Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent

At the heart of the capital, lanterns lit up the palace grounds in celebration.

Musicians played joyful tunes, noble families mingled, and servants bustled about carrying golden platters of food and wine.

The war had ended, and with it came the long-awaited peace. The grand banquet hall brimmed with laughter and clinking glasses as the people tried to shed the weight of months of dread.

Crown Prince Mikalius emerged at the top of the grand staircase, flanked by imperial guards.

The room quieted as he raised a hand for silence, his regal presence commanding attention. A smile graced his lips, one of both pride and relief.

"My people, you have endured pain, fear, and sacrifice. You stood strong while our enemies tried to crush our will. But tonight—tonight, we celebrate not just our survival, but our victory."

He began, his voice carrying across the vast hall,

A loud cheer erupted through the crowd.

Mikalius waited for silence again before continuing.

"The war is behind us, and it is time we move forward into a new era of peace and prosperity. Let tonight mark the beginning of that era."

He gestured toward Kyle and the Grand Duchess Amana, both standing quietly by a long table decorated in red and gold.

"Let us also find joy in the union of two heroes who stood tall when others faltered. Grand Duchess Amana and Lord Kyle Armstrong—your bravery has helped lead this nation to victory. It is only right that your bond now symbolize the hope of our future."

Amana's jaw tightened at her brother's words. She could feel the weight of a hundred eyes on her, nobles whispering and giggling behind silk fans.

Yet beneath her annoyance flickered a soft warmth. She didn't argue, not here, not now.

Mikalius turned his eyes to her with a teasing smile.

"Do not glare so, sister. Take it not as ridicule, but as an opportunity. A new path for your life—one less burdened by blood and battle."

Amana sighed and looked away, hiding the faintest smile.

The celebration carried on late into the night, filled with dancing, music, and merriment.

But when the final song was played and the last toast raised, Mikalius summoned Kyle and Amana to his chambers.

Inside the quiet, lavish room, the Crown Prince's easygoing expression dropped. He poured himself a glass of wine and spoke plainly.

"It's time the two of you got married."

He said.

Amana blinked.

"That's sudden."

"No."

Mikalius said.

"It's long overdue. The people love you both. But rumors are spreading that your engagement is just for show. Now that the war is over, you no longer have an excuse to delay. The public needs reassurance. The court needs stability. And you—"

he pointed between them

"—need to stop pretending this isn't inevitable."

Amana clenched her fists at her sides.

"You're treating this like a political convenience."

"It is a political convenience. But that doesn't mean it can't also be something more."

Mikalius replied without apology.

Kyle remained silent throughout, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.

"You told me once that you wanted to bring lasting change to this land. Then do it. Together. Let your names be etched in history not just as warriors—but as symbols of peace."

Mikalius said, addressing Kyle now.

Amana let out a slow breath.

"You're not giving us much of a choice."

"No, I'm not."

Mikalius agreed.

He finished his wine and set the glass down.

"You'll announce the wedding date in a week."

___

In the privacy of his chamber, Crown Prince Mikalius leaned back in his chair and gave a sigh of resolution. He looked from Kyle to his sister, then back again.

"I'll send a formal proposal to the Duchy. A request from the royal family for the hand of Kyle Armstrong in marriage."

He said.

Amana raised an eyebrow.

"You're sending a proposal instead of me?"

Mikalius offered a lopsided grin.

"Formality, sister. It'll all be for show. Once the marriage is settled, I won't pressure either of you. You'll do as you've always done—fight your battles, make your plans, live your lives. This is just politics."

Amana rubbed her temples and exhaled in a slow stream.

"…Fine. But don't expect me to play the blushing bride."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

Mikalius replied with a wink.

Once outside, Amana and Kyle walked down the hallway in silence until she stopped and crossed her arms with an irritated huff.

"Just so we're clear, this was not my idea to marry this early."

She said,

Kyle glanced at her, calm as ever.

"I know."

"You're not… angry?"

He shook his head.

"This marriage had to happen sometime. It was inevitable."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"And you're fine with that?"

"As long as you let me continue what I'm doing, and as long as you respect my people, I don't mind being married to you."

Kyle said.

Amana blinked, visibly caught off guard by his composed reply.

For a moment, the weight pressing on her chest seemed to ease. She let out a quiet breath, turning her gaze away to hide her embarrassment.

"…Fine."

She muttered.

The news spread through the palace like wildfire.

Servants whispered in corridors, nobles raised their brows in surprise, and attendants scrambled to make arrangements.

Within the hour, the engagement was being spoken of as a sign of destiny.

In a quiet corner of the palace, Bruce glanced over at Melissa, who sat unusually stiff with a tense look etched across her face.

Her fingers clenched the edge of the table so hard her knuckles had turned white.

"You look like you're about to bite someone."

Bruce said, raising an eyebrow.

Melissa didn't respond.

Bruce let out a short laugh and leaned forward.

"Look, don't take it so seriously. Noble marriages usually end up being… appearances. They keep up the act for face, but most of them have side lovers anyway."

"Shut. Up."

Melissa snapped, her voice cold enough to freeze water.

Bruce held up his hands defensively.

"Hey, I'm just saying—"

"I said shut up!"

He chuckled under his breath.

"Alright, alright. Calm down."

Melissa stood up abruptly, causing her chair to scrape across the floor. She didn't say anything, but the fury in her eyes was unmistakable.

Bruce watched her storm off and scratched the back of his head.

"Guess I hit a nerve."

He turned toward the window, his smile fading.

"Still… she's better off than Silvy right now."

At the far end of the palace, Silvy remained unconscious, her breathing steady but her eyes shut tight.

The healers continued to monitor her, baffled by her unresponsive state. No curse, no injury, no magical imbalance—but still, she wouldn't wake.

Bruce sighed.

"Poor girl. No one even knows what's keeping her asleep…"

He looked once more in the direction Melissa had gone.

"But at least you can move forward. Unlike her."

Melissa stormed through the corridor, her heart thudding louder than her footsteps. The news echoed in her mind—marriage. Her young master, tied to someone else.

Even if it was political, even if it meant nothing… it still hurt. She reached a quiet corner and leaned against the cold wall, trying to steady her breath.

But no matter how she tried, the sting in her chest wouldn't fade.

She clenched her fists, whispering to herself.

"I'm fine. This doesn't change anything."

But even she didn't believe her words. Somewhere deep inside, a quiet voice asked.

'Then why does it feel like it does?'