Chapter 5

"I have inherited a title, so I can't spend my life as a bachelor. The ministers are being noisy, trying to match me with their daughters. I don't want to get involved in such political marriages. Besides, my relatives are rather presumptuous. When I was away on a campaign, they did as they pleased in my territory. I am a soldier, so when a war starts, I will go to the battlefield. Therefore, I want to entrust my territory to you while I'm away."

(Entrust my territory to me while I'm away?)

Shocked, she blinked in surprise at the unexpected words.

"Does this mean you trust me?"

"No, I have investigated your background, but I can't know your true character. However, given your status, I don't think you would commit major corruption. Of course, if you commit a crime in my territory, I will punish you accordingly. I have judicial authority in my territory. By the way, the maximum penalty for committing a crime in my territory is hanging."

He narrowed his eyes as if to intimidate her.

A chill ran down her spine. This man had run through countless battlefields. She instinctively understood that he was someone who could really kill.

"Also, if I have a wife from a noble family, my relatives won't be able to do as they please in my territory. In return, I will take on your family's debt and give you a generous allowance. It will be enough to buy jewelry and dresses. I won't let you live in poverty. During the social season, I will have an escort, so please come with me. After that, you can do as you please, whether it's shopping or attending tea parties. As long as you manage the territory properly, you can enjoy yourself in the capital. This is a contract and a transaction."

In other words, he chose a baron's daughter who could be easily controlled over a high-ranking noble's daughter. She couldn't help but grip her fan tightly.

"Does that mean I was convenient as a marriage partner?"

She knew it was impolite, but she couldn't stay silent.

"Yes."

He didn't even flinch. His voice was completely flat. Had he given up on something?

"By the way, I have no experience in managing a territory. What should we do?"

Ridel tried to set aside her emotions and move on to practical matters.

"Is that so? I heard you were a hard worker and managed this territory well. Anyway, it's fine. You can learn from now on, and I have a trustworthy steward in my household."

"Then, shouldn't you entrust it to a trustworthy steward?"

"They are commoners. They can't stop the tyranny of my noble relatives. During the last war, when I was away, my relatives fired servants at will and embezzled large sums of money. However, if I have a noble wife, it will be different."

Ridel's eyes widened in surprise. What terrible relatives.

"Are you asking me to stop them?"

Could she really stop such troublesome relatives? Would she be underestimated as a baron's daughter? She felt nothing but uncertainty about the future.

"If you become my wife, you can prevent my relatives from entering the territory. They prefer the capital. If they don't need money, they won't come to such a remote and cold territory. Consider the allowance I give you as a reward. If you fulfill your duties properly, I will give you appropriate recognition and even bonuses."

In other words, this was an employment contract under the guise of marriage. He was an employer in the guise of a husband. Rather than spending her life as a spinster in this house, eventually being sent to a convent, it might be better to accept his terms. If she set aside her emotions and considered it as a job rather than a marriage, it was quite a good deal.

"What if I get taken in by my relatives?"

He smiled thinly at the corner of his mouth. Ah, this man can smile, she thought. His expression was quite eerie and added to his intimidating presence...

"My relatives won't do such a roundabout thing. They will try to exclude you rather than take you in. I hope you keep this matter confidential, whether you accept or reject this marriage. It's a matter of family honor."

She felt pressure from the marquis in front of her. It felt as if the temperature had dropped by five degrees. She understood perfectly well even without such pressure. She valued her life and wouldn't say anything.

He is quite different from Gilbert. Gilbert is gentle, but the marquis is large and handsome. Despite his beautiful features, his coldness and fearfulness stand out more. He is scary whether he is silent or smiling.

"I absolutely won't say anything. Even if I did, who would believe me? They might think I am unjustly defaming the marquis family."

He is rumored to be a battle maniac, indifferent to women, and called the 'Ice Marquis' for his lack of charm. On the other hand, he is highly regarded for his military achievements and trusted by the nobility. It's obvious whose word would be believed. A baron's daughter is nothing more than a twig.

"I appreciate your understanding."

He said this and then closed his mouth. His face was stern and seemed emotionless.

The marquis family owns vast territories. Honestly, the burden is too much, and I want to refuse, but my uncle, the head of the family, is enthusiastic, making it impossible.

If I had a cousin five years older, he might have been on my side. But now, I have no one to rely on.

The marquis, once the conversation was over, left quickly, leaving a wedding gift for Ridel. He was like a sudden blizzard.