Chapter 4

Although I don't understand the reason, Lord Margrave seems to desire a normal marriage with a woman, not a man, and has declared that he will marry me, and it appears he is really making various preparations for it.

No, I'm not against it.

While Lord Margrave gives off an overbearing aura, he just lacks a bit of charm and words, but he does what he should do.

Since coming to the Margrave's territory, I have been spending my time very comfortably.

I have also reunited with everyone from the Viscount's territory, and we have a new goal of building a new town.

Every day is fulfilling.

But, is it really okay for me?

"These are the engagement documents, the arrangements with the Viscount's family and your mother, and the marriage certificate. They were sent all at once, so I prepared the documents in advance."

With a rustling sound, I was handed several types of documents, and after confirming each one, I signed them.

What surprised me was the relationship with my mother.

I can still meet my mother in the future, but I will be completely cut off from the Viscount's family.

"I hope you don't take it badly... but, my divorced mother is a commoner. If she is in financial trouble and comes to ask for money, it won't be too difficult."

Since we are building a hot spring town, I can give her a house there and ask the Evans to keep an eye on her.

As long as she doesn't have a negative impact on me, it's fine to meet her freely.

"But it's not that simple with the Viscount's family."

Even if the Viscount's family is in decline, they still have a territory and a significant number of subjects.

The amount of debt a commoner can create is different from that of a noble.

Even if my mother squanders a lot of money, if the payment is delayed after selling a few high-value jewels, the other party will become wary. Even if my daughter marries into the Margrave's family, my mother, being a commoner, will be abandoned.

"The Viscount's territory is already in decline due to the loss of excellent talent. If the Viscount's territory goes bankrupt, it is expected to incur a debt equivalent to about a quarter of the annual budget of the Armulcus Margrave's territory."

Even if we estimate it at a quarter, the debt will increase if they struggle. But my father will probably run away rather than struggle.

The worst outcome I can see is that the debt will continue to grow if left unchecked.

The problem with leaving it alone is that if unrelated debts are mixed in or assets are taken, it will be too late to notice.

It would be less damaging to give up and deal with it early, but thinking that things will improve if I wait a little longer will only make it worse.

"If Miss Hadley wants to help her father, she should immediately make him retire and appoint a more capable successor, but it's quite complicated because the Viscount has a son."

First, proving that the Viscount and his successor have problems will take a lot of time and effort.

It would be easier to punish him if he committed a clear crime, but my father is a gentle and timid man. He avoids any trouble, such as dealing with illegal drugs or smuggling.

"I hope I can continue to have a relationship with my mother, but I don't care about my father."

"Of course. Just from reading the report... it's terrible. I'm glad Miss Hadley doesn't resemble him."

"I'm told I look like my mother. As for my personality... according to Evans, I resemble my paternal grandfather who passed away early."

He was a very reliable person, but he and my grandmother passed away early, and as a result, my father inherited the family at the age of twenty.

"Lord Margrave is only twenty-two, right? You inherited the family quite early."

Parents passing away early, getting married young, or inheriting the family due to family circumstances can happen, but the Margrave's territory is stable.

If I tilt my head in wonder, wondering if there's a special reason, a convincing answer comes back.

"I couldn't do my work in the capital because I was busy with trivial matters, so I returned to the Margrave's territory."

I see. Even as a child, he was targeted by many perverts. The period when he grew from a boy to a young man would have been a time when perverts would be overjoyed and eager to take advantage.

"Since I spend more time in the Margrave's territory, and I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to attack the Margrave himself, I also inherited the family."

I understand. Being a child, even if he is an adult, he is still a child. Even if the culprit is caught, it's difficult to impose severe punishment. But if someone tries to do something inappropriate to the Margrave himself, they will immediately be sent to jail, and in some cases, their head might be cut off on the spot.

"My parents are busy moving around in the capital. They are so energetic that it's a problem. You'll meet them eventually, but they are not bad people."

"Is it really okay for me?"

"Originally, my parents proposed this match. They were aware of the Viscount's family's problems and judged that our family could handle it. I also think so. Is there anything else you're worried about?"

I think about it.

There's no point in me worrying about the Viscount's family. Even if they rely on me, there's nothing I can do.

So.

"Can I get along well with Lord Margrave?"

