Chapter 7

Lucian checked the animals he had brought from his territory. There was room in the stables, but it was best to take stock just in case.

"Animals you brought? Let's see, two geese, a horse, a cat, a donkey, and...?"

"Miss An, it's a hawk, a hawk."

"That's right, a hawk!"

"A hawk!?"

Lucian looked up and said, "A hawk is absolutely necessary to drive away the wild birds that come to eat the vegetables in the fields, isn't it?" Using a hawk for agriculture was something he had never heard of before.

Still, the number of animals was more than he had expected.

"By the way, I think I also brought a dog."

"That's right!"

Lucian turned around and whistled. A dog jumped out from the bushes. He immediately commanded it to "lie down" and gave it some dried meat as a reward.

"That's a hunting dog, isn't it?"

"Yes, his name is Maron."

The dog called Maron, with drooping ears and short legs, was sharply wary of Constantin, who was looking down at him.

"Would a cage be better?"

"Yes. He's a gentle dog, but a cage would be better if you have one."

"We have an unused cage. Please use it."

"Thank you."

Hunting dogs are different from pet dogs. They face large deer and bears without fear.

They also have a strong sense of pride, and there are many stories of careless people being bitten and taken to the hospital because they treated them like ordinary dogs.

On the other hand, Lucian seemed to be well aware of how to handle hunting dogs.

"Miss An, are you going hunting?"

"No, not at all. I might hold a gun to deal with the foolish beasts that come to the fields, but that's it."

Maron apparently also served as a guard dog to protect the vegetables from wild animals approaching the fields.

The Fortrie viscountcy was a place rich in nature. The damage from harmful animals was probably much worse than in the king's garden.

Among them, the damage from rabbits eating vegetables was particularly severe.

"They have such cute faces, yet they munch on the important vegetables we have grown. Even when traps are set, they don't get caught... They enjoy the vegetables as if mocking the producers."

So, when she saw rabbits in the fields, she must have run at full speed to catch them.

Indeed, the damage from rabbits and other harmful animals here was not negligible. Reports from agricultural workers had also been submitted.

In autumn, it was the breeding season, and the activities of wild animals became more active. They also came to eat vegetables to prepare for winter.

"Three days ago, I had planned a meeting to discuss countermeasures—"

But no one attended, citing busyness as an excuse.

He was secretly shocked, but it was difficult for Constantin, who had just become the captain of the 17th Knight Squad, to gain trust.

"Autumn is the harvest season, so it can't be helped. My father said that in my territory, no one came even though someone was supposed to."

"That's true."

"Yes. If you don't mind, would you like to discuss the countermeasures for harmful animals with me?"

Tilting her head, Lucian made the proposal, looking like a goddess.

◇◇◇

Finally, he managed to guide Lucian into the house. They had chatted for about an hour.

Father Gregoire muttered that it was unusual for Constantin to be late for breakfast, and he was even more surprised when Lucian arrived.

"My, my! I'm surprised. I didn't expect such a lovely young lady to be here."

"Count Alambour. I apologize for surprising you. I thought Father had explained everything in detail."

The letter from the Fortrie viscount only mentioned Lucian's name.

Since Lucian is a male name, it was probably not expected that a young lady would come.

"Miss Lucian—"

"Please call me An."

"An, you mean you will teach agricultural techniques to the agricultural workers?"

"Yes. Among my siblings, I helped the most with field work. I can teach you about the soil, harmful animals and insects, how to grow vegetables, and even about diseases."

"Ah, that's... that's..."

A meal for Lucian was brought to the table.

When Constantin pulled out a chair, Lucian smiled and sat down. She seemed to have received at least the basic education for a young lady.

"An, you mentioned something about pests earlier. Are you okay with bugs?"

Father Gregoire tried to stop the talk about bugs during meals, but it was important.

Here, not only outside but also inside the rooms, there were many bugs. It was not an environment that a young lady could endure.

In response to Constantin's question, Lucian tilted her head and asked.

"What do you mean by 'okay with bugs'?"

"Like, feeling disgusted and screaming just at the sight of them."

"Oh, I see. I'm fine with them. Not at all scared. I used to go into the fields every day and remove larvae with tweezers, and I even named the large spiders in the house and got to know them."

She said it clearly. Gregoire's eyes widened in surprise.

"Spiders are beneficial insects, you know?"

"..."

What a reliable young lady.

She would be perfect if her skin wasn't so pale. She was a bit too fair.

Seeing the blue veins on her neck made him feel unwell, so he gently looked away.

Gregoire cleared his throat and asked a question.

"An, you mentioned staying here during the social season. Do you have any other purposes?"

"I plan to attend the royal ball."

"Oh, that was written in the Fortrie viscount's letter. Looking for a marriage partner, right?"

"Yes."

At this point, Gregoire made an outrageous proposal.

"What about my son? He's serious and a good boy, you know."