Chapter 3

At that time, I was comparing the two portraits, pondering deeply. In my mind, multiple versions of myself were exchanging opinions, considering which one would be more advantageous for me.

First and foremost, I prioritized my goal.

Rinald. The unparalleled handsome man who makes maidens blush, sigh dreamily, and look at him with envy. Honestly, becoming the leading man in a story doesn't sound like a bad future. He has money and lives in the city, so I wouldn't have to struggle. Besides, he's the second son, so the likelihood of being expected to produce a male heir is... low, I think. Probably.

Next, there's Baron Conrad's son, Camille, a rural lord. He used to live in the city but decided to retire in the countryside for some reason. He's over sixty, had a family, but they all died from illness and war.

The initial information provided was just this. If my future were to be decided by this alone, any young girl would naturally choose the young Rinald. However, my criteria were simple.

To be frank, the old man would die first.

One might think he could live another ten or twenty years, but that's based on Japanese standards. In this world, living to seventy is considered a long life. Moreover, this is only because he's a noble; if he were a commoner, it would be a death sentence.

On the other hand, Rinald is in his mid-twenties and a healthy adult male. He would likely live a long life, and I'm not heartless enough to hope for my husband's death in battle.

In short, I want to leave this country. I want to freely walk around other countries and enjoy delicious food. I also want to see the cultural differences.

...This desire probably stems from my previous life, where I was raised to be carefree in Japan. The fantasy world, being born a noble, and living without financial worries or the need to work is indeed attractive. ...Let's put aside the arranged marriage for now.

In any case, it's a matter of choice.

"Ah... The world is so complicated."

Being a noble lady is unbearably "troublesome."

I don't want to work, I want to be lazy, and I want to indulge in whims, but if I continue this way, there's a part of me that will wonder, "Huh?" I'm originally just a commoner, so I'm quite timid. I'm really timid, I swear.

I strongly realized this when I was kicked out of my home and started living alone. I once wrote a letter for someone at school and earned some money. It was just pocket money, but the meat I bought and ate on the way back was incredibly delicious.

That night, I was moved to tears. In essence, I want to live freely without worrying about someone else's money. More specifically, I want to eat well-cooked chicken with a foamy beer without caring what others think, and I want to be lazy without worrying about the sound of servants walking outside the door. However, such rudeness is not allowed for a noble lady, so the only way to fulfill this desire is to give up my noble status.

Having experienced and gained knowledge from a time of freedom, I can't handle a life of attending social events, focusing on beauty and education, and supporting my husband while being considerate of the servants. It's too much for me.

Therefore, I chose Baron Conrad.

Living in the countryside, I would need to socialize to some extent, but I wouldn't have to worry about etiquette as much as in the city. I was a bit concerned about Camille's character, but it was mostly a gamble. The information I gathered before the marriage was limited, but I thought it might work out.

I'll talk about his character later, but for now, let me tell you about the journey to the border.

The journey to the border was rather uneventful. Why? Because I asked for a low-key arrival.

During the journey, I was surrounded by guards sent by Kilstein, accompanied by several carriages of luggage. We met up with Baron Conrad's guards along the way, and I finally felt a bit more at ease.

The territory governed by Camille... it was incredibly dull. As I looked out the window during the carriage ride, there seemed to be no entertainment at all. The farmers in the fields would stand up and look at the carriage with wide eyes and open mouths. It felt like I was heading to a very rural, idyllic, and peaceful place.

After a few days of travel, the main manor of the Conrad territory was located on a gentle slope, beyond a forest and a meadow. It was higher in elevation than I expected, and with no trees around, the wind seemed strong. The houses were surrounded by walls, making the area look desolate, but the view from the watchtowers was excellent, making it difficult for bandits to invade.

...I had imagined the border lord's territory to be a peaceful rural town surrounded by greenery. This was different. For a rural territory, it felt more solid and battle-ready.

I asked the old man who accompanied me, "Grandfather, this territory seems quite fortified."

