Obligation of an Arranged Marriage

A Night of Obligation 2.1

As Eila entered the study, Leon, who was following her, closed the door. A snap from the door resounded and the study was quiet, with all noises from outside being cut off.

"Sit down. It will be a little long."

Eila nodded her head. She had a lot to ask.

"What did Gordon mean over there? If there is no heir, the marriage is null and void......."

"As he said. Recently, the supporters of the First Prince are working to make a new law. Among noble couples, if they have been married for more than 12 years, and both are adults, but have no heirs, the law makes the marriage itself null and void."

"Is that possible?"

A marriage is annulled without mutual consent.

"It's surprising but many people support it. The justification is that there are people suffering from forced marriages where there intentions are not reflected. As you know, there are not just one or two such nobles in the Empire like that."

At that, Eila lowered her head. Weren't and Leon the representative example? A question popped into Eila's mind as she thought about it. Shouldn't Leon should actively support the enactment of the law? So why did he look so displeased?

"And, as you can see, Gordon is very eager. He thinks that Count Dermund belongs to him and has been stolen from him."

"But even if the marriage was annulled, Gordon wouldn't become the Count?"

Even if the marriage was invalidated, it does not change that Leon is the heir to the Countess.

"That's the way it should be. But, as you know, nobles who are not married, even the adoptive one, are not immediately recognized with the right to succession. I have to go through the process for several months again. Or I have to get married again. The problem is that the Countess' health isn't good right now. That's why Gordon runs wild that. If the marriage is annulled and something bad happens to the Countess, it seems that he is planning to convince the Dermund family to drive me out in the meantime."

Eila bit her lip. How could Leon not become the Count. It's impossible. Isn't he taking care of the Countess' work on her behalf? But Gordon is going to take the credit for all that effort.

"My goodness. So what should we do from now on?"

"You don't have to worry so much."

Unlike Eila, who was at a loss for what to do with her worries, Leon was relaxed as if wondering what the problem was.

"Do you have any method?"

"As long as there is a successor, there is no problem."

"......."

At those words, Eila became dumbfounded. Who doesn't know that. Isn't that a problem because there isn't a successor?

'Perhaps.......'

Is there a woman Leon is already dating? Then it is understandable why he is so relaxed. He just has to divorce her and bring her right in and get her ready. No, maybe he already has a child.

"That, that's right. But...... with who......."

At Eila's words, the corners of Leon's eyebrows rose.

"Eila, I think you are forgot, but I have a wife. It is you."

He said so looking straight at Eila.

"So when I say heir, I mean the child between you and me."