Chapter 5: The Marriage Proposal of the Hausen Family

“What did you just say, Father?”

In Count Donovan Hausen’s study, Muge widened her eyes in disbelief.

“I want you to go to Duke Stein’s residence,” Donovan repeated.

“No, I refuse! Father, you must be aware of his reputation in the capital, right? Ladies who visited his house were carried out unconscious or went missing. It’s terrible!”

Muge paled at the thought.

“No, that’s just an exaggerated rumor. This time, it’s just a simple meeting. If he doesn’t like you, it ends there. You can come back.” Donovan shook his head in exasperation.

“This is no joke! Going to the remote borderlands for a mere introduction is absurd! Even if he’s wealthy and has high status, I refuse. My friends have heard rumors. He supposedly has a terrifyingly ugly face and has built his wealth by abducting people for experiments. Are you really planning to send me to such a household, Father?”

Muge spoke out angrily.

“Muge, calm down a bit. Those are baseless rumors. He is an esteemed mage who has received rewards from the royal palace. Besides, if your rumors were true, wouldn’t he be arrested by now?”

Ignoring his daughter’s words, Donovan sighed.

“I still refuse. Why must I go to such a remote territory? I have other marriage proposals, don’t I?”

Muge was adamantly rejected. She still wanted to enjoy life in the capital, and no matter how much money he had, she didn’t want to go to the home of an ugly man with a bad reputation.

“Due to a failed investment, our family’s finances are in decline. We don’t have the luxury of choice. Right now, a marriage proposal with Duke Stein is our only hope. Despite his difficult personality, I’m sure you’ll be able to win him over. Besides, he comes from a noble family.” Donovan spoke as if it were a good opportunity.

“Are you asking me to take responsibility for the failed investment? There are three daughters in this house. It doesn’t have to be me! Why do I have to go to the home of a strange mage known as an ugly eccentric? Not Maggie, not Fiene, but me!”

Muge was firmly rejected. She didn’t want to go to the man with an ugly and unpleasant reputation, even if she had to be forced.

“However, Maggie is still too young,” Maggie was five years younger than Muge.

“What about Fiene?”

When Donovan mentioned the younger sister, Muge’s face turned sour, and he shook his head.

“No, that won’t work. She has no magical abilities. The Stein family has a long line of great mages. We can’t marry off a daughter without magical power.”

“Even if you say it’s just an introduction, you still intend to marry me off! In that case, why not send Fiene? After all, the Duke is secluded in the borderlands. He wouldn’t know if it’s Fiene or me, especially if we pretended she was me,” Muge suggested.

Donovan widened his eyes at Muge’s statement.

“What are you saying? You two have different hair and eye colors, and if the lie is exposed, it will be a disaster! The Stein family has deep connections with the royal family. Do you know what consequences there might be?”

“There won’t be any exposure. He’s a recluse in society, never appearing in social circles. He won’t know the difference even if he meets Fiene instead of me,” Muge confidently asserted.

“Stop talking nonsense. Both of you have different hair and eye colors, and if the lie is exposed, it will be troublesome! The Stein family has strong ties with the royal family, and there could be serious consequences.”

“Don’t worry. We’ve never appeared in society, especially that eccentric mage. He won’t notice the difference,” Muge insisted.

“Muge, Duke Stein is recognized for his magical research and has been honored. Don’t speak so recklessly.”

When Donovan reprimanded her, Muge raised her eyebrows.

“Is he not an ugly and misanthropic eccentric mage? Father, are you planning to send your daughter as a sacrifice to such a person? Not Fiene or Maggie, but me!”

Muge shouted with determination. Hearing the commotion, Daisy, her mother, rushed into the study.

“What’s wrong, Muge?”

Concerned, Daisy came to Muge’s side and began rubbing her back to calm her.

“Are you also on Father’s side?”

Muge looked up at Daisy with resentment, and Daisy looked embarrassed.

“Well, the thing is… The Hausen family is in a crisis right now. Please, Muge, you’re our only hope for a successful engagement with Duke Stein. It seems like you have the best chance among us.”

“Then make it Maggie,” Muge suggested.

Both her father and mother were immediately opposed.

“Maggie is only fourteen.”

“Yes, Muge, as a noble’s daughter, you understand that marriage is also for the sake of the family, right? I did the same when I married into this family.”

Muge became furious at Daisy’s words.

“Mother, you married into the family as a relative of Father’s, and you moved from the baron’s family to the earl’s family. It’s different! How could you send your daughter to the home of an ugly and strange noble mage? Not Maggie, who is only five years younger than me! Fine, I’ll consult with my older brother. He’ll be back from his studies tomorrow.”

Rolf, the eldest son at twenty-one, doted on his younger sister, Muge.

“Even if Rolf comes back, I doubt we’ll find a solution.”

Seeing that the situation might escalate further, Donovan sighed and rubbed his temples.