I Married Because I Wanted To Live A Normal Life

 

In the five families of Kleinin, there existed implicit roles designated for the benefit of each country.

If Catlan was Kleinin’s shield, and Levitea was Kleinin’s sword.

As for the man before me who would inherit Firenze in the future, well, to put it aptly, they might be called the ‘Watchtower,’ if anything.

Therefore, it was astonishing and greatly appreciated that Miller, who should report the information collected for the royal family more diligently than anyone else, had kept the secret for this long.

However, in response to my reaction, Miller instead let out a hollow chuckle.

He gave a look of disbelief, followed by a somewhat weak laugh, and then looked at me.

“I understand, Baron. I got it.”

His attitude that had just been losing confidence over a moment ago seemed to disappear, and the man spoke with an almost evil grin.

“Well then, keep being grateful, but from now on, never make such a request to me. Never! I’ve had a real headache this time!”

“Uh… Okay.”

As I watched him return to his original seat with a determined stride, I muttered quietly to myself.

Why is he like that…

As my eyes followed Miller, who seemed to have intense emotional fluctuations today, my attention immediately turned to the voice of the servant that put an end to the bustling noise.

“His Royal Highness the Prince and Marquis Ophius have arrived!”

Finally, the main purpose of coming here was about to begin in earnest.

  

As the prince stepped forward and entered the conference room, my former superior, Callen Ophius, quietly followed behind.

The sight of the man, larger in stature than the small boy, politely following without making a sound, gave off an air of reverence.

While all present stood in silence, gazing only at the prince, he took his seat first on the elevated dais, allowing us to look up at him.

The man with red hair took a position closer to us, almost as if representing the royal family.

I looked at Callen once again. He seemed a bit leaner, his impression sharper than when I had briefly met him before.

Well, he already had a lot on his plate. How much busier could he be these days?

It might be a little childish, but the thought ‘It’s fortunate I resigned in time’ crossed my mind first.

“Well then, let’s begin the conference.”

As Callen spoke, I and the other attendees who were standing took our seats, and as we settled into our chairs, the man immediately began speaking in a composed voice.

“Today, we have gathered to discuss the upcoming measures in light of the recent alarming increase in monster invasions in the northern regions, and the severe civil war in Carshion.”

Carshion was an empire situated to the north of Kleinin.

A civil war in such chaotic circumstances? Truly, crises do seem to have a liking for dramatic timing.

“… However, before that, I’d like to take some time to inquire and address the matter of Hisch Ensis, the newly reported ‘talent’.”

For me, this was the main point. As I scanned the room, I noticed a few prominent figures.

Among them, the most conspicuous were the individuals’ wearing robes, silently gazing at Callen. They certainly looked like wizards at first glance.

Personally, I didn’t have a particularly favorable impression of them… Well, I suppose from the royal family’s perspective, they must have had no choice but to leverage their power, so I decided to understand that.

When Callen gestured to the attendant standing at the corner of the conference room, he slowly began to open the door that was positioned behind me.

Beyond it, Hisch, who had been waiting, started walking slowly according to the attendant’s guidance, making his way towards the open space in the center of the round table where we were surrounded.

After a moment, Callen opened his mouth, his gaze stern as he looked at Hisch.

“Hisch Ensis. Can you swear to speak only the truth here?”

“… I swear.”

“Do you understand that severe consequences may be imposed if even a single falsehood is uttered in the face of Kleinin’s future?”

“I understand.”

I felt strange. It was only natural — the black-haired man who had always shyly smiled at me was now looking calmly at Callen, not sparing me a glance.

“The report submitted by Ensis is placed at the top of the materials in front of you, so please take a look.”

Though it was information I knew anyway, I also picked up my share of documents.

“According to what’s written… it says that your abilities have manifested not too long ago. Is that true?”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Is it also true that you cannot control that ability on your own?”

“Yes, that’s true.”

The only one in this room who had directly witnessed Hisch’s ability, Miller, looked at me with a meaningful gaze. I chose not to meet his eyes and answered by looking away.

Count Valencia wore a stern expression. Judging solely from the report’s contents, one might conclude that Hisch was a ‘troublesome individual possessing a dangerous ability but lacking control.’

However, an unexpected voice was heard from behind Callen.

“Hisch Ensis.”

“….”

Hish hesitated for the first time and glanced at me briefly. I locked eyes with him reassuringly, then glanced back at His Highness.

The silver-haired boy with purple eyes, who usually wore a compassionate smile, opened his mouth with a somewhat tense expression.

“Come here.”

Though short, it was an inevitable and natural summon that couldn’t be ignored.

