The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 57

The Chaield family’s galleon was equipped with luxurious banquet halls, comfortable guest rooms, and even a library. Dozens of chefs were on board, and everything was of the highest quality.
Even Princess Nadia, who had grown up as a neglected figure in the imperial palace, was amazed by the massive ship.

“With this level of wealth, it’s no wonder my brother and father couldn’t resist Chaield’s influence.”

The Duke of Chaield could nonchalantly take out a galleon of such scale as easily as retrieving a horse from a stable.

Princess Nadia had heard it countless times from her father and brother—Duke Chaield was a monster with immense wealth, honor, cold judgment, and a ruthless disposition.

When Nadia first heard that the Duke and his fiancée were joining the diplomatic mission, she felt more fear than relief at the prospect of her safety improving.

“What kind of person is the Monster Duke?”

From the glimpses she had during tea times with Amelia Diane, she hadn’t gotten the impression of someone deserving such a nickname. He had seemed kind and even came across as a devoted lover.
“But I’ve heard he killed his own brothers to seize the title of duke. I mustn’t get on his bad side.”

In any case, completing this journey to Keltman would surely be beneficial for the Hail Empire.
Fortunately, Nadia knew how to win favor with the Chaield family.

“When we get to Keltman, I’ll need to have plenty of private meetings with Lady Diane.”

Just as she finished her resolve, Captain Starbuck approached. His expression was somewhat disgruntled.

“Reporting to Your Highness: thanks to favorable winds and waves, we should be able to dock earlier than expected.”

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

Starbuck furrowed his brow slightly. His future mistress, the wife of Duke Chaield, had thanked him warmly with a “Thank you, Captain Starbuck, for ensuring our comfort.” But Princess Nadia…
“I hope the Duchess of Chaield will soon take over society.”

Feeling somewhat awkward, he returned to the helm.

Finally, they arrived at Keltman. After spending a day at the Chaield estate near the harbor, they boarded a carriage to head to the central area where the White Palace was located.

Nadia assumed she would ride with another noble lady, but waiting in the carriage was none other than Kyle.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been alone together, sister.”

Sitting quietly in the corner, the head butler of the Hailde family and Vanessa remained silent, as if they had been bribed into becoming mere shadows.

“That’s funny. Who was it that came into my room last night, claiming the fire was too weak?”

“I was worried you might catch a cold. The north is cold, both day and night.”

“It didn’t seem like it was just the weather.”
Feigning ignorance, Kyle boldly wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him. His embrace was warm and cozy, so she decided to stay like that.

She had initially intended to read a book about Keltman in the carriage, but the unpaved roads caused her motion sickness, so she gave up.

“Kyle, do you know much about Keltman?”

“To some extent. The Chaield family is heavily involved in Keltman’s timber and iron ore businesses.”

“I thought those industries were owned by the Keltman chieftains?”

A small smile spread across Kyle’s face.

“She’s already taking an interest in the family’s business… as expected of the future Duchess of Chaield.”

“A loyal ally, by my side…”

His smile was so warm it could lift anyone’s spirits.

“You’re right. The Chaield family monopolizes the sale of Keltman’s timber and iron ore.”

“So, you must avoid offending Keltman, right?

Losing those exclusive rights would be a problem.”

“Keltman’s timber is high-quality, but there are many similar resources within the Hail Empire. The domestic demand there is limited compared to the supply.”

“So, Keltman’s timber doesn’t sell well within their country, and the Chaield family buys up the surplus? That makes you a significant customer for them, right?”

“Precisely. As for the iron ore, it’s full of impurities and useless unless refined. The issue is that Keltman lacks skilled refiners…”

“Oh, I get it. You purchase the raw iron ore, refine it in Chaield territory, and then sell the refined product for a significant profit.”

“The profits are substantial, but Keltman’s business can be sensitive. It’s wise to visit the site periodically, especially when situations like this arise.”

Kyle gestured out the window. Miners, likely protesting, were slamming pickaxe handles into the ground as they marched and shouted fervently.
Despite the cold weather, they drank heavily and continued their march, their expressions filled with dissatisfaction.

“It looks like a protest heading toward the capital. Did something happen at the mines?”

“According to our investigation, the White Palace in Keltman has been delaying wage payments. It’s unrelated to the Chaield family, but I thought it best to confirm the situation.”

“Do you think they might blame you?”

“Are you worried about me?”

Kyle’s smile radiated unshakable confidence. And why wouldn’t it? He practically controlled the country’s finances.

“To prevent such misunderstandings, I’ve made sure to inform the miners of our payment records. They’ve also witnessed our shipments leaving by ship. Their anger is clearly directed at the White Palace.”

“That’s a relief.”

Kyle hugged her tightly, but Nadia’s relief carried several layers of meaning.

Only recently had she realized just how many enemies Kyle Chaield had. From the original story, she had been wary of minor villains like Berd and sub-villains like Marabas, but they were straightforward foes.

Kyle’s true enemies were invisible. As someone who had never possessed an abundance of anything, she initially couldn’t comprehend the animosity directed at him.

Then she realized it—jealousy, envy, and resentment fueled their hatred, exacerbated by rumors of fratricide.

“At least Berde seems to have been dealt with. Marabas, though… he’s still a concern. Who knows when he might strike?”

