Staking My Entire Life

Through many twists and turns—or rather, a whole lot of troublesome mess—the midterm exam came to a safe close.

The result was a complete victory for Class F over Class C.

Based on that, the grading was done by the teachers, starting with Ms. Paula, and points would likely be distributed at a later date.

As for the Impaling Baron, Scuyer Scuyer who kidnapped Duke Barrow, Headmaster Faust issued a statement saying, “For a student of the academy to abduct a Duke within the academy grounds is outrageous.”

He promised the arrest of the culprit and thorough prevention of recurrence—but that’s probably just lip service.

Behind the Impaling Baron, Scuyer who snatched Duke Barrow stands the Royal Family.

The power of the Vahlrund Royal Family that rules this country is absolute.

No matter how influential Headmaster Faust or Duke Barrow may be, directly opposing the Royal Family is too disadvantageous.

The fact that Duke Barrow let the Impaling Baron, Scuyer escape seemed to be primarily to threaten the true culprit while avoiding a full-scale conflict with the Royal Family.

The nobles who participated in the midterm exam viewing would also likely avoid making a scene and getting glared at by the Royals.

Because of that, it’s utterly idiotic, but—they’ll keep up appearances for the public, and solve the rest through politics. That’s likely how it will flow.

It’s doubtful they even really intend to catch the Impaling Baron, Scuyer now that his face is known.

…Well, next time I see him, I’ll definitely kill him.

Me. With my own hands.

I don’t give a damn about the Royal Family or politics.

That guy relentlessly targeted Letitia, and on top of that, laid a hand on her father.

Which means, he wants to be killed by me.

So next time, I’ll kill him just as he desires.

Absolutely.

If the Royal Family steps in then—I’ll just destroy them too.

Everything.

For Letitia’s sake.

…Well, let’s put that aside for now.

After everything was over—Letitia, myself, Joshua, and Duke Barrow were all gathered together.

“Duke Barrow, I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Umu, I caused you worry. As you can see, I am unharmed.”

Joshua looked relieved that Duke Barrow had no injuries.

Then, “Joshua… you have something to tell me, do you not?”

“…Yes.”

Joshua nodded and took a small breath.

“As promised, I, Joshua Ryduan, shall dissolve my engagement with Letitia Barrow—no, with Letitia Odrant.”

Face to face, Joshua conveyed the annulment of the engagement with Letitia.

Hearing that, Duke Barrow let out a short laugh.

“To think I would actually hear those words… truly, life does not go as one plans.”

He continued, looking toward Letitia.

“Letitia. It has been a long time since I met you directly like this.”

“Yes. It has been a long time, Father.”

“You have changed. You have become strong. And you have come to look very much like your mother.”

“Like Mother, you say…?”

“Yes. You likely have almost no memories of her, but she too was a noble woman.”

Duke Barrow spoke as if reminiscing.

His expression seemed somewhat as if a burden had been lifted from him.

“…I still regret from the bottom of my heart that I engaged you to Mauro. That I gave you a life where I could only force you into an unhappy way of living.”

“…”

“This is nothing but an excuse… but the reason I married you off to Baron Odrant was also to prevent your ruin in the worst possible form.”

” ‘As long as she plays the part of an unhappy, pitiful woman, no noble personage will target her further’—that is what you thought, isn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

“You were always worrying about my safety, weren’t you, Father?”

“Where is the father who does not worry about his daughter? …Though, today’s events forced me to understand that my actions were nothing but self-satisfaction.”

He answered, looking somewhat awkward.

Ah—so Duke Barrow really was worrying about Letitia in his heart all along.

When I talked with Joshua, I thought “Huh?” when listening to his story.

Forcing an engagement between Letitia and Joshua didn’t feel like it was just about interests.

It felt like Duke Barrow was trying to protect Letitia even more than Joshua was.

In the first place, there isn’t much merit for the Barrow Ducal House to connect with the Ryduan Marquis House.

Despite that, proposing an engagement was because he judged that the Ryduan Marquis House could keep the influence of the Royals away, even if just a little.

That’s how strong the power of the Royal Knights is.

Therefore, no matter what those around him said, he forced the engagement through.

He wouldn’t do that unless he really treasured Letitia, absolutely.

Actually, I think Duke Barrow is quite the doting parent.

Just a clumsy, stubborn old man, though.

But, I understand…

Letitia is cute, after all… Cute enough that it wouldn’t hurt even if you put her in your eye…

Yeah, yeah, I get it, I get it…

You’d get stubborn too…

Because it’s Letitia…

As I was convincing myself of this alone, Duke Barrow’s gaze turned next to me.

“If a Duke’s daughter of the Barrow house married the ‘Lowest, Worst Baron,’ there could be no greater unhappiness. That is what I thought, but—”

“How did it appear in your eyes, Father? His figure.”

“…Is he not far too different from the ‘Rumors,’ no matter how you look at it?”

“No~, I am honored.”

I got a little shy.

But immediately after, Letitia scolded me, “Alban, don’t get too carried away.”

Sad.

“I would likely never have understood if I had not seen it with my own eyes… but now I can ask.”

Duke Barrow stared straight at me.

“Baron Odrant, answer me. Will you swear to save my daughter—to save this child from ruin and unhappiness?”

He asked me.

Will I swear, he asks?

Something like that—the answer is only one.

“I swear. Staking my entire life on it.”

I stared straight back at Duke Barrow and declared it without a single hesitation.

Rather, it’s no exaggeration to say my life exists for Letitia.

Feels like it’s a bit late to ask now, really.

“…Ah, is that so. Now, finally, I am relieved.”

With a very gentle expression, Duke Barrow spoke.

Then, walking up to me, he held out his hand.

“Son-in-law, I entrust Letitia to you. Take care of this child… please.”

“Thank you. Leave it to me, Father-in-law.”

Smiling at each other, we shook hands firmly.

This was the moment Duke Barrow finally acknowledged me—acknowledged me and Letitia as a “Real Couple.”