Chapter 16

"It's not that, Melfiela. I... I want to know how you feel about me. Aren't you afraid of me, the 'Duke of Mad Blood'? What do you think of a man who is called a duke in name only, a rude man who continues to slaughter monsters and is drenched in blood?"

At that moment, Melfiela, upon hearing my words, opened her green eyes wide in surprise. She must have been quite shocked. Even I, while pretending to be calm, was inwardly trembling with anxiety until I heard her answer.

(Not afraid, huh? You're making me laugh.)

There's no way she could have answered honestly to such a question from someone of my status. To my surprise, Melfiela answered with remarkable honesty. When she said, "You're cool," I was flustered, which was uncharacteristic of me. Regardless of my appearance, I was relieved to know that she seemed fine with my magic eyes. I have such strong magical power that my eyes glow gold, and I can channel magic through my gaze, which is called a 'magic eye.' When we first met, my magic eyes were activated, but Melfiela said, "I get excited," in a cute way. I think she accepts me for who I am... though I'm not entirely confident about that.

Moreover, Melfiela seemed to be concerned about whether she could be of use, which also showed that she wanted to be recognized by others. As far as I'm concerned, she doesn't need to worry about such things. As long as she remains herself, she is more than enough as she is.

Actually, we weren't supposed to finalize the engagement so soon. However, my meddlesome relatives relentlessly pressured me. Two days after the autumn ball, I received the investigation report from the King about the Mershall Raid family. It even included a letter of introduction to some noble, which was a form of harassment. I hadn't received it, yet it was sent to someone else. The portrait of her was cute, but she looked composed, and her hair was intricately styled. I prefer her when she's lively in front of monsters. Her beautiful red hair looks better when it's fluffy. By the way, her hands were small and smooth. I suddenly remembered how I had been touching them in the laboratory and tried to recall the sensation by clenching and unclenching my own hands.

(If you only look at the portrait, engagement offers would come in regularly, I bet.)

According to the report, the reason Melfiela was rumored to be a 'gluttonous lady'—her preference for monster meat and her suspicious research—was related to the disaster that struck the country seventeen years ago and the late Mershall Raid Countess. The rumors started after the Mershall Raid Count took a new wife. It seems the new wife dislikes Melfiela. By the way, the new wife is currently convalescing.

"More or less, I understand your thoughts, Your Excellency."

"Then, please sign the engagement contract."

"But, for a Duke of Galbraith to choose my daughter, who has a less than favorable reputation, as a fiancée, I still can't believe it."

The Mershall Raid Count, who seemed reluctant, answered. I was in the reception room of the Mershall Raid family's main residence to finalize the engagement. In front of me sat Melfiela's father, the Mershall Raid Count. He had brown hair streaked with white and a kind, approachable face. His cheeks were sunburned, indicating that he often went outside.

(Still, she doesn't resemble her father at all. She must take after her mother.)

The Count neither had red hair nor the same eye color as Melfiela. His face had none of her adorable features. She must take after her mother. Yes, I need to report to her mother's grave. Since I plan to stay for a couple of days, I'll ask for a tour when the time is right.

I suddenly became concerned about Melfiela. What is she thinking right now? In the laboratory, just as she was about to answer, the Mershall Raid's knight captain came to call us. Her response was left ambiguous. The ill-timed knight captain reported that the preparations at the mansion were complete, but he must have overheard our conversation. That Claude, the knight captain, is an excellent knight, but he is wary of me for making such a suspicious proposal. That wariness is a sign of his loyalty to his duty, but I wish he wouldn't interfere so much.

"Your Excellency, we have no reason to refuse your proposal... but, are you really, really sure about my daughter?"

"It's not 'about' but 'is.' If I can have that exceptional daughter, it would be an honor for the Galbraith family."

"Thank you for your kind words, as a father, I am very pleased."

The Mershall Raid Count bowed deeply. He seemed to have regained his composure. When I entered the reception room and explained the events from our meeting at the autumn ball to writing the letter, the Count was so stunned that his mouth hung open. When I praised the dried meat from Skatsbit, the Count's face turned pale. He shouted, "Don't recommend it to someone you just met!" So, Melfiela might be scolded later. I'm sorry, Melfiela.

