Chapter 10

"Despite receiving education as an heir and possessing the excellence to work as a royal court magician in the magic bureau, she remains humble. Truly, she is the daughter of Viscount Yubert."

The head of one of the four great ducal families surprised Viela by praising the father of a poor viscount family.

"Do you know my father?"

"Of course. There is much to learn from him as a head of a family."

Duke Ambrosh worked as the head of the Ministry of Finance until he handed over his position to his eldest son. His job was to estimate the tax revenue based on the economic conditions of each territory and to investigate any embezzlement. In this process, he apparently learned about the situation of Viscount Yubert's territory.

"I was amazed by the excellent budgeting skills that allowed for steady tax payments in such a harsh land. Moreover, when I conducted an inspection, I found that despite the difficult living conditions, the people of the territory deeply respected and admired the viscount. I was consulted several times by the viscount about transferring the territory, but in other regions or by the state, it would not be managed as well, and the people would leave the land, turning it into a lawless area. I decided to ask the viscount to continue his efforts, though it was a difficult decision."

"That's why no one would take it over."

The land where she was born and raised, though poor, was dear to her. She thought no one wanted to own that territory. However, the truth was different, and Viela felt proud of her father and resolved to cherish the people of the territory as he did.

Upon hearing the story, she learned that the viscount's territory would soon be designated as a special audit area, and taxes would be waived in case of poor harvests or natural disasters. This was a right earned through her father's honest management and credibility.

"Actually, I would prefer to provide support from the state rather than just waiving taxes, but it is difficult to consolidate the discussions at the higher levels... I am sorry for my lack of power."

"No! I am happy just to know that you care about the territory. I am grateful for your consideration."

Knowing that there was insurance in case of emergencies, Viela, who had been tense as the next head of the family, felt a little less pressure.

"Yes. I can entrust my son to you, Viela. Right, Hermine?"

"Yes, my lord. I also like her."

Surprised by the sudden praise, Viela straightened her back again.

"Thank you very much!"

"Then let's draft the engagement contract after the meal."

"Yes!"

Successfully obtaining the formal recognition of Lucash's marriage into the family from the duke and duchess, Viela and Lucash looked at each other and smiled. The duchess clapped her hands lightly and beamed with joy.

"Tell me, Viela, what do you like about Lucash?"

"Eh?"

Viela sent a questioning glance to the duchess, wondering if it was appropriate to discuss this in front of the person himself, but the duchess was already convinced that it was acceptable and returned an expectant gaze. Viela subtly sought help from Lucash with a sidelong glance, but he only returned a cheerful smile, showing no intention of helping. Of course, the duke was not going to be of any help either...

She couldn't let it be known that it was a contract marriage. She had explained it as a love marriage. It would be inappropriate to tell an obvious lie in front of the duke and duchess, who seemed to have keen insight. After a moment, she slowly opened her mouth.

"He is very easy to talk to. He treats me as an equal, without flaunting his status or power, even though I am of a lower rank. Although Lucash is older, I find his slightly innocent and cute side endearing. His gentlemanly and considerate nature is also very attractive. And when his beautiful face breaks into a smile, it is very soothing."

After just two nights, she summarized her impressions from their time together and looked at Lucash as if checking her answers. Before their gazes met, he turned away, but his ears were red, which he couldn't hide.

(Wait... reacting like this? Isn't my husband-to-be too cute?)

The reaction of Lucash was also unexpected to the duke and duchess, and Viela and the couple exchanged glances and nodded, agreeing that "Lucash is cute."

Thus, the dinner ended in a harmonious atmosphere, and the engagement contract was successfully drafted. The copies of the contract and a letter were entrusted to the duke, who said, "As a gesture of gratitude for taking my son as a husband, I will send them."

"Viela, there's a place I want to show you."

When the conversation paused, Lucash invited her to the garden, and they stepped outside the mansion. The lawn was neatly trimmed, and the hedges of roses were in full bloom. As they walked, admiring the beauty, they came to a large stable.

Sure enough, inside was a magnificent griffin.

It was perhaps four times the size of a horse. With the head and front legs of an eagle, the body and hind legs of a lion, and large wings on its back, it was a divine beast with golden fur. With its sharp beak and claws, it could tear apart monsters and enemies, and with its large wings, it could fly freely in the sky, and with its powerful hind legs, it could run on land. Among the several divine beasts, it was one of the strongest, capable of competing for the top spot in battle.

She had seen griffins flying in the sky from a distance, searching for their destined partners, but she had never seen one so close up. She was taken aback by its overwhelming size and presence.