The Duke's Daughter and the Ugly Noble Move Forwards

Chapter 7

Love, devoid of calculation, seeks no return.

If that's true, can love blossom from a relationship born of calculation?

Never having loved, I know not the joy of being cherished.

I love you, and I wish for your love in return.

Is this yearning a shrewd calculation, or pure, unconditional love?

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When we first started living together, I was constantly failing as I kept trying in vain to help Leon recover.

I was mocked because of my failures. When I got angry about being laughed at, Leon would always cover his mouth and apologize. It became somewhat a usual routine for us.

It was ironic that my failures pleased him more than my enthusiastic efforts.

Under the guise of a sanatorium, skilled doctors were dispatched from the royal capital. While the official aim was to pass the national inspection and improve the facility's reputation, the true goal was Leon's treatment.

At first, Leon was reluctant to go out, but when I teased him,

" You are still a child after all!"

he pouted and complied reluctantly.

With proper treatment, a significant improvement in his condition is expected. He's still young; it's too early for him to give in despair.

Next, I inspected the site with him under the pretext of checking the work, and we entered the hot springs for a practical test.

To my surprise, Leon had never used the hot springs on his own estate. It's would be laughable that a lord who owns a land known for it's hot spring therapy had never experienced it himself.

Since we started living together, I took care to monitor his diet and bedtime. After I managed to burn a few pots while cooking, we decided it was best for me to plan the meals while Leon did the cooking.

When he couldn't sleep due to nightmares, I kept him company. Since that day, Leon hasn't gone berserk even once.

I'm delighted to see his complexion improve and he become more expressive with his emotions.

As Leon ventured out more, people began to recognize him. This gradual exposure was essential for gaining the support of the citizens.

Although the days were busier than ever, it strangely didn't feel burdensome.

As the season began to change in the Bartfault territory, only a month remained until the inauguration of the sanatorium.

[T/N- as you can I see I used the word 'sanatorium' twice instead of hot spring because Angie's plan was to promote this faculty as more of a healing faculty Rather than enjoyment purposes. By the way sanatorium means A facility or institution for the treatment of chronic diseases or for recuperation. It's often associated with rest and medical care, especially for those suffering from long-term illnesses or recovering from medical procedures.]

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"I want to retire already."

"Before you talk about retirement, tend to your responsibilities as a lord."

In a room within the Bartfault estate, not at the separate residence, Leon and I had such a conversation.

It was inconvenient to conduct the inauguration preparations at the separate residence, so lately, I've been spending more time at the estate to oversee the arrangements.

[T/N - to promote their hot spring Angie and Leon will have big party and party will held at newly renovated Leon home, so Leon-Angie are at the main Bartfault residence to prepare]

Since Leon also participates as the host, he heads to the estate after breakfast and returns home after finishing his work.

The Bartfault family, relieved to see Leon's recovery, expressed their gratitude one by one.

I merely arranged the environment. The real Leon is kind and strong, albeit a bit complainy.

Today's task is to finalize the costumes for the inauguration ceremony.

We're preparing Leon's formal attire with the help of a Redgrave family's appointed tailor from the capital.

Leon thoroughly detested being touched all over by the tailor for half a day and then being treated like a dress-up doll in front of the mirror.

After a rough consultation, when Leon saw the price of the clothes, his expression showed surprise.

"Nobles really spend that much on clothes. The price of one outfit could feed the our Bartfault family for several months."

"It's necessary. Dressing up is an important aspect of nobility."

I explained to Leon, who didn't seem entirely convinced. This is also to groom him as a lord.

"Hey, Leon. What do you think is the most essential thing for a lord?"

"Isn't it to ensure the people in your territory don't starve?"

"That's just the ultimate goal. What I'm asking is, 'What qualities are required of a lord to prevent their people from starving?'"

"Well, I understand it's not about brute strength."

"The answer is 'the ability to make money.' At least, in times of peace, this is arguably the most important."

"What do you mean?"

Leon tilted his head. Having grown up in the financially challenged Bartfault family, where the head even harvested food himself, and having joined the military to make a living, he knows a lot about farming and military matters but is still immature when it comes to economics.

"To earn money from your territory, you have to produce, redistribute it to your people, not starving them but giving them a moderate amount of freedom. Ultimately, if you can do this, you're a good lord, regardless of whether you're lascivious or violent. But even if you're a good person, if you starve your people and deny them their rights, you fail as a lord."

I pointed my finger at Leon.

"And importantly, 'trust' is crucial for making money. If people don't trust you, deals won't happen."

"Does that justify spending money on clothes?"

"People tend to judge others by their appearance. Would you believe a profitable deal proposed by someone in shabby clothes?"

"I probably wouldn't."

"That's the point. Especially discerning nobles can accurately infer one's economic status from their attire."

"That's scary. I want to retire even more now."

"Don't joke. We're in a position to 'recommend' what's best. Even to sit at the negotiating table, we need to present ourselves decently, even if it means making superficial changes."

The attire and look was set, and after finishing our conversation, I placed the makeup kit upon the table.

"Do I really have to do this?"

