Married into the enemy family - chapter 3

At those words, the eyes of the one who brought the news narrowed. Then, lowering his voice, he continued whispering. The face of the listener changed by the second. Ordinary people could not discern what they were talking about, but to the knights with their exceptionally keen hearing, it was crystal clear.

“That’s… There’s a rumor that Leofric is preparing for a rebellion. They say he’s saving money to use as a war fund. That he plans to join hands with the barbaric Grembrook and overthrow the Ermengard Imperial family.”

It was sheer nonsense. Baldwin rolled his eyes and gauged the reaction of his master, who sat across from him. His master leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed. His eyes were closed beneath his deeply pulled-down hat; judging solely by his appearance, it looked as though he hadn’t heard the conversation at all.

‘There’s no way.’

He was the Grand Master of the great Black Wolf Knights. With his senses developed to the extreme, there was no way he could have missed what the people were prattling about.

“Commander. You shouldn’t mind such words. Isn’t it just the prattling of people who know nothing?”

Just in time, the meal they had ordered arrived. For those who had ridden non-stop to the capital, it was their first meal in five days. The savory aroma made his mouth water on its own. Baldwin glanced between his master and the waiter. The waiter, who lingered even after setting the food down, was too busy staring at his master. It was a hungry gaze, much like his own when seeing food for the first time in five days.

‘Well, it makes sense. It’s not like the Commander’s aura can be hidden just because he tries to conceal it.’

Though he was disguised in a shabby cloak and a worn-out hat, Callion’s extraordinary presence could not be hidden. His broad shoulders and thickly defined chest. The exposed forearms were sturdy enough to rival a monster’s. Was that all? The jawline visible beneath the hat was pale and sharp. Even without lifting the hat, it was obvious that he was incredibly handsome. Baldwin, who knew that face, nodded unconsciously.

‘It truly is amazing. Only his face is a spitting image of the late Madam.’

“They say he’s not an Omega. Despite being an Alistair.”

Lost in his own thoughts, Baldwin was yanked back to reality. Looking around, he noticed the waiter had already left. Baldwin gulped down the food in his mouth and answered.

“Yes, I hear he is a Beta. He manifested two years ago, they say.”

Tap, tap-tap.

Deep in thought, Callion drummed his fingers on the table. No matter how much he pondered, he couldn’t understand it.

‘A Beta produced by the Alistairs… Is it the truth?’

No, this left no room for doubt. One’s secondary sex could not be hidden. The Ermengard Empire. Here, people of three different secondary sexes lived intermingled: Alpha, Omega, and Beta. Any citizen of the Empire was destined to manifest as one of these three before reaching adulthood. This was known as secondary sexual characteristics. Those who underwent secondary manifestation mutated according to their respective traits. Alphas grew larger in stature and gained strength unlike before. On the other hand, Omegas lost muscle mass and developed finer, softer features. Furthermore, a new organ capable of conception was formed. However, only Alphas could provide the seed to an Omega.

‘But Betas undergo no mutation whatsoever.’

That was the reason Betas were ostracized among those who had manifested. Unlike Alphas and Omegas who underwent physical mutations, Betas suffered no pain. Because they had no physical changes or responsibilities before or after secondary manifestation, they were often treated as premature or underdeveloped. Since most Betas were commoners rather than nobles, this perception had grown even stronger, and it was now treated as absolute truth.

Tap-tap, tap…

The Alistairs were a family that produced the most ‘Omega-like’ traits even among Omegas. They supplied the finest Omegas to the Imperial family and, in return, received a share of power, thereby expanding their family’s influence. Thus, it was hard to believe that a Beta—treated as a defective product—had emerged from the Alistairs. And the Alistairs’ eccentricities did not end there. Of all people, they had chosen to tie that ‘defective product’ to him.

‘Just what on earth are you thinking, Alistair…!’

There were only a few things he could be certain of. Beneath the sweet, powdery scent and the soft-spoken words, something sharply honed lay hidden. And…

‘The Ermengard Imperial family is pulling the strings from behind.’

His certainty had grounds. The extra editions of the newspaper spreading with bizarre speed and accuracy. The instigators covertly spreading malicious rumors about Leofric.

‘The most suspicious thing is the timing.’

Callion’s gaze shifted toward the street. Two merchants who had just finished setting up their shops were chatting.

“Wow, anyway, does it feel like this spring is exceptionally warm~?” “Don’t even say it. The seeds I planted a week ago are already sprouting!”

Winter had ended last month. That meant spring was arriving, which also meant that Callion would not leave the Leofric territory. It was common knowledge among those in the know that Callion Leofric never left his territory for three months of the year, during the spring. However, the Emperor had stubbornly insisted on this timing, offering a ridiculously flimsy excuse.

“Isn’t it the wish of every couple to hold their wedding during the season when new green leaves bud? Even if they are a couple marrying out of political necessity.” “But, Your Majesty…” “If you do not wish for it, you may refuse. The timing, or this marriage altogether. However, if you do, the reward I promised you will also vanish.”

The Emperor smiled as he said this. He had guessed exactly what Callion was about to say.

“…No. I will marry Ronin Alistair at the time Your Majesty has decreed.”

Just as the Emperor expected, Callion had no choice but to give the answer he wanted. He had to do so in order to receive the promised reward. As a condition of the marriage, the Emperor had promised to exempt them from tributes for the next five years. It was an obvious trap, and logically he knew he should refuse, but…

‘Of all times, this past winter was exceptionally cold. Having barely survived the winter, the tribute would be too heavy a burden.’

The Leofrics were too impoverished to support their starving residents. The only thing Callion could do for them was to at least secure an exemption from the tribute. Even if the condition meant selling himself.

‘But I can’t just sit back and be played.’

“If you’re done eating, get up.” “Pardon? But Commander, you haven’t taken a single bite… Yes, understood.”

He didn’t know what the Alistairs and the Emperor were plotting, but Callion too would absolutely not suffer any losses from this marriage.

‘To ensure that, I must move quickly. Once spring fully arrives, I won’t even be able to do this much.’