There’s No Such Thing as Naughty Precious Children in the World - Chapter 1
Translator and Editor: Effe and Nabi
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Chapter 1 – Benefits for Children of National Merit Awardee
Edith set a wooden cup in front of Vincent, and after a brief hesitation, she spoke very carefully.
“I’m sorry, but the tea isn’t prepared.”
“It’s okay. It’s my fault for coming without notice. Please don’t worry about it.”
Vincent glanced down at the white milk in the cup and smiled gently. However, he didn’t touch the wooden cup.
‘How did someone so distinguished end up in this humble place…’
Feeling awkward, she glanced around the house.
The small and worn brick house did not match the Emperor’s Chief Secretary at all. Vincent carried the dignity befitting the Emperor’s Chief Secretary. Not only did he have a neat and tidy appearance, but his clothing was also all high-quality.
‘…If I sell just one button, wouldn’t I be able to buy this entire house?’
The sparkling gold button on his coat didn’t seem to be plated, it looked genuine pure gold, and it was highly likely that it was.
No, it probably was.
“His Majesty the Emperor wanted to convey his gratitude to Baron Brussels for the dedication and service to the Empire, and he is always thankful for it.”
“Ah…”
Suddenly?
Edith barely managed to suppress the true feelings that almost popped out of her mouth in an instant.
Her father, or rather, Baron Brussels, was a national merit awardee who had died as a knight in the territorial war. By the time she became aware of the world, he had already passed away, so she had no specific memories of him.
What was certain was that for at least the past decade, they hadn’t received any expressions of gratitude.
However, now, all of a sudden?
Edith, blinking her large eyes in astonishment, belatedly regained her senses.
“I sincerely thank His Majesty the Emperor for his kind words. I’m sure my father in heaven would be pleased.”
Probably, right?
She thought positively. Thankfully, Vincent didn’t seem overly concerned about the awkward pause and continued with his words.
“Excuse me, but before conveying His Majesty’s words, may I ask a few things first? Miss Edith is twenty-two years old this year and currently unmarried. Is that correct?”
“Yes, as you mentioned.”
Even though it was a rather out-of-the-blue question, Edith answered obediently.
‘Does the Chief Secretary himself conduct personal surveys in the Robedon Empire?’
She briefly wondered, but no matter how she thought about it, it seemed like too much of a waste of manpower. So, was it a surprise event for the children of national merit awardees?
‘Oh? Could they be offering something? Compensation? Reward?’
Edith’s eyes sparkled.
Although it was too early to get her hopes up, it seemed like there was no reason for him to visit her except for some kind of incentive.
Asking about age and marital status was fitting. Usually, the younger or the more family members one has, the more rewards one could expect. While it was a bit disappointing that neither applied to her, any penny was precious to her.
After all, meeting a great wizard who could traverse space and time would likely need a considerable amount of money.
“I see. I apologize if it seemed impolite to the lady, but confirmation was necessary, so I had to ask. Thank you for your answer.”
Vincent, who gave a formal thank you, took an envelope from his pocket and placed it on the table. Whatever was inside was quite thick.
‘Are they really giving me a reward?’
Edith suppressed her excited heart as much as possible and calmly picked up the envelope.
If there were a check with the Emperor’s seal inside, it would truly be a jackpot, however, if it wasn’t that. Even a small piece of land, or maybe a special job opportunity for the children of national merit awardees… Edith’s wishes continued to become simpler.
‘…Huh?’
Edith, who finally confirmed the identity of the document, froze in place.
There, the contents were something she couldn’t have imagined.
“For over a decade, as Miss Edith is well aware, Robedon emerged victorious in the territorial war. Now, the Robedon Empire is undoubtedly the loser of the continent.”
The Imperial language flowed into Edith’s astonished ears.
The territorial war, a conflict that started with a dispute over diamond mines on the border, had spread across the entire continent. Even in rural Hedon County, Edith had heard the news of the war. Her father, Baron Brussels, had died in that war.