"Hmm. First, you should change the way you address me."

The way I address him... After marriage, I will be a member of the Margrave's family.

"Sir?"

I turned bright red instantly. I was terribly flustered. It's amusing.

"That, that's, very, very good... but, first, call me by my name."

"I will call you Lord Ardan."

"Right, right. Can I call you Hadley too?"

"Of course. Hehe, changing the way we address each other makes me feel a bit closer."

After that, I continued to check and sign the documents. Once the documents are verified and approved by a specialized agency in the capital, my status will change from Viscount Rynx to Margrave Armulcus.

If I am divorced by Lord Ardan, I will be left homeless, but somehow... I don't think it will come to that.

Unfortunately, my father is completely and utterly untrustworthy.

Anyway, after finishing the document checks, I finally got a moment to rest... but.

"Let's confirm the engagement ceremony and the schedule for the trip to the capital while having tea."

I was handed new documents, and I couldn't help but smile awkwardly.

Since coming to the Margrave's territory, I have been spending my time relatively leisurely, but suddenly my schedule has become busy.

That said, it's not to the point where my sleep is being cut short. I am still eating three meals a day.

The events on my schedule include discussions about the hot spring town and studies about the Margrave's territory. I also learned to dance because we will be going to the capital at the end of summer.

I can't dance at all, and when I was told to move my body slowly to the music... I was completely lost. The dance instructor was also at a loss, but I was even more confused.

I never thought I would be this bad at dancing.

When I tried to dance with the instructor, my body wouldn't move, and I was fumbling around when Lord Ardan came to check on me.

"Lord Ardan, it's an incident! It's been discovered that I am unbelievably bad at dancing!"

"That's not an incident. You'll get used to it with a little practice. Here, let me help. I'll decide the direction we move in. You just need to walk slowly in the direction I guide you."

I try to move on my own, which confuses me and makes me unable to move.

I see.

If I empty my mind and just follow Lord Ardan... I can do it, I think I can do it, it's amazing.

The instructor also said, "There won't be a problem with a slow song. Your feet will be hidden by the dress."

"What if I have to dance with someone other than Lord Ardan?"

When I asked if there was any secret strategy, he firmly said, "You don't need to dance with anyone else."

"I won't dance with anyone else either."

"But what if I can't refuse someone?"

"Even if there is, we are newly engaged, and it's Hadley's first ball. I can act jealous."

Is that okay?

Even if it's not, to be honest, I can't imagine dancing with anyone else.

"Then, please don't leave me alone, okay?"

Lord Ardan nodded, slightly blushing and covering his mouth with his hand.

The engagement ceremony is just a simple exchange of vows at a chapel within the territory, but we will be in formal attire, so I was polished up from morning.

I'm getting used to the full regalia of a noble lady.

And Lord Ardan was even more beautiful than the polished version of me.

No, everyone compliments me, saying I am cute and beautiful... but Lord Ardan's beauty is on a different level. It's like a work of art.

He smiled at me.

What, what, what is it? Is there something wrong?

When I looked at Kat, she whispered,

"Don't worry, you look very cute. That's a satisfied smile from seeing Lady Hadley in her own colors."

In the noble society, it's common to wear dresses and accessories in the colors of one's fiancé, but Lord Ardan has black hair and eyes. Wearing all black would look like mourning, so he added other colors to make it more vibrant.

Today, for the engagement ceremony, a light cream fabric was layered on top, so from a distance, it looked like a cream-colored dress.

I have a reserved... no, modest atmosphere, so light colors suit me better. Lord Ardan's black is handsome and impressive, but it's difficult to use in a dress, and the designer struggled.

"Since Lady Hadley is finally the Margrave's fiancée, we will work with other stores to create something suitable!"

A madam about the same age as my mother clenched her fists.

Thanks to her, I now have not only everyday clothes but also outfits for tea parties and balls. Lord Ardan's true color is jet black, but depending on the design, he also uses deep blue, purple, and vermilion.

"Hadley, let's go."

I was escorted to the carriage.

After the engagement ceremony, we will head to the capital. It's a two-week carriage journey.

On the last long trip, I hardly left the carriage, but this time, I hope I can enjoy the scenery a bit.

