Chapter 26: The Principles of a Scoundrel (Filler Chapter)
While the southern horizon glowed with the fires of a Spanish crusade, the interior of Castello di San Vigilio was currently hosting a conflict far more intimate and, in Julian's opinion, far more terrifying.
The "Family Discipline" sessions had been brutal. Emilia had used her status as the Ducal daughter to lock Julian out of the master study, citing Imperial laws on marital fidelity. But Mathilde was a veteran of house politics. She knew that in a war of attrition, the first one to offer "mercy" wins the heart.
While Emilia stood guard in the hallway like a silver-haired sentinel, Mathilde "caved." She unlocked the side door and whisked Julian away to her private parlor under the guise of an "auntly lecture."
The Aunt's Gambit
Inside, the scent of lavender and expensive tea replaced the cold stone of the fortress. Mathilde didn't scold him. Instead, she sat him down and began doting on him with a ferocity that made Julian's head spin.
"Who is the best to you, Julian?" she whispered, combing his silver-blonde hair with her fingers. "Who was the one who packed your bags while you were busy 'scouting' for inspiration?"
Julian, sensing the trap but desperately needing an ally, leaned into the comfort. "You are, Aunt. Always."
Outside the door, the floorboards creaked. Julian knew Emilia was listening. His gamer instincts kicked in—if he wanted to break the "Cold War" with his wife, he had to make her territorial. He acted more cozy, burying his head against Mathilde's shoulder and letting her kiss his hands.
"Tell me, Julian," Mathilde purred, her eyes darting toward the door as she scored mental points. "What position does your Aunt hold in your heart? Now that you are a Viscount with a wife?"
Julian took a breath, projecting his voice just enough. "My Aunt... will have the position of Second Wife whenever she desires. I am a man of my word."
[System Notification: High-Level Provocation Detected.]
[Affection Update: Emilia von Schwarzberg +3 (Territorial Instincts Triggered).]
[Affection Update: Mathilde +2 (Satisfaction).]
The Wife's Resolve
The door didn't burst open. Instead, Emilia entered with the quiet, lethal grace of a hunting cat. She didn't look at Mathilde; she looked directly at Julian. The Duke's warnings about "disrespecting his daughter" hung in the air like a heavy mist.
Julian stood up, gently disentangling himself from Mathilde. He looked Emilia in the eye, his playful demeanor shifting into something grounded and surprisingly sincere.
"I won't be like him, Emilia," Julian said, his voice firm. "I won't be like Albrecht—a scoundrel who chases every skirt while ignoring the treasure in front of him. I promised to treat you with respect, and I have a conscience. You are the Main Wife of House Andechs-Merania. That title remains yours, undisputed, by my blood and my word."
Emilia's icy gaze softened, just a fraction. The "restraint" Julian showed—the fact that he wouldn't cast her aside even while doting on another—hit a chord her former fiancé never could.
[Affection Update: Emilia +2 (Respect for Principles).]
"You are a strange man, Julian," Emilia murmured, stepping closer and adjusting his Lieutenant's pin. "I never cared for the title. I just wanted a man who was... present. At least you aren't a mindless young master."
[System Commentary: Warning! You've successfully navigated the harem minefield. Favorability has stabilized at high levels. But don't get too comfortable—your conscience is about to be tested by steel, not silk.]
The End of the Reprieve
The moment of domestic peace was shattered as a servant burst into the parlor, his face pale and slick with sweat.
"My Lord! My Lady! News from the south!" the servant panted. "The Spanish have crossed the border into Naples! The Arch-Marshal has sent the signal for total mobilization of the Italian Frontier!"
The rom-com atmosphere evaporated instantly. Julian's hand went to the hilt of his sword, the weight of his commission as a Second-Rank Lieutenant finally pressing down on him.
"Find Captain Valerius," Emilia commanded, her voice regaining its Ducal authority before Julian could even speak. "Tell him to mobilize the Iron Century and the Schwarzberg guards immediately. The play-acting is over."
She turned to Julian, her red eyes burning with a mix of worry and pride. "Go. Your army is waiting. I will handle the logistics of the fortress."
Julian nodded, casting one last look at the two women who had, in their own chaotic ways, claimed his heart. The Holy Roman Empire was moving. The shadow of Spain was lengthening over the north.
"Valerius!" Julian shouted as he strode into the hallway. "Prepare the march! We move to meet the Arch-Marshal at the pass!"
Status Update:
* Emilia Favorability: 45/100 (Deepening Trust/Territorial).
* Mathilde Favorability: 90/100 (Possessive/Devoted).
* Current State: Total Mobilization. The "Filler" ends here.