Chapter 91

The audience had gone smoothly, and Leord tried to pass the time, but he was stopped by his father, the Duke, Beluga.

"Leord. Do you have any plans from now on?"

"No, not really. I was thinking of renting a room somewhere to sleep."

"I see. Then, let's go home together. Olivia is waiting."

"Mother? Alright, I'll get ready right away."

"Good. I'll be waiting."

Beluga smiled at Leord, who bowed, and turned to leave, but before he did, he added one more thing.

"Leord. Probably, when Olivia sees you now, she'll take you to a clothing store or something, so be prepared."

"…Huh?"

Beluga said something meaningful, but Leord, who didn't understand at all, was only confused.

While thinking about what those words meant, Leord headed to Beluga with Gilbert, Barbarotto, and Isabelle. As he got into the prepared carriage, Leord felt a slight discomfort in the space where he was alone with his father. With his mother, Olivia, he might find her a bit talkative, but he wouldn't feel suffocated. However, with Beluga, Leord always felt a sense of unease. He didn't think he was disliked, but he didn't believe they had reconciled.

When he lost the duel to Sieg and was sent to the border, Beluga had looked at Leord with a mix of anger and exasperation. Because of that, Leord couldn't shake off the memory, and he found Beluga a bit difficult to handle.

He could manage when it came to work-related matters, but it was still challenging as a family. Leord vaguely wondered what they used to talk about in the past.

"…"

"…"

The small space of the carriage was dominated by silence. The awkward time continued, and just as Leord was about to try to start a conversation, Beluga spoke first.

"Leord. The achievements you've made, no, the historic feat, will likely become widely known."

"Yes, but is it really that significant? All I did was copy the magic circle from a book, after all."

"It might seem that way to you, but rumors tend to grow. You know that better than anyone, don't you?"

"Yes, indeed. So, Father, do you think people will believe I revived the teleportation magic?"

"Yes. If that happens… Leord, there will be people who will try to do something nefarious to get you."

"Really? I have no special abilities."

"It doesn't matter to those who don't know the truth. There's a risk that you'll be mistaken for a user of teleportation magic. Therefore, Leord, you should increase your guards."

"Really? I have Gilbert, so I don't think it's necessary."

"True, with Gilbert, you might not need more guards, but there's always the possibility of something happening. Besides, there's something else."

"More? What else could there be?"

"Many people have introduced their daughters to me, hoping to form a connection with you."

"Wh-What!? You mean, they want me to have a fiancée!?"

For Leord, this was an unexpected topic, and he couldn't help but show his true feelings. On the other hand, Beluga had somewhat anticipated this. The historic feat Leord had accomplished would undoubtedly bring many benefits and earn him recognition from the royal family. Moreover, Leord had a past where he was accused of attacking his ex-fiancée, but it ended in an attempt. Therefore, the engagement was broken, and he was now free.

Many nobles, seeing this as an opportunity, had approached Leord's father, Beluga, to "sell" their daughters.

"So, Leord, there were some I couldn't refuse…"

"Y-You mean… the Fourth Princess?"

Beluga nodded guiltily, and Leord pleaded.

"Father! Can't you do something about this!!"

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do…"

"Th-That's terrible!!"

"Well, it's not so bad, is it? She's royalty, after all. Normally, this would be a match for Regulus, the next head of the family. Isn't it an honor?"

"Can I refuse…?"

"…"

"Father! Why are you looking away! Father, answer me!!"

"I wish for your happiness."

"If you really wish for my happiness, look me in the eye and talk!! Don't turn away!!"

"How dare you speak to your father like that!!"

"Father, please help me!!"

"But I'm telling you, she's royalty! No matter how much you dislike it, you have to meet her! What's the problem?

The Fourth Princess is not only beautiful but also intelligent, diligent, and compassionate. What's there to complain about!?"

"She's just putting on a show!! Father, you don't know her true nature, that's why you can say that!"

"You! How dare you be so disrespectful to the royal family…

Ah… Never mind. I understand that you're not enthusiastic about it."

"Ah! You understand, Father!"

"Yes. But you have to meet the princess."

"Ugh… Alright. But, Father, please don't interfere with this matter."

"Alright. But don't make comments like that again."

"I understand, Father."

Satisfied with Beluga's answer, Leord smiled broadly. Beluga, seeing his beloved son's smile for the first time in a long while, laughed.

"Hmm…"

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just been a while."

Leord, who had no idea what "a while" meant, just tilted his head in confusion. Beluga, lost in thought, wondered when it had been since they had such a lively conversation and laughed together.