Grand Duke Alcide Cajarte

"My word. Your excellency, isn't about time to think marriage?"

I tightly gripped the quill pen I used for signing the documents when I heard how foolish Jackson was. I glance at him. Standing in front of me, watching me do all of my work.

He was in my office to guard me with his keen eyes, making sure that I will finish everything on the desk, not letting me to escape from this hell. Annoying pile of junk papers.

"That. Didn't cross in my mind."

Marriage. Such a thing that I never considered. I was busy, executing nobles that abuse their powers to the poor. Waging wars that I've become accustomed with a battlefield full of dead mountain bodies as their stench of blood soiled the ground.

The weeps of the soldiers rung in my ears as they block the rain of arrows with their metal shield and their flesh will splatter right in front of my sight. A scene that will forever hunt me in my dreams until I became a stone-cold man. Nothing to do but to keep forward with my eyes closed, abandoning the hearts that have scattered.

"You should find a wife to be in-charge of the household by now. Shall I find someone for you?"

"Hmm. A wife huh?"

How shall I think about marriage? Every step that I take, the women were looking at me with their wide eyes open. I'm not drawing my sword yet and they are screaming already while running fast away from me. Is there someone willing to be married with me? How funny Jackson is.

"Yes. They said, women in Claintery Empire are clever. I'm sure they are suitable for managing."

"I doubt that."

Ladies from that country are very cunning. They are sly foxes beneath their alluring smiles. They act and feign ignorance but what they actually want is gold.

"If you're not sure then how about the prodigy princess of that Empire? If she'll become your wife, wouldn't Arello prosper?"

A smirk formed across my lips. No wonder, that country must be at their highest peak. They said, that the princess is full of dreams and innovations that can help their life make easier. I quite want to know what kind of inventions are those.

"Isn't the princess being like a sacred to them so they locked her in a tower?"

"You are right, Your Excellency. But if you want, shall we kidnap her?" he proposed with an aloof face, like it was a normal thing to do for a Cajarte. How can he suggest a crime when his eyes look so cold?

"Were not that low, Jackson. It's sad that she experienced such fate, should we try declaring war against them? Enough to shake their ground?"

And killing people isn't a crime?

That will depends.

"We don't have sufficient amount of supplies for our army to travel in a far country. Also, were you planning to attack the Ivium, right?"

"Hmm."

He was correct though.

Arello is an Empire. That means, all of the territories were overlook by the Emperor yet...

There are some kingdoms or lords were remotely and bold enough to go against the absolute. They declare war which is an act of treason. For that, they have to be punish.

It will be all easy once we can have an adequate supply for our soldiers and strategies under our sleeves.

My next prey, Ivium. A dukedom ruled by a pig that dares to invade my property that was closest to him. He used war and made the pitiful commoners deploy themselves in the battle field. Taking advantage that I was not there to protect my people. Then, he shall face my sword.

I exhaled. That disgusting place.Their leader must be confident knowing my army needs to camp in my other possession of lands. If it was only a one-day travel from here, he'll found his head hanging on their flag by now.

Sadly, Jackson was right. I need a wife to manage Celtic while I was gone to lead my troops. A wise woman whom I can place my trust, and the perfect person would be the daughter of the Emperor in Claintery Empire.

"But if you just want to shake their ground, then why don't you try to declare with the intention of peace treaty and in exchange, ask for the hand of their princess."

I paused for a while and thought about his suggestion. A peace treaty between the two country, it will spread a rumor that I unexpectedly resolve with them calmly. However, it was the only best way that we can think to lure them.

"That's a good idea Jackson."

A grin has escaped from my lips. I stood up and walk to the enormous window of the room just behind from the desk. Staring down at the townspeople laughing while doing their work.

Beyond the vast thin line of the horizon, clouds that faintly hides the flag was another castle resides. The Imperial Palace, not far from here. Where the Emperor whom I serve and bestowed me the title of a Grand Duke.

"Well then, send them a letter and prepare the horses after a week. I want to see their reaction," I informed Jackson.

What kind of trembling noble faces will they show me once my foot touches the floor of their palace? I shall witness how their lips quiver in fear at the sight of my appearance. Their knees will probably kneel down when they feel my existence. A peculiar scene awaits me.

"Grand Duke Alcide of Arello. What is the meaning of your unnoticed visit?"

"Is this how you treat your guest?" I asked the Emperor, pertaining to the knights who blocked my pathway with their spears. Not letting me inside to join their delightful meeting.

Before I came, he was comfortably sitting down on his glossy throne, chatting and giggling with the ladies and gentlemen. Then, his smile begun to fade just like how his muscles became tense and stiff when I appeared.

"Unnoticed huh? But Your Majesty, I did send you a letter." The corner of my lips rose. "A war letter."

I crash in, not minding the sharp blade that graze on my shoulders. My shoes have intended to tarnished their white tiles with my muddy footsteps as a tease. The nobles around me gasp for air and took a step backward when I pass at them.

And the frightened soldiers didn't bother to hinder me anymore and chose to stay still on their ground. A satisfying surprised face made my day wonderful, that at least I expected.

"Right. I was about to discuss it with them," excused of the Emperor, trying to maintain a stone reaction.