"It's necessary to earn the trust of our guests. Please bear with me."

Leon's facial scar tends to intimidate those who see it. But with makeup, while it can't completely hide the scar, it can soften its impact considerably.

I tried various cosmetics imported from the capital, searching for a method that satisfies the need.

Reluctantly, Leon sits in the chair, and I approach with a sponge soaked in foundation.

"Be gentle."

"Don't worry, I'll make it look good."

As I'm about to apply the sponge, a ripple of doubt crosses my mind.

Why do we need to hide the scar?

Leon's scar is a testament to his struggles in life. If we consider it ugly, it's a denial of his very existence.

Even if everyone else despises him, I alone will continue to proclaim his beauty.

In that moment, a revelation strikes me.

"Angie?"

Leon looks at me with a puzzled expression as I rush out of the room and call out to one of the Bartfault household servants waiting just outside.

"Fetch the artisan back immediately! They should still be at the port! Tell them we have additional orders! If they refuse, offer to pay a special fee!"

As the servant hurries off to summon the artisan, I recall the design of the ordered ceremonial attire.

I can't believe I overlooked something so simple. I can't afford to laugh at Leon's inexperience anymore.

"What's going on?"

"Apologies, it's my mistake. We need to redesign the ceremonial attire from scratch."

The artisan returns, and I spread out the catalogs and fabric samples they left behind.

"I envisioned a design that harmonizes with Leon and me , using the finest materials. It's meant to showcase the cooperative relationship between the Bartfault and Redgrave houses."

"That's true. Considering we're borrowing money from them."

"If this were a ceremony in the capital hosted by the Redgraves, it would be fine. But since it's a ceremony organized by the Bartfaults and held in a borderlands, it's a problem."

I explain it clearly to Leon, who still seems a bit lost.

"If we proceed as planned, it will be obvious that the Redgraves are pulling the strings while the Bartfault family remains subordinate. That could lead to resentment among guests from neighboring territories."

"So we're changing the attire?"

"Exactly. Having 'intimidating' presence can also be seen as having 'dignity.' Therefore, I'll opt for a dress that's vibrant and incorporates current trends for myself, while keeping Leon's attire simple. This way, it will appear as if the flashy me is supported by the dignified Leon."

After finishing the explanation, Leon tilts his head in confusion. He understands the logic but may not be fully convinced.

"I don't want to stand out too much."

At this crucial moment, he still speaks passively. I place my hands on his shoulders.

"Listen, Leon. Have confidence in yourself. Don't belittle yourself. Assert yourself as the protagonist. Fool the world by saying, 'I am a hero.'"

I gaze into his eyes.

"Above all, I truly believe that Leon Fou Bartfault is a man worthy of respect."

So, you too, should take pride in yourself.

"I got it. If you put it like that, I have no choice but to do it."

"Yeah, let's surprise everyone."

And so, we began to revise the ceremony from scratch.

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"I just want to go home."

"Just endure for a few more hours."

Even on the day of the ceremony, he's still saying the same thing. Give up already.

After making the necessary adjustments to the ceremony, we finally reached this day.

It was truly exhausting to persuade Leon every time, whether it was for speech rehearsals or remembering the faces of the guests.

But despite his complaints and grumbling, he never once tried to run away.

From his determination to fight to the end even in war, I can see that at his core, he's a serious man.

"That ceremonial attire suits you well."

"Thank you."

"What do you think?"

As I ask, Leon spins around before me.

"What do I think?"

He seems clueless about what I'm asking. With an exaggerated sigh, I cross my arms and glare at him.

"In situations like this, it's proper manners to at least give a compliment like 'You look beautiful' to a woman."

"Ange always looks beautiful."

...I take back what I said earlier. Maybe this guy is actually quite skilled at wooing women.

"...Did you take your medicine?"

"I took it right in front of you."

"Remembered your speech?"

"You made me recite it until I memorized it."

"Then you'll be fine."

With that, I offer my left hand. Leon, looking puzzled, takes it.

"It's a gentleman's duty to escort a lady."

"I've never escorted a girl before."

"That's good. Consider it good practice."

"And I'm practicing with a duke's daughter... Seriously?"

And thus, we head to the venue. Feeling Leon's warmth in my left hand, I feel at ease.

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Authors Note

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"Co-habitation begins; you two should get married (even though you're already engaged).

Also, the event starts; there won't be any condemnation event (obviously).

I was planning to write quite a bit about Ange's territory management theory and the dress code for parties, but I realized, 'The economics and fashion etiquette in mob worlds are different from reality,' so I made a significant cut (again).

In reality, there exists a business theory that emphasizes one's characteristics through patterns and silhouettes on clothing to leave an impression.

I had more content to increase Leon's complex and intimacy with Ange, but I gave up.

And because Ange looked beautiful in the dress in novels, comics, and anime, I really wanted to write a scene where she wears it.

When it comes to young lady genres, it's all about dresses! (I insist).

Addendum: At the request of the client, I had Konatsuyuri draw an illustration for this chapter. Thank you very much, Konatsuyuri-sama."

Raw- Link 

~~~End~~~