Chapter 9

"As the cherry blossoms dance in the wind, Misaki opens the old diary and reads the words of promise written there."

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"Ah, I wonder what kind of meat it is? Thick slices grilled on a wire rack? Stewed? If it's well-marbled, then it should be seared, right? Depending on the cut, there are so many dishes to enjoy."

"Seared! That sounds very tempting!"

"The Duke likes it seared. Hehe, my hands are itching."

As I stood in front of the Loiaymoodler, daydreaming with the Duke, Father arrived in a first-class luxurious carriage to welcome the Duke and his party. Father had changed into a very elegant dark blue coat, though it wasn't overly ornate. Men don't have to wear dresses, so they seem more comfortable and enviable at times like this. I stepped away from the Loiaymoodler and quietly stood behind Father.

"I apologize for the late welcome. Duke Galbraith, welcome to the Marshellaid territory. I am Viscount Jislan de Tor Marshellaid."

Father and the Marshellaid knights who had come to welcome them all gave the highest salute. The Duke nodded gracefully and signaled to Chaos. Then, the Galbraith knights lined up and performed the knight's salute.

"I am Aristide Roger de Galbraith. I know it's a lot to ask, but I couldn't wait to hear your response before the harsh winter arrives."

With such a statement from the dignified Duke, Father couldn't say anything. I had momentarily forgotten, but the Duke had come to propose marriage. Noble marriages involve both families, so Father and the Duke will have a discussion. I can only wait until their talk is over. But before that—

"Father, half of the knights are returning. Please, for the dragons, grant permission for the hunt in the Baltosh Mountains."

I couldn't just leave the Grisshel dragons as they were, so I asked Father in a small voice.

"Is that large cloth bundle not the food for the ridewyverns?"

Father looked at the cloth-wrapped Loiaymoodler. Normally, one would think so. But that was a gift from the Duke to me, so it's technically my food.

(What should I do... Is it okay to tell Father now about how the conversation about monster food got heated at the banquet?)

Father had read the postscript of the letter, so he might understand if I explain. Anyway, I can't keep it a secret, so I decided to tell him casually without meeting his eyes.

"Father, that's a 'gift.'"

"Gift? The one mentioned in the letter, for you?"

"Yes. The Duke promised at the banquet to bring me a monster... as a gift."

Father's eyes widened in shock, looking at me and then at the Duke. I don't think the Duke needs to be so wary of my hobby.

"Such... the Duke knows about your... hobby?"

"Yes, he does. And he said he wants to taste my 'cooking.' That's why he wants the research building to be opened."

"Wait, Melfi, I need to sort this out."

Father seemed quite confused. I'm sorry, Father. I'm causing you trouble. I'm aware that my unusual hobby has caused you a lot of inconvenience. I'm grateful that you've always let me do what I like.

"Viscount Marshellaid."

The Duke, who had heard our conversation, joined in with a meaningful smile.

"I believe I understand your daughter's situation to some extent. I'm also aware of the malicious rumors. This proposal is made with that in mind."

"Is that so, my lord? You know about my daughter to that extent... I understand. Then, let's continue the discussion at the manor."

"Ah, about that."

The Duke winked at me and pointed behind him with his thumb.

"Milan, how much longer will the spell on it last?"

"Ah! Perhaps another two hours at most."

"That's the situation, Viscount. We need to do something before the gift wakes up."

The knight called Milan, who was in a salute position, answered. Seeing the knight immediately turn back to the Grisshel dragons, Father hurriedly called out.

"Wait, Duke! You mean the... gift is... alive?!"

"I thought fresh would be better, so I brought it alive. It's just asleep due to magic, but it will become violent once the effect wears off. Milan, show it to the Viscount."

Milan, as ordered by the Duke, lifted the cloth to reveal the Loiaymoodler with its magnificent spiral horns and splendid golden fur. The Marshellaid knights drew their swords with a clink, and Father stared in shock.

"That's... a Loiaymoodler..."

"It's asleep, so don't worry."

"Yes, but... such a dangerous and valuable creature... to bring so easily..."

"At the banquet, I said I wanted to eat a monster. I asked to be fed after hunting it. I know it will cause trouble for you and your daughter, but I want to see the preparation first."

"Ah... I see, the Duke is well-informed."

Father's voice was tired, and I felt truly sorry for him and the Duke. I hadn't told the Duke anything about my situation, but the perceptive Duke had seen the situation between me and Father and taken the blame for his own whim.

"Then, let's start by fulfilling the Duke's request. Also, since the knights are returning, they shouldn't underestimate the cold here. Please ensure the knights and ridewyverns have sufficient rest. There's a research building a bit away from here. It should be suitable for the Loiaymoodler and the ridewyverns."

Father understood what I wanted to say and even allowed the use of the research building. The stables at this ranch are currently empty, but if we put the predatory dragons in, the livestock might be scared and refuse to enter when they return in spring. Now, the dragons can be accommodated, and the Loiaymoodler can be brought in.

"Father, I..."

"Melfi, we'll talk later."

"Yes."

"You will guide the Duke and the knights to the research building."

"Thank you, Father."

I turned to the Duke and bowed deeply.

"Then, Duke. I will lead the way on my warhorse. Please follow me."

"That's not necessary. I'll let you ride my ridewyvern... and guide me from the sky."

"Really? Is that okay?"

"Yes, I trust you. Chaos, we're moving the ridewyverns now. I'll take Melfi first. Bring the gift and follow."

The Duke turned back. Chaos, who was suddenly named, puffed out his chest dramatically and pounded his chest with his fist.

"Chaos, please take care."

"Yes, and are you really accepting ten dragons?"

"My research building is spacious enough. I usually process and preserve monsters there."

"I see... that sounds interesting."

Chaos started giving orders to the other knights, so I went to the largest and most magnificent Grisshel dragon with the Duke. As the Duke took the reins, the dragon crouched and made a cooing sound.

"What a cute sound."

"Haha, calling a dragon's sound cute. Melfi, you can't eat this one, okay?"

"I won't eat the Duke's dragon!"

"Just kidding."

"You're terrible!"

Laughing, the Duke easily mounted the high saddle and reached out to me. I had no idea how to get on, but if the Duke helped, it would be fine.

"I've never ridden a dragon before."

"Don't worry. Just trust me."

The moment I took the Duke's large hand, I was lifted onto the saddle and quickly seated in front of him. Even crouched, the dragon was higher than a warhorse, and I instinctively clung to the Duke's arm.

"Are you scared?"

"I, if I hold on, I'll be fine."

"Side-saddle is fine. Just lean your weight on my arm and hold on."

I was enveloped in the Duke's arms and, as instructed, tightly hugged his arm. The side-saddle position was more unstable than riding astride.

The Grisshel dragons carrying Chaos and the others rose into the sky, circling. It was impressive to see them up close. The Marshellaid knights were also watching the dragons, checking on them repeatedly. Father stepped forward.

"I apologize, Duke. I have preparations at the manor. Melfi and one of the knights will accompany you."

"That's fine, it's my whim."

"Melfi, be on your best behavior. Fulfill the Duke's request."

Father held the reins of my warhorse and bowed. Seeing this, I looked up at the Duke and made a decision. If the Duke accepts me, Father will surely feel relieved. First, I need to show the Duke everything I do in the research building.

(Why I'm so fixated on eating monsters... What will you think of me when I tell you everything?)