Du Wei never imagined that the Rowling Family would have such a relationship with the Royal Family.
Based only on this remark alone, Philip was worthy of being recommended by Mr. Blue Ocean. Clearly, this trusted aid of his had a strong theoretical foundation; otherwise, how can he perform so outstandingly in a short span of one year.
Du Wei may be clever, may be well learned, but everything he knew was self-taught from his childhood. When it came to something as deep as a kingâs political tactic, he needed others to enlighten him.
Not to mention the topic involved the Rowling Family itself. If Semelâs husband, his great-great-great grandfather, died from unnatural means⊠Then the incident must have definitely been covered up by the familyâs inner circle.
Regarding the taste of being softly cut by a knife, Du Wei really has no clue on its flavor. Maybe the only one to truly understand this feeling would be his father, old Raymond back in the Rowling Plains.
Think up to here, Du Wei couldnât take in anything from the outside for the faint sigh that came from Semel had left him frightened to the point of being scared to speculate on the possibilities.
The only thing Du Wei could do now was repeatedly attempt to communicate with Semel, but this woman refuses to respond.
Blasted woman!!
Sheâs supposed to be only a magical creature, but more and more, this womanâs becoming more like the real SemelâŠ..
Philip was in the middle of discussing the matter with the rest of the crowd when he noticed Du Weiâs absentmindedness, âMy lord, my lord!?â He calls out in a whispering voice.
âHuh?â Du Wei frowns and reacted to the call. Giving everyone present a reluctant smile, Du Wei finally speaks up: âThe stuff Philip just said is quite fascinating.â Musing for a moment, he asked, âPhilip, according to your analysis, this should be a trap set by the Royal Family thenâŠâ
âYes, thatâs right!â Dadaneier was the first to call out for he wholeheartedly wished for Du Weiâs well-being: âSince itâs a trapâŠ. Humph, the Augustine Family is too deplorable! Our lord here isnât even trying anything and they are already using these dirty tricks!â
Noticing Philip giving him a bitter glance, Du Wei knew what this aid wanted to say. Waving his hand to stop Dadaneier from continuing, Du Wei laughed it off: âTheir methods arenât sinister or deplorable; itâs merely a technique for the emperor to maintain control over his subordinates. A king must always keep the power balance in check. If a ruler ignores this and lets his underlings run wild then that person is truly a fool.â
These generals are undisputed when it came to war, but when it came to political trickery; they simply arenât cut out for it. Surprisingly though, the one to keep their heads together right now was Longbottom. This General 250 must have learned something after suffering so many years in that jail cell. Longbottom may not be fluent on the ins and outs but his words definitely hit the target: âSince itâs like this, marriage will land us in a trap. But if we donât agree to the marriage, it will arouse the Royal Familyâs suspicionâŠ. Both options seem contradictory, but since Mr. Philip here can analyze it so well, I presume he has a solution ready for us.â
Look at this fattyâs eye, itâs clear he meant these kind of indirect conflicts are best suited for you aids that works in the background.
Philip had always been on the calm side of things. Matching it with his cautious personality and polite attitude, the majority of the people here had a good relationship with him. At the moment everyone in the room was waiting for this young aid to speak.
But ultimately Philip was still young. Facing everyoneâs anticipating stare, he couldnât help but blush while he coughed to clear his throat: âEveryone, I already stated my opposition towards the marriage proposal. Although in the short term the marriage will help raise the Dukeâs popularity, but⊠He-he, forgive me for not being respectful. My lord, I presume you wouldnât want to have a spy from Prince Son sleeping next to you each night now do you?â
Du Wei softly smiles: âGet on with it, donât beat around the bush.â
âWinning Prince Sonâs favor is inevitable! But the marriage wonât be necessary. Fortunately, the regent really values your Dukeship and holds a deep trust in you. So, the proposal this timeâŠ. The Regent took a soft approach and didnât forcefully dump it on you. Otherwise, as the emperor of the empire, he could have brought the topic up during the banquet to make you comply. In front of all the nobles and lords, you canât refuse no matter how unwilling your heart is!â
Thinking it over, Du Wei agrees with Philip. If he refused Prince Son so openly, it would be no different from embarrassing the regent in front of the entire upper class of the empire.
âSo, fortunately Prince Son doesnât seem to be so resolute on this decision, or that he simply canât make up his mind either. My lord, this is our chanceâŠ. Before you return to the capital, you must settle your marriage here and now!â
Du Wei widened his eyes like he couldnât believe it: âWhat⊠You want me to marry right away?â
Then he repeatedly shook his head: âNo, that absolutely wonât do!â
In Du Weiâs heart, there was only one woman he can currently accept as his lifelong partner. As for the other females in his life like Mrs. Lister and Angel, he just canât do it.
But, to take Vivian as his wife now?
No matter what Du Wei did come from another world. Although the girlâs very attractive and cute, but how was he supposed to take a fifteen year old that hasnât fully matured yet? Towards such a beastly act of laying his hands on a premature child, he simply canât do it!
Damn it, fifteen years old doesnât even qualify the person to get an ID!
Although Du Wei didnât say ânoâ, but looking at his face, Philip and everyone else in the room can tell the future duchess will have to be that pure hearted young magician.
Laughing, Philip continues: âMy lord, I did not say you have to marry immediately. After all, you are a Duke, how can your marriage be done so hastily? Even if you want to hold a wedding, your father Earl Raymond and your mother the Countess must be present to attend itâŠ. What I meant is your engagement. Spread the news and tell everyone âyou have taken a precious flowerâ!â
Du Wei could only smile wryly at Philipâs effort: âItâs âa precious flower has found a hostâ.â
âAh yes, thatâs right! A precious flower has found a host!â Philip guiltily laughed: âFollowing you around for so long have really turned me black from your ink! That phrase you told me is so true.â
Du Wei sighs: âYour meaning is to have me engaged?â
âThatâs right. The engagement ceremony doesnât need to be huge, just big enough to invite those with some background to help spread the word for usâŠ. I fear itâs not just the Royal Family eyeing you my lord. Thereâs the Lister Family and many giants in the empire. As soon as the news goes out, those that wanted to link up with you will lose the thought and save you some trouble. Besides, Miss Vivianâs been living in the castle for a long time now. Although the two of you nominally share the same master, but sheâs still a girl. One day she will step into the realm of womanhood. At that time, gossip is bound to spread.â
Dadaneier was the first to object from the side: âBut even if the Duke gets engaged, it doesnât necessarily mean the Royal Family will relent. In accordance with the imperial code, a Duke can only have one Duchess, but that doesnât mean he cannot marry more than one women. Being a noble, itâs not unusual to find someone with several wives. By that time if the emperor decides to have his way and forcibly marry his sister over, then it wonât be fair to Miss Vivian. As a princess, the Duchess title will have to go to Prince Sonâs sister. I for one am in favor of Miss Vivian. Sheâs not only kind to everyone; sheâs also friendly to approach. Moreover, Miss Vivian doesnât have anyone else in this world beside the Duke. If she loses the status of main wife too, then I will feel too sorry for her!â
Philip gently smiles: âGeneral Dadaneier, donât be hasty and let me finish explaining the third benefit of the engagement with Miss Vivian. It doesnât matter who the Duke marries, the Royal Family can still force the princess onto his lordship, the only exception being Miss Vivian! Letâs not forget Miss Vivianâs background. Letâs not talk about robbing the Duchess title, just mentioning of stealing Miss Vivianâs husband is a taboo for the Royal Family.â Philipâs smile may be gentle but it immediately reminded the bosses in the room of something important.