Chapter 2

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"Did you already visit Lord Rockwell’s border territory before the social season?"

"I’ve heard there are quite a few magical beasts there."

"The border territory is, as its name suggests, far away. It used to be a direct territory of the royal family, right?"

"Even a noble lady of high standing might find it difficult to manage such a large border territory, Lord Wilcox?"

"Surely, you didn’t ride alone to your own territory, did you?"

The people surrounding Lord and me gradually changed from those related to his work to the landed nobles I often meet at evening parties and business gatherings. For the young ladies who want to approach Lord, these people must be an annoying barrage. At the same time, they also make me tense. They don’t just gossip behind their fans; they directly probe me with champagne glasses in hand. They are, in a way, malicious seniors, colleagues, rivals, and comrades. Some of their comments seem to be out of concern, so perhaps this time the ratio of concern is higher than probing? But, gentlemen, please wait. I understand the talk about my own territory, the Viscount Wilcox territory. But what you are talking about is the former royal direct territory, the border territory of Eubachar, the Rockwell family’s territory! Why are you asking me about it, bypassing Lord? Isn’t that disrespectful to Lord? As I think this, Lord, standing right next to me, wraps his arm firmly around my waist in a way that clearly says, "We are engaged."

The distance is close! Not just close, but zero personal space!

Of course, it’s natural for an engagement announcement! We just had the engagement ceremony a little while ago! But I’m still not used to it!

His golden hair and amethyst eyes look into my face. He, the "prince" that young ladies secretly, or even loudly, praise, smiles at me with a melting smile. From somewhere in the hall, the young ladies’ "Squeals" of delight and the murderous intent of some assassin can be felt directed at me. This proximity with such a handsome man. In my previous life, and even in this one, I’m not someone who attracts attention. It’s impossible not to be flustered. However, thanks to my naturally expressionless face, my flustered state doesn’t show. I try to float an archaic smile, as befitting the rumored arrogant, greedy, and cold-hearted lady viscount.

"Should I explain Grace’s excellent skills?"

"Please, don’t joke. It’s Lord’s territory. I haven’t done anything to that territory. I only inspected it."

"But, Grace, you must have thought about many things for the future during that inspection, right? This lapel pin is also happy."

Lord… you understand my intention. I wanted to bring up the topic of border territory-produced decorative items in front of these people.

"I’m also happy to have received this matching hair ornament."

Despite everything, Lord is quite capable. Making and secretly giving me this hair ornament from the same material—this is the kind of thing he does. I feel I’ve glimpsed one of the reasons why other young ladies squeal. The way the gentlemen are handling me seems rather restrained, probably due to the staged performance of a newly engaged couple.

"What kind of stone is it?"

The son of the Norland Earl, who owns a mine, asks. Like Lord, he comes from a good family, is a calm and handsome man, and is one of the top choices for single noble ladies who want to approach at such evening parties—someone who is in the top tier of the country’s social scene for marriage-seeking single noble heirs. Hahaha, I’ve been waiting for this! I have so many things I want to talk about with you! If I say this out loud, the already hostile young ladies will try to kill me, so I’ll keep it to myself. Ideally, I would have liked to talk to the Norland Earl himself, but his son is fine too. As a successor, he is known for being reliable. The Norland Earl’s territory has mines, and I have many things I want to learn about mine management.

"I found it in Lord’s territory, Eubachar."

"The Rist mountain range in Eubachar is a treasure trove of resources, and I understand it was a direct territory of the royal family. Is this stone from there?"

The son of the Norland Earl, Mr. Elliot, asked. For some reason, Lord’s grip on me tightened a bit after hearing this question. I look up at Lord. Is this something I should leave to Lord? It’s about his territory, after all. It might not be appropriate for me, his fiancée, to speak up.

"Grace found it. Or rather, she came up with the idea."

"Lord Wilcox?"

"The tooth of a Dark Crocodile."

"…A magical beast’s… tooth…"

"During the inspection, we encountered a few of them, and Grace bought the one she defeated whole. She tried to create various products from it. This is one of them."

The gentlemen surrounding Lord and me exclaim in admiration.

"Although I was honored to receive the territory from His Majesty, it was in a border area. Honestly, being in the military, I was at a loss about developing the territory. But with her, I have high hopes that she will fully utilize her talents and continue to do so in the future."

Oh, Lord! You’re praising me too much!!

Chapter 2, Part 2... Part 3 will be at noon tomorrow!

Since it’s my birthday today, I decided to post another chapter with a mysterious level of enthusiasm.

I would be happy to receive bookmarks, reviews, and birthday gifts!

(And the dwindling stock...)