"Hmm? Yes, that's right. It's close to the border with the neighboring country, so if we're invaded, we'll be the first to suffer. The baron has the duty to report any abnormalities to the capital and, most importantly, protect his people."

"Wow... He sounds like a great person."

"...Karen, now that you're Baron Conrad's wife, you must study and support your husband."

"Grandfather, you worry too much."

"I do worry. You're going to be so far away this time..."

"I told you, I'm not angry."

"You must change that casual attitude in public."

The grandfather, who was lecturing his granddaughter, looked somewhat bitter. Marrying a much older man... even I would faint.

Still, he might have felt guilty for kicking me out of Kilstein in the past, which is why he brought me here.

As the carriage approached the gate, the presence of people increased. I had chosen a simple carriage, but it was still quite noticeable here. After a while, the carriage stopped, and the sound of the plain, practical gate opening could be heard. The carriage moved again, slowly, and after a considerable amount of time, it finally stopped. From outside, the grandfather's assistant called out.

"Sir, everything is ready."

The grandfather got out first. I took the opportunity to fix my hair and clothes and practiced a smile. I had refused to bring a maid for this marriage, so I had to take care of myself.

...The grandfather was quite persistent, but I firmly refused, saying I would find a maid here.

After a while, the grandfather called my name, and I put on my best "cat" face and went out. When I opened the door, the grandfather offered his hand, and I placed my palm on it, descending slowly but not too quickly. At this stage, I didn't speak or look at the other person.

"Baron, this is my granddaughter Karen. ...Please take care of her."

"Welcome, Miss Karen. Thank you for coming from so far away."

"Nice to meet you, Baron Conrad. Please take care of me."

Are the baron and the grandfather acquaintances? In any case, after being introduced by the grandfather, I raised my head, which had been lowered, and took in the view of the baron and the servants.

Yes. As expected, there were quite a few people. There must be at least twenty? There was even a murmur from behind, and some citizens had climbed the walls to look at us.

...A young girl marrying an old man in the countryside is a perfect subject for rumors.

I tossed away any unnecessary thoughts and smiled at the well-dressed old man standing in the center. At first glance, he seemed like a gentle old man. He was slightly thin, with fluffy white hair and a small beard that added a bit of dignity... I think? He had a very kind aura, and without the beard, he would look younger.

Baron Conrad extended his hand to me. I released the grandfather's hand, placed mine on the baron's, and the greeting was complete.

Since I was tired from the carriage ride, I was taken to my room. The grandfather and the baron were going to have tea together. The person who guided me was a veteran servant and a young girl around my age. The latter was probably chosen because of her age. As expected, the young girl would be my main attendant.

...Despite the rural setting, the servants' brisk and efficient manner gave me a good impression.

"The lady's room is three doors away from the master's room. Since you've just arrived and are not yet accustomed, we would like you to take your time..."

"Oh, thank you for your consideration. ...Wow, the room is spacious and beautiful."

"I'm not sure if it will suit a young lady..."

"It's much better than being overly decorated. It looks comfortable and cozy."

The veteran's subtle nuance about "young lady" was ignored. I boldly entered the room and opened the window, letting the wind flow in, rustling the lace curtains.

The manor was a spacious three-story building, shaped like a C around a courtyard. My room was on the third floor, as was the baron's bedroom. The third floor was for family and occasional guests, the second floor for guest rooms, and the first floor for dining and receiving visitors. The servants' rooms were on the first and second floors.

"Please confirm the details with the staff here. For now, today's schedule..."

The young girl bowed nervously. I listened to the veteran's explanation while looking around the room. ...The room was so plain, I wondered if it lacked decoration! But that was good! It might seem a bit dull for a newly married lady, and a normal person might complain, but upon closer inspection, the furniture was well-aged and intricately designed, so it wasn't cheap. It wasn't flashy, but even the vase was of good taste.

"Good room."

When I said this, the young girl looked at me with wide eyes. The veteran was also slightly surprised but didn't stop explaining.

