Chapter 15

The Duke's hands were tense, as if he was nervous. He stared at me with a tight-lipped expression, making me feel increasingly uneasy.

"Y-You're being too harsh. The Duke is very dignified and handsome... I think."

"H-Handsome?"

Suddenly, the Duke's face turned bright red. My face felt hot too. What should I do? Was this not what the Duke wanted to hear?

"Do you really think so?"

"Yes, I do. I believe that if I asked ten people, they would all agree."

For some reason, the Duke looked disappointed or conflicted.

"Your hair color, like moonlight, is also beautiful."

"Moonlight... No, it's just faded gray."

"Your amber eyes, which take on a golden hue and seem to carry magic, make my heart race."

"These are magic eyes. Don't they make you feel uncomfortable?"

"No! When the Duke's golden eyes shone brilliantly after slaying the Backhorn, they left a deep impression on me."

"That was because of the magic eyes."

"No, it wasn't. The impact was unforgettable once I saw it."

"Is that so? If you don't mind..."

For some reason, we couldn't look away from each other, and I continued speaking quickly out of embarrassment.

"Killing monsters is something that needs to be done. The Duke is just fulfilling his duty, so why do people dismiss it as 'scary'? When fighting monsters, weapons are necessary, and it's only natural for them to be stained with blood."

"I can't do anything refined or sophisticated, but does that bother you?"

"Nobles have the duty to protect their people. The Duke not only protects the people of Galbreath but also the nation's peace. Unlike other nobles who indulge in luxury and spread rumors, the Duke is different."

Clearly, the Duke had been hurt by the heartless rumors. Still holding my hand, he began to fiddle with my fingers. My hand, which had been cold, was now burning hot.

"As a fiancée, how about it?"

The Duke's voice was unusually small and uncertain. I suddenly thought about how the Duke fit the criteria for a fiancé I had in mind. Even if he were just a regular knight, I would have been fine with him, so he was more than satisfactory. Moreover, the Duke was incredibly handsome, and the idea of seeing such a wonderful and handsome person every day was thrilling. I thought I had a normal face, but standing next to the Duke, I might look inferior. This was partly due to my lack of attention to beauty and fashion, and there was no way to hide it now. As for my research, I would be fine as long as the Duke didn't interfere, and if he supported my curiosity, there would be no problem.

(If Father allows it, this could be a paradise for me!)

It was a practical and calculated thought, but compared to going to a convent, it was an irresistible offer. However, my sensible side held me back. If that were the case, what did the Duke think of me? I didn't think I could fulfill my duties as a Duchess. No matter how hard I studied and worked, I wasn't sure how much I could improve. The more I thought about it, the more anxious I became.

"May I ask a question in return? The Duke must have many suitors, so why me? Even if we were to marry, the people wouldn't accept a wife with a creepy reputation."

Even my mother, who had saved the lives of the people, was no longer mentioned after her death. The Marshall Raid territory bordered the Tealbrink Duchy, where spirit worship was prevalent, and this belief was deeply rooted in the lives of the people. Although spirit worship wasn't as strong in Galbreath, they would likely dislike a lady who ate monsters.

"I think the people will welcome you. I hunt monsters every day with the knights. I used to think of monsters as nothing more than materials for leather, fangs, and horns."

The Duke's eyes seemed to look far away through mine. He continued speaking, tiredly, while unconsciously fiddling with my hand.

"Every day, it's a mountain of monsters. When monsters proliferate, their magic power accumulates, eventually turning into a toxic magic that drives them mad. The heir to the Galbreath name has the duty to stop this. If hunting is done by humans, then the disposal of the corpses is also done by humans. Burning and burying monsters is a costly process. Even feeding them to creatures like the Gresshel Dragon, Flame Eagle, and other riding beasts has its limits. Still, I must continue hunting, and the monsters keep appearing without mercy."

The Elsanie Great Forest is a sacred place for monsters. The Duke's words were shocking to me, who had thought of it that way. Indeed, the magic power inside monsters can turn into toxic magic if it accumulates too much, but I didn't know that an increase in monsters could lead to madness.

(That's why the Galbreath family takes in adoptive children.)

The Duke must have the capacity to lead the knights who fight monsters daily, a strong body and skills to slay them, and (though I didn't know until now) magic eyes with an overwhelming amount of magic power. He was born to be the Duke of Galbreath. But I wasn't sure if he had truly chosen this path. It seemed to me that the Duke had imposed this duty on himself.

The Duke sighed deeply, ran his fingers through his bangs, and opened his eyes with a slight smile.

"Seeing you talk enthusiastically about eating monsters and actually cooking the Loyamoodler was a shock to me. I thought there was no way to perfectly remove the magic power, but you showed me a different perspective."

"I'm ashamed to say that's my only strength."

"Don't be. I think you are wonderful."

"Then, can my research be of service to the Duke?"

Would I be a burden? If not, I wouldn't trouble Father or Lady Celia. Even if I were the 'monster-eating lady' of Marshall Raid, if I could be of use to someone, perhaps my mother's and my research could see the light of day. Of course, I must be careful not to cause any trouble for the Duke.

"You've carried on the research your mother started. Melfiella, I will not let you lack anything. I will protect you from all harm. So, I want you to use your knowledge, which saved the people from the great famine seventeen years ago, to help the people of Galbreath."

Hearing this, I felt a mix of disbelief and hope. This was surely a contract between the Duke and me. There was no sweet, romantic love or affection between us. Of course, the Duke was handsome, but that was separate from this. However, I began to feel that things could work out with the Duke.

Sitting beside him, I straightened up and looked up at the Duke.

"I am deeply honored by your generous offer. The Duke is like a savior. You are too wonderful for someone like me."

"Melfiella, I don't like beating around the bush. If you refuse, please be direct."

The Duke's eyes took on a worried look, and his voice hardened. No, that's not what I meant. I wouldn't refuse—

"I would be honored to accept!"

Frustrated, I suddenly raised my voice, and the Duke blinked in surprise. I gripped his hand tightly, wanting him to understand my feelings before talking to Father.

"I've never been noticed by anyone, and I can't do anything ladylike. But if the Duke's duty is to hunt monsters, I will help make them delicious and not waste them. I will give you the clouded crystals that store magic power, so please use them freely."

I sold myself as shamelessly as possible. If things went well, we might even get married. Even if not, perhaps I could live as a researcher. The Galbreath family could choose an heir from adoptive children. If they opposed because 'the child of someone who ate monsters would become a monster,' being an adoptive child would solve the problem. It was a bit... very sad, but I had to prioritize not causing trouble for the Duke. The engagement period could be seen as a trial, and interpreting it conveniently, I bowed deeply to the Duke.

"I can only do so much, but if you find it acceptable, please accept me!"