Chapter 49

"Father, Mother, I might not be able to make it in time for the start of the new business, but please contact me anytime if you need help."

Viera bowed her head as she spoke to her parents, who had already climbed into the carriage. Today was the day her parents were returning to the Yubert territory after a week-long stay. Before heading to the palace, she was seeing them off with Duke Ambrosius and his wife, along with Lukas.

Emma had already returned to the school dormitory.

"Thank you, Viera. Regarding the new business, I'll send you letters to keep you updated on the progress. However, Viera, take care of yourself first. I know you have a new role, but don't overwork yourself."

"Yes, Father."

Next, her father Thomas turned his gaze to Lukas, who was standing behind her.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Lukas. Although we couldn't offer much, please feel free to visit the Yubert territory again. And please continue to look after our daughter."

"Of course. I look forward to the day when I can visit the Yubert territory again with Viera."

Lukas nodded firmly with a bright smile, which seemed to please her parents.

After her parents thanked the Duke and Duchess of Ambrosius, the carriage left the ducal residence.

"They're gone."

Viera was already feeling lonely, even though only a few minutes had passed since she saw them off. It had been years since the family of four had a meal together, and it had been about eight years since Viera moved to the capital for her studies. Despite feeling like an adult who had become independent, she realized she was still a child in some ways.

Her fiancé placed a hand on her slightly bowed back.

"Lord Lukas..."

"If we can take a vacation together, we can go again on Tina. Unlike a carriage, it will get us there quickly, so it should be easier to visit. You must be curious about the progress of the renovation and the completed state, right?"

When they moved to the Yubert territory, they were supposed to live in a house that was a renovated former inn. The renovation funds were prepaid by Lukas, but she hadn't seen the actual place. Thomas had brought the renovation plans this time, showing her the layout of the bedrooms, guest rooms, kitchen, and workroom, but she had mostly left it to them. She really wanted to check it out before moving in.

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

"If you want to thank someone, thank Tina. She's the one who works hard, so she'll be happy if you brush her."

"In that case, I'll make a new brush for Lady Tina. I read a book that had a magic formula to reduce resistance, so if I apply it to the brush, it might make her coat even more lustrous. She'll look even more beautiful, I think."

Lukas's partner, the griffin 'Albertina,' is female and as wise as a human woman, likely interested in beauty. She would be happy to look more beautiful.

As Viera was seriously imagining the magic formula for the brush, she noticed that everyone was looking at her with warm, puppy-like eyes. Had she done something strange? Viera looked up at Lukas anxiously.

"You're so cute, Viera."

"---What!?"

Suddenly, Lukas said something serious. It was the first time he had called her cute, and he said it in front of her future in-laws and the servants. Viera's face turned bright red instantly.

"Griffins are revered, but few people think so seriously about gifts for them. Even the brooch for the expedition, I found it endearing how you thought about gifts for Tina."

"Lady Tina has always been very kind to me."

"Yep, just be yourself, Viera."

Lukas's words were met with nods from the Duke and Duchess of Ambrosius, and even the servants. She didn't quite understand, but being affirmed felt good. As she tried to cool her blushing face with her hand, she realized her loneliness had disappeared.

(Maybe Lord Lukas said I was cute to cheer me up. Indeed, it made me forget everything. He's so kind... I want to start living the peaceful life Lord Lukas desires as soon as possible. I need to work hard so that my personal matters don't delay my return home.)

She clenched her hand into a fist. The Duke of Ambrosius sighed in exasperation.

"To use such a pure young person like this, the king is really going too far. As usual, I suppose."

The Duchess of Ambrosius, Hermine, also placed her hand on her cheek, looking troubled.

"From what I've heard from the queen, it's true that they used Viera to keep Lukas in the capital, but there's a high possibility that they genuinely like her. They've shown interest in her recently and asked many questions about her. The king must have boasted to the queen about the talented young people in his court."

"Viera has caught the attention of the king and Lady Celestia. The biggest concern is that they might collude to break off the engagement between Lukas and Viera, keep Lukas in the capital, and have Viera marry into the Bartel family. I don't intend to let that happen, but we need to show that there are no gaps in our defense so they don't even think about it."

"Lady Celestia has calmed down, but we can't be complacent. We need to make it clear that Viera is part of our family, both inside and outside the palace."

The Ambrosius couple turned their gaze to Viera, scanning her from head to toe before looking at their son Lukas.

"Is the earring the only gift you've given Viera?"

"For now. I'm thinking about the next step because the effect is less than expected..."

Viera let out a pitiful cry at the conversation between the Ambrosius parents about how even the highest-quality pink diamond wasn't enough. Despite getting used to it, the weight on her ears was still a mental burden. If she were told to wear even more expensive items all the time, she shuddered and hugged herself. Lukas chuckled.

"But if I give her even more expensive gifts, Viera might act suspiciously, and people might think I'm forcing her."

"Hmm. We can't use the strategy of having her wear matching expensive dresses at balls too many times."

"We have plenty of money, but it's a problem. I thought that by showing the Ambrosius family lavishing gifts on Viera, not just Lukas but also us caring for her, it would make it harder for others to interfere."

The Ambrosius parents both had worried expressions on their beautiful faces. Viera was happy that they were considering her mental well-being, but she felt guilty for ruining their plans.

(We need to show that we get along well, not just to the palace staff but also to the nobles... and that I have a good relationship with the Ambrosius family, making it look like they are lavishing gifts on me—right! I have an idea!)

One idea came to mind that would allow the Ambrosius family to spend money while Viera wouldn't have to wear expensive items.

"Um, is it okay if I tell you what I want to buy?"

Lukas and the Ambrosius couple happily agreed to her request.