Chapter 11

The griffin is inside the stable, but there are no fences or chains, allowing it to move in and out freely. As the divine beast of this country, the griffin is wise and does not attack the people.

Even knowing this, the overwhelming presence makes her legs tremble.

"This is my partner, Albertina. Don't worry, she's not scary."

When Lukas spread his arms, Albertina extended her head to him. Albertina, who was stroked with his entire arm, narrowed her fierce-looking eyes softly and chirped, "Kyruru."

Seeing her affectionate demeanor, the fear subsided considerably. Viela bowed properly to the sacred guardian.

"Milady Albertina, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Viela Yubert. Please be kind to me."

"Kyr."

Albertina moved away from Lukas and extended her head to Viela.

(Does this mean I can pet her?)

Viela gently extended her hand and began to stroke her. The feathers were softer and more supple than they looked, and the feeling of stroking them was soothing.

"Kyu!"

"Huh? I'm sorry!"

Was the way she petted her wrong? Albertina chirped as if complaining. Viela hastily withdrew her hand, but Lukas chuckled.

"She wants you to pet her more strongly. Don't hold back. She's saying we're partners."

"Even though it's our first meeting, she's accepting me?"

"I told Albertina everything about you the night we met. She seems to like you because she finds you interesting."

The divine beast can become a companion to a monster but possesses high intelligence and can communicate in detail with its contractor. In return, the contractor, such as a divine beast knight, must dedicate all their magic power to the connection with the divine beast, making them unable to use magic. When using magic-imbued magical items, they need to use magic stones that have stored magic power.

"Everything about me, including the time I was drunk, is known to Milady Albertina?"

"Of course."

"Really!"

Viela clutched her head, and both Lukas and Albertina laughed.

"That's fine. I like that you're straightforward, and Albertina wants to be friends with you."

"Uu, thank you. Please be kind to me."

Saying this, she stroked the griffin's head more firmly this time. Albertina chirped happily and rubbed her head against Viela. Viela almost fell backward from the force, but she realized Lukas was supporting her from behind.

"Thank you."

"It's no problem. Hey, Tina, Viela isn't a knight, so go easy on her."

"Kyruru."

Even without words, it was clear that Albertina was reflecting.

"It's not Milady Albertina's fault. I will train harder!"

"Kyr!"

"Haha, Tina says she's looking forward to it. As an apology, she says you can call her by a nickname."

"…Tina?"

"Kyrururu♪"

Albertina flapped her wings joyfully. With the wind, the fear Viela had of the griffin also flew away.

"I'm glad Viela and Tina are getting along."

"Yes. Still, Lord Lukas and Lady Tina seem closer to their divine beast than the knights I've heard about."

Other knights generally have a servant-like relationship with their divine beasts, trading care for power. However, Lukas and Albertina seem different.

"Actually, when I was eight, I found something interesting in the territory and brought it home secretly to surprise my parents. It turned out to be a griffin egg. I tried to find the parents, but couldn't, and it hatched in the meantime… So I took responsibility and raised Tina. We're like parent and child, and brother and sister. That's why…"

Lukas paused, then continued with a slightly heavier tone.

"If there's extra land in the Yubert viscount's territory, I'd like to build a stable for Tina there and bring her. She's an adult, but still a child who likes to be pampered. I'm worried about leaving her behind."

Lukas stroked Albertina's head with the hand not supporting Viela. His gaze was a mix of affection and concern.

Having grown up together since childhood and entrusted their lives to each other on the battlefield, Viela didn't want to be separated from them.

"I think it's possible if we inform everyone that the divine beast will be in the territory and thoroughly warn them not to approach recklessly. Perhaps we could even gift an abandoned mine to Lady Tina."

"Thank you. I'm glad I chose you."

"Kyruru!"

Seeing the two of them happy, Viela's heart warmed. Her future husband's smile was wonderful, and Albertina was very cute. She looked up at the sky, imagining how to use the abandoned mine for Albertina's new home, and noticed the height of the moon.

"It's already this late. If I stay any longer, I'll be a burden to the duke's family. Lord Lukas, could you please arrange a carriage for me to go home?"

"Actually, I want you to move into the duke's residence until our wedding."

"Huh? Why?"

"I was going to tell you in the carriage… but can't you understand given my position?"

She was taken aback. Lukas is a divine beast contractor, the son of a duke, and a popular bachelor among the young ladies. Any woman who becomes engaged to him could be the target of jealousy and unknown attacks.

Living alone in a cheap apartment with questionable security, Viela, who has no combat skills, would be an easy target. She shuddered, imagining various dangers.

"Please, I beg you!"

"Sure. I'm worried about you living alone in that house. There are always guest rooms available, and my mother is probably preparing your clothes right now. I'll have all your belongings moved here later."

"Thank you so much!"

"Then, I'll go back to the knight's dormitory, but feel free to make yourself at home."

"Eh!?"

The sudden information overwhelmed her. Living in her future husband's home, especially without him, seemed too high a hurdle.

"Why?" she asked, looking up at Lukas with a pleading gaze.

"Tomorrow, I have a regular patrol of the boundary stone in the outskirts, which is a day trip. I have to stay at the knight's dormitory the night before because it starts early, as you know."

The regular patrol is an important mission to reinforce the weakened boundary. The knight must be ready to face monsters to protect the mage who casts the boundary, so rest is essential.

She couldn't say she felt vulnerable. Instead, she felt guilty that he had taken time for her before such an important mission. She slumped her shoulders.

"My parents like you and will treat you well. I'll also move back here from tomorrow. This will be my last patrol, so… I'm sorry."

"No! I'm the one who should apologize. I didn't think it through. I feel safer in the duke's residence than alone in my apartment, so it's not a problem."

"Thank you. Then, let's go back together tomorrow if possible. It will help you relax and get used to it faster."

"Yes. I'll wait for you at the palace."

With that, Lukas jumped onto Albertina's back, ready to leave.

"Lord Lukas, be careful!"

"Thank you. Good night, Viela."

The moment Lukas gripped the reins, Albertina flew out of the stable and into the sky.

Viela was led to a luxurious guest room by a servant who had been waiting behind her. She spent an elegant night in the room, wearing the cute, high-quality pajamas prepared by the duchess.