Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 76: Ch : Truth behind the mask - Part 2

Kyle stared at Grand Duchess Amanda, her words still sinking in.

Of all the things she could have said, a confession was the last thing he expected. His disbelief must have been obvious because Grand Duchess Amanda let out a small sigh, leaning back in her chair.

"This is not a joke, Kyle. My offer is genuine."

She said firmly.

Kyle exhaled slowly, forcing himself to calm down and think logically.

Grand Duchess Amanda was not the type to say things without reason.

If she truly had fallen for him, that was one thing—but this engagement, whether she had feelings for him or not, had to serve a purpose beyond just romance.

’This is not a simple engagement, right? Even if the Grand Duchess tells me she likes me, how can mere feelings influence someone at her level?’

Seeing him lost in thought, Grand Duchess Amanda continued.

"Ah, I can tell that you are confused about a lot of things. But I did not make this decision without thinking about it."

The older female continued before Kyle could call out the flaws in her plan or tell her ’no.’

"Despite what I’ve seen from you personally, your reputation remains that of a useless noble. That makes you the perfect scapegoat for me during political meetings."

Kyle narrowed his eyes.

"A scapegoat?"

Grand Duchess Amanda nodded.

"Yes. With you by my side, no one will expect you to be anything more than a decorative noble. That works in my favor. Meanwhile, you will gain access to resources you never could as the third son of a duke. I’m offering you freedom and power."

Kyle hummed in thought.

The idea did make sense.

But still, the thought of being tied down like this felt more like an annoyance than a benefit.

"I have no intention of leaning on your power or influence. I might also not act as docile as you want me to be."

He finally said.

Grand Duchess Amanda chuckled.

"I don’t expect you to. That’s why I’m offering you something else. If you accept this engagement, I will personally ensure that no one tries to use you. You will be free to pursue your own goals without interference."

She leaned forward, her piercing gaze locking onto his.

Now that was an offer Kyle couldn’t ignore. A small smirk tugged at his lips.

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"So, as long as I don’t cause trouble for you, I can do whatever I want?"

Grand Duchess Amanda nodded.

"Exactly. Well, if you do cause a bit of trouble, that will only help me out more."

Kyle thought for a moment before sighing.

’The conditions are not bad, and I will also be free to be able to handle my own people and gather as much power as I want to. But the best thing would be to have a shield against other political ploys.’

One thing Kyle knew about being born into a noble family was that marriage was often a transaction.

And he had already noticed how far his family was willing to push him if it meant they got something out of it.

Since Kyle did not intend to end his family, having a screen for protection was the next best thing.

"Fine. I accept."

Grand Duchess Amanda’s expression didn’t change, but he could tell she was pleased.

"Good. We’ll make the announcement soon."

Kyle stood up, but before he could leave, Grand Duchess Amanda spoke again.

"Since we’re engaged now, you can avoid the war."

Kyle turned back and gave her an amused look.

"I’m going anyway."

Grand Duchess Amanda felt her heart skip a beat, but she quickly composed herself. She should have expected that.

"I had a feeling you would. Do whatever you want. I’ll handle things here."

She murmured. She knew trying to stop him was useless.

_____

By the evening, rumors of Kyle’s engagement to the Grand Duchess had already spread far beyond the duchy.

The news traveled swiftly, reaching the ears of those with a vested interest in the Grand Duchess’s affairs. Among them was Baron Adam, one of her biggest political opponents.

Seated in his grand office, Baron Adam read over the report again, his jaw tightening with irritation.

"Kyle Armstrong, huh?"

He muttered under his breath.

He set the paper down and immediately called for his daughter.

It did not take long for Lady Rose Adam to arrive, but when she did, she looked more irritated than concerned.

"Father, why did you call for me now? I was in the middle of my beauty treatment."

She huffed, crossing her arms.

Baron Adam’s temple twitched in irritation, but he forced himself to remain calm.

He had long since learned that yelling at his daughter would get him nowhere. Instead, he took a deep breath before speaking.

"The Grand Duchess has announced her engagement."

He said, watching Rose’s reaction carefully.

Predictably, Rose scoffed.

"And? What does that have to do with me?"

Baron Adam’s patience wore thin.

"It matters because the Grand Duchess has chosen an unexpected candidate—Kyle Armstrong."

This time, Rose actually paused, her brows furrowing.

"Kyle Armstrong? You mean that Kyle Armstrong? The useless third son?"

"The very same."

Her father confirmed.

Rose let out an exaggerated laugh, waving a hand dismissively.

"That’s ridiculous! What could she possibly see in him?"

"That is exactly what concerns me. The Grand Duchess is not a fool. She would not choose someone without reason."

Baron Adam said, his tone serious. He narrowed his eyes.

"If Kyle Armstrong was truly useless, she would have discarded him. But instead, she’s tying him to her."

Rose still didn’t seem to grasp the gravity of the situation.

"So what? Even if she’s using him for some political reason, it’s not like he suddenly became important overnight."

Baron Adam clenched his fists under his desk.

"You truly don’t understand, do you? Even if Kyle Armstrong is useless, then this engagement could change the power balance. The Grand Duchess gaining a competent partner could solidify her position."

He let out a frustrated sigh.

Rose pouted, crossing her arms.

"So what do you want me to do about it?"

Baron Adam’s gaze hardened.

"You are going to make Kyle Armstrong yours."

Rose blinked.

"…Excuse me?"

"You heard me. You will find a way to seduce him, manipulate him, do whatever it takes to make him fall for you."

Her father said.

Rose scowled.

"And why, exactly, should I lower myself for someone like him?"

"Because, if Kyle Armstrong proves to be valuable, then having him on our side would be far better than allowing him to strengthen the Grand Duchess’s position."

Baron Adam said, his voice deadly serious,

Rose still looked displeased, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she sighed dramatically and flicked her hair back.

"Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But don’t blame me if he’s as boring as everyone says."

Baron Adam finally relaxed a little.

"Good. Do not underestimate him."

Rose only smirked.

"Please. Men are all the same."

As she turned to leave, Baron Adam watched her with a calculating gaze.

’You had better not mess this up, Rose.’

If the Grand Duchess had chosen Kyle Armstrong, then he was worth paying attention to.

And if that was the case, Baron Adam had no intention of letting him remain by her side.