Chapter 20

It was a request for a dispatched unit due to an increase in monsters, but now that they could use the “??” (Gyeomgi, presumably a special ability or power), there was no need to request cooperation at the conference table.

However, the fact that they had to visit the central region remained unchanged. It was necessary for the purpose of marriage registration. In that place, Raygrain might encounter his fated counterpart, Erena Nettli.

Upon going to the central region, he would surely meet that person – Erina Nettrey. As planned, Raygrain would shake hands with her for the first time. He mentioned feeling some emotion when holding Erina’s hand. Even though that emotion depleted after each expedition, Raygrain found himself drawn to Erina each time he finished a mission.

While there were many differences from the original, whenever Erina appeared, some elements remained unchanged. The only difference this time was that she was accompanying him. If Scheuer appeared as the Duchess of Blenga, there was no way Erina in Nettreiga would stay quiet. Especially considering Scheuer’s strained relationship with Blenga and her past attempt on the life of the next Duke.

“Well, what can you do?”

If it doesn’t work out, it’s better for me. There was also a determination to step forward without hesitation. While she might not do it if it were herself, if someone tried to attack Raygrain, Scheuer would never stand idly by. With Scheuer’s combat strength seemingly increasing even in imagination, she reaffirmed her commitment to protect him. Even if it meant being a stumbling block for Raygrain, who might be an obstacle, there was no hesitation.

The real issue was if he happened to develop feelings for Erena. Unrequited love’s end was nothing but death.
As Scheuer classified flowers, she asked Celly,

“Celly, the Duchess should be able to thrive in the northern region, right?”
Celly replied,

“Ah, please don’t worry too much. Since Your Excellency has safely gone on a subjugation mission, it should be fine.”

While providing an answer, Celly efficiently separated ribbons and wrapping paper from the bouquet and handed them to Scheuer. Scheuer, standing by her side, smoothly inserted them into the album.

“Relda seems to have some knowledge about the former duchesses…”

Scheuer recalled his words during the meeting. Although she had never seen the former duchesses in person, it seemed Relda had a different perspective. Scheuer held a peony in her hand. Due to the passing day, the slightly withered peony was regaining its vitality in Scheuer’s hands. As she shook the blooming peony, petals scattered lightly into the air. Like scattering paper flower powder, they spread over Scheuer’s head. At least, she could make blooming flowers thrive in harsh environments.

Gathering withered flowers, she planned to revive them and create a garden. A garden filled with flowers she cultivated, strong enough to thrive in the northern region. At least, when Raygrain returned, she could embrace him in a garden full of flowers.

Determination gleamed in Scheuer’s eyes.

***

“Celly, if your arm hurts, it’s okay to take a break.”

“Celly, if your arm hurts, you can take a short break.”

“No. Thanks to Lady Schuer, our lord can now go on punitive expeditions. I can’t slack off with just this much work.”
Celly stacked albums with determination.
Countless flowers passed through her hands.

Each time she revived withered flowers, their vitality was clearly felt.
The flowers regenerated by her hands gained unique abilities.
One by one. Despite the drawback of taking a long time due to the need for meticulous care.

Concerned about her skipping meals and being immersed in flower arrangements, Blenga flowermaids gathered to assist her.

“Miss, if you read aloud, I’ll transcribe it for you.”

“I’ll handle the sorting if Peyton writes.”

With Peyton and other maids entering her room, the space became cramped, with half filled with flowers and half with people.
Even the remaining knights, tasked with protecting the mansion, offered to transport flowers.

Celly, watching the flowers welcoming a new beginning in her hands, asked,

“It’s fascinating. Seeing so many flowers like this is a first, but it changes after passing through Lady Schuer’s hands.”

“Indeed. Someday, if we find flowers with healing properties, I want to present them to the Grand Duke.”

“As someone frequently on punitive missions, he’ll surely appreciate them.”

Celly and Peyton exchanged glances without her noticing.
One day, a Southern belle arrived, carrying a chicken, and unexpectedly began to thaw the frozen mansion.
For a year, the estate had been frozen since Raygrain lost all emotions, and it was none other than Blenga who caused it.
Worries were already plenty due to Raygrain, who had to go on punitive missions in a situation where he couldn’t use a sword. Yet, even after returning injured, the Blenga residents consciously avoided him.

There weren’t many Southern belles eager to come to the turbulent North, even if there were heirs or betrothals. Taking charge of the North in place of the short-lived Blenga lord posed a challenge, even if it were a political marriage.
Knowing this, Peyton chuckled slowly and said,

“Hehe, we don’t know how fortunate we are to have Lady Scheuer here. Our lady has always been anxious due to the absence of a successor.”

Avoiding the expectant gaze of Peyton, Schuer glanced away. This wasn’t the kind of union with Raygrain.
Except for Jess, no one among the Blenga residents knew about this fact.

No one knew, and it wasn’t easy to explain, especially in a situation where Scheuer was openly expressing affection for Raygrain.

“Well, as long as the Grand Duke’s emotions return, everything should be fine.”

Scheuer, thinking it’s a good opportunity, asked the head of the household, Peyton,

“Peyton, I’d like to know more about the North. Is there any reference material?”

Peyton’s white beard trembled. Was it something he couldn’t reveal before the formal marriage?
Feeling urgency, Scheuer quickly added,

“I grew up in the South, so I don’t know much about the Northern situation! I shouldn’t make mistakes as I spend more time with the Grand Duke in the future.”

“Scheuer, lady”

As Peyton called her name, his usual warm smile graced his lips. His gentle voice continued,

“Not to mention, it’s time to discuss the succession delegation in place of the late Grand Duchess. I wondered when to bring it up.”

With a daisy in hand, Scheuer tilted her head, asking,

“The late Grand Duchess, the Grand Duke’s…?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Though I’m not talented, I’ve managed Blenga for generations.”

As Scheuer listened, she covered her mouth with both hands and exclaimed in delight,

“So… you’ve seen the Grand Duke’s childhood?”

“Of course.”

Approaching Peyton, who raised his head proudly, Scheuer pulled a chair and got closer.

“How was he? Adorable, right? His childhood portrait? Did he cry when he was born?”

Knights discreetly stepped back as Scheuer bombarded Peyton with questions.
Peyton responded with a small cough, hinting to calm down.

“First, let me explain the history gradually.”

As Scheuer wondered if she had asked too much at once, Celly let out a small sigh.

“Why is everyone acting like this?”

Scheuer rolled her eyes, surveying the atmosphere, and as if waiting, Peyton began to speak.

“When speaking of Blenga, our ancestors gained fame on the continent by wielding a sword before the founding of the Walker Empire. It’s said that when our ancestors held the sword, dragons roared, the sky aided, the earth split, and the sea…”

His voice sounded as if reading a book. The rapid pace of speech continued without a pause, pouring out the content. As he spoke, his pronunciation became distorted with intensified emotions.

“Smile Love”