As for the love story between Cousin Mel and Annie of Ade, even with Russell putting in a good word for them, they still failed to gain Count Merlin's approval.
"Grandfather is too stubborn!" After Count Merlin left, Mel sat on a stool and said angrily.
"A little," Russell nodded.
Mel said, "Grandfather has been Chief Executive for too long. He's long been used to having the final say. Once he sets his mind on something, no one can stop him! I understand now—if he were truly willing to listen to reason, how could that brat Kunstan have spread those filthy rumors!"
"Ahem." Russell patted Mel on the shoulder. "Some things are in the past. Don't bring them up again."
Mel sighed.
"What do you plan to do?" Russell asked. "If Grandfather doesn't agree, I'm afraid you won't have a chance to marry Annie. After all, you're a Selecting the Young Master and the heir to the Monochoria Family. It'll be difficult for you to decide your own marriage."
Mel scratched his hair and sighed. "What troubles me most is that no one knows when this Selecting the Young Master business will end. No one has given us a deadline. If it doesn't end for ten years, do I have to be trapped in this identity for ten years?"
The system of Selecting the Young Master was utterly absurd.
It was entirely the product of a compromise between the Torrent Dragon and the Shadowflame Dragon. Russell, who had allied himself with the Shadowflame Dragon, understood this clearly.
The Torrent Dragon did not want the Shadowflame Grand Duchy to choose a new Grand Duke too quickly and unite into a solid bloc, hindering the Scorching Torrent Kingdom's gradual annexation of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy. The Shadowflame Dragon was also buying time,