Chapter 7

"Here are the detailed terms of the engagement contract."

Logan said this as he took out a piece of parchment. Amelia felt relieved.

(I’m glad I learned how to read…)

The literacy rate in this country is not particularly high. While it is common for nobles to have tutors and learn to read and write, commoners often struggle with even basic reading and writing.

Thanks to her mother, Sophia, who taught her to read and write from a young age, Amelia, despite not receiving much formal education, could read and write at a level comparable to a typical noble.

(Thank you, Mother…)

She silently expressed her gratitude to her deceased mother.

"I will read it."

She took the parchment and began to read its contents.

"Hmm, hmm… I see…"

1. This engagement is formal, but the marriage agreement will be submitted to the royal palace.

(We need proof that we are married from an outside perspective.)

This is not a problem.

2. The wife, Amelia, will strive to maintain the dignity of the Hernberg family. Apart from behaving as a wife in public, no specific duties will be assigned.

(This… means that as long as I do my best at social gatherings and parties, I can do as I please…!?)

It seemed like a dream. At her parents' house, her father often pushed paperwork on her, and she had to cut into her sleep to handle it. She had experienced the fear of dying from overwork more than once or twice.

Therefore, the condition that she did not need to do any work outside of public appearances was like a gift from heaven for Amelia.

"What are you looking so excited about…?"

She bowed to Logan, who tilted his head, and then returned to her usual expression to continue reading.

3. In principle, neither party will interfere with the other, and they will have separate rooms.

(This is only natural, considering the reason for Logan’s engagement.)

She felt a little disappointed, but it couldn’t be helped. The rest of the contract detailed matters such as the wedding ceremony and general rules within the mansion.

After finishing reading, she turned her gaze back to Logan.

"May I ask a question?"

"What is it?"

"Is one meal included?"

"Why would one meal be the assumption? You should eat three meals properly."

"Three meals too! Thank you, thank you…"

"You’re a strange one…"

"Also, is there any kind of allowance for helping out? I know it’s a bold request, but I need some money to buy necessities…"

"You don’t need to do any work. We will cover those expenses. We will assign a dedicated servant to you, so just let them know what you need."

"Are you sure it’s okay to be so generous…!?"

"…? It’s only natural, since you’re my wife, right?"

At her parents' house, if she didn’t complete her father’s paperwork by staying up all night, she wouldn’t even get undergarments. Compared to that, this was like heaven.

Seeing Amelia’s radiant aura of joy, Logan asked curiously,

"By the way, weren’t you given anything of value from your family? I thought that was common."

"No… not really. Just this luggage."

"Only these two trunks and a bag?"

"Yes."

"What’s inside?"

"Well… mainly books and, um… no, personal items…"

She almost said "weeds." It would be awkward for a lady to have a lot of weeds and herbs in her luggage when moving in.

"…I see. You have less than I imagined."

Logan couldn’t possibly imagine that, despite being a baron’s daughter, she had been confined in a separate building and given nothing.

"Finally… this is the most important question…"

Amelia asked Logan with a hesitant but determined look in her eyes.

"C-can I pick flowers and weeds from the garden…!?"

"……………What?"

After a long pause, Logan tilted his head, his face clearly saying, "What are you talking about?"

"I saw it briefly from the carriage, but the plants in the garden of this mansion are very… um, quite impressive. Although it’s not a proper interest for a lady, I have a keen eye for nature. I want to collect various things. Of course, I won’t touch the well-maintained flower gardens! If there are any areas that aren’t well-maintained, I would be very…"

"Alright, alright, alright, alright."

Logan held up his hand to stop her, clearly overwhelmed by the amount of information she was giving.

"As long as it doesn’t affect the appearance, you can do as you please."

At his words, Amelia’s face lit up with joy.

"Thank you, it will be very helpful!"

(With this, even if the food supply is cut off, I can survive…!!)

While Amelia felt relieved for a different reason, Logan sat down on the sofa, looking exhausted.

"Are there any more questions?"

"No. Thank you very much for the generous treatment."

"I think it’s a very standard treatment… but, does the contract seem acceptable to you?"

"Yes, there are no issues."

In fact, she wondered if she was too fortunate. Compared to the cold, isolated building where she was barely given firewood, this was like heaven.

She looked directly at Logan’s face and bowed deeply.

"I would like to accept this engagement."