Chapter 11

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 11

Chapter Title: The Proposal Fulfilled

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The surroundings were in an uproar, everyone speculating wildly about what was going on, but Enoch swept back his hair, struck by the feeling that he already knew.

It was obvious. They must have brought the fulfillment of the proposal terms.

Even though her complexion wasn't great.

The fact that they'd sent all that in just half a day was proof she'd pushed herself too hard again.

Enoch handed the damp towel to a servant and headed toward the main mansion.

Sure enough, as he left the training grounds, his brows furrowed faintly at the sight of over a dozen carriages lined up.

One man who appeared to be the representative among the waiting Noblesse retainers stepped forward and bowed at the waist.

"Greetings. I am Denny Kayler, First Executor of Noblesse. You are Marquis Aratus, correct?"

Enoch nodded in affirmation as he took in the swarm of retainers pouring out behind him.

"Pleased to meet you. Have you come to fulfill the terms of the proposal?"

"That's right. The young lady insisted that not a single debt could remain before the marriage—she hounded us relentlessly about it. Haha. I hope I haven't arrived too early and caused any offense?"

"Not at all. You've come at just the right moment."

There was no need for lengthy explanations; they'd see for themselves soon enough. Amid the retainers glancing around nervously, Administrative Officer Konrad quickly stepped forward.

After a brief exchange of greetings, Konrad shot a look toward the carriages.

"I-I heard you've come to fulfill the proposal... Is that...?"

"Yes. The 100,000 gold kar you requested, along with the trading company documents."

100,000 gold kar—an amount equivalent to a full year's budget for an ordinary noble house.

And they'd prepared it in half a day!

The executor approached the baggage wagon at once and revealed the sacks brimming with gold coins inside.

The excited retainers carried out the verification process under the steward's direction. Exactly 100,000 gold coins.

"Oh, and regarding the interest rate—you mentioned there might be changes. The young lady said we absolutely cannot charge interest to her prospective fiancé. This is a letter she sent for you, Marquis."

"......"

Enoch, his expression tightening slightly, silently extended a hand toward the letter proffered by Noblesse's First Executor, Denny Kayler. Pretending otherwise was pointless; everyone's attention snapped to it.

The flower-scented stationery was sealed with wax bearing a single purple statice—the symbol of Agatha Noblesse—and the Noblesse crest.

Handing the proposal, now transformed into a contract, to the steward, Enoch turned his gaze to the letter.

A handwriting he'd never seen before: upright yet somehow soft and pliant.

"To my dear prospective fiancé."

"......"

He paused for a moment before slowly reading on.

"I hope you're not too surprised?

I figured it was best to settle this quickly, so I grabbed the administrative officer before he got too far.

Luckily, we wrapped up the processing yesterday—what a relief.

I've accepted all the conditions as you specified, except for the interest portion.

There were a few modifications, of course, but as you said yesterday, since we're getting married soon, we can skip the interest, right?

Preparations finished earlier than expected, so I should be able to get an audience with His Majesty within a few days.

I've arranged for you to enter the palace anytime, so please drop by whenever it's convenient.

Looking forward to the day we meet again.

From your fiancée.

P.S. I've heard the rumors circulating in the capital. Your relatives must be flustered by the sudden marriage proposal news?"

"......"

Unlike the two prior letters—polite and clearly ghostwritten—this one was astonishingly affectionate.

"Do all fiancés get this kind of treatment?"

"P-Pardon...?"

The retainers, who had been desperately craning for a peek at the letter, perked up their ears.

Enoch casually tucked the letter into his bosom and fixed his gaze on Noblesse's executor, Denny Kayler.

"Let's head inside the mansion and discuss the trading company."

"Yes. We've been waiting, Marquis."

At those words, the Aratus retainers clamped their mouths shut. They had endless questions, but the proposal matters took priority.

After the Noblesse retainers had verified the contract terms from the proposal and the other fulfillments and departed...

The steward and Aratus retainers trailed after Enoch as he entered the study.

Enoch set a fresh sheet of stationery on the desk and let out a long breath.

"We just confirmed you're getting married and offered our congratulations—what else could you possibly be curious about?"

The retainers seized the chance, clamoring at once: How did this happen? What's being exchanged for the betrothal? When's the wedding planned?

We've agreed on a separate mansion to live in together—they want security, and I want no mingling with my relatives—we'll respect each other and stick to the basics, and so on.

