Chapter 3

"Eh..."

I couldn't help but blink.

No matter how many times I looked, Serian only had a calm smile on his face, and there was no sign of him teasing me.

But the reason I can't believe his words isn't because he is exceptionally handsome or from a good family, or because he is a landholding noble with only a small estate, which doesn't match up with my family's modest viscountcy.

"Serian, can you get married? Aren't you going to become a cardinal...?"

He is a rather special person.

First, his family is special.

They are the guardians of the royal family... well, let's be honest. They are called the 'Protectors of the Royal Family,' and it is said that during the power struggles at the founding of the current dynasty, they assassinated their political rivals one after another.

That's just a rumor, though.

It is said that they rose from a knight to an earl because of this, and indeed, his ancestors managed to achieve an incredible rise in status by marrying into the royal family and obtaining a noble title.

I think such rumors were spread out of jealousy.

There are people who, when someone stands out, have a reflex to want to bring them down.

In any case, it is a fact that his family has been trusted by the royal family for generations.

Moreover, because they originally came from a knightly background, they are strong in battle and have led armies to victory in numerous wars and civil conflicts as the king's representative.

Thanks to this, they have obtained the rank of marquess, and many princesses from the royal family have married into the Diorel marquess family, making it a prestigious noble house.

Given this, I think you can understand why I thought it was impossible for a girl from a viscountcy with only a small estate, like me, to marry into his family.

Serian, born into such a prestigious Diorel marquess family, is the third son and, following family tradition, has become a clergyman.

He held the rank of priest at the young age of twenty-one. Well, that's probably due to his family's status.

Even in the house of God, one cannot be entirely free from the influence of worldly donations and power. As long as humans need food, clothing, and shelter, it's not fair to blame them for being swayed by large donations.

For this reason, I found it strange that Serian, who is supposed to be a clergyman, could get married just because he felt sympathy for a friend.

So I was surprised.

"I've decided to leave the clergy. ...Actually, I just left recently."

"That's sudden."

"My older brother has been reclusive in the estate."

"Eh, reclusive!?"

I had only seen Serian's older brother from a distance because our families don't interact much, but he seemed to be a well-built knight who wouldn't die even if you killed him.

It was hard to believe, and I couldn't help but widen my eyes.

Serian also showed a worried face, saying, "I was surprised too."

"My second brother says, 'I'm not cut out for managing the household. I'll take on any task that requires a sword and strength, but I can't do anything else.' I think he's having a late rebellious phase."

Is it a rebellious phase at twenty-three?

"But your eldest brother is still healthy, right?"

"He was recently poisoned."

"Eh?"

How did he get poisoned...? It's too scary to ask.

But then Serian told me.

"He accidentally ate something that grew in the garden."

"Isn't that a bit careless?"

"Even I think so."

It was said in the same tone as if a goat he was raising had accidentally eaten poisonous plants in the forest, and I didn't know how to respond.

In any case, it was good that it wasn't a tragic or conspiratorial story.

A gentleman who was growing pumpkins nearby, having overheard the conversation, seemed more relieved than I was.

The gentleman left the scene, probably to fetch water for his watering can.

"Anyway, my eldest brother has always been frail, and after that incident, he seems a bit weak. He's also having trouble finding a wife."

"Ah."

It's probably because of the high status of our family. Since the Diorel family has only married into the royal family, it's not easy for the heir to marry just any young lady.

I think it would be possible if they overlooked some things, though.

"Well, for various reasons... Since we have the king's trust, it can be problematic to form alliances with families that have strong ties to other countries. It's always difficult to choose, and usually, we either marry a distant relative or a princess from the royal family. It seems there's no one of the right age for my eldest brother."

Serian's eldest brother, I remember, was as handsome as Serian but seemed a bit frail and had a somewhat gloomy air.

I remember that many women flocked to him at parties, but it seems he can't just pick one easily. It's a difficult situation.

The princess closest in age is Princess Alexia, but she is already set to marry into another country...

"That's why, just in case, they want to have someone to rely on if anything happens. Since my second brother is hesitant, the talk has come to me, the third son."

Serian sighed and continued, "So, there's a problem... If I return home, I think the talk of marriage will eventually come up. But even my eldest brother is having trouble finding a wife, so it might be even harder for me. So, if Livia is interested, I think it would be a good opportunity for both of us."

"I see."

I understood the reason for his sudden proposal.

"I don't mind if you want to grow carrots in the garden or mass-produce pumpkins. What do you think?"