Chapter 13

The morning after her first overnight stay at the Ambroche Duke's residence, Viela had called her younger sister Emma to the mansion.

Today was a day off in the afternoon, so the morning was free.

“...I can’t keep up with how fast things are moving.”

Emma looked around the parlor she had been shown to and sat on the luxurious sofa, looking uncomfortable. She had been informed that a suitable husband had been found, but it seemed she also needed time to accept the reality. Now, after dismissing the servants, only Viela and Emma were left.

“I’m also surprised that the person turned out to be such a big catch. Lord Lukas is an amazing person.”

“I understood that you were not very familiar with the social scene, but I didn’t expect you to not know about the hero. When I saw the name of your fiancé, I screamed. It wasn’t someone I had expected.”

“Someone you expected?”

“Lord Clement, the cause of your overwork! You always complained about him. Since he was the reason you might miss your chance to marry, I thought he might finally take responsibility.”

“He’s the heir to a marquess’s family. There’s no way he would come as a husband.”

“On the contrary, I thought it was possible because he’s the next marquess. First, he could temporarily become a husband, and once I obtain the qualifications to be a successor, I could transfer the management rights to him. Then, Lord Clement could welcome you as a marquess’s wife... isn’t that possible?”

“I suppose, but he hates me so much. He wouldn’t cooperate.”

As she said this, she showed her wrist, which was wrapped in a bandage, and Emma’s cute face twisted in concern.

“What’s that?”

“He grabbed my wrist when he was angry, and it left a bruise.”

“I was a fool to believe the rumor that he liked you. Lord Clement... I won’t forgive him.”

“It’s a strange rumor. But don’t worry, Lord Lukas immediately called a doctor, and I was examined and found to be fine.”

She stroked her sister-loving sister’s head.

Emma was her pride. She was cute, sociable, smart, and had better business skills than Viela. She was very family-oriented and always worked hard despite the pressure of being the next successor in a poor territory.

“Because of that, Emma, don’t rush and find someone you’re satisfied with. I’ll quit the technical department, but I can cover your tuition until you graduate. As for the problematic territory, I’ll protect it until you bring a husband back. After that, I can find a new job somewhere with my former royal court magician title, and everything will be fine.”

She had kept the arranged marriage a secret from Lukas’s parents but had informed Emma, who was the legitimate successor of the viscount’s family. Viela smiled to reassure her, but Emma’s expression remained troubled.

“Are you really okay with this engagement? Are you not rushing or forcing yourself? Did Lord Lukas impose any conditions for the engagement...”

“Absolutely not! He’s very friendly and kind, treating me like a good friend. He also treats me properly as a lady. He’s a wonderful person!”

“Do you like him?”

“As a person, yes. I don’t think he sees me as a romantic partner, and we might not be able to build a sweet relationship, but I’m confident we can be a good family.”

“Alright, but if you want to become a real couple, you can still be the successor. Next time, I’ll earn the money. I’m a top student, so I’ll find a good job.”

Emma patted her chest.

Viela smiled, but she felt a bit complicated. It was reassuring that her sister would earn money, but she thought it would be difficult to become a real couple with Lukas.

He had everything except the freedom to study. Once he was satisfied, the meaning of marriage would fade. He would miss the convenient capital, and Viela had no attractive cards to keep him.

(Well, it’s not good to imagine the future too much. I need to focus on the present.)

Viela took a sip of tea to change her mood.

“Let’s discuss the successor issue later, depending on the situation. More importantly... have you heard from home since then?”

“No. I’m worried about Father... He might have a heart attack from the shock of knowing your fiancé’s name. I miss him.”

“Yes... It’s been two years since we last saw him.”

Their father, despite being poor, had managed to save money so they could attend school. He had even given up his daily cigarette and only drank on special occasions. The bed was handmade by their father, and while they didn’t have luxury, they were given plenty of love.

They both deeply respected their mother, who supported their father. Since they couldn’t afford a tutor, their mother taught them studies and manners. It must have been difficult to give them enough knowledge to attend a capital school.

Their beloved father was now bedridden, and their mother must be struggling with his care. Emma’s expression darkened, thinking the same thing.

“Do they have enough medicine? I’m worried that Mother might overexert herself and collapse.”

“Emma... It’s frustrating that we can’t send medicine because we haven’t heard from them. In about a month, I should be able to return to the territory with Lord Lukas. Leave it to me.”

“Okay. I’m counting on you.”

The sisters hugged for a while and then separated.

“Now that it’s decided, I’ll shift my focus from finding a husband at social events and school exchanges to finding people who might invest in the territory. I’ll also study hard to get a good job!”

“Have you been slacking off?”

It was a bit sad if it was true, considering the high tuition they had paid.

“While it’s different for high-ranking nobles, women who are smarter than men are often avoided as partners. I’ve been holding back to be liked by the proud sons of the wealthy, but now I want to be seen as a good business partner. I’ll change my approach.”

“I see.”

Viela clapped in admiration, as expected of her smart and reliable sister.