"Stay here a little longer."
"Eek!"
Off balance, Emma landed on Shiller’s lap. His arms quickly wrapped around her slender waist, holding her firmly in place.
"Shiller! Let me go!"
"Please, just a little longer."
His grip tightened, pressing Emma against his broad chest. Feeling his solid muscles beneath her, Emma grew flustered, her face breaking out in a sweat. The more she squirmed, the tighter his embrace became.
When her mind went blank, she stopped resisting, hearing only Shiller’s deep breathing as he nuzzled against her and took a slow inhale. She didn’t know how long they stayed like that.
"Ah, I think I’ve reached my limit," Shiller muttered, carefully setting Emma on her feet and rising himself.
"Limit?" Emma asked, confused.
"Let’s just call it ‘a man’s problem.’ Sorry," he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before sitting back down. Emma, flustered, followed his lead and sat beside him. His hand found hers, clasping it tightly as though they were lovers.
"Ahem. About thanking Margit," Shiller began.
"Oh, yes," Emma replied, feeling like the earlier conversation had taken place ages ago.
"When Margit ascends as the princess, your support will be her greatest reward."
"But the Lavidge family is only an earldom. We don’t have much influence."
"Would you consider marrying into a higher-ranking family?"
"Excuse me?"
"You know, hypothetically speaking. If someone else could handle inheriting your family’s estate…"
Emma pondered for a moment. "If I didn’t need to inherit, I’d marry wherever would benefit the Lavidge family most. I’d work hard to ensure it would also help Margit."
"So you’re not absolutely opposed to leaving the Lavidge territory?"
"I love Lavidge, but living elsewhere might be fun. If I had a brother, I might have even studied abroad in another country," Emma admitted.
Smiling, Shiller nodded enthusiastically. "That wouldn’t do—I’d be too lonely. But your independence is admirable."
Then, with a tender yet serious tone, he added, "I want to stay by your side, Emma. Always."
Shiller's flushed face, radiant with joy, made Emma feel a twinge of guilt.
“But both you and I are heirs to our families. We have obligations to fulfill,” she said, her tone serious. This was a truth ingrained in her since birth, not something that could be easily resolved.
Yet Shiller’s smile didn’t falter.
“Emma, I’ve finally received your father’s permission.”
“Permission for what?”
“To propose to you. On the condition that you’re willing to leave the Lavidge territory.”
“But… that’s… it’s not so simple…”
“Everything else will work itself out. Please, Emma, tell me how you feel.”
Shiller’s grip on her hand tightened, his gaze unwavering. His joy was infectious, and Emma could feel her own cheeks warming.
“I… I like you too, Shiller.”
“Emma! Emma! Emma!!”
Overwhelmed with joy, Shiller pulled Emma into a tight embrace, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around. Emma let out a startled squeal and instinctively clung to him. Shiller held her close, his happiness almost tangible.
“I’ll never let you go,” he whispered.
“I’m happy, but… what about our family obligations?”
“If we have at least two children, it won’t be a problem. One can inherit the Lavidge estate, and the other will inherit the Rengefelt duchy. Your father even said he’s ready to manage the estate for another 40 years. He’d much rather this than bringing in some unsuitable son-in-law.”
“Well… when you put it that way, it does make sense…”
Thinking of Nick, Emma couldn’t help but agree. However, this was far from a conventional marriage arrangement. A union between two heirs was unprecedented. Emma hesitated. “What about the Rengefelt family? Would they really be fine with this?”
Shiller chuckled, clearly amused.
“I was prepared to propose to you even if it meant waiting until after your children inherited your estate. Even if you married someone else, I knew I’d always love you. My parents are thrilled—it seems my marriage is happening sooner than they expected.”
“Why didn’t you tell me any of this?”
“When I fell for you, you were already engaged. This feels like a dream, Emma. Emma…”
Shiller peppered her with kisses, and before the day was out, he had formally greeted her parents and finalized their engagement. It was clear he had planned everything meticulously, ensuring that as long as Emma agreed, nothing would stand in their way.
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