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

In recognition of my achievements, the Emperor pushed for a marriage between me and the Princess. On the surface, it was a political marriage to strengthen the bond between the Imperial Family and the Duchy. In reality, it was nothing more than a political shackle intended to bind me, who had no intention of being loyal to the Imperial Family, even tighter to them.

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 from politics and beyond the reach of the Imperial Family'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 intent 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 interview 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 was enough.

The contract we made was simple.

We would live as a married couple in name only for one year. We would not interfere in each other's private lives at all. I would handle the pressure for 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. Thus, the contract marriage began.

And six months have passed.

Since when was it?

Every time I saw her, my chest throbbed strangely. My heart raced for no reason when she came close, and an inexplicable irritation flared up 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 is love.'

I thought it was nonsense.

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

I. I have fallen in love with Guest.