Chapter 15

Yesterday, unable to resist, Viela instinctively looked around, searching for an escape route.

With no other staff around and the corridor empty, all the nearby rooms were locked and had no open doors.

"Senior Viela?"

Clement, finding it strange that she didn't respond, took a step closer and reached out his hand.

Viela involuntarily flinched, and he stopped. He lowered the hand he had extended and clenched his fist tightly.

"Yesterday, I'm sorry. I lost my cool and hurt you."

"Huh?"

Viela, who hadn't expected an apology from Clement, was taken aback.

"Your hand must have hurt, right? Being gripped by a man, and one who is trained at that... Are you okay?"

Moreover, he looked at her with amber eyes that trembled with the fear of a puppy expecting to be scolded, appearing anxious.

The man who always wore a confident smile and treated others with a superior attitude was now bowing low, as if begging for forgiveness from Viela.

It might rain tomorrow—while finding Clement's change strange, seeing him in such a weakened state made her anger and fear gradually subside.

"There's no problem. I did get a bruise, but there's no bone damage, and it doesn't affect my daily life."

"The bruise is bad enough to worry about bones... I'm really, really sorry. How can I make it up to you?"

Clement frowned and bowed deeply.

He seemed off today.

"Please stand up! Look, I can move just fine. I'm okay, really. I'm fine."

She vigorously stretched and bent her arms to show that she could move without any issues.

"Senior Viela, you—"

Clement raised his head, but then his face looked as if he was about to cry.

She didn't understand. She didn't understand this man at all.

Confused by his unfamiliar behavior, Viela fumbled with her hands.

Then Clement apologized again, saying, "I lost my composure, I'm sorry," and his expression softened.

It was the calm smile she often saw when they were in the same seminar at the magic school.

Viela relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief.

"I'm sorry for suddenly pushing the matter forward, causing trouble for the Barrier Division."

"No... By the way, when do you plan to get married and resign?"

"I'm discussing with the section chief to see if it can be done in as little as a month."

"A month!? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"I received a call that my father had collapsed... and that I need to find a husband. My younger sister is not yet of age to be a successor, so I need to take action to continue the viscount's line."

After explaining the reason simply, Clement's expression became slightly stern.

"Does Luchas know about your situation?"

"Yes. I met him at a ball, where I was struggling to find a husband, and he offered to help."

"I see... sigh"

He finally put his hand to his forehead and let out a long sigh, as if taking the situation very seriously.

Perhaps as the future head of a ducal family, he had his own thoughts about the succession issue—just as she was thinking this, he suddenly took Viela's hand.

Unlike the other day, his grip was gentle and enveloping. His amber eyes, serious, looked down at her.

"Lord Clement?"

"Senior Viela, what if I become your husband?"

"Wh-What!?"

"Originally, your younger sister Emma was supposed to be the successor, right? Until she gains the qualifications, I can join the Yubert family as a husband and, once Emma inherits the viscount title, I can return to the ducal family. Then, as your husband, I can offer you the position of duchess."

It was the same proposal that Emma had mentioned earlier, but now coming directly from Clement.

Viela couldn't hide her surprise. Her mouth opened and closed, and she just stared up at the tall man in a daze.

"Don't you think I would be a better choice than a man you've only just met? I'm worried... that Luchas might take advantage of your kindness. If you wish, I can arrange a marriage with the Ambrosh ducal family."

Indeed, the Bartel family, Clement's birth family, while lower in rank, had the same level of influence in the noble world as the ducal family.

He was in a position to negotiate, but only if Viela was forced into an unwanted engagement and later wanted to marry into the Bartel family.

(Why is he being so considerate? Is he trying to make up for the bruise? Or is he worried about me getting engaged to someone I just met? But this engagement wasn't forced on me; I proposed it.)

Viela smiled to reassure him.

"Luchas is a good person. The Ambrosh duke and duchess are kind and have agreed to let their precious son become a husband. Thank you for your concern."

"Are you sure you're not forcing yourself?"

Both Emma and Clement were too worried. Viela answered with a wry smile.

"I'm being honest. Besides, the marriage of a third son and a temporary succession to another family are different matters. Moreover, the viscount family is poor and of lower rank. It's not impossible, but I don't think the current Bartel duke would allow a conflict with the ducal family. Lord Clement, you shouldn't push yourself."

"Understood. But if you ever have any problems with Luchas, please come to me for help. I'm not particularly close to him, but we've known each other for a long time."

Clement squeezed Viela's hand once more, as if to emphasize his words, before reluctantly letting go.

"I appreciate your concern. I'll come to you if I need help."

"Yes, I'd be happy to help, Senior Viela."

"Then, since Lord Clement is here, does that mean Lord Luchas has returned safely from the expedition? Do you know where I can find him?"

"Really, Senior Viela, you're so absent-minded about things other than work."

He looked down at her with a very dissatisfied expression.

(Huh? Did I ask too many questions? But you said to come to you.)

She was shocked by the sudden betrayal but couldn't deny that she was absent-minded about things other than work, so she hung her head in disappointment.

A small sigh came from above her.

"There's no helping it. He's probably in the stables, cleaning the griffins. Shall I show you the way?"

"I can go by myself if you tell me where—"

"The area for the divine beast knights is the least trafficked to avoid stimulating the griffins. Even in the palace, it's worrying for a delicate lady to walk alone."

Clement offered his elbow. He seemed to be offering to escort her.

It felt a bit awkward to receive such attention, but she didn't want to reject the kindness of someone she had just reconciled with.

"Then, I'll take you up on your offer. Thank you."

Viela hesitantly placed her hand on Clement's arm.

Thus, she was led by him to the area of the divine beast knights.