The entire Royal Guard was speechless. Of course, the one most surprised was Cain.
While everyone was frozen, the Captain of the Royal Guard began to speak, her cheeks flushed.
"I left my territory to come to the capital to find someone stronger than me. And now, I have found you."
As she said this, she hugged Cain tightly.
Cain, who had been frozen, finally began to move.
"Even if you say marry me, I'm only five years old. I don't even know anything about you, Captain."
"Indeed, that's true. My name is Tiphana von Liebert. I am the daughter of the Duke of the Northern Forest. You don't need to worry about my age. I am an elf, so I can live for three hundred years. My appearance won't change for a long time."
Just because she is an elf doesn't mean a duke's daughter can decide to marry on her own.
Although it hasn't been made public, Cain already has two fiancées. This situation was turning problematic.
"I don't think it's right for a duke's daughter to decide to marry on her own. I'm only five, and you should discuss this with the Duke."
"I told my family that I won't return until I find a marriage partner, so it's fine."
"Even so, it's a problem for me. I need to consult with my father and others."
Cain looked at the Deputy Captain, Daim. Daim knew that Cain was already engaged to the princess and a duke's daughter.
Cain had hoped Daim would help, but Daim shook his head and looked resigned.
"You're right. I can't decide on my own. Let's talk to His Majesty first."
This was the last thing Cain wanted. He had just been called a "cheeky brat" by His Majesty, and if this came to light, he would surely be scolded again, causing him to shiver slightly.
"I have something to do today, so I'll take my leave... 'It's fine, I'll sort it out quickly.' What!?"
"Daim, arrange an audience with His Majesty immediately."
Cain looked at Daim with pleading eyes, but Daim sighed and said, "Understood," before heading to the palace.
◇◇◇
After a short while, Cain was sitting in the usual reception room. The only difference was that the Captain of the Royal Guard was sitting next to him.
His Majesty and the Chancellor entered the room and sat in their usual seats.
"Cain, weren't you supposed to go to the Royal Guard to drop off the materials?"
"Yes... I dropped them off."
He nodded weakly.
The Captain of the Royal Guard, Tiphana, began to speak.
"Your Majesty, I intend to marry Baron Cain here."
She dropped a bombshell.
"!!!!"
His Majesty and the Chancellor were speechless. Daim, standing behind them, sighed.
His Majesty's face tightened as he looked at Cain.
"Why did this happen? Cain, tell me."
Cain explained that he had gone to drop off the materials, engaged in a mock battle with the knights, and was about to face thirty knights when the Captain arrived. He also mentioned the mock battle with the Captain.
"So, you defeated the Captain... Is that what you're saying? Cain, did you tell her about Princess Teresia and Miss Silk?"
"That was still a secret, so I didn't mention it."
Cain answered honestly.
"I knew the Captain wanted to marry someone stronger than her, but I never thought it would be Cain."
His Majesty sighed.
"Cain, I believe you know that Captain Tiphana is a duke's daughter. However, the Liebert territory was originally an elf kingdom. Elves are known for their beauty, which often led to wars where they were kidnapped or enslaved. This Esfort Kingdom, following the first king's will, does not discriminate based on race. That's why it is part of our country. The Duke, while a title, is almost like an independent state, as they are given autonomy."
His Majesty continued.
"Even though it's called a duchy, think of it as a princess of a country. And you are being proposed to by that princess. Do you understand, Cain?"
Cain nodded honestly.
"Miss Tiphana, this is still a secret, but I will tell you. Cain here is already engaged to Princess Teresia and Miss Silk, the daughter of Duke Eric. What do you think about that?"
His Majesty spoke honestly. Cain looked down.
Upon learning that Cain was already engaged to a princess and a duke's daughter, Tiphana looked slightly surprised. She quickly composed herself and made an unexpected statement.
"If you are recognized by His Majesty and Duke Eric as an exceptional talent, then I want to marry you even more."
Cain was speechless at her words.
"Wh-What..."
Cain was about to stop her, but His Majesty spoke first.
"Alright, I understand. I will acknowledge your feelings. First, write a letter to Duke Lethan. We'll discuss it after you get his permission. Understood?"
"Understood. I will write the letter immediately. I will take my leave now."
With that, Captain Tiphana and Deputy Captain Daim left the reception room.
"I will also take my leave... 'Wait a moment'... Yes, I expected that."
Cain was about to leave when His Majesty stopped him.
"We need to talk, Cain. You weren't planning to leave without a word, were you?"
Cain felt the silent pressure from His Majesty and the Chancellor.
"I was also surprised, so I don't know what to do."
Cain answered honestly.
"Still, to defeat even a Knight Captain with the title of Sword Saint is quite something. She was supposed to have the highest levels in Swordsmanship and the Blessing of the War God. She is the strongest knight in our country, which is why she is the Captain. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"... Maybe the Captain wasn't feeling well..."
Cain tried to dodge, but His Majesty and the Chancellor saw through it.
"Cain, who are you?"
His Majesty asked straightforwardly.
"I'm the third son of Garm."
Cain answered, trying to calm himself.
"Hmm. That's enough for now. Cain, do you have any intentions to harm this country?"
His Majesty looked at him seriously.
"I have no such intentions. I received the title of Baron from Your Majesty and have been recognized as a fiancé to Princess Teresia and Miss Silk. I intend to serve this country, not harm it."
Cain answered with a serious look.
At that moment, His Majesty's face relaxed.
"Very well. I understand. I will inform Princess Teresia and Miss Silk. The engagement is not yet finalized."
"Understood. Thank you. I will take my leave now."
Cain bowed and left the room.
He thought about going home in his carriage but decided to report to Garm to avoid further trouble.
He headed straight to Garm's study upon arriving at the mansion.
"What?! You were proposed to by Captain Tiphana!?"
Garm's shocked voice echoed through the mansion.
"... Yes. It happened after a mock battle. His Majesty and the Chancellor already know."
Garm could only hold his head in his hands.
Cain was already engaged to the princess and a duke's daughter.
Now, the daughter of the Duke of the elf territory, who was also the strongest swordsman in the country, wanted to marry Cain.
This was beyond Garm's control. While Garm was a Margrave, a high-ranking noble, the princess and the duke's daughter were of higher status.
Moreover, Cain had become independent and was now a low-ranking noble, a Baron.
"My head hurts. Let's leave it at this for today."
Garm gave in.
"Then I will take my leave. I will report back if anything else happens."