’What does that have to do with me?’
"I’m asking if you agree with this."
"Er, of course, Father," Eleanor replied absentmindedly.
She didn’t particularly like discussing the topic of marriage, as she often felt like hers was a sham.
In Eleanor’s opinion, there were pros and cons to marrying someone from far away versus nearby. If they were from far away, she could avoid annoying relatives. If they were close, perhaps her husband’s family wouldn’t act so recklessly.
But none of this mattered to Eleanor, because, quite unfortunately, all the male members of her family had been wiped out by a plague a few years prior.
Thus, for Eleanor, there wasn’t much of a difference between the two.
"Very good, Eleanor," the Old Baron nodded. "It’s a pity God took my eyes prematurely. A real pity. Eleanor, tell me, is my dear grandnephew a handsome man?"
"Hm?" Eleanor was taken aback again.
"You just need to answer me."
"Of course." Eleanor turned her gaze to Eric.
’He... he really is much more handsome than Alan... and he does look a bit like him.’
"Ever since my son passed, few people have visited me. My mind has been troubled, and sometimes I can’t control myself. Today is probably the most lucid I’ve been. My grandnephew, who do you serve now?"
"King Robert of England." Eric had no intention of hiding it.
"Oh, him. He’s a good lad. He actually succeeded. In that case, it seems Robert sent you to resolve the problems in Mann. Am I right?"
"Yes."
"Eleanor, what color are his eyes?"
"I can’t tell." Eleanor shook her head.
"My grandnephew, may I offer you a suggestion?" The Old Baron didn’t press the matter, instead rising to his feet and slowly walking toward Eric.
"Of course. But try to keep it brief." Eric’s impression of the old man wasn’t bad.
"I want you to stay in Fougeres Castle. From now on, you are my son, Alan De Raine, the great Baron of Fuerel Castle, Eleanor’s husband. Nothing else has changed. Today is simply the day my son returned.
A God’s Warrior, just returned from Iberia. You can use this identity to act more freely. Fougeres Castle is neither large nor small, but between my own men and the hired household knights, you will have over a hundred Knights at your command.
After I die, you will inherit this title. The only condition is that you take good care of Eleanor. Eleanor is a good wife in every respect. Alan did her a great wrong." The Old Baron handed the Longsword to Eric.
"What? Father, this... He isn’t Alan." Eleanor was instantly shocked.
"I know you had feelings for Alan, but he is gone now. My Fougeres Castle has no heir. Land without an heir will be reclaimed. Any Feudal Lord, no matter how merciful, would do so—not to mention the current situation in Mann is still uncertain.
A woman cannot hold a fief independently. You are also the last heir to your family’s domain, Loire Castle. If I do not arrange your marriage, then it can only be arranged by that King on France Island.
That King will not refuse Elijah’s request. Do you want to marry Elijah? What reason do you have to object? Or was what you said earlier mere flattery? Is my grandnephew actually hideously ugly?"
As he spoke, the Old Baron again stroked Eric’s face, as if to confirm.
"He bears some resemblance to my Alan, and he is definitely a handsome young man. Feelings can be cultivated over time. Eleanor, you are almost twenty-six. If you do not have a son, the rest of your life will be bleak.
The Giscards command the wealthy Southern Italy, and the King of England has entrusted him with such an important mission. With such an illustrious family background, what is there to be dissatisfied about?
Feelings can be cultivated. My grandnephew, what do you think of Eleanor? You won’t find a more beautiful noblewoman in all of Mann. She is half-Greek."
The Old Baron frowned, somewhat displeased.
"What is your opinion, my grandnephew?"
"Er, I..."
Just as Eric was about to say something, a knock came from outside the hall.
"What is it?" the Old Baron shouted irritably.
"My Lord, Sir Elijah has arrived."
"That plague-ridden pig is here again. But now, my son has returned." the Old Baron bellowed.