Chapter 2

"Constantin, just to confirm, you are here to find a marriage partner, right?"

"Of course."

"How many dances did you have today?"

"Why do I need to dance?"

Clair widened her eyes, her face showing an expression as if she had seen something terrifying.

"Are you serious?"

"I am serious."

Constantin was not good at the dances at evening parties. It felt uncomfortable to hold hands and be close with someone he wasn't familiar with. When people said to judge a person through dancing, he didn't understand what they meant at all.

"Well, you know, there's something you feel when you look into each other's eyes."

"I don't feel anything special. If I have to say, it's just awkwardness."

Clair pressed her forehead and slumped her shoulders.

"Constantin, if you don't dance with women, how do you plan to find a marriage partner?"

"My father said that when he met my mother, a bolt of lightning struck him, and he couldn't move from the spot."

"No, that's a pretty special case."

It became clear that Constantin had been waiting for that bolt of lightning to strike.

"Constantin, can I say what I think?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"You're quite an idiot! If you keep following your father's success story, you'll never find a bride!"

"That would be a problem."

Constantin has no siblings; he is an only child. If he doesn't get married and have children, the next generation's heir will be needed.

"Do you have any idea what kind of woman you want? I can introduce you to some."

"The conditions I look for in a wife are—good health. And, being okay with bugs."

"Huh? I get the first part, but what's with the bugs?"

"The manor in the suburbs is full of bugs."

The Arambour family's estate, located two and a half hours by carriage from the capital, is so large it could be mistaken for a country house. The grounds are vast, and the grand hall is as large as the one in the palace.

However, the problem is the bugs.

The solitary house in the suburbs, being the only one with lights on, is a perfect gathering place for bugs. Constantin's late mother used to cry at night because she was afraid of bugs.

"Is your desire for a healthy wife influenced by your mother?"

"Yes, it is."

Constantin's mother was frail and died from a severe attack before the town doctor could arrive. He never wants to see that scene again. Therefore, he hopes for a wife who is absolutely healthy.

"I think my father would also be disappointed. So, I want a wife who is exceptionally healthy."

"I see. A super healthy woman who is okay with bugs—there's no such person!"

"Is there no one?"

"Health aside, most women are afraid of bugs. If you don't change that condition, you'll be single for life."

He was told to show the spirit of protecting his wife from all kinds of bugs.

"But I have a job protecting the king's garden. It's difficult to protect from all bugs."

"I don't mean it literally. It's a metaphor. The important thing is the attitude."

"Clair, it's hard to understand what you're saying."

"I'll say the same to you."

Clair says that there is no bride who meets Constantin's desired conditions here.

"Alright. If I find a healthy woman who is okay with bugs, I'll introduce her to you."

"Sorry, but I actually have something to do tomorrow, so I was thinking of going home soon."

"Is it an inspection of the knight squad?"

"No, the son of the Viscount Fortrie is coming."

"Isn't the Fortrie family a noble family that runs a large farm?"

"Yes, that's right."

The Fortrie family is one of the largest landowners in the country, and their large farms produce 40% of the country's vegetables. The fresh and juicy vegetables are popular even in the capital and sometimes appear on the king's table. The Fortrie family, recognized for their work, was granted a title of nobility half a century ago, making them a new noble family.

"What is the young master of the Fortrie family coming for?"

"He is coming to teach the agricultural techniques of the Fortrie family."

"I see."

The king wants to enjoy delicious vegetables. At the request of the royal chef, the son of the Fortrie family, Lucien, is coming.

The Fortrie family has eight children, and only one of them is a boy. Since the next viscount is coming, the agricultural workers in the king's garden are nervous.

"Good of them to send the heir."

"The letter from the Viscount Fortrie says he wants to broaden his horizons and find a marriage partner in the capital."

"I see. Then this season might be perfect."

Dances are held at someone's house every week. Surely, the search for a bride will progress.

"If you become friends, you two can look for brides together. You're about the same age, right?"

"He's eighteen."

"Two years younger. Then you can be the older brother and teach him about the capital."

"I'll do my best."

He is not fond of noisy theaters and taverns, but if Lucien wants to go, he will have to take him.

He let out a sigh.

"Constantin, good luck."

"Thanks."

Since a guest is coming, it's better to go home early. Nodding deeply at Clair's words, Constantin set off for home.