The Count, who was wiping sweat even though it wasn't hot, looked at the engagement contract on the reception table. The high-quality magic paper with the Galbraith family crest already had my signature. All that was left was for the Count to sign, and the engagement between Melfiela and me would be official. He repeatedly picked up and put down the quill, indicating that he was still hesitant.

"Your Excellency, I appreciate that you like my daughter, but—"

"Like is not the right word. I want that girl. I have already explained the situation to her. All that's left is for you to give your permission, Count."

"Even so, I am worried about whether my daughter will be accepted by the Galbraith family."

The Count's concern was understandable. Unlike Melfiela, he knew the situation. The head of the Galbraith family doesn't need a wife. Why is a family that relies on adopted heirs trying to bring in a fiancée? I decided to be frank and started by praising Melfiela's good qualities.

"What I first admired was her breadth of mind. Even knowing I am the 'Duke of Mad Blood,' she was not intimidated. She saw me for who I am, not just the rumors, and I was drawn to her."

"That must be because she has also had a hard time... She might have felt a connection."

"Also, her courage in the face of monsters. She said, 'It will wash off' when her face and dress were covered in blood. Not many girls in the Galbraith territory are that used to monsters."

"Well, my daughter is always dealing with some kind of monster, yes."

"She comes alive when talking about monsters. Today, she was happily dissecting a Loyamoodler with a healing, adorable smile."

"Is that healing? Adorable? I think it's strange to see my daughter smiling with a blood-covered large knife. Your Excellency... you are quite something."

The Count let out a dry laugh and picked up the quill again. Then, as if the hesitation was a lie, he signed smoothly and pressed his ring with the family crest to the signature, leaving a magical seal.

"Your Excellency, in the Mershall Raid territory, my daughter can only live a difficult life. The relationship between the spirit faith and the lives of the people is inseparable."

"The spirit faith, right. There is a monastery here, isn't there?"

"Yes. My daughter was supposed to enter that monastery eventually. As a father, I want to oppose it... but as a Count, I have my duties. Sadly, I cannot protect my daughter as a father."

"I understand. If she comes to the Galbraith family, I will protect her."

I confirmed the engagement contract and placed my hand on my signature. The Count did the same, and we activated the magical seal. I felt a tingling pain in my palm, and our seals appeared on the back of our hands. This is a magical proof of the engagement, and if the terms of the contract are broken, our hands will explode.

"Leave the rest to me with peace of mind."

"From the moment you brought out this engagement contract, I was prepared. You are serious about my daughter, aren't you?"

"Of course. Including her research, the Galbraith family will be her backing. We won't let anyone interfere with the spirit faith."

"Yes, I appreciate it."

It's impossible to change a deeply rooted faith. The Mershall Raid Count entrusted everything to me to protect his daughter.

"Still, nobles are cunning, aren't they?"

"What do you mean, Your Excellency?"

The Count, who looked at me with a gentle face, had a sharp glint in his eyes. Did I fall for the bait the Count laid? Or did the Count simply not let a fish he caught by chance escape?

"Count... no, Father-in-law. From now on, I would like you to refrain from spreading rumors about the 'gluttonous lady.'"

"What are you talking about?"

"You spread rumors to protect Melfiela, didn't you?"

The Count didn't answer my question but just narrowed his eyes and smiled.

(He imposed a gag order in the territory and intentionally spread bad rumors among the nobles to sabotage Melfiela's engagement and protect her and her research... that's what he did, right?)

Thinking back, there were signs. The Mershall Raid knights were cooperative with Melfiela. Knight Captain Claude was unusually wary of us, as if he was monitoring anyone who might harm her.

While I feel a bit outsmarted, the fact that the Count accepted the engagement proposal means he found me suitable. On one hand, I regret my immaturity, but on the other, I am deeply relieved to be recognized as a man worthy of protecting her.