"Then, are you preparing already for your defeat?" I arrogantly stated while looking around the castle. Hmm, such a nice place to scatter some flesh.

"Oh my, how rude."

"What an insolent person."

"Drastic!"

Aristocrats started to whisper. Commenting how I lacked etiquette and manner. Secretly insulting me from my back. I would really be grateful, if they will think of me like a bold insane person.

The sound of the clanging sword that I draw from my waist was enough to make the venue silent. Just like how I wanted to shut their mouths. I playfully grinned when I noticed the knights behind me place their hands on the grip of their sword, being on their guard.

"Grand Duke Alcide, pe-perhaps we can talk over about this matter on a tea?"

"Pardon? But I don't do things like that with an enemy and the ruler of the country that I want to conquer," I stated while wiping the blade of my dull sword yet, it can still perfectly slit their necks.

"A peace treaty!"

I put my sword back and act like I was thinking of what he suggested. Everything is going according to Jackson's plan. "A peace treaty it is."

His face lifted like he just saw hope. "Right! We can provide anything you want. My condition is also simple, for you not to wage war on this Empire."

"Then the princess..."

They paused with a questioning look in their eyes. "I want to ask the prodigy Princess hand for marriage."

Murmurs have filled the place once again.

"The Princess! Grand Duke, you must be too tired from your trip. For you shall know, she is too precious. If you want to have a woman from this Empire, anyone aside from my daughter. There are a lot of noble families here, so choose among from them."

I faced them but all of them retreated. I chuckled. No one has the courage to give their daughter away and wed her with a killer.

"Anyone?" the ruler plead. "I will provide a compensation!"

"Your Majesty." A person entered the spotlight just hearing the magic word. A man grabs our attention with his family crest attached on his black suit.

"I am Count Dean from the house of Austria. If it's not too much, maybe my daughter can make up for the Princess?"

His face made me annoyed as I can sniff his greediness from afar. I tilt my head, showing him that I am the alpha.

"Hmm. But I want a beautiful bride," I stated looking at him with disgust. He winced from the insult I throw.

"Y-your Excellency, I believe my daughter can satisfy you with that."

"And what if I don't? Shall I tear your body with my sword? I don't mind beheading liars."

"I guaranteed that she is beautiful," his eyes were begging to believe him.

"Then, I guess this matter is solved." The Emperor closed the deal at once and took a deep breath like he was relief.

"Fine," I agreed and signed the paper that was quickly prepared. I thought Jackson's plan was sailing smoothly yet how did I failed. Unexpectedly they made me conform without spilling some blood. What a disappointment.

However, I still got myself a bride. Will she be terrified at the news of getting married to me? Is she the same as her father? I hope not.

"Your Majesty, since the peace treaty has been permitted shall we discuss about the compensation?"

Willing to send his daughter with a drool on his face. How bold he is. I know that kind of look, and it makes me want to erase him from this land.

"Then I will take my leave now." My business is done. I don't want to stay here any longer in this filthy place full of ironical eyes.

"Very well. Knights! Guide the Grand Duke to the exit."

Before I walk away, I glance at Count Dean. "I will expect her soon."

"Y-yes."

I turned around and clenched my jaw. What a farce!

"Your Excellency welcome back. Did you achieve your plan?"

"I succeed in getting a wife like you wanted me to."

He claps his hands and his wrinkles in his eyes has formed as he wore a beam smile. "Then we should prepare the best room for the Princess! This is to be celebrate."

I massage my temple. "No Jackson, your wrong."

"Sorry?"

"She wasn't the Princess but a Count's daughter. The peace treaty had been established. I feel like they made a fool out of me."

The worse, I didn't even get a single squeeze of information about their admiring creations.

"What is she like?"

"I don't know. A beauty? Probably."

"Oh right. I have something to report."

"I'm all ears."

"We traced some nobles raising the prices, one of the lands that you owned without your permission. What should we act, Your Excellency?"

"Rip their necks without second thoughts. That's a common thing to do Jackson."

"Yes. But they reasoned and protest."

"Hmm." I leaned my head to rest on the chair, closing my eyes to calm.

"They said. If they will not raise it, their business may go bankruptcy."

"Then, I shall hunt them down. What land was it?"

"Your Excellency, it may take you days to get over there."

"I will ride a horse."

The nobles pray that I refuse to discern made them worth it to bestow their punishment. Contentment filled my eyes, as I watch their bodies lie on the ground turned cold with their blood drench on my cape.

I returned to Celtic with peace in my mind. Still covered with their stingy flesh that I didn't mind. I'm certain, looking like this was already the usual sight for the servants.

But my ears went deaf when a maid greeted me with her screaming on the top of her lungs. She must be a new hired, then. I stared how her quivering knees fell down while her body become pale.

Then a young lady wearing a fair dress that only aristocrats could afford suddenly appeared before me. She halts with her lips parting to catch her breath.

Her eyes were the color of a dried autumn leaf, hazelnut. Obviously, she doesn't wear any façade cosmetics on her bare face which made her even more stunning. With me here, being tempted to kiss the messy blond of her soft hair strands. I swallow hard, when my gaze went to her delicate natural pinkish lips.

Beautiful they said.

However, that word wasn't enough to describe how breathtaking she is.