Chapter 11: The Deal

Angelina saw the mischievous smile on Ethan's face and knew what he was thinking. She was well aware of her reputation at the academy but didn't care. To her, life was about living comfortably without worrying about others' opinions. However, since Ethan cared, she needed to explain things clearly, especially since she was on a family mission.

"I know what you're thinking and what you care about. But I advise you to hear me out before you refuse."

"No need," Ethan said firmly. "But thank you for the offer."

Seeing Ethan's determined expression, Angelina's eyes briefly showed pain before she suppressed it. "Didn't you want to meet my cousin? Marry me, and you can."

"What?" Ethan frowned. "Didn't you say your cousin is dead? How could marrying you bring him back?"

"That's why you should listen before speaking, or you'll miss important information," Angelina said, her annoyance evident. She continued, "My cousin established a new territory on the border, but after he died, it became unstable. Our family needs a knight to take charge there. My sister recommended you, and the family agreed. Originally, my sister was to marry you, but she's already engaged, so the task falls to me. Now you have the facts and can make your choice."

Receiving so much information at once left Ethan momentarily confused, but he quickly pieced it together. They wanted him to marry into the family, with a new territory as the dowry. But why him? Ethan's curiosity got the better of him.

"Why don't you just send someone else, or even another knight? Why choose me?"

"If you know the family members fear the danger, why ask such a naive question?" Angelina retorted.

Ethan sighed, realizing they had indeed taken advantage of his desperate situation. "You're counting on my desperation, knowing I'd take a gamble. But if the territory is so unsafe, why not just abandon it?"

"Actually, I think the same as you! But my sister insists on keeping it. You know, she's a mage and became a magic professor at fifteen. The family must consider her opinions."

"Your sister? Sophia Lawson?" Ethan guessed.

"Who else?" Angelina smiled ruefully.

"I see," Ethan said, his demeanor growing serious. Sophia Lawson was a prodigy, a mage who awakened her powers at three, graduated from the prestigious Merlin Magic Academy at ten, and became a professor at fourteen. Why would she notice him? And why now?

Angelina interrupted his thoughts. "So, what's your decision?"

Ethan snapped back to reality and smiled. "So, if I marry you, that territory becomes your dowry, and I get to be its lord?"

"Exactly," Angelina replied.

Ethan smiled bitterly. "We're both in unfortunate situations, aren't we? Two pawns sacrificed for the family's sake."

"Precisely!" Angelina laughed, her demeanor cheerful despite the circumstances. "As nobles, we must be ready to sacrifice for our families. So, Sir Ethan, what is your decision?"

"I agree!" Ethan didn't hesitate. Getting out of Marrow City was his priority, but he had conditions. "However, I have conditions."

"Go ahead," Angelina said, understanding that bargaining was part of such arrangements.

"First, the title to the territory must be in my name."

"That's fair, but it can only be transferred after the wedding," Angelina agreed.

"Second, we'll be husband and wife in name only. You can pursue your own relationships, and so can I. If you have children, they will not have any claim to my territory."

"Of course! That's perfect! You're handsome, but I prefer muscular men, those wrapped in muscle…" Angelina's eyes grew dreamy.

Ethan shook his head, interrupting her fantasy. "Third, I want to train in your family's Force techniques, and you must provide the necessary resources."

Hearing this, Angelina frowned. "You haven't trained in Force yet? Then how did you defeat Andrick?"

Ethan frowned, realizing the Lawson family's interest in him was due to his victory over Andrick. But their investigation seemed lacking. "How I defeated him isn't important. Just tell me if you agree."

"If you need it, we'll provide all the help we can. But you should know that awakening Force isn't an overnight process, and we need you to go to the territory immediately," Angelina replied seriously.

"That's fine," Ethan agreed.

They toasted with some cheap rum, sealing their marriage of convenience. Just as Ethan was about to see Angelina off, he remembered something.

"My dear fiancée, can I come with you to the viscount's mansion?"

"Is this a fourth condition? You're quite demanding," Angelina said, looking Ethan over. "Didn't you say we'd live separate lives? Changing your mind already?"

"No, don't misunderstand. The situation is a bit special. I want to understand things better," Ethan explained, unwilling to admit he feared assassination and wanted the viscount's protection.

Angelina hesitated but then warmly took Ethan's arm. "Then let's go, my dear fiancé. I recently renovated a new bathhouse. We can relax together—it's my reward for the champion."

Ethan's face turned green at the suggestion, but he agreed, prioritizing his safety. As he gathered his belongings, Angus suddenly burst in.

"No! Miss, Ethan can't come with us!"

"Why not?"

"No reason needed. Since the deal is done, let Ethan stay here. We'll send a carriage for him tomorrow." Angus's tone brooked no argument, as if he were the master.

Angelina glared at Angus, full of anger but said nothing. She turned to Ethan. "See you tomorrow, dear Ethan."

With that, she left without looking back, leaving Ethan standing there, bewildered.

"Since when do knights order their masters around?" he muttered.