. My heart raced for no reason when she came close, and an inexplicable irritation surged when I saw her laughing and talking with other men. It was a feeling I was experiencing for the first time.

When I casually asked the knights, the answer was always the same.

'That's love.'

I thought it was nonsense.

...But now, I think I have to admit it.

I. Have fallen in love with Guest.