Enoch gave cursory answers, letting most of it go in one ear and out the other, then plunged the quill into the inkwell.

His hesitating hand finally penned the first line.

"To my dear fiancée."

The retainers' eyes bulged as if they might pop out—despite their barrage of questions, they'd been watching intently for any glimpse of the letter.

"M-Ma...!"

Thwack!

Fists from the steward and retainers slammed into Administrative Officer Konrad's side as he started to open his mouth tactlessly.

Enoch glanced at the groaning officer for a moment before issuing the dismissal.

"It seems none of you have any work to do."

"N-No, sir! We're leaving right now!"

The group fled in a panic.

Amid them, the sole survivor, Head Steward Ben, produced a new sheet of stationery and offered it.

"Master. Might I suggest using this for the letter?"

"......"

It was a sheet of clear blue stationery, thoroughly infused with a fresh, crisp scent—prepared who knew when.

Enoch silently regarded it, then set aside the first sheet and pulled the new one forward.

"To my dear fiancée.

The gift you so carefully prepared has arrived safely at House Aratus.

It must have been difficult to prepare in such a short time; I'm worried about my fiancée's health.

Please let me know the audience date, and I'll prepare accordingly.

From Enoch Aratus.

P.S. I hope this wasn't too sudden for you as well. I'll visit soon."

He'd tried to write in a neat, formal script. Ten years of scribbling hasty field dispatches had left him with a habit of rough strokes, even after returning to the capital.

"Does it look too rough?"

"No. It's the gentlest of your recent letters."

At the old steward's testimony, Enoch sealed the letter and stamped it with his seal.

"Deliver this to the Lady of Noblesse."

"Yes, Master."

The steward accepted the letter with a bow, then bowed once more to report.

"Master, if I may overstep—when next you meet her, might you consider changing how you address her? You're to be betrothed soon, and the current formality troubles this old servant's heart."

"......I'll keep that in mind. And the flowers?"

"They should arrive today. I've summoned a skilled floral arranger."

Enoch thought for a moment before adding,

"It might be best if I select the types myself. Speak with him when he arrives."

"Yes, Master."

Steward Ben exited the study. The moment he closed the door and turned, the retainers—who he'd thought had left—were waiting for him.

"You haven't gone yet?"

"How could we leave after seeing that?"

Led by Administrative Officer Konrad, the retainers surrounded Ben.

They swallowed hard, staring at the letter in the steward's hand while stifling their presence to avoid being heard inside.

Ben tucked the letter naturally into his bosom and smiled.

"It doesn't seem like a mere political marriage."

"As we thought...!"

"Good for him. It's his first real romance since that time, isn't it?"

"Quiet. Why bring that up on a good day?"

The retainers—all except Ben—glared at the tactless deputy knight commander. The startled man quickly shut his mouth.

"Sorry."

"Never mind."

The retainers swiftly huddled around the steward, whispering.

"If the Lady ever comes to visit, you have to tell us. Got it? Promise?"

Agatha had been in high spirits lately.

She'd gotten the marriage she wanted, but in exchange, she'd taken on a mountain of work—the deal with the emperor still loomed, along with wedding preparations and negotiations with the Mainucor Empire.

Yet all of it became bearable the moment she pulled a single letter from her bosom.

Enoch Aratus

The stiff handwriting at the bottom of the deep blue envelope made her smile every time she saw it.

"He definitely pressed down hard on every stroke."

Indeed, skimming the contents revealed a script where the ends trailed off freely.

There was something oddly endearing about it.

Perhaps because of the traces of effort to restrain his raw, natural hand in places?

As Agatha savored the faint lingering scent and picked up her quill...

Knock knock.

"Come in."

Her close attendant maid entered with welcome news.

"Miss. Marquis Aratus is here to see you."

"Really?"

Agatha instructed her to escort him to the drawing room at once, then checked her attire with the maids' help.

Her golden locks, simply draped over a fresh aqua dress, fluttered like a veil in the sunlight.

"Is this alright?"

"You look beautiful enough already, Miss."

She touched up her makeup and swapped for flashier jewelry.

Exchanging low heels for slightly raised pumps, she headed to the drawing room.

"The young lady has arrived."

The moment the drawing room doors opened...

Agatha was left speechless by the sight before her—and the heady floral fragrance.

Dressed in splendid formal attire, his formerly tousled hair neatly combed back...

Marquis Enoch Aratus stood there, holding a bouquet so vast and lush it overflowed his broad arms.