The young head of the Reinhardt Dukedom, which lies between the eastern and southern territories, and thus, a duke.
The Reinhardt Dukedom itself is not particularly large. In fact, it is a relatively new dukedom among the ducal families.
However, it has flourished through the trade of specialty products and minerals, and in that sense, it has achieved results that make it a suitable match for my sister.
"Still, he's not the type to be so concerned about family status."
I mumble to myself as I review the documents.
The problem is the phrase "poor at martial arts" written in the documents that Sebastian brought.
My sister, who is a soldier at heart, values what is useful on the battlefield. She would prefer a strong husband, whether he excels in martial arts or as a commander. In any case, he needs to have something that can be showcased on the battlefield.
"Well, what should I do?"
"Prince Arnold, I have a report."
"What is it, Sebastian?"
"The Duke of Reinhardt, who is a candidate for the princess's marriage, is reportedly visiting the capital incognito."
"What!? He's a duke, for crying out loud!?"
"He is apparently a very active person and has come to thank the Emperor unofficially."
"Thank him? For accepting the marriage proposal?"
"Actually, the Duke of Reinhardt has been proposing marriage for many years, even over a decade, to the First Princess."
...Over a decade?
What is this?
Has he been in love and pursuing her all this time?
The fact that this story hasn't come to light means he has been rejected repeatedly. Given my father's nature, he would have certainly brought it up to my sister. So, it means...
"Has my sister been rejecting the Duke of Reinhardt for over a decade!?"
"That's right."
"That's right... So, there's no chance at all!?"
"Many ducal families must have proposed to the First Princess. The Emperor might have been moved by the Duke of Reinhardt's persistence and decided to take a more active role."
"He's just passing the buck to me after being rejected. Don't make it sound like a heartwarming story."
This is unexpectedly difficult.
What kind of person is the Duke of Reinhardt?
He must be quite far from my sister's preferences.
"Can't be helped. I'll meet him."
"That's the only option. The Emperor probably thinks the same."
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
It's probably a summons from my father.
Well, let's meet the potential future brother-in-law.
■■■
Wow, he's intense.
That was my first impression when I saw Jürgen von Reinhardt.
After my father met Jürgen incognito, I visited the room where Jürgen was staying.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Arnold. I am Jürgen von Reinhardt. I recently inherited the title of Duke from my father."
Jürgen, who smiled kindly, was slightly shorter than me.
Since I am of average height, he is a bit shorter for an adult male.
The issue is his build. He is definitely heavier than me.
He gives the impression of a slightly chubby cub. His kind smile makes him seem gentle, but unfortunately, he is the opposite of my sister's type.
His face isn't unattractive, but he isn't particularly handsome either, and his appearance is quite disappointing.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well. I am the Seventh Prince, Arnold Reux Ardler."
I naturally used polite language because of Jürgen's kind smile and demeanor.
It's a bit difficult for me to be high-handed with him.
He probably is a very nice person, and it shows.
But still...
"I heard from the Emperor that Prince Arnold will help facilitate the relationship between Princess Liette and me. Is that true?"
My father is at it again...
Liette Reux Ardler.
The First Princess and Marshal.
The strongest general in the royal family.
Facilitating a relationship with someone like her is a tall order for me, but does he understand that?
"Yes, well... I have been instructed by the Emperor to do so..."
"Then I can rest easy. I've heard that Princess Liette only opens up to you and Princess Krista among her siblings."
"...Excuse me, but who told you that?"
"The princess herself?"
"...Does my sister communicate with you?"
I had a bad feeling.
It's true that my sister only trusts me and Krista within the royal family.
Liette, who is always on the battlefield, rarely comes to the capital. So, she often writes letters.
She used to send letters to me, Krista, and Leo, but she hasn't sent any to Leo in three years.
When I asked Leo what happened, he wouldn't tell me, and neither would my sister.
Only a few people know this.
To hear it from the princess herself, what is his position?
"Yes, I've been sending her letters multiple times. At first, I thought we could become pen pals, but it hasn't worked out as well as I hoped. Usually, I get one reply for every three letters I send."