Guided by the waiting attendant, Hisch soon reached the front of the prince.

“Your hand.”

So, he was about to measure it. Hisch’s ability.

The boy spoke briefly, and though Hisch hesitated for a moment, he politely took the proffered hand.

Now, this was the sole variable I had anticipated.

What would the prince feel within Hisch, I wondered.

After a moment’s pause, the purple irises open.

“Very…”

The prince muttered.

“Ambiguous.”

“…..”

“It’s as if there’s nothing there, yet it’s so vast that I can hardly fathom it….”

“…..”

I discreetly observed Callen, the other attendees, the prince, and Hisch.

While some of the others seemed slightly intrigued, bored, or simply looking with an unreadable expression, Hisch merely bowed his head in silence. 

The distance was too great to see clearly, but I could tell that he remained completely still, without making any movements.

The prince gazed down at Hish with a thoughtful look and then, as if he had made a decision, turned his head in our direction.

“Young Duke Catlan. I am considering a certain proposal.”

“Please proceed, Your Highness.”

“… How about having the wizards research Hisch Ensis’s ability?”

… What?

At those words, Lewis’ eyes widened, but the shock he felt was likely not as intense as mine.

Hisch, the actual subject, showed no signs of surprise and simply listened to the prince’s words in silence.

“What do you mean… by experimenting my brother-in-laws abilities?”

“Your wording doesn’t sound very nice.”

The boy retorted as if defending himself, emphasizing the term ‘research’.

“Wouldn’t everyone be feeling their limits? The onslaught of monsters pouring down from the north is intensifying, and even Carshion, which we believed would protect us, is entangled in domestic disputes.”

“…..”

“It’s not just about relying solely on Carshion. We need to fortify ourselves as well. Increasing our army by conscription might be the easiest way, but the situation demands a more immediate solution.”

“…..”

“… So, what if our own power, our ‘abilities,’ could be made accessible to the soldiers as well?”

What on earth…

“No need for mana, no activation conditions—just a power that can be used by its mere existence. How solid and convenient would that be? Even if the ability itself isn’t too extraordinary, in times of crisis like these, it could prove to be quite useful.”

“Your Highness.”

“For instance, having such an army under the command of the royal family… How many citizens of the kingdom could we save with that?”

So, this means… Is he suggesting…?

To experiment with Hisch, ultimately to strengthen the power of the royal family through the army?

Why?

Until now, they haven’t even forced this upon us, but considering my husband’s background, was it something that could easily be suggested?

Did they think Catlan would readily accept it? Is that why?

“It might be called research, but it won’t be anything too demanding. Isn’t that right, Magnus?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

One of the men in robes, who had kept his lips sealed until just now, hastily spoke up.

“I can swear that I will never inflict any harm upon Mr. Hisch. I merely hope to gain a slight hint about the ability that only the noble families of Kleinin utilize, much like studying the principles of nature.”

Should I believe those words? The image of the wizard who had once told me to reveal information even if it cost my life flashed through my mind.

“Your Highness.”

As I softly called out to him in a suppressed voice, the boy started and looked at me. In a gesture of approval for my statement, he nodded slightly.

“Hisch’s… my husband’s ability is extremely limited, and I don’t believe it would be of any help in this matter. Above all, Hisch’s ability is beyond his control, and I fear that conducting research could lead to unforeseen consequences.”

“… Well, that level of consideration is within the expected range, isn’t it, Magnus?”

“Of course, Your Highness. Even if anyone among the wizards involved in this matter were to disappear under Hisch’s ability, I swear that the Magic Tower will never hold the ducal house of Catlan accountable.”

“… That’s a one-in-a-million scenario, and in any case, the experiment will proceed safely, won’t it?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

What nonsense. From the beginning, it would never be our family’s responsibility even if anyone died during their experiments they were rushing into in the first place.

A sharp voice called out to the prince, who was asking for absolution from the wizard called Magnus.

“Your Highness, if that is the case, these words now signify as a bolster for the royal army. May we accept it as such?”

  Hello, everyone! It's Eica here~ Thank you for taking the time to read my translations.I apologize for being absent for a rea~lly long time and for the future sporadic updates. My classes and busy schedule have made it difficult for me to translate at a faster pace.Despite my shortcomings in translating, I hope each and every one of you will have a great time reading this.If you come across any mistakes, feel free to comment below or reach out to me on Discord.You can support me on Ko-fi, and I would appreciate it if you could rate this on NU. I value your feedback, and even though I may not respond, please know that I read and eagerly anticipate each and every comment.Once again, thank you, everyone! Happy reading!