Chapter 5

After driving the carriage for several hours, Logan Duke's mansion was located in a lush, verdant area away from the capital.

It was more like a palace... no, a castle.

"Amazing..."

Amelia couldn't help but mutter, sticking her head out of the carriage window like a country girl. She was awed by the scale of the Duke's residence.

The pure white castle, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight, and the fountain in the garden, modeled after a goddess from some myth, were breathtaking.

But most of all...

(Those are Flar flowers! They produce sweet nectar when squeezed, and they're delicious. There's also the king of salads, Jajal grass! It must be a valuable source of nutrition. What's that? I've never seen it before, but it must be a delicious herb from its appearance!)

The vast garden, incomparable to the Hagle family's, brought Voltage, a ten-year veteran of weed collecting, to the peak of excitement.

Although it was a somewhat remote area away from the capital, Amelia, who was not particularly comfortable in crowded city streets and more familiar with nature, found it a comfortable place to be.

"I have been waiting for you, Miss Amelia."

As soon as the carriage stopped, an elderly man, who seemed to be a servant, greeted her.

He had distinguished white hair and a white beard, and his slender build suited his butler's attire perfectly.

She hurriedly tried to take her trunk out of the carriage, but the man was already holding one trunk in each hand.

"O-Oh, that's heavy, isn't it? There are a lot of books in it... I'll carry it...!!"

"No, no, that is our job, so please don't worry."

"Ah... thank you..."

She bowed deeply, and the man momentarily looked puzzled. Before Amelia could wonder why, he smiled reassuringly and said,

"This way."

She was led into the castle, her excitement still palpable as she continued to look around.

The chandeliers were obviously luxurious, and the paintings were priceless. The marble floor was spotless, with beautifully colored flowers peeking out of vases here and there.

(They look delicious... but I shouldn't eat them.)

Due to financial constraints, her family had reduced the number of servants, so the cleaning was often lax. However, this mansion was immaculate from corner to corner, making her hesitate to walk in with her dirty shoes.

Coming from a dilapidated and smoky house, Amelia felt somewhat uneasy.

"Please wait here for the master."

The man bowed deeply and left, leaving her with two trunks and a bag.

(Duke Logan... what kind of person is he...?)

He was known as the "Cruel Duke."

Amelia, who had never attended social events, had no personal experience with him and had not heard any rumors. According to her stepmother and Erin, he was a cold, ruthless man who was arrogant and quick to resort to violence...

(Violence... as long as I don't die, it's okay... but I would at least like one meal...)

Due to the mistreatment she had received from her family and maids, Amelia was not as pessimistic as one might expect. Familiarity was a terrifying thing.

While waiting, she pondered what seemed to be an unreasonable set of expectations for a bride. After ten minutes,

"He's here."

The door creaked open, and she couldn't help but shudder. She turned around hesitantly—

"Logan Hernberg."

A man of extraordinary beauty stood there.