Chapter 1 (1/2)

Chapter 1

The wind in the north was always cold, especially today. However, Chloe didn’t close the window. With her eyes wide open, she leaned forward over the windowpane that was lined with snow.

From a distance, through the fluttering snow, she could see airships floating over the bridge. In some cases, they moved in formation, but right now, they were lined up to celebrate today’s opening ceremony.

From one airship, a banner was hanging down.

« Thank you for attending the opening ceremony of Eugen’s First Railway -Eric Aslan E.A – »

Marquis Eric Aslan.

He was the center of the rise of the bourgeoisie—the middle class—and the genius inventor who was the trailblazer of the country’s development.

And.

‘My husband.’

Chloe, as she struggled with this thought, slowly inhaled and lowered her eyes. Her hands were clasped together.

’You will marry Baron Aslan.’

That was what her father said five years ago after he secretly called her over.

At first, she thought her father was only joking. Chloe was already engaged to the third prince.

And Baron Aslan was part of the bourgeoisie. He was originally a commoner, but he earned that title after he graduated from the academy. Her father, who hated the ‘honor’ that the middle class upheld, would not have arranged her marriage with one. So Chloe thought her father didn’t mean what he said.

However…

’Your older brother racked up a lot of debt.’

‘What do you mean debt? Just how much…’

‘Three million pounds.’

‘Goodness!’

Chloe almost fainted. Three million pounds was equivalent to the estate’s budget for a year. What did her brother do to owe such a huge amount of money?

’The condition of the marriage is a noble title. I decided to take the money in exchange for the Marquisate. You know what this means, right?’

Chloe knew immediately that her father was selling her to pay off her older brother’s debts.

‘But Father, I’m already engaged to the prince. You must know that breaking off a promise with the royal family is tantamount to treason…’

‘You stupid girl! The royal family has already fallen!’

The Duke had shouted in a harsh voice, raising his hand as if to hit Chloe across the cheek.