Chapter 79

After the commotion with the thieves and the banquet of the northwestern faction, the relationship between Noein and Viscount Arnold Koenitz changed significantly.

Until then, the two had maintained a certain distance while working together for mutual benefit, but now they were rapidly closing the gap and deepening their ties as noble families.

It was mainly Arnold who was making the effort. Judging that building a close relationship with the Alquvist barony would be best for the interests of his own territory, Arnold tried to win over Noein, who was of lower rank and younger as a noble.

"…This tea is very delicious."

"I'm glad you like it. This is a rare tea known as a specialty of the southwestern kingdom. I'll give you some to take back as a souvenir when you leave."

Since the end of winter, Noein had been regularly invited by Arnold to tea and meals. Today, he was invited to the viscount's mansion with the offer, "I've got some rare tea, would you like to try it?"

Noein thought that Arnold's sudden kindness was a bit much, but he was a key figure in the northwestern faction of the kingdom. Deepening the relationship would be highly beneficial, so Noein accepted the invitations, considering it part of his duties as a noble landowner.

"By the way, how is the mass production of the crossbows you sold going?"

"That one? It's progressing smoothly in my territory. After all, we just have the craftsmen analyze the finished product and copy it. While the precision isn't as high as the products made in the Alquvist barony, we can mass-produce practical ones for combat."

"I see… That's a relief."

"It seems that the production is also progressing in the Behotelsheim estate and other noble territories. At this rate, the northwestern faction might even surpass other factions in military strength."

The regional factions of the kingdom often clash over territories and interests. Military strength is not a disadvantage to avoid being underestimated.

"Also, the effect of potatoes can't be underestimated. They are more efficient to cultivate than wheat and can even grow in slightly barren land. If this is true, the food situation in the northwest will improve significantly from this year."

"Due to the conflict, the price of wheat has been gradually rising… Increasing the number of crops that can serve as a staple food is a significant advantage."

"Indeed. It's really good that you were granted a territory close to the northwestern faction rather than another faction."

To strengthen his position, Noein was currently spreading crossbows and potatoes only in the northwestern faction, ignoring other factions for now.

For Arnold, who belonged to this faction, it was only natural to be grateful to the gods for having Noein as a neighbor, as it allowed him to improve the situation in his territory before other factions.

"I'm also glad that my neighbor is a noble as kind as Lord Koenitz."

When Arnold invited Noein for tea and meals, it was common for them to exchange information about recent events and have a peaceful conversation. Noein thought that today would be no different, and he planned to have a pleasant exchange and leave at an appropriate time.

However, this day did not end there.

"By the way, Lord Alquvist. How old are you this year?"

"Um… I received my territory at the age of adulthood, so I am 17 years old this year, which is my third year."

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Noein answered with a puzzled look.

"I see. As the head of a noble family, you are at an age where it's not unusual to take a wife."

Ah, finally this topic, Noein thought.

As a promising young noble in the northwestern region of the kingdom, Noein had anticipated that invitations to marry "our daughter" would soon come his way.

There are two ways to form bonds among nobles: interests and blood ties. Blood ties, in particular, are considered a strong bond between families, unlike interests which can change with circumstances. There must be many noble families in the current northwestern faction who would like to become relatives with the Alquvist barony.

It was not surprising that the first proposal came from the Koenitz viscount's family, which was closest to Noein.

"Speaking of which, as I mentioned before, my youngest daughter… my fourth daughter, is still unmarried and has not decided on a partner. She is exactly the same age as you, 17, so I thought she would be a perfect match. What do you think? We could start with an engagement."

Arnold made a proposal that did not deviate from Noein's expectations by a millimeter. When asked "What do you think?" Noein had no immediate answer.

"Lord Koenitz, do you know about my situation?"

Noein glanced at Matilda, who stood diagonally behind him, maintaining a blank expression and not moving.

"Yes, I know. That you 'take very good care of' the beastgirl slave you always bring with you. But, you are a noble with a territory."

"Of course, I understand my role as the head of a noble family. I believe it is the duty of a noble to take a wife suitable for the position, have children, and ensure the peace of the next generation. In other words, I consider marriage an obligation, a job."

Noein indicated that he would take a wife as a duty of a noble.

"The only women I can take as a wife are those who understand and accept this idea of mine. And they must also accept Matilda. I hope you can understand this point."

"Yes, I can imagine that… I made this proposal with that in mind. I have already talked to my daughter about Lord Alquvist's character and convinced her."

Noein frowned at Arnold's phrasing. It's unlikely that a noble lady, even one who loves a beastgirl slave, would be eager to marry a man who already has a beastgirl slave.

"That… I may be overstepping, but wouldn't it be a bit pitiful for your daughter? I consider marriage part of my job, but I don't want to enter into a marriage that goes against the other party's will."

"That's not a concern. My daughter, being the fourth, has few opportunities to appear in social settings and is not tainted by the noble society. She does not have a particular aversion to slaves or beastgirls. In fact, she is unusually tolerant of status and racial differences for a noble lady."

When Noein indirectly asked if Arnold was seeing his daughter as a tool for a political marriage, Arnold responded this way.

In the northwestern region, which is tolerant of beastgirls, and given that Arnold, who usually brings Matilda, does not show aversion, it is likely that his youngest daughter is indeed as tolerant.

"Besides, I love my daughter and want her to live happily without any worries. I believe that Lord Alquvist will treat his wife with the utmost care, and I have told my daughter this to reassure her. Is it reasonable to expect this from you?"

"Of course, that's true, but…"

Noein, though somewhat twisted in character, is gentle with his subordinates and subjects. He is even considered too gentle by some, including Arnold, who evaluates him as a lord who cares for his subjects.

Noein, who would not belittle his wife even as a result of a political marriage, is the best choice for Arnold's beloved youngest daughter, considering his neighboring territory, future prospects as a noble, and solid character.

"…I believe you have already guessed that I want to build as close a relationship as possible with the Alquvist barony. I hope you can see this as my utmost sincerity."

Arnold continued, looking straight at Noein.

"If you marry my daughter, I will fully support the Alquvist family from now on. I will also tolerate all your un-noble behaviors. And I will act as a political shield to protect the Alquvist barony from any trouble. I want my daughter to have a peaceful marriage."

"…"

Noein thought. Indeed, Arnold's proposal was tempting.

The Koenitz viscount's territory, being the last line of defense for the Alquvist barony, would be a strong ally if the lord of that territory became a full supporter under the pretext of being relatives.

Moreover, the assurance that Noein would not receive complaints from his wife's family about keeping Matilda, the beastgirl slave, by his side was a welcome prospect.

"By the way, even without favoritism, my daughter is quite beautiful."

Noein thought it didn't matter but didn't say it out loud.

"…I understand. I cannot make a promise without meeting your daughter, but I am willing to consider the engagement positively."

Noein couldn't remain a single noble forever. This seemed like the right time.

With this in mind, Noein accepted Arnold's proposal.

"That's good… Then, shall we meet my daughter now?"

"Huh? N-now?"

Caught off guard again, Noein let out a strange sound.