In any case, Kyle had plenty of reasons to start a war and bring about his own destruction. The thought sent a chill down her spine.

To prevent such tragedies, she decided to “condition” him in advance. Gripping Kyle’s hands tightly and locking eyes with him, she spoke.

“Kyle, do you know what I truly love?”

Does this sudden confession mean she no longer cares who hears it?

She said she wants to stand by my side through her own strength…

Kyle’s thoughts were veering off in an entirely different direction. I interlocked my hands firmly and spoke.

“Love and peace. That’s what I love.”

“…Not me?”

Exactly. That’s the context.

“Kyle, there’s no love without peace. If a war breaks out, we’d be too busy worrying about each other’s safety to have time for love.”
“….”

“And besides, you’re a duke. If a war starts, wouldn’t you need to set an example? If you go off to fight, I…”

I trailed off, leaving my sentence unfinished. Kyle mulled over my words for a moment before asking,
“Are you saying that as long as peace is maintained, you’ll continue to love me?”

“Hmm… That’s right, given the context. There’s no love without peace.”

Kyle spoke in a tone meant to reassure me.
“Don’t worry about that, sister. Maintaining peace doesn’t cost much.”

At the center of Keltman stood the White Palace. The White Duke, Zedima, looked at his youngest daughter pouring wine into his glass with a satisfied expression.

Though it might be a stretch to call her a refined lady—given her love for swords and books over etiquette—her beauty was more than enough to captivate any virile man.

“Lien, listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”

“…Yes.”

Contrary to Zedima’s expectations, Lien was already exhausted from pretending to be demure.
The elaborate braid adorned with camellias, the traditional dress that accentuated her figure—it was all unbearably dull to her. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of returning to sword training.

“Do you remember when you saw Duke Chaield before?”

“Yes, I remember clearly.”

In truth, Lien wasn’t the type to hold on to memories for long. If something wasn’t pleasant, she preferred to forget it as quickly as possible.

But the man named Kyleian Chaield was impossible to forget. His presence was unmatched, the most imposing of anyone she had ever met.

“He was a terrifying man. It’s no wonder they call him a monster.”

For someone who had just come of age, his authority and leadership were astonishing.
His commanding stride, his unflinching demeanor even in front of the White Duke—it was as if he had been born to lead the great Chaield family.

How many people had prostrated themselves before him, declaring their loyalty? And yet, his
intellect, calculations, and negotiation skills were even more formidable than his aura, leaving one utterly overwhelmed.

“But Father, why are you suddenly bringing up Duke Chaield? Ah, the diplomatic mission is arriving today, isn’t it?”

“Yes, the mission is arriving, but that’s not all. I want you to become the Duchess of Chaield.”

“But I heard he’s already engaged to a Diane family member.”

“Engagements can easily be broken. From what I hear, she’s a distant relative of the Perche Diane you admire.”

A distant relative? The Gargoyle Earl behind the screen looked puzzled, but Zedima continued.

“You’re of marriageable age now, aren’t you?

Being the Duchess of Chaield is a position coveted by all women. Winning his heart would also be beneficial for Keltman.”

“…You mean…”

“This is for the land you love so dearly. Seduce him and secure his promise for the future, even if just for a night. That will help us overcome the crisis currently facing the White Palace.”

“Father, I…”

“I’ve said all I need to say. Now go. You should be the first to greet the diplomatic mission when they arrive.”

“….”

Lien bowed her head and left the White Duke’s chambers in hurried steps, only stopping to deliberately knock over a couple of his prized orchid pots. That small act of defiance slightly lifted her mood.

“You’re the one who brought this land to ruin, Father, so why are you placing such burdens on me?”

The people’s anger directed at the White Palace was largely due to her father and the mysterious advisor he kept hidden behind the screen.

And now, their solution to the crisis was an arranged marriage?

“Ridiculous. In my next life, I’ll be born a prince, not a princess.”

A princess thrown out of the palace became nothing more than entertainment for men. Even if she wasn’t cast out, society considered it natural for fathers to decide their daughters’ futures.

“Well, there’s no other choice.”

If it was an opportunity, she would use Duke Chaield to gain her freedom. Lien called for her maids to dress her as beautifully as possible and headed to the courtyard in time for the diplomatic mission’s arrival.

The civil and military officials standing in line to greet the mission were stunned by the rambunctious princess’s elegant appearance.

“What are you staring at?”

“N-Nothing. The carriages are arriving.”

As the carriages began rolling in one by one, a carriage bearing the Chaield family crest slowly came to a halt.

“The Monster Duke must be in that carriage,” Lien thought, a smile playing on her lips.
Moments later, the servants opened the carriage door and lowered the steps. However, Duke Chaield did not emerge.

“Is there a problem?”

Lien asked, and two Keltman guards quickly ran to the carriage. The head butler, Hild, looked awkward as he knocked on the door.

After a moment,
“Hild, I told you to take another lap around.”

Kyle Chaield emerged, wiping lipstick smudges from his lips with the back of his hand, his expression annoyed. Just then, someone inside the carriage playfully smacked the Duke’s back.
“Kyle, get out! Quickly!”

Everyone in Keltman gawked, their jaws dropping at the unexpected scene.