‘This is Jeremiah Raniero, Duke of Karana State.’
Soft golden hair, gentle hazel eyes.
His crimson long coat embroidered with gold looked splendid.
Though a gentle-looking man, the thickness of his wrists and the breadth of his shoulders clearly showed his military bearing, befitting a former general of the magic army.
‘He doesn’t seem the type to resign just to find a bride. But then again, some clever men are empty-headed. Regardless, the fact remains that he is a duke. That’s the most important thing to me.’
Jeremiah scanned the assembled counts and continued in a soft voice, “As Duke of Karana State, I intend to govern this land better alongside all of you from now on. I ask for your cooperation. Let us all unite and work together across the entire territory.”
The minor lords responded with a hand on their chests, bowing respectfully.
Jeremiah smiled warmly and then exchanged a meaningful glance with the attendant beside him.
“I have prepared tokens for those who will walk this path together. I will bestow them upon each of your territories.”
From within, a man who appeared to be a close aide approached carrying a tray with a velvet cushion.
Resting on the cushion was a small copper lion statue.
The lion was the seal of the Duke of Karana State.
Though modest in size and made of copper, the craftsmanship was exquisite, radiating undeniable refinement.
The honor of receiving the duke’s seal far outweighed any monetary value.
No previous duke had ever bestowed such a gift upon the minor lords.
The counts, including Count Romano and Count Furlanetto, all wore expressions of astonishment before their gazes shifted to Jeremiah with passionate joy.
This approach to win the counts’ favor was clever.
Since he was trying to draw closer to the counts in this way, Jeremiah’s words about governing Karana State better might not be mere pretense after all.
Taking the copper lion statue in hand, Jeremiah stepped forward.
“Count Zamboni of the Bieto Territory.”
At the call, a middle-aged count advanced accompanied by a boy who looked about seven or eight and appeared to be his heir.
“I entrust this to you from now on, Count Zamboni.”
“Yes.”
After nodding to Count Zamboni, Jeremiah turned to the boy and extended the copper statue toward him.
“I expect you to dedicate your strength in the future. For that reason, this is for the future count.”
The boy’s eyes darted between his surprised father and Jeremiah, but Jeremiah nodded encouragingly.
The boy accepted the statue with both hands and held it to his chest, clearly moved.
After Count Zamboni of Bieto Territory stepped back, the next called were Count Sora of Cheria Territory and Count Zucchi of Nova Territory.
Count Sora was twenty-five, without an heir old enough to attend, so he came alone.
Count Zucchi was twenty, with no heir yet.
Each count received the copper statue themselves.
“Count Romano of Parsa Territory and Count Furlanetto.”
Finally, the two houses were summoned forward.
“I entrust this to you both. Count Romano, Count Furlanetto.” Jeremiah said, receiving the statues from his aide.
Following precedent, it was assumed that Annamaria and Rosaria would receive the statues, so the two stepped forward.
Jeremiah caught Annamaria’s gaze and smiled, “I’m pleased to meet you, Wild Countess.”
Startled by being addressed by her epithet, Annamaria blinked.
“You know it?”
“I have long heard the rumors. It is said that while the usual course is to enter at fourteen and graduate after six years, you entered at twelve and skipped grades to graduate in two years.”
Annamaria found it hard to believe she was famous enough to echo through the royal capital.
Perhaps Jeremiah had been researching her—or rather, young noble ladies of this age.
If so, the rumors about his search for a bride might carry more weight.
Strong magical power is a trait that catches the eyes of the royal family.
Adamo Raniero, the founding hero, wielded immense magical power.
He called upon the persecuted magicians of his time to unite, using his magic to establish the Kingdom of Trie.
The Raniero family, royal bloodline, inherited Adamo’s power and were born with magic.
The strength of magical power is a critical factor in choosing the king, and also determines the positions held by the royal family.
If a strong magic heir is born, that child moves closer to the throne.
Hence, the royal family places great emphasis on magic when choosing spouses.
After all, the tragedy of giving birth to a child without magical power is whispered to be so great that the child’s existence is hidden and cast into darkness.
The first generation of the Fullranet Family was a magician who sealed Witch Zoe, a great witch who resisted submitting to Adamo Raniero during the founding war 150 years ago.
Because Witch Zoe ruled the Padova Mountains, the Fullranet Family was granted her territory and appointed as rural lords to govern there.
It is whispered that the Fullranet Family ranks just below the royal family in magical power.
Furthermore, high academic achievement at the magic school is proof of ability.
