Chapter 8

Silently, she hurried through the corridor and boarded the carriage waiting at the parking area of the West Wing.

Seeing the crest of the House of Ambroche engraved on the exterior and the cushioned sofa inside, Viela almost lost consciousness, thinking, "Ah, this isn't a dream."

In the midst of her confusion, she sat on the sofa and hesitantly opened her mouth.

"Lord Lukas, could it be that you are the commander of the Divine Beast Knights? And a member of the House of Ambroche..."

"Yes."

Any hope that this was a mistake or a misunderstanding was shattered.

In this country, being chosen as a Divine Beast Knight is difficult and an honorable profession. Those who become Divine Beast Knights are granted a knighthood and allowed to take on a new family name by the king. Despite being the third son of the House of Ambroche, Lukas uses the surname Herring for this reason.

Since the knighthood is a one-generation title, it is not recorded in the noble directories. Moreover, Viela, who is not well-versed in the affairs of the nobility, did not realize this.

(Five years ago, he defended against the enemy country's knight corps, which used wyverns as divine beasts, and shot down the enemy's ace, who was known as the king of the skies on the continent. How could I have forgotten such a hero's name? And to hit on him... I've really messed up!)

Her head ached at the extent of her mistake. However, it was also strange that Lukas had hidden this fact.

"Why did you pretend to be just a knight?"

"I thought you would run away if you knew my position, thinking it was too intimidating. Isn't that right?"

"Umm... Lord Herring, well..."

"Are you trying to change the way you address me and distance yourself? I won't allow you to invalidate the engagement."

He pinned her down with a bright, cheerful smile, but Viela still couldn't accept the reality.

"Because, you are a noble born and raised, and the country's greatest hero. I can't provide a luxurious life that matches your honor. Lord Lukas, you won't be able to live the elegant life you've been used to, right? Is that okay?"

"I can live without luxury. I have a retirement fund and a knight's pension, so I won't be a burden to you. I've also saved the reward money from the last war without spending it."

"You're so practical... But even if you have money, I must say again that the viscount's territory is very rural. The town is small, so you might not be able to get what you want immediately, and it might be inconvenient for you."

Nobles with money usually follow trends and indulge in luxury.

Considering Lukas's family status and his own position, she expected that while he might enjoy it at first, he would eventually grow tired of life in the territory. She didn't want to inconvenience a hero who had worked hard for the country.

"You worry about such things even though you know I have money. That's the kind of person you are, isn't it?"

"Well, isn't that the agreement? I need a husband who will come to the territory, not for money. If a husband has money, I would be happy that he won't starve even if I do."

"Hunger... Is it that severe?"

"No, no! It's not to the point of food shortages, but the meals are far from gourmet. They might be on par with the palace cafeteria or even lower. It's best to think of it as similar to a commoner's life."

Viela lowered her eyebrows and gave a weak smile. If he knew how inconvenient the life would be, he might give up.

However, Lukas only let out a short, relieved sigh.

"That's not a problem. You don't know what life was like during the war or the expeditions. The sleeping arrangements were just a mat on the ground. In some places, we couldn't eat warm food, only hard bread. The meat was dried, and we had no fresh vegetables. There was no privacy. A roof, an air bed, and commoner-level food would be a welcome change!"

"I see..."

Lukas's evaluation of life in the territory was unexpectedly high, and Viela was overwhelmed.

To be a distinguished Divine Beast Knight, one must undergo rigorous training beyond combat.

Thinking back, she remembered how he had been moved by the not-so-comfortable air bed and had happily eaten the cheap pasta cooked by a novice last night.

(This person has the resilience to endure a tougher life than I do. I don't need to worry about him... but what about the people around him?)

She timidly observed him.

"Even if they know about the kitchen situation at the Yubert household, will your parents and the king send a hero like you to a poor viscount's family? They might not know how poor it is, right?"

"No, they know. My parents welcome the idea that life here will be better than the expeditions. The king has also approved, as this gives a solid reason for me and my divine beast to stay in the country. I've already completed the ten-year service requirement."

Divine Beast Knights, who can contract with griffins, are valuable forces and are required to serve for ten years after becoming knights. In exchange for the rigorous training and heavy responsibilities, they can retire at any time after ten years of service.

Lukas became the youngest Divine Beast Knight in history at the age of fifteen and had just completed his ten-year obligation six months ago.

"You've been a knight since such a young age. That's why you want to study."

Humans cannot refuse the designation of a divine beast griffin. Once chosen by a griffin, the contract holder's path is managed by the state.

Being a knight from the age of fifteen means dedicating all of one's youth to training and missions, and not being able to attend school.

"For me, Viela's proposal was like a divine revelation, fulfilling all the conditions I desired. Regardless of the details, I thought it was fate. I have no intention of letting this opportunity... or you, slip away."

"..."

Lukas smiled arrogantly and looked at Viela with the gaze of a predator.

Their meeting was devoid of romance and based on mutual interests. Despite knowing this, her heart raced at his words of desire for her. Handsome men are not to be underestimated.

She suppressed her restless feelings.

"So, is it really okay to proceed with the plan?"

"Of course. Oh, we've arrived."

The carriage stopped, and the door was immediately opened.

"Is this... your family home?"

"Yes, it's a bit old, but it's a grand mansion."

"This is old... truly the House of Ambroche."

Viela gasped at the majestic and enormous mansion visible through the door.