This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 287

That evening, Jared dined with members of Duke Rüdiger’s family. He had already met Hugo’s children and Lily’s mothers during his stay at the mansion.

Jared expressed his gratitude to Hugo for hosting this dinner before they departed Duke R’s territory the next morning. Pfeil was among those present.

“Jared, Ernesta, and Pfeil are benefactors who aided us during the recent crisis in our territory. We of Duke Rüdiger’s Family will never forget this debt. We will repay it!” the Duke declared, and the dinner party commenced.

Given the recent ghoul incident, it was more of a casual gathering than a formal dinner, with plain food served. Conversation flowed freely, unconcerned with strict etiquette. To Jared’s surprise, Pfeil’s manners were those of a seasoned human, and he conversed with Hugo’s wives, a smile on his face. When Jared quietly inquired, he was told, “Hmph. It’s a necessary skill to get close to nobles when you’re assassinating them,” as if it were obvious. The ladies enjoying their conversation had no idea the boy before them was an assassin.

After the meal, drinks, primarily alcoholic, were served. Jared and Pfeil, being underage, received tea. Ernesta, having fully recovered, was drinking wine with Lily and her mothers. Jared and Pfeil discussed combat with Hugo and his sons, and were formally introduced to Lily’s elder sisters and younger sisters.

“Unlike the Alway Ducal Family, this family seems to have a good relationship,” Pfeil remarked.
“…Don’t you dare say that in front of Olivier,” Jared cautioned.

Jared had thought the same thing but hadn’t voiced it. He sometimes envied Pfeil’s ability to speak his mind so freely, but he knew he lacked the courage to do so himself.

“Um, Lord Hugo?”
“Hm? What is it, Jared? Are you thirsty for some sake already?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s about Pfeil.”

Jared hesitated to ask why Hugo would casually introduce Pfeil to his family. Hugo, with a smile on his stern face, patted Jared on the shoulder, telling him not to worry.

“Some of my sons seem to realize Pfeil is no ordinary person, but they’re not fools. They won’t say anything unnecessary. Besides, they’re all straightforward people who can’t engage in subtle tactics. They were impressed by Pfeil’s skills after he participated in the ghoul extermination outside the main roads, so don’t worry.”

Jared noticed the eldest son, whom he had greeted earlier, talking rather animatedly with Pfeil. He was Hugo’s heir and reportedly an excellent swordsman. During the ghoul attack, he had commanded a unit, and after his father fell, he had given precise instructions to his brothers to ensure no one was left behind, while also participating in the extermination himself. He was highly trusted by his brothers and seemed well-suited to be the heir. He was polite and unpretentious, despite being the eldest son of the ducal family. He possessed a disposition similar to Hugo’s.

“He likes strong people—no, excellent people. And he likes those who work just as hard. Although he now leads the family’s knights, when he was in the Knights, he was a troublesome one, latching onto Harald like that.”

Duke Rüdiger and Duke Alway were not at odds but viewed each other as rivals. For the daughters of both families, it was a childish form of communication they found amusing, but men, no matter their age, remained children. It must not have been pleasant for Hugo, as a father, that his heir had become fond of a rival.

“Anyway, my point is, even if they found out Pfeil is a member of Waalthe, no one in my family would harm him for that reason alone. Frankly, since he has caused us no harm and is our benefactor, there’s no reason for him to be in any danger, so don’t worry.”
“That’s a relief.”
“However, Pfeil does seem quite troubled. Let’s go help him.”

Hugo approached Pfeil, who was struggling to maintain his composure amidst the attention of Hugo’s sons, with a wry smile. He then spoke to Lily, whispering something in her ear. Lily then approached Jared with Pfeil.

“It’s good you’re free. Your smile was a bit strained?”
“Shut up. Those warriors wouldn’t let me go for a while.”

Lily apologized to Pfeil, who wore a bitter expression.
“I apologize for my brothers. My father and they are all typical warriors, rather simple-minded. They seem to be interested not only in Jared but also in Pfeil. Especially since they heard Pfeil easily defeated ghouls with a bow and arrows, and is also adept with a sword. It seems to have piqued their interest even further.”

Hugo, laughing heartily with a drink in hand, and his sons, discussing their fight with the ghouls, appeared to be enjoying themselves. The Duke’s sons were all physically fit, in true warrior fashion, and handsome, bearing Hugo’s likeness.

“Hey, Jared… It’s a good thing you weren’t warmed up by my brothers, isn’t it?”

Imagining him being embraced by the naked men in their cold bodies, an indescribable emotion welled up within Jared. He found himself nodding in agreement to Lily. Pfeil, standing next to him, pulled out a small notepad and began writing something down.

“Hmm. Jared was warmed up by Lily Rüdiger, and possibly Ernesta Kaif.”
“…What are you doing?”
“I get paid for reporting this to Olivier. Thank you, Jared.”
“Hey! Assassin! Are you planning to put me in danger for a little pocket money?!”

Jared was stunned to learn that his information was being sold for mere pocket money and retorted, realizing another facet of Pfeil’s personality. Jared found himself worrying about the surprisingly smooth relationship between Olivier and the heirs of Waalthe. Lily, though murmuring “This is troubling,” somehow managed a smile.

“I’ll leave it to Jared to deal with Olivier’s scolding. But our mothers want to speak with you, so come over here.”

Jared was then guided by the arm towards the ladies, where he and Ernesta greeted the conversing women.

“I’m glad, Jared. It’s wonderful to see you well. Come this way.”
“Thank you.”
“Please join us, Pfeil.”
“Thank you.”

As they sat on the sofa, Lily’s mother spoke to Jared with a smile. Her face was flushed, perhaps from a bit of drinking.

“I wanted to speak with you again, Jared. Please, take care of my child, my daughter.”
“Yes, of course. I will assist Lily as her Secretary Officer.”
“No, I wasn’t talking about her position as Secretary Officer.”

Jared, assuming she was asking him to continue working with her daughter as Secretary Officer, felt a premonition and froze.

“We will speak to the Alway Ducal Family ourselves. Please, marry our daughter.”

He broke into a cold sweat upon realizing it was a proposal for her to become a consort. He tried to change the subject, but—
“Oh, Mother. Jared will convince me to become a consort through his own efforts, so don’t worry.”
“You’ve grown so much. I’m so proud of you, Lily.”
“…Um, it’s a bit awkward to be told that so frankly right in front of me?”

Jared had hoped Lily would intervene, but she declared her intention to become a consort right before him. Her mother, clearly intoxicated, was overcome with emotion at her daughter’s words.

“Hahaha, Jared, you look troubled. Well, it’s like a family motto of mine—what I want, I obtain fair and square.”
“Haa.”
“I understand your position, and I know you must have many doubts, but if my daughter can persuade Olivier, please do your best.”

Hugo, accompanied by his sons, reiterated his point. Furthermore, his sons also chimed in.
“Finally, our little sister’s spring has arrived. You would be a perfect brother-in-law, Jared. Please take good care of her!”

Jared could only offer a strained smile.
“Hmm, I see. Interesting.”

In a corner of Jared’s vision, Pfeil, who was taking notes, decided he would punch him later.