"Regarding the wedding ceremony... due to the late arrival of relatives, today's dinner will be just the ladies and the master. If you are upset..."

"It's fine. I understand the situation of the relatives."

The veteran seemed very hesitant, but he was surprised by my casual nod. ...I'm aware of that much. It's not like I would be welcomed with open arms.

Incidentally, there was no wedding ceremony for the new wife. This was all because I was entering as a second wife. At the very least, they could have gathered the relatives for a party, but there wasn't even that, so some relatives must have shown resistance. The late arrival might be a cover-up.

Since it was a forced arrangement, I should have expected this much.

"By the way, could I have some tea? ...I'm parched from the long ride."

"Ah... Yes, I'll prepare it immediately."

"Nico, don't rush... really..."

The young girl bowed and left the room, ignoring the veteran's attempt to stop her. The veteran, or rather, the lady-in-waiting, sighed.

"...I apologize for the lack of proper training."

"She's energetic, which is good. Thank you, I'll be relying on you."

"Yes, I'll be relying on you as well. ...We may not be as refined as in the capital, but I'll do my best to make your stay comfortable."

"Thank you. I have a lot to learn, so I'll be relying on you."

The lady-in-waiting, along with the house steward, was one of the main servants of the manor. The young girl, Nico, was also in charge of the other servants.

...Well, right now...

The lady-in-waiting was probably surprised by the unexpected lady. I could sense some confusion in her composed expression, but I smoothed it over with a smile.

...Now that I think about it, I can be classified as a beauty. While I can't compare to the unparalleled handsome man Rinald, I'm definitely cuter than I was as a typical Japanese person. This is because my family has a long lineage, and the bloodline of selective noble marriages has produced beautiful people.

"Well, what should I do now?"

I muttered, making sure the lady-in-waiting couldn't hear. The window was a bay window with a terrace overlooking the garden, and the view extended beyond the fence to the town.

"The lady's room has the best view."

"It really is a beautiful view. ...When I came from the capital, I thought there was a lack of greenery, but there's a large forest over there."

"It's a hunting ground for the mountain people. However, beyond that is a steep cliff, and further beyond is the neighboring country's territory."

"Is it forbidden to go there?"

"No, people often go up to the lake. It's safe from spring to summer."

The manor had few people, but there were patrols. Armed men were occasionally seen.

I felt like I was being watched by them, but I would have to get used to it. Feeling grateful for the beautiful room, I continued to gaze at the forest. The lady-in-waiting must have been wondering what I was thinking.

Just because I escaped to the border doesn't mean it's over. I still have things to do, and I can't stop thinking.

Moreover, there's an immediate problem I need to address. No matter how much I think about it, it's a matter of the other person.

The first night.

I'm not stupid enough to say, "I don't know how to make babies, it's scary, I don't want to." ...I could do it, but that would make me look foolish. Considering my future image and activities, and my personality, it would be exhausting to act foolish.

I'm prepared for it, but I'd rather avoid it if possible. If Baron Conrad is reasonable, it would be better, but that's up to fate.

For now, I'll gather information. Just as I was stretching, there was a "click" and my maid, Nico, returned.

"O, oh, I'm so sorry! Here's the tea!"

She stumbled over her words.

The lady-in-waiting, looking like she had bitten into a bitter bug, couldn't scold her on the spot, and Nico's face turned bright red. I pretended not to notice and went back inside, prioritizing her dignity. I decided to ask questions after quenching my thirst.

"Ah!"

Nico, who let out a far from cute scream, stumbled and the tea set flew through the air. No one could react in time, and the tea spilled everywhere. Some of it splashed onto my arm, and I instinctively tried to remove my tight-fitting dress.

"L... Lady!?"

"It hurts... A, a, aaaaah!?"

The lady-in-waiting's shock and Nico's scream echoed through the room.

I pressed my sweating forehead and aching arm, thinking that this was an interesting first day.