In the grand hall, surrounded by the many attendees of the royal palace party, Liliengela’s eyes gleamed as they landed on a group of men near the wall.
“Do you see that man in the center? The tall one with black hair? Could he be a suitable candidate for a political marriage to replace Lord Lucius?” she asked.
Andre responded without hesitation. “He is an excellent choice. That is Marquess Reynald of the Tua Frontier. Lord Lucius was chosen as your fiancé due to age compatibility, but the marquess, who is eleven years older than you, remains unmarried due to certain... issues.”
“Issues?” Liliengela inquired.
“While he is a kind and gentle person, the marquess is said to possess the ability to see the ill intentions of others as an aura. This has made marriage negotiations difficult. Additionally, his imposing stature and capable retainers are said to intimidate potential brides, causing them to flee,” Andre explained.
Liliengela contemplated this. It was no coincidence that I regained my memories of my past life right after Lucius’s declaration. Tonight is likely the turning point for the kingdom’s destiny.
In the novel, Lucius and Maricia were undoubtedly the hero and heroine. But if their happiness required sacrificing the well-being of hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of people in the kingdom, then Liliengela resolved to twist that fate.
If her engagement with Lucius was doomed, she would secure a political marriage with Reynald that would serve the kingdom’s interests. In fact, such an alliance, bridging central and frontier nobility, might prove even more unifying than one between central aristocrats like herself and Lucius.
“A political marriage with the Marquess of Tua would benefit the kingdom, wouldn’t it? Do you think my father would approve?”
“His Grace would welcome it wholeheartedly,” Andre assured her.
Fixing her gaze on Reynald, Liliengela asked, “Do you think my aura would pass his scrutiny? I have a feeling that I could find love and happiness with the marquess.”
Andre replied confidently, “I have never seen you act with malice or cruelty, Lady Liliengela. Your aura reflects your deep compassion and love.”
As their gazes followed Reynald, he seemed to notice and turned to look at Liliengela.
Their eyes met.
Switching to her signature “adorably fluffy” mode, Liliengela beamed a sweet and innocent smile in his direction. Though deliberate, her natural purity made her actions utterly devoid of insincerity.
Reynald’s eyes widened.
It was his first time seeing a noblewoman utterly devoid of unpleasantness.
He gulped audibly, prompting his attendant to glance at him with concern.
“Lord Reynald, is something the matter?”
“…Who is that petite lady?”
“That would be Lady Liliengela of the Romana ducal family. She had her engagement annulled earlier by a foolish noble heir and promptly demanded accountability from his family, leaving them pale with fear. She is an intelligent and formidable young lady.”
“…She has no fiancé now, correct?”
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