"Ah, I see..."
He's more proactive than I expected.
To be so persistent with my sister, he must be quite brave.
I can't imagine doing that. Moreover, getting one reply for every three letters means two are ignored. I couldn't handle that.
"Have you heard about how the Emperor introduced me to Princess Liette?"
"No, my father didn't mention anything..."
"That was twenty years ago."
"Twenty years!?"
Meeting her twenty years ago means he has known my sister since he was six!
"Yes, when I first came to the capital, there was a swordsmanship tournament for noble children. My opponent was much older and larger. I was completely defeated and was crying about the unfairness when a small girl came and said, 'It's wrong to try to win without effort. Age and size don't matter. Your opponent's sword skills were better because they worked harder.' She then joined the tournament and won. That's when I realized she was the five-year-old Princess Liette. I was ashamed of my immaturity and crying, but I was captivated by her. I remember her beauty clearly. I still think she is the most beautiful person in the world."
"...So, you fell in love at first sight?"
"Yes, exactly. I was smitten at first sight."
Jürgen said this without any embarrassment.
This guy... is surprisingly proactive?
"Right after that tournament, I proposed immediately."
"Huh? E? E? On the spot?"
"Yes, I thought she was the one. I felt a spark. But I was rejected outright. She said she would consider it if I became a man worthy of her. So, I decided to become a man who could stand by her side. I started by expanding my family's influence. Since I was no good at martial arts, I learned business and enriched our territory. By the time I was fifteen, I had some success. I proposed again, this time through the Emperor, but the answer was still no. It has been the same ever since."
Jürgen chuckles, but I can't laugh.
He has been in love with my sister for twenty years.
I'm unexpectedly moved. There are indeed admirable people in the world.
Unfortunately, if he can't change her mind, there is no hope. My sister doesn't change her mind easily.
"I tried sending personal letters and even gave her a valuable sword, but it didn't have much effect. I even joined the military, but I was quickly dismissed. It seems Princess Liette found out. Since then, I haven't been allowed near military grounds."
"...Why do you go to such lengths? Is it because my sister is an attractive woman?"
"Yes, that's part of it. She is beautiful and strong. She is my ideal woman, so I fell in love with her. But now, it's more than that. I love Princess Liette. I love her. Please help me. I can't love anyone else."
This is heavy...
What a weight.
Most people would give up after twenty years of unrequited love.
My sister is stubborn, but this guy is also quite something.
He is probably the only duke currently proposing to my sister. If he gives up, her marriage will be even more distant. That's why my father is pushing this match and brought it to me.
He is a good person.
I understand that. It's heartwarming as a brother to know he has loved my sister for twenty years, and he has achieved a lot to become a suitable match.
He would probably have no trouble finding a wife if he looked elsewhere.
But he only has eyes for my sister.
He loves her. His sincerity is evident.
Sigh... This is a tough one.
I can't ignore someone who tries so hard.
Maybe it's just my nature.
"Alright, I'll do what I can. But don't get your hopes up."
"No! I am truly grateful! Usually, I get a reply when I tell her I'm coming to the capital. Even if we don't meet, she writes that she wants to hear about you and Princess Krista. I can tell from her letters that she cares about you."
"Is that so... my sister..."
She used to include Leo in those letters.
If I take this seriously, I need to hear about that too.
I take a deep breath, resolved.
My father won't be angry if I fail, but if he wants to see her in a wedding dress, I want to make that happen.
I want to help this devoted duke.
"Duke of Reinhardt, I will use every means to help you appeal to my sister. In return—"
"Assistance in the imperial succession, right? I understand. I had already assumed you would be involved in the succession struggle, and I intended to support you. The Reinhardt Dukedom will support you, even if we don't succeed."
"Then this is easy. Let's have a strategy meeting. My sister is a formidable opponent."
With that, I smiled and started the meeting with Jürgen.
So, this time, it's a love story.
Will Jürgen's love bear fruit?
Being this proactive in real life would probably make someone dislike you, but it's all for love!