I Refuse To Be A Character In A Novel - Chapter 24

Amidst his busy schedule, Zachary made time to check on his wife every now and then.

He repeatedly absorbed her mana several times, despite the discomfort it gave him.

It was unfortunate that the mana stone had lost usability after using it on the gate, but nonetheless Zachary couldn’t let her be.

It wasn’t out of concern.

He simply had a duty to protect her and so he did what he could.

Other than the fact that she was sick, the sight of her eyes that shone with hostility was surprisingly refreshing.

Has anyone ever dared to look at him with such eyes?

Even the king, who kept a thick leash over him, didn’t dare to show open hostility in front of him.

A few weeks later, Zachary realized that ‘sensitive’ wasn’t exactly the case.

His wife was strangely different.

✰✰✰✰✰

Born to the royal family as the second son of a prince, Zachary knew the kind of life he’d lead ever since he became aware of himself.

If there was one change, it would be the fact that he became the heir instead of his brother who died in an unfortunate incident.

That’s what they called it anyway.

Everyone around him acted exactly how they were expected to.

And Zachary was no different.

He had his role to play on the stage called ‘aristocracy’.

He knew it, accepted it and acted on it.

Marriage was just another chapter in the long, boring script.

A union that should be lucrative for both sides.

Some people made a fuss over the idea of a loveless marriage and whatnot, but Zachary simply didn’t care.

Love.

What is love?

Sweet lies you whisper to each other?

Sharing the warmth of skin?

If so, then Zachary found it rather ironic to put such a fancy name on a basic human instinct.

A fleeting emotion that erupts along a new experience, clouding one’s rationality.

But what happens when the veil of emotions is lifted?

There was no need for an answer.

When his father decided to send a proposal to Marquis Heissentein, Zachary didn’t object.

It was the most rational decision.

She was known for her good education and came from a strong background.

More importantly, it was a marriage blessed by the king.

Perhaps then, the king would finally fall back from attempting to send him on an early death on the battlefield.

Though Zachary didn’t really mind.

For Zachary, the battlefield was where he could be most honest.

A stage with no spectators.

However, he was the heir to the Argentine dukedom and he had a duty to carry.

It would be a good political marriage.

✰✰✰✰✰

-Valden (The Capital) Year X862-

A grand party was held in the royal banquet hall celebrating the treaty signed with the country of Cira over the land they shared.

The interior was vast and luxuriously decorated, reflecting the power and wealth of the royal family.

A group of violinists, harp players and pianists were placed next to the magnificent staircase leading to the second floor where the royal family would descend from.

Led by the sweet melody, people of all ages danced under the huge chandeliers.

At the end of the hall, standing in a crowd of influential people, Zachary exchanged a few words here and there.

He somehow managed to conceal his boredom with a nice smile.

When the conversation took a turn from potential investments to high society scandals, Zachary thought it was finally time to leave.

He showed his face after a while and even greeted the Marquis, like his father had wanted.

His role was over.

Just when he was about to leave.

“I’d like to stay and listen all about your failed investments, but as you can see…”

Holding a glass of champagne, Derrick Weiten waved his hand from one side of the hall to the other, pointing to the ladies who had attended today’s party.

“I have more important matters to attend to.”

As his gaze followed Derrick’s hand across the hall with no interest, Zachary’s eyes caught sight of a certain person.

Even though it was his first time seeing her, he immediately knew who she was.

Black hair was rare enough for him to recognize the owner.

Only then did he remember his father’s words.

Instead of walking straight to the exit, Zachary headed towards the terrace where the sound of music had died down.