Chapter 136: The Engagement
“Announcing the entrance of Count Baumgarten!”
The magnificent double doors before me opened, and my vision suddenly expanded. A solemn space, as if to display the kingdom’s prestige, leaped into my eyes. This was the audience chamber with the King.
A red carpet ran down the center, and on either side, the kingdom’s high-ranking officials were lined up. At the very end sat a middle-aged man wearing a brightly shining crown. The King of this country. Beside him, I could also see Claudia-san smiling brightly and Eleonore-san with a sharp expression.
I steeled myself and took a step forward. I was the only one summoned for this audience. Today was the day I would be evaluated on the development of the Baumgarten Territory.
For a timid mob character like me, this was an incredibly nerve-wracking situation. After all, it was my first time taking charge of a territory’s development.
I felt I’d done my utmost, but compared to the Royal Capital, it was still inferior in every way. You could say it’s a bad comparison, but I didn’t even know what level of development the King was expecting. It felt like I was endlessly trying to solve a problem with no discernible correct answer.
“Count Baumgarten, I have come in response to your summons.”
Just as Cassandra-san had taught me, I knelt about two meters from the raised platform where the King sat.
“Oh, you’ve done well to come, Count. I have received reports from my subordinates. It seems the Baumgarten Territory is undergoing remarkable development. I’ve heard the territory has expanded smoothly, and that you led adventurers to subjugate a Hydra. In agriculture, you’ve cultivated the specialty Dietria, attracted numerous merchants, and even discovered a gold mine. A splendid achievement. I commend you.”
“I am most honored by your praise. Discovering the gold mine was a stroke of good fortune.”
“Nonsense, luck is also a part of one’s ability. I hear the mine’s development is also proceeding smoothly. You work efficiently.”
“I have been blessed with good people. It is not by my strength alone.”
“Mm. Do not forget that sentiment.”
Although I was tense, the audience proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. Far from reprimands or even harsh words, he praised me unreservedly.
Just as I’d said, the territory’s development wasn’t my achievement alone. It was a result seized by everyone working together as one.
If possible, I wanted to convey the King’s words to everyone in the Baumgarten Territory. That’s what I thought.
“I judge that the Baumgarten Territory has developed to the point where it no longer requires sponsorship.”
No longer requires sponsorship…? Could it be that our aid will be cut off from now on?
However, my anxiety was dispelled by the King’s next words.
“Even without Margrave Huebner as your Guardian, the Baumgarten Territory should be able to stand on its own. As of today, the Guardian-Ward system between Huebner and Baumgarten is abolished.”
“Thank you very much. I will do my utmost to meet your expectations.”
“Mm. Continue to strive.”
Yes! With this, I’m completely independent from Huebner! Now I no longer have to listen to Huebner’s orders, nor will I be crushed due to joint liability. For me, this is a most satisfactory result.
“Since you have kept your promise, Count, I too shall keep my word. I shall have my daughter, Claudia, marry Count Baumgarten.”
The King wasn’t just paying lip service; he seriously intends to marry Claudia-san off to me?!
I had a feeling. I’d even heard from Cassandra-san that it was a possibility. But now that it was actually happening, my surprise and bewilderment were intense.
Me, really, with Princess Claudia…?!
“Count, I entrust my daughter to you.”
“Yes, sir! This is the greatest joy. I will definitely make Princess Claudia happy!”
“Mm.”
The King nodded deeply, and beside him, Claudia-san, blushing with teary eyes, was looking at me.
“Clau, you may go to him.”
“Is it alright?”
“Mm.”
Urged by the King, Claudia-san stood up from her chair and approached me.
“Princess Claudia…”
“Dee…”
I took Claudia-san’s hand and kissed the back of it.
“Congratulations, Elder Sister.”
“Congratulations.”
“Congrats.”
“My, what a well-matched couple.”
“Congratulations.”
“Joyous news.”
It seemed Eleonore-san and the kingdom’s high-ranking officials standing on either side of the red carpet were also congratulating us.
And so, Claudia-san and I were engaged.
◇
Well, I’m engaged to Claudia-san now, but… how am I supposed to explain this to Cornelia and Lily?
Cornelia was the one who had such an emotional outburst when I married Cassandra-san. I was terrified she might explode again this time.
However, it seems my engagement to Claudia-san will be announced publicly in a big way soon. I can’t keep it a secret from Cornelia, and I don’t want to do something so dishonest.
“What am I supposed to do…?”
It’s not that I’m dissatisfied with my engagement to Claudia-san. I’m a lucky guy to be engaged to such a beautiful girl with a kind heart.
However… when I think about Cornelia’s feelings…
Besides, I also know that Lily wants to marry me.
“I thought marriage was supposed to be something unconditionally happy…”
A heavy sigh escaped me in the carriage on the way back from the royal palace…