Chapter 2 Provocation

Arnell felt as disgusted as if she had swallowed a fly. What did he take her for? A nanny?

Yet Holden believed he was offering what all women in the world desired most in marriage—everything except her husband's heart.

"As long as you don't scheme against Candini, even if you want a child in the future, I'll seriously consider it. How about that?"

"..."

Arnell almost wanted to grab Holden and demand to know why he was so confident that, after betraying their marriage and love, she would still be begging him to have a child with her.

She calmly opened her mouth. "I can also give up managing the family affairs."

Managing family affairs meant more than just arranging servants in the manor, daily hospitality, and social obligations. It also included all matters large and small in the territory, such as taxes and trade. She was constantly on the move with barely any time to rest, and personally caring for Holden's mother, Lady Victoria Titan, was especially draining.

Yet this exhausting life would be called a reward she earned for being "sensible" by the man before her.

Faced with this mockery, Holden simply thought Arnell was throwing a tantrum about his marrying Candini Lace. He looked at Arnell with displeasure once more, then turned and strode out of the tent, his voice as cold as if it had fallen into an ice cave.

"I'm not asking for your opinion. Even if you threaten me with such cheap tactics, I won't change my mind."

Arnell's eyes reddened slightly, a sharp glint flashing in them.

This kind of marriage, this kind of future—she, Arnell Virlet, wanted no part of it!

She walked so quickly that no one could see her expression. The soldiers around her who were breaking camp carefully made way for her, watching as she boarded the carriage.

Only after she was out of sight did they huddle together and whisper, discussing whether they had ever seen a more beautiful young lady.

Elisa had been waiting for Arnell in the carriage for a long time. Now she looked at her with concern. "What did Lord Holden say, Lady Arnell? Has this matter been confirmed as a rumor?"

Facing the maid who had grown up with her, Arnell helplessly shook her head. She pulled open the carriage window a crack. Outside, the camp had been mostly packed up and was about to depart. Arnell simply had the driver take a detour around the large group and head back.

But things didn't go as planned. Apparently, people had heard that the victorious knight order from the southern campaign would pass through today, and they were all enthusiastically waiting outside the city gates to welcome the empire's warriors.

Especially since this was the Titan family's territory, those wanting to greet Holden had blocked half of what was normally a road wide enough for three carriages to pass side by side.

Arnell's carriage was stuck behind the crowd. The boiling voices around her were like a tide, completely blocking her way. Arnell had no choice but to wait in place for the commotion to pass.

When the knight order arrived, the cheering people nearly knocked them over. Most of the commoners were celebrating the warriors' return, but a few had strange expressions and gathered together to whisper.

"The one next to Commander Holden up front—could that be the rumored Commander Candini?"

"So is that rumor true? Commander Candini is really going to become Commander Holden's partner!?"

"But I remember Commander Holden has a wife."

Those in the know muttered quietly. They clearly remembered that Holden had held a wedding before heading south years ago, and the lady who married him was the daughter of Duke Skoda, a hero of the empire. For such a noble lady, the Titan family must have lost their minds!

"Yes, and for the three years Commander Holden was away, his wife managed the territory. If not for her governance, my family would still be getting taxed an extra half like we used to!

"Forget about status—only a fool would divorce such a good wife. Sending her to a monastery is impossible, so does that mean Commander Candini is willing to be a mistress!?"

"Hard to say. Who knows if they've already been... on the battlefield—Ah!"

A scream rang out, followed by the sound of armor hitting the ground heavily.

Arnell quickly lifted the carriage curtain and looked toward the sound. A plainly dressed commoner had been kicked to the ground, clutching his stomach and wailing.

And standing beside him—who else but Holden?

Holden's deep eyes swept over the surrounding people one by one. In his mind, these people were merely commoners on his family's land. They should be grateful for the Titan family's protection—what right did they have to discuss his private affairs?

However, when he met Arnell's gaze from the distant carriage, Holden froze for a moment, then frowned.

Had she deliberately arranged for people to spread the news? If so, he would definitely discuss with his mother about re-educating her when he returned. Such a woman with only beauty and a petty mind was truly unworthy of being his wife.

"Holden?"

The woman beside him noticed Holden's distraction and followed his gaze. When she locked eyes with Arnell, her expression stiffened for a moment, then she curled her lip in disdain.

Seeing this reaction, Arnell knew she must be Commander Candini.

Under everyone's puzzled gazes, Candini drew the sword from her waist. The cold blade pointed directly at Arnell, and then she grinned, making a slashing motion.

Arnell knew Candini was declaring war on her, but using a sword meant for killing enemies—what did she take herself for!

The next enemy to be slain?

Arnell's eyes darkened as she couldn't help clenching her fists.

Meanwhile, Holden proclaimed loudly, "When Candini and I fought side by side on the battlefield, you enjoyed safety and happiness in the rear. My wife also lived a decadent noble life in the manor. What right do any of you have to demand that a knight who risked her life for the empire can only be some damned mistress!"

"Moreover—"

He seemed to think of something and turned to look at Candini beside him, his face suddenly beaming with happiness. "I've already used the glory from this southern campaign to gain His Majesty the King's approval in a letter!"

"I will soon marry Commander Candini. She will be my wife and the only love of my life, Holden!"