If that was what caught Jeremiah’s interest, then the time Annamaria spent as a recluse training in magic potions and power bore fruit, despite her being called a weirdo.
Next, Jeremiah cast a gentle gaze toward Rosaria.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Silver Knight Lady.”
“My name as well?”
“I’ve heard you possess outstanding ability even among the Romano family’s history. For that reason, despite being a woman, you were already chosen as the heir to your title.”
Annamaria felt a pang of anxiety.
A family like the Romano, with superhuman physical prowess, also draws the royal family’s attention, just as those with strong magic power do.
Being rarer than magic power, it might even attract greater interest.
Their extraordinary physical ability is said to be the result of magic power deeply ingrained in their bodies.
Though they cannot use magic themselves, their bodies are like the crystallization of magic.
It is also said that when someone with weak magic power mates with someone of exceptional physical ability, their child tends to develop strong magical power.
As factors drawing Jeremiah’s interest, Annamaria and Rosaria were on equal footing.
Count Romano and Count Furlanetto looked pleased to see their daughters catching Jeremiah’s attention, their eyes crinkling at the corners.
“I expect you both to dedicate your strength in the future. For that reason, to the future countesses, this.”
Jeremiah extended the copper statue to both simultaneously.
Annamaria and Rosaria stepped forward at the same time.
Jeremiah’s expression shifted to one of perplexity.
There was only one statue.
There were two young ladies.
He seemed uncertain which to give it to.
Annamaria and Rosaria exchanged a sharp look, suddenly aware.
Who should receive this unprecedented honor?
“Rosaria, of the Romano family, you shall receive it. Piccolo.”
“No, it should be Annamaria of the Fullranet family. Achille.”
Behind the two ladies, the counts courteously deferred to each other, but Annamaria and Rosaria exchanged fierce gazes.
The easygoing older men were politely yielding, but here, in the duke’s castle, in front of the duke and many eyes, which co-ruler received the statue could determine the standing of their houses in the future.
Even if Jeremiah had no intention of ranking the families, as word spreads, people would say that the family the duke gave the seal to is of higher rank.
Other counts, well aware of this, watched with keen interest.
“Which one will receive the seal?” Count Zamboni spoke with a teasing tone.
Perhaps jealous because his own son hadn’t been called forward while these two ladies had.
Young Count Zucchi, amused, spoke up, “Why not settle this with a contest? Let the two houses, expected by the royal family for their strength in arms and magic, show which can contribute more.”
“That has some merit.” Count Sora nodded in agreement, and Count Zamboni continued.
“This is perfect. Display your strength before the duke. Or is this too much for you ladies?”
Rosaria surely shot Count Zamboni a glare.
“Do not underestimate us.”
“I do not. I am merely expressing concern. If you lack confidence, it would be unwise. Both Count Romano and Count Furlanetto, and the ladies as well.”
The sarcastic words of Count Zamboni made both Count Romano and Count Furlanetto frown.
Jeremiah silently observed the counts’ exchange.
The choice of gifts and the preparations to win over the counts showed he was no dullard.
By watching quietly, he seemed to be probing the relations between the minor lords in this setting, and judging their true natures.
‘If that is the case, it would be unwise to cause a scene here. But…’
Her chest burned.
‘It would be unpleasant if the duke thought our family lacked pride.’
Annamaria straightened her posture and smiled and said, “There is no need for concern, Count Zamboni.”
Addressing Jeremiah, Annamaria said, “Duke of Karana, we intend to stir the waters a bit to receive this honor. We ask for your indulgence.”
“That is no problem.”
“Then…” Annamaria turned toward Rosaria.
“Shall we decide which heir of the Romano or Fullranet families will receive this honor?”
Neither Annamaria nor Rosaria wished to quarrel.
This was an impromptu contest permitted by the duke.
Even if they fought here, it would not imply ill will between their houses.
They could fight openly.
Annamaria could face Rosaria head-on.
‘How interesting…! How thrilling!’
She licked her lips inwardly.
“Bring it on.” Rosaria was likely as excited as Annamaria.
A rare radiance glimmered in her smile.
A fierce determination rose from both Annamaria and Rosaria.
“Galileo, no interference. This is a one-on-one duel.”
“Understood.”
Galileo, who had been at their feet, stepped back.
Annamaria’s pride flared.
Rosaria was not an opponent she could easily defeat, but that was precisely what made it interesting.
To bring her down before so many eyes would be so glorious.
Crushing a weak opponent is no fun.
Only a strong opponent is worth defeating.
‘I will make you crawl on the floor, Rosaria Romano.’