The fact that Ferdinand was once going to be married to Bernadetta back when they were younger came out of nowhere for me. I think it's cute though, that they became friends in the academy and, romantic or not, enjoy being together. He's really sweet with her and I know he would be good emotional support for her if she ever needed him.
Oh man, I'm a sucker for arranged marriage being done well and this particular one is done real well. Cuz like, Count Varley wanted to marry her off for power and it never went through but in the end they do marry and he gets jack shit out of it cuz Ferdinand supports Bernie absolutely and completely and she's like "great" and just leaves house Varley behind completely
So Varley gets exactly what he wanted years ago and also doesn't at the same time. Meanwhile, Bernie is free and happy and has a husband who loves and supports her and makes her smile and is great
I just realized I ship them, whoops