Chapter 5

Although it was just a little past quitting time, Viela had completed her quota at a speed that could be described as the fastest in history.

She hurried to the front of the apartment, but no one was there. Realizing that Lukas hadn't arrived yet, she sighed in relief and entered her home.

(There aren't many things, and it's not messy, but it's good that I have time to get ready and clean up.)

This was the first time she had invited someone of the opposite sex into her room. Although it was a contractual relationship without romantic feelings, the impression she gave was still important. After all, he would be her partner living with her as soon as she retired.

She quickly took a shower, tidied up the room, and swept the floor.

Next, Viela started preparing dinner.

If Lukas had just finished work, he might not have eaten yet. Just in case, she decided to cook pasta for two. If he didn't eat it, it would be her breakfast the next morning.

As soon as she started boiling the pasta, there was a knock on the door. She checked through the peephole and immediately welcomed the visitor.

"Lukas-sama, welcome back. Please come in."

"Good evening, Viela-dono. I'm sorry for the sudden visit."

"Not at all, thank you for coming."

She invited Lukas in, who was wearing a cloak. He glanced around the room and stopped at the kitchen.

"Are you in the middle of cooking dinner?"

"Yes. I thought if you hadn't eaten, we could have pasta together."

"Was that unnecessary?"

He chuckled and placed a paper bag on the table. After confirming, "Can I look?" she checked the contents, which included bottles of alcohol, sandwiches, cheese, and other snacks. It seemed that Lukas had also prepared for dinner for two.

"Why?"

"Your work is probably full of overtime and very demanding, right? I thought cooking dinner might be a hassle if you were tired."

"..."

Warmth filled her heart, and she was deeply moved. When she looked under his cloak, he was in casual clothes, having changed out of his uniform. Despite the rigorous knight training, he didn't smell of sweat; instead, he smelled of soap. Moreover, he had brought gifts.

(He's such a good person! Even though he must be tired, he went shopping and deliberately arrived late at the apartment. He agreed to be my husband despite the poor conditions and is considerate... and he's also handsome. Oh? Maybe I don't deserve him? No, I will definitely cherish this husband!)

With renewed determination, Viela smiled.

"Shall we eat what Lukas-sama prepared? I'll put the pasta in the fridge for tomorrow!"

"No, I can have the pasta too. You went to the trouble of making it, and I'm hungry from training. It will fill me up more than a sandwich."

"Hehe, I understand. Let's have the sandwiches for breakfast tomorrow. By the way, do you prefer tomato or cheese pasta?"

"Tomato, please. I like it."

Naturally, Viela was motivated to cook the tomato pasta, adding plenty of bacon, which she usually saved.

"Cheers!"

The two raised their glasses to the alcohol Lukas had brought.

"Ah... this is delicious. This is good alcohol, isn't it? It must have been expensive."

"It's our engagement, so a little luxury is fine. It's on me."

"If that's the case, I won't hesitate."

The poor don't refuse charity. She gratefully accepted it. As she savored the delicious alcohol, the handsome young man in front of her narrowed his blue-gray eyes and chuckled.

"You really like alcohol, don't you?"

"I'm not a proper lady anyway. You like it too, don't you, Lukas-sama?"

"Yeah. A drink after work is the best."

They looked at each other and smiled.

"More importantly, I'm relieved that your parents agreed. I thought they might invalidate it due to their opposition, especially since I was a bit drunk yesterday."

"I'm the youngest of three sons and not the heir, so they said anyone who isn't a villain would do. I was actually happy about the position of being the lord's son-in-law."

"Even though you're extremely poor?"

"As the lord's son-in-law, I won't have to leave the country, right? That's why."

His parents seemed to dote on him so much that they wanted to keep him in the country at all costs. Viela's resolve to cherish him even more, out of respect for his parents, grew stronger.

"Since I'm taking your precious son, I should greet your parents, right?"

"That would be a help. They also want to see you. Considering the viscount's health, it's best to proceed with the engagement and marriage as quickly as possible. However, we need to consider the handover of work and public opinion, so they suggest a minimum one-month engagement period. We should start the process of creating the engagement certificate as soon as possible. My parents are free tomorrow night."

"Then I'll visit tomorrow. I'll make sure to finish work on time."

This was an important matter concerning the future of the viscount's family. Fortunately, she had one bottle of high-end nutritional drink left, so she could manage with an all-nighter later.

"Understood. I'll pick you up at your workplace in the West Wing tomorrow afternoon. I'll prepare a carriage, so we can go to the mansion together."

"Thank you for everything."

Thus, the two discussed the official course of events leading to their engagement while enjoying the alcohol and pasta.

Lukas apparently explained to his parents that "he was moved by the suffering and tears of the struggling young lady he had heard about, and her determination to face the crisis of the viscount's family. He felt a sense of destiny."

And they decided on a scenario where Lukas proposed on the spot, Viela was smitten by the man who saved the crisis, and they fell in love overnight.

It was a passionate and knightly reason, wanting to protect the weak. Although Viela was portrayed as a bit delicate, this kind of embellishment would make it more convincing to others. She tucked away her embarrassment in her heart.

After discussing the timing of her resignation and move, they realized it was already late at night.

"It's this late. I'm sorry, I should go."

Lukas stood up from his chair and tried to put on his cloak. However, Viela stopped him.

"Lukas-sama, please stay the night."

"Huh?"

She smiled at her future husband, who was stunned.