Could it be because this visit was as formal as an engagement ceremony?

    The Visconti Duke’s mansion was lavishly decorated, almost like a festival, if one could exaggerate a bit. Trees pruned in the shape of the Rothschild barony’s and the Visconti ducal family’s crests lined the entrance, and knights in ceremonial attire were stationed throughout the estate. The atmosphere was almost like a military parade preparing for the arrival of a commanding officer.

    The Duke beside me, in contrast to my astonishment, seemed incredibly pleased.

    “I thought it would take another three or four years before you could officially become part of our family, but here you are, already rising to the rank of baron. My congratulations to you, truly.”

    “It’s an honor, Your Grace.”

    “But it was purely your achievements that earned you this title, so there’s no need to thank me. If anything, I should be thanking you for everything you’ve given to me.”

    With the push to naturalize the Deus Order’s knights, the Visconti Duke’s political influence now slightly surpassed that of the Sforza Duke. To put it plainly, the Visconti faction, once akin to an opposition group, now held nearly the same power as the ruling party.@@@@

    I’d achieved something none of his other retainers could accomplish, so of course, they would begrudge my success.

    “You even turned down a chance at a barony out of loyalty to me once. Giving away a granddaughter for such a loyal man seems a small price to pay. So don’t let anyone’s words get to you.”

    As he said, at gatherings, I might overhear whispers behind my back, calling me a jumped-up nobody. But such things are only natural when one is successful. I’d learned not to let idle gossip unsettle my position, knowing that such rumors only bothered those desperate to cling to their ranks.

    Of course, if enough rumors pile up, they could lead to defamation, and I’d rather not end up dragged down like Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

    ‘That’s precisely why I created a secret intelligence agency,’ I thought to myself.

    “Thank you. By the way, what kind of person is Erica?”

    The Duke’s expression turned intrigued.

    “In arranged marriages, the woman’s appearance, status, and family are all that typically matter. But you’re rather unique.”

    Certainly, status and family matter, and beauty is a bonus. But marriage doesn’t end like a fairy tale with “happily ever after.” Even if it’s a union I didn’t exactly wish for, I must still try to find happiness beyond that moment. After all, marriage shouldn’t become a tombstone marking the end of my life.

    “Erica has always had a knack for seeking out new things. She’s interested in romance, like other noble ladies, and she enjoys the desserts you created. In other ways, she’s much like the other girls.”

    “I see. Then I should think of something unique, something Erica might enjoy.”

    The Duke’s smile deepened, changing from the appreciative look of a boss toward a competent subordinate to a warm, grandfatherly smile.

    “If a man is to marry, he ought to make his wife happy. It’s written in the scriptures, after all—that two become one.”

    “It seems I won’t need to worry about Erica, then. I’ll leave her in your care.”

    The Duke patted my shoulder and led me to the room where his granddaughter waited.

    “I enjoy conversing with friends or cooking.”

    “That’s a unique hobby, isn’t it? A noble who cooks.”

    Since possessing Fabio’s body, I’d lived as the second son of a baron’s family. Unlike my elder brother Albert, I had no need to become a skilled knight, so I only practiced swordsmanship and horseback riding at the minimum level. And, surprisingly, cooking and conversation weren’t hobbies considered ‘unmanly.’

    In fact, being good at cooking could even raise one’s reputation on a hunting trip.

    “There’s no law against nobles cooking. It’s quite useful during hunts, you know.”

    “Even Grandfather roasts the game he catches himself on hunts.”

    In ancient times, roasting meat and distributing it was a symbol of the chief’s authority. Though that tradition has faded, even today, it’s seen as appropriate for a noble to personally roast and share their catch during a hunt.

    ‘Young nobles these days often let their knights handle it, though.’

    “So, what kind of dishes do you make?”

    “Sandwiches and soups for picnics. I tried baking bread once, but that was tougher than I expected.”

    I’d tried baking a baguette from scratch once, spending an entire day on the dough, and it nearly wore me out.

    “You’re more serious about it than I thought.”

    “For me, it’s a better hobby than wielding a sword or collecting weapons.”

    “Honestly, horseback riding, hunting, and swordsmanship aren’t things I know much about. If you’d been interested in those, I’d have struggled to carry on this conversation.”

    I too felt out of place at noble gatherings, where others would proudly show off their swords like excited collectors.

    ‘Wow, this steel is from the Visconti duchy! You can strike it against rocks without breaking!’

    To me, that’s all it sounded like.

    “So, I have no friends.”

    Without shared interests, even nobles struggle to make friends. Erica chuckled at this.

    “Then, I suppose I’ll get to spend more time with you. And, if you ever have the chance, would you make a special dish just for me?”

    I’m sure Erica would be pleased with a proper sandwich. But her request sparked an idea in my mind, a unique way to prepare dishes that would captivate the nobility of this world.

    And so, after spending my allotted time with Erica, I returned home, eager to prepare for this new business opportunity.