Chapter 4

While Nadia was lost in ecstasy, the conversation was progressing further.

"Why did you think of that?"

"There are two advantages to making one of our people the Lady of Winterfell. First, if the North shows any signs of plotting independence, we can detect it almost immediately. Second, we can prevent the possibility of the Lord of Winterfell marrying a daughter from another northern house to strengthen alliances."

"But they will have their own thoughts and might reject the Lady of Winterfell, won't they?"

"Yes, of course. However, the lady of the house has the authority to access documents related to the household. It would be very difficult to plot a rebellion without her noticing. Moreover, if things go well, she could also act as a spy to gather information from their side."

"Hmm..."

With such a plausible argument and solid reasoning, there was no reason not to listen.

Nadia put her teacup down on the table and observed the king's expression. Seeing him nod, it seemed he was already half-convinced.

'When exactly did Lord Winterfell get married?'

She couldn't remember the exact date, but she was sure it was the following year.

In other words, if they didn't hurry, they might miss the opportunity.

But if she interrupted the conversation rashly, she would only incur her father's wrath.

While Nadia was gauging the atmosphere, the king, who had been lost in thought, spoke up.

"Of course, it's a good idea. But I'm worried if anyone will be willing to send their precious daughter into enemy territory. Who would want to send their daughter to such a marriage?"

"You underestimate the loyalty of your subjects. They can always have more children. But finding a lord to whom they can dedicate their entire lives is a rare opportunity. They will be eager to offer their daughters, so you don't need to worry about that."

"Hahaha! Your words are getting better and better. You're really slick with your tongue."

It was at that moment that Nadia, who had been hesitating, saw her 'opportunity.'

Her father's statement that a loyal subject would naturally offer their daughter.

If she hesitated and only observed, she might miss this chance. Now was not the time to hesitate.

With her resolve firm, she stood up and shouted.

"Your Majesty! The daughter of Lord Balazit has a request to make!"

"Nadia!"

Before her father could tell her to leave, Nadia quickly continued.

"If a woman is needed to go to the enemy territory in the North, I want to take on that role! Please let me serve Your Majesty!"

"……!"

Shock spread across the king's face.

Clang! The sound of a teacup breaking behind her.

Lord Balazit's expression was indescribable, and Carain whispered in shock.

"Are you, are you crazy?!"

Nadia ignored her father's and brother's reactions and knelt before the king.

"Didn't Your Majesty just say that the daughter of a loyal subject is the most trustworthy woman?"

"I did say that, but... the North is a harsh place for you to go to, isn't it?"

"Your Majesty has always cherished my father as a loyal subject. Thanks to that, I have been able to live a peaceful life as a noble lady. Everything I have enjoyed so far is due to Your Majesty's grace. Please let me repay your kindness this time."

After saying this, Nadia prostrated herself on the floor.

'Father can't stop me.'

A moment ago, Lord Balazit had said:

A loyal subject would be eager to offer their daughter.

If he tried to stop Nadia here, it might make him look like he didn't want to send his own daughter to the North.

In fact, Lord Balazit, though extremely angry at his daughter's unexpected outburst, could not actively stop her.

"Your heart is truly commendable. But as you know, your father and the House of Winterfell are well-known enemies. He won't easily accept a marriage with you."

"I will offer the laurel wreath to Lord Winterfell at the triumphal ceremony."

"What?"

The king's face was filled with even more astonishment.

A deep sigh came from her father behind her.

"Do you even know what it means for a woman who has passed her coming-of-age ceremony to offer a laurel wreath to a man at a triumphal ceremony?"

"I know it's a declaration of love."

"If you are rejected, do you know what will happen to your honor? A single noble lady openly courting a man and being rejected... It will be difficult for you to marry into a proper family after that."

"There has never been a case where a laurel wreath at a triumphal ceremony was rejected."

"That's because they agree in advance before the ceremony! It's just a show for the public!"

That was true.

Just as Nadia's act of offering the laurel wreath to Eun-jo was pre-planned, the same was true for other triumphal ceremonies.

It was merely a performance to create a story that the people would cheer for.

Despite this, Nadia's expression remained calm.

"But he won't be able to reject my laurel wreath. It would be like pouring cold water on the enthusiasm of the triumphal ceremony. Isn't this ceremony being held at the request of Lord Winterfell? He won't ruin a ceremony he requested himself."

"……!"

"He will definitely accept my laurel wreath to conclude the ceremony and try to manage the situation afterward. Then, Your Majesty can propose the marriage between me and the House of Winterfell, citing the earnest plea of the daughter of a loyal subject. Your Majesty, who cannot ignore the loyalty of your subject, will become a benevolent ruler who fulfills the love of a noble lady."

"......"

What a despicable plan... That was her first thought when she heard her words.

But apart from a slight feeling of guilt, it was a very effective method.

However, Nadia was the daughter of Lord Balazit.

If he sent his daughter to a dangerous place, Lord Balazit might be disappointed.

Noticing the king's hesitation, Nadia bowed her head again and said,

"Your Majesty, please let me repay the grace of the royal family and my father. My father will never refuse an opportunity to prove his loyalty."

"Hmm..."

With such earnest words, the king now had a reason. He looked at Lord Balazit and asked,

"What do you think?"

"...I didn't realize my daughter had such commendable thoughts."

Despite his experience, he found it difficult to control his expression this time.

He forced a smile, but there was no trace of it in his eyes.

Unfortunately, the king was neither smart enough nor perceptive enough to notice.

He clapped his hands in admiration and said,

"The House of Balazit is a true loyalist of this country! Even as a young woman, her spirit is no less than any knight's!"

"Your praise is too kind."

"I was uneasy about sending someone to the North, but now that you've stepped forward, my mind is at ease. I will never forget your loyalty."

His face was genuinely smiling, as if his mind was truly at ease.

It was surprising how easily he could be swayed by such smooth talk.

'Well, it's convenient for me...'

After praising Nadia's loyalty several times, the king began to talk about other topics.

Since they were unrelated to her, Nadia cautiously stepped back.

She glanced at her father, and as expected, his anger was evident.

Though his face was smiling, the veins in his hand gripping the armrest of the sofa were clearly visible.

'Although I've gained the king's approval, without my father's final consent, I can't make this happen.'

The challenge of persuading her father remained.

How could she convince him?

Her eyes lowered, her mind began to race.

* * *

"You must be out of your mind, you."

As soon as the king left the mansion, a sharp voice grabbed Nadia's hair.

It was her half-brother, Carain. Nadia sighed and turned around.

Carain, standing next to their father, looked at her with a complex expression.

"I knew you were foolish, but I didn't expect this much. Volunteering to go to the North? Do you know what kind of treatment you'll receive there...?"

"Carain, that's enough."

Lord Balazit rebuked his daughter with a deep voice.

"This is not your place to interfere."

"Hmph."

Even the usually unruly Carain had to back down in the face of her father's firm stance.

With his daughter quiet, he took a step forward.

After the king left, the mask of a smile had completely fallen from Lord Balazit's face.

Thud! He slammed his cane on the floor with a terrifyingly stern look.

"Explain yourself, Nadia. What were you thinking when you did that? I clearly told you that offering the laurel wreath to Sir Eun-jo was your role. You must explain in a way that I can understand."