"Hadley, you are cuter than you realize, so don't wander around town alone. Always go with me or with Kat and the guards."

In the carriage on the way to the capital, I nodded at Lord Ardan's words.

"Putting aside whether I'm cute or not, I know what can happen to a noble lady who looks like she has money. I've been warned about this a lot in the Viscount's territory."

Don't go out alone. If a stranger approaches you, don't follow them. Even if you know them, don't follow them. Only accept things when Mr. Tilson the tax officer or Miss Deena is present. Don't drink or eat anything you receive on the spot.

"I'll try to stay with Kat and Meryl as much as possible."

"That's good. I intend to be with you, but... we have to greet the lords of other territories as we pass through."

Even if the lord is in the capital, if we are invited to a dinner party by someone related to them, we can't refuse.

If I am invited, I will go, but Lord Margrave will decide based on the person.

"Some of them are womanizers. For invitations from people with bad reputations, say you are 'tired from the journey.' Stay at the hotel with Kat and the others."

"I will."

I have never left the Viscount's territory, so I have never spoken to other nobles. The only one is Baroness Tausig, but she is a special case and not a good reference.

I think I will eventually get used to it, but if I am suddenly left alone, I will probably freeze up like a statue.

Maybe because my first long trip was quite harsh, this trip was very enjoyable.

First, the carriage is different. The seats are soft with cushions and a blanket. I can open the window to see the scenery, and Kat and Meryl prepare tea and snacks every time we take a break.

We don't camp out, but stay in nice inns in larger towns, and I even get to take a bath, which is a luxury.

I feel like a real noble lady.

"Miss Hadley is a genuine, undeniably noble lady."

Kat said, sounding exasperated.

"Meeting the people from the Viscount's territory, I understand why Miss Hadley grew up to be such a lovely lady."

Even Meryl.

"But I understand the feelings of the people from the Viscount's territory. This... can't be left alone."

"I can understand why Lord Margrave fell for you."

"Fell for me... really? With him?"

"I know I'm not disliked, but I don't feel particularly liked either..."

"Lord Margrave is cold to women due to childhood trauma. It's almost a miracle that he can even have a conversation."

Yeah, the initial hurdle was very low.

But if I am even a little liked, I can feel at ease in the Armulcus Margrave's territory.

I was planning to do my best on my own, but now I want to protect the life of everyone who came from the Viscount's territory.

The smooth journey ended, and seeing the capital for the first time, I was overwhelmed.

There are so many people. So many houses. So many shops.

"This street only has large stores because carriages can pass through. Let's go shopping at least once while we're in the capital."

I would like to go shopping... but I don't have much money. But even just looking around might be fun.

The carriage continued to run smoothly and finally arrived at the Margrave's residence in the capital.

Nobles with territories often have residences in the capital and keep people there to sell their territory's specialties and to relay trends and information from the capital to their territory.

Information about epidemics and natural disasters doesn't reach the territory. In the Viscount's territory, my father was in the capital, but he was completely useless. He didn't try to sell the Viscount's crops or look for hints for industrial development. He just stayed in the capital... and created a mistress, destroying the family.

At least he could have worked somewhere, but he didn't have the connections to work in the palace, the talent to become a knight, and he said it wasn't a place for nobles to work like a government office.

What can he even do, that useless man.

I'm so glad I escaped from that house.

"Hadley, take my hand."

Supported by Lord Ardan, I got out of the carriage, and there was a beautiful building. I couldn't even imagine how many rooms it had. The castle in the territory is confusing, but this one... I might get lost if I walk alone.

"What a beautiful residence."

"Nobles are creatures of vanity. Even half of this would be large, but if it's too modest, we'll be looked down upon when we invite business associates."

Some people judge by the size of the residence, the number of servants, and the decorations like paintings and vases.

I was escorted to the side of the residence, and two women greeted me.

"Welcome, I've been waiting for you."

"When I heard that my brother agreed to get married, I couldn't believe my ears, but you are so cute, I understand."

Two women greeted me, probably the former Margrave's wife, Lady Lucia, and her sister, Lady Noe.

"Nice to meet you. I am Hadley, the daughter of Viscount Rynx..."

"Oh, you're already the bride of the Armulcus Margrave's family."

What?

I froze in the middle of my greeting.