A Royal Betrothal

He dedicated his life to expanding his family's power, navigating the power struggles within the kingdom, and deeply understood the importance of family unity.

Even the most powerful family will eventually fall apart if it is internally divided and disloyal.

Unexpectedly, Karl managed to persuade his two half-brothers, especially the proud and arrogant Konrad, to risk their lives to save him!

This blood ties and the cohesion that emerges in times of crisis are the very foundation upon which the Schmidt Family has stood strong.

It seems that sending Karl to the Northern Territory then might actually have been a lucky accident that led to the right decision?

For the first time, the Duke felt a subtle pang of guilt towards the woman he had neglected for so many years, Karl's mother, Lady Eileen.

It was she who raised such a son for the Schmidt Family, a son who shone brightly even in dire straits.

He couldn't help but think of Eileen, the woman he had once pursued passionately, but who had gradually fallen out of favor with him because of her fading beauty and changing figure.

Over the years, he had had one lover after another, all young, beautiful, and good at flattery, but whenever the night was quiet and he was alone in this vast and magnificent manor, he always felt an indescribable emptiness.

Those young bodies and fawning smiles could not fill a certain void deep within their hearts.

What he lacked was perhaps the unbridled passion and sincerity he had during his passionate love affair with Eileen.

Perhaps it's the warmth of "home" that truly resides within this vast estate.

Perhaps it's time to set aside those pointless pride and prejudices and bring Eileen back to the manor?

After all, she was Karl's mother, and Karl had now proven his worth...

Just as the Duke was immersed in reminiscing about the past and planning for the future, a respectful knock came at the study door, interrupting his thoughts.

"Come in." The Duke composed himself, regaining his usual dignified air.

The steward Sebastian, entered, bowed slightly, and reported in a calm tone, "Duke Grace, a royal envoy has arrived outside the manor, carrying His Majesty's Imperial Edict, requesting an audience with you."

"A royal envoy?" Duke Schmidt was slightly taken aback, his brows furrowing unconsciously.

He already knew about the unexpected death of King Heinrich XI and the succession of his son Sigmund through his intelligence network.

He wasn't particularly interested in the scandalous court intrigues and power struggles in Prye City, as long as they didn't affect the interests of the Schmidt Family.

His primary concern at this moment was the situation in the Northern Territory and whether Karl's marriage to Earl Rochefort's daughter could proceed smoothly.

What is the purpose of the royal family sending an envoy at this time?

Despite any doubts in my heart, I must still put on a good show.

The Duke stood up, straightened his expensive velvet coat, and instructed Sebastian, "Please have the messenger wait in the main hall; I will be there shortly."

"Yes, sir."

As Duke Schmidt strode into the castle's solemn main hall, a solemn-faced messenger dressed in court attire was already waiting there.

Behind the envoy stood two attendants, carrying a tray covered with purple silk, on which lay a scroll of parchment Imperial Edict tied with gold thread.

Upon seeing the Duke enter, the messenger stepped forward, nodded slightly in greeting, then straightened his back and announced in a clear and resonant voice, "In the name of His Majesty Sigmund von Heinrich, King of the Goldflower Kingdom! Duke Schmidt of Franklin, please receive this decree!"

Duke Schmidt remained calm, kneeling on one knee according to etiquette, head bowed, but his mind was racing.

The first priority for a new king upon ascending the throne should be to stabilize the internal situation and appease all factions.

Why the sudden imperial edict issued to me, far away in the south? Is it to increase taxes? To levy grain requisitions? Or is it related to Karl in the Northern Territory?

The envoy unfurled the Imperial Edict and began to read it aloud. The preceding content consisted of nothing more than the usual platitudes about the new king's ascension to the throne, commemorating the Former King, and reiterating the bond between ruler and subject.

The Duke listened patiently.

However, when the messenger read the middle part, Duke Schmidt's pupils suddenly contracted, and for the first time, his usually calm face revealed an undisguised look of shock!

"... Given the commendable loyalty and bravery of Lord Karl von Schmidt of Carnford in the Northern Territory, who has valiantly defeated the barbarians, enhanced the prestige of our nation, and rendered outstanding service, I am deeply gratified. To honor his achievements, to demonstrate the royal favor, and to solidify the foundation of the kingdom..."

"By special decree, my elder sister, Princess Louise, is to be married to Karl von Schmidt..."

Princess is marrying? Princess Louise? The Former King's eldest daughter, a quiet Princess who almost never participates in politics? She's to be married to Karl?

The news struck Duke Schmidt like a thunderbolt! He almost thought he had misheard!

He knew about Karl's affair with Charlotte, the daughter of the Earl Rochefort, and even welcomed it.

Rochfort was a powerful figure in the Northern Territory, and his marriage to the Schmidt Family was beneficial to both sides.

But this sudden marriage to the Princess completely disrupted his plans.

Ignoring the Duke's shock, the messenger continued reading, "... The wedding will be held in Carnford in the Northern Territory, as a sign of honor. The Schmidt Family is hereby ordered to send a distinguished relative to the Northern Territory to officiate the wedding, as a sign of solemnity. This is the imperial decree!"

After the Imperial Edict was read aloud, the main hall fell silent.

Duke Schmidt remained kneeling, but his heart was in turmoil.

The Princess's marriage... this seemed like the highest honor, but the hidden political implications made this veteran politician instantly sense something unusual.

With the new king Sigmund being young, power is likely to fall into the hands of his mother, Queen Dowager Katerina, and the Eisenberg Family behind her.

At this time, the Former King's eldest daughter, who had the right to inherit the throne, was sent to marry a border Lord in the Northern Territory, to a man who had just achieved great military exploits but whose power base was still weak...

This is clearly a tactic to lure potential rivals away from the political center.

This was a blatant political marriage, a meticulously planned power arrangement.

Does Karl know about this? What's Earl Rochefort's reaction? What about Charlotte?

Countless questions flooded the Duke's mind in an instant.

But he knew he must not show any unusual behavior at this moment.

He slowly raised his head, his face regaining its usual composure and respect, and extended his hands to receive the imperial Imperial Edict from the messenger.

"Your Majesty, I accept your decree and express my gratitude! The Schmidt Family is deeply grateful for Your Majesty's great favor!" The Duke's voice was steady and powerful, without the slightest hint of emotion.

The envoy nodded in satisfaction, exchanged a few more perfunctory pleasantries, and then took his leave.

After seeing the messenger off, Sebastian returned to the main hall and saw the Duke still standing there, holding the heavy Imperial Edict in his hand, staring intently at the leaping flames in the fireplace, lost in thought.