Baron Brussels had volunteered to participate in the war during the difficult times for the Robedon Empire and had died as a warrior.
“His Excellency, Duke Devion, played a pivotal role in leading the territorial war to victory for Robedon, serving as a faithful servant to His Majesty the Emperor.”
Duke Devion.
Her gaze shifted to the left side of the marriage oath. There, the name ‘Skyle Elliot Devion’ was written.
It was undoubtedly Duke Devion.
“…He’s an incredibly great person.”
“Yes, His Majesty regards him as a close friend. Oh, please don’t misunderstand. Duke Devion is quite young.”
‘I see…’
Edith remained silent, unsure of what else to say.
She already knew that Duke Devion was a war hero and a noble favored by the Emperor. The crucial question was why the name of such a significant figure was written on the marriage oath. Moreover, right next to her own name.
As if understanding her confusion, Vincent spoke at an appropriate moment.
“His Majesty the Emperor wishes to arrange a marriage between Miss Edith, the daughter of Baron Brussels, and Duke Devion.”
“The, the Emperor wants me to marry?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Her head spun for a moment, and she instinctively touched her forehead. She couldn’t comprehend what she was hearing.
Emperor, marriage, Duke…
Truly, it was an incredible combination of words. What was even more shocking was that she was the target.
“Why me of all people…?”
“Baron Brussels in his lifetime, set an example as a noble in Robedon. Miss Edith is his only daughter.”
So, this was the benefit bestowed upon the children of national merit awardees.
Thinking about it that way, her head felt even more dizzy.
‘Who gives marriage as a benefit!’
Although it sounded absurd, when that ‘who’ was the Emperor, everything changed.
“Uh, um… I am very grateful for the Emperor’s consideration, but I am quite old, and there are many shortcomings for a marriage.”
She firmly held onto her fleeting composure.
In this world, even in the latest cases, engagement was typically done by the age of sixteen. For nobles, it was common to get engaged at a much younger age.
Engagements came early, so marriages naturally followed swiftly. Generally, by the age of 18, when one reached adulthood, most nobles were already married. Those who hadn’t married by the age of twenty faced disapproving gazes.
From that perspective, Edith had a serious flaw. She was already twenty-two years old.
“If you’re worried about age, please don’t feel burdened. Duke Devion will turn twenty-three this year.”
“Oh…”
Edith’s mouth fell open like a fool.
She didn’t expect such a powerful excuse to come bouncing out. Well, considering they proposed marriage to Edith even though they knew her age, there probably was a good excuse from the beginning.
‘But then, that side has a problem as well!’
She was the daughter of a fallen noble. The remaining property and compensation that came down in her father’s name had all been passed on to distant relatives. Everything valuable had been taken away, and even her mother had passed away.
Edith had possessed this body right after that.
In a situation where finding a good marriage prospect was impossible, she couldn’t get married. However, it didn’t matter since, after all, she didn’t plan to stay in this world for long.
Though Duke Devion was different. Why hadn’t a young duke with close ties to the Emperor married until that age?
There was undoubtedly a more serious problem than her.
‘Perhaps he’s very unattractive, or on the brink of ruin, or suffering from a severe illness…’
“Duke Devion is a remarkably handsome man and, being a war hero has accumulated a substantial fortune. Moreover, he is perfectly healthy with not a single ailment.”
“Gasp!”
Edith’s eyes widened as she was caught off guard, thinking of plausible reasons. Vincent seemed to have read her mind so accurately that it felt like he was using some kind of magic.
“Oh my, did you happen to be curious about that? It seems I’ve guessed it by chance.”
Although it was surprisingly accurate for a coincidence, Vincent remained calm, as if he had anticipated this situation.
Unable to say yes or no, Edith tilted her head.
Handsome, wealthy, and healthy…
Those were just words she had heard from others. Realistically, if he was such an outstanding person, why would he be interested in her? Before attending the children’s center, she had an impressive history of various part-time jobs, so she knew well that the world wasn’t as rosy as it sounded.
‘Surely there’s a trap!’
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