The Bride-Hunting Tale: I’ve Failed 20 Marriage Proposals Already. I Don’t Need Titles Like Dragon Slayer or Hero Who Saved the Nation—All I Want Is a Cute Wife!
I had barely arrived at my home in Lestarl Territory before things got chaotic, but I managed to get the rooms ready and escorted Lady Sallyfe and the others to their quarters.
At least, even in this remote border town far from the Imperial Capital, there are about ten guest rooms set aside for visitors.
That said, since they’re rarely used, they usually don’t get cleaned very often. It seems like everyone scrambled to clean them in a rush for our sudden guests.
I’m really grateful to Pije-san, who works here in the house.
Ah, Pije-san is a cheerful, round-faced middle-aged woman who has been coming to work as a live-out housekeeper for over twenty years now.
She’s a hard worker who practically runs the entire household by herself. If she weren’t around, the Lestarl household would probably be in complete chaos by now.
Though when I was little, I used to get scolded by her all the time. She’s like a second mother to me—someone I can always rely on.
Somewhat embarrassed that the rooms were small and modest compared to what one might expect of a border lord’s mansion, I assigned a room each to Lady Sallyfe, former Baron Bosch, and Lisrante . I also prepared two slightly larger rooms for the servants from the Bosch and Falth households.
As for the knights from the ducal family who accompanied us to guard Ris, I felt bad, but I had to ask them to stay in the barracks next to the training grounds.
As you can probably tell from this explanation, although we hold an unnecessarily high rank, our manor isn’t particularly large or extravagant.
In fact, it’s rather plain and unadorned—just slightly bigger than average.
Probably, it’s about the same size as a viscount’s estate or that of a wealthy merchant family, maybe even smaller.
So, besides Pije-san, we only have a few people we can call on for help during busy times—and that’s more than enough.
Well then, since there wasn’t much else to show them around, I let them rest in their rooms briefly before escorting them to the dining hall once the sun had completely set.
The dining hall is fairly spacious—at least because we wanted to be prepared in case of guests.
When I entered the dining hall with Lady Sallyfe, Ris, and former Baron Bosch, there were already my father, mother, and younger siblings waiting inside.
“Sorry for earlier. I am Garislye, the eldest of the Lestarl s.”
After being scolded by Mother, I at least changed into something presentable enough to look like nobility, shaved off the beard covering my face, and tidied my hair—probably done by Mother.
Thanks to that, I no longer look like some kind of beast, just barely passable as human… I think.
Even so, while sitting, I’m still about the same height as former Baron Bosch, and twice as wide and thick—making me quite imposing.
Look, Bosch looks tense, and Sallyfe looks like she’s trying not to scream, her face pale.
“It’s been a while. I am Lisrante , daughter of Duke Falthe. We’ve only met once, so you probably don’t remember me.”
Ris gave a graceful bow without showing any sign of intimidation… though her movements weren’t exactly ladylike.
“Hm? Oh! You’re that brat whose dad never shuts up about rules! It’s been ages. You’ve grown quite a bit.”
Hey! Calling the duke “that guy” and referring to him as someone who “never shuts up about rules”—you’re being way too rude!
But ignoring my inner protest, Ris simply smiled and ignored it, while Father laughed heartily with his mouth wide open.
However, Mother immediately pinched his side hard, making him shut his mouth quickly.
Serves you right!
“Hem hem. Anyway, please have a seat. As you know, although I hold the title of Marquis of the Borderlands, I’m merely the chief of a rural tribe. I don’t know much about the customs of the Imperial Capital, so please overlook any rudeness on my part.”
“N-no! It is truly an honor to meet Lord Marquis, renowned as the strongest in the Empire. We may ourselves appear unfamiliar with your ways, and perhaps seem impolite at times, but we beg your forgiveness. Also, your son Lord Fordealt saved our Bosch Barony from crisis—we wish to express our deepest gratitude.”
“I am Sallyfe, first daughter of the Bosch Barony. Lord Fordealt risked his life and reputation to save me. Thank you very much.”
For former Baron Bosch, expressing this gratitude was the main purpose of his visit.
Since he was caught in a conspiracy plotted by higher-ranking nobles from another faction, a noble outside their faction (Fordealt) rescued him. The Duke Falthe acted as witness to ensure no future retaliation.
Apparently, if such formalities aren’t properly observed, one cannot survive within aristocratic society.
Still, since I hadn’t explained the details yet, my parents probably didn’t understand anything.
But honestly, they never cared much for intricate matters or affairs of the capital anyway, so they wouldn’t worry about it.
“I don’t know the details, but if Fordealt thought it necessary, then that’s good enough. I’ll accept your thanks, but there’s no need to dwell on it further. This place is surrounded by forest, nothing much to see, but make yourselves comfortable.”
“That’s right. Since this one can’t handle complicated thinking anyway, if Fordy says it’s fine, then it’s fine. Besides, the food might not be as refined as what you’re used to in the Imperial Capital, but there’s plenty of it—eat lots!”
A country auntie? No, actually, exactly a country auntie.
Mother cut through the stiff greetings with lines that made it hard to believe she was the wife of a high-ranking noble.
“Humbly honored.”
Former Baron Bosch bowed deeply and finally sat down on the chair.
Just then, as if timed perfectly, the kitchen door opened and Pije-san walked in carrying one large plate in each hand.
“Here we go. Sorry it’s just countryside fare, but I cooked extra special for my dear Fo-chan. Eat until you’re full.”
As she spoke, Pije-san kept bringing out dish after dish, quickly filling the sizable table entirely with food.
“There are many dishes I’ve never seen before. Spices perhaps? The rich aroma and bold scent smell delicious.”
“I’ve heard rumors, but I believe people from Lestarl eat monster meat—which is apparently quite tasty.”
Ris’ eyes widened at the spread, while former Baron Bosch mentioned whispers circulating among certain merchants.
Well, our territory’s supply team must’ve helped some merchant caravan along the road once and shared their field rations. Probably how that rumor started.
Actually, the monster meat we get from the surrounding forests is pretty delicious.
Once you get used to it, regular livestock meat from across the Empire tastes bland in comparison.
Anyway, my younger brothers—who had been holding themselves back from eating before the guests—were clearly reaching their limits, fidgeting restlessly between looking at the food and the guests.
“Well then, whether you like it or not remains to be seen, but please enjoy.”
“Aye. There’s wine too. Make yourselves at home.”
After I spoke, Father added, and upon hearing that, Ris reached for the food first. Seeing her, former Baron Bosch and Lady Sallyfe cautiously followed suit, serving themselves portions.
“Mmm! This is delicious. So wild-tasting—rich flavor and great aroma. Even the nuts served alongside it.”
“Certainly. Now I understand why merchants talk about it.”
“Very delicious indeed.”
While Ris fearlessly dove in, former Baron Bosch and Lady Sallyfe likely hesitated at first upon realizing it was monster meat—but after taking a bite, their eyes widened and their faces lit up in delight.
“Can we start now? Let’s eat!”
“Eh, Barry, that’s cheating! Me too!”
As soon as the guests took their first bites, Barryshu and Kuroa grabbed pieces of monster meat—probably grilled forest hornbeef—and began devouring it greedily.
Of course, Father also began tasting nearby dishes while sipping on fruit wine made from forest-gathered fruits.
Mother carefully set aside portions for Ranju, and finally, I joined in too, snatching a large chunk of meat from beside the twins, eager to relish the familiar flavors of home again after such a long time.