In this world, unexpected events always occur as casually as having a meal.
I was reminded of this truth once again by the person in front of me.
What could possibly bring him to our home at this hour, leisurely enjoying cake and coffee?
Before entering the reception room and formally greeting him, I asked the butler once more to confirm the identity of the visitor.
I felt I could guess who it was, but I needed to mentally prepare myself before meeting him.
"Is that person over there really His Grace, Duke Visconti?"
"Yes, that is correct."
This content is taken from freёwebnovel.com.
"Have you inquired as to why he is here?"
"He mentioned that he was free and wanted to see you, Baron."
A person of his standing—an heir to a duke’s family—wouldn't visit another noble's residence out of boredom, no matter how much free time he had.
Even if not every step of the duke's movements carried political significance...
"Visiting another noble's estate privately would surely attract attention."
So, such a sudden visit must surely have a reason behind it.
"Understood. Tell Chloe to bring the finest tea leaves and pastries."
In fact, having the butler fetch them would be the most convenient method.
However, when a high-ranking person comes, the implicit etiquette among nobles dictates that the "legitimate wife" should serve tea and pastries with the utmost courtesy.
Since I currently didn't have a legitimate wife, it made sense to bring Chloe, the closest person to me.
"There are already rumors circulating in high society that I cherish Chloe more than I should."
Some fools even spread absurd rumors that I would bequeath the Medici baroncy to the firstborn child I would have with Chloe.
I promptly entered the reception room.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace."
The duke reached out his hand as soon as he saw me.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. You must have been surprised by my sudden visit, right?"
Thanks to his unexpected arrival, I felt as if I had been struck by lightning while walking down the street.
Consequently, I had to delegate the tasks I needed to handle today to Sebastian.
However, managing one’s expression is a virtue in social interactions, so I bowed my head as if very apologetic.
"I am truly honored, Your Grace."
"I told your butler, but since retiring from the military, I feel like I'm going to die from boredom. So I came to see the famous Fabio, who has been praised repeatedly by my father."
The duke scrutinized my face, physique, and stature with a suspicious smile.
Having a man look at me like that made me quite uneasy.
"I know there are no feelings of love or emotion that transcend gender, but why does that smile send chills down my spine?"
"I like you."
"Thank you."
For some reason, I felt incredibly uneasy.
It was an indescribable atmosphere that felt more unsettling than the fear and caution I felt when discussing money or facing a high-ranking individual.
As I was pondering this unfamiliar emotion in my life, a knock came from outside the door.
"It’s Chloe. I’ve brought the refreshments and tea for His Grace and Baron, may I enter?"
"Come in."
Once granted permission, Chloe entered promptly.
With an exceedingly polite motion, she placed the pastries and tea down.
The duke looked at her very seriously and asked.
"Does the baron treat you well?"
Why on earth is he asking that?
"How absurd, but I don’t think he’s trying to take anything from me."
The way he asked me this seemed to indicate he wanted to gather information about what kind of person I was through Chloe.
But while Kris might know something, Chloe doesn’t know anything about my private affairs.
"Yes, he treats me exceedingly well."
Upon hearing this, a pleased smile spread across the duke's face.
What’s with him?
Why has the atmosphere suddenly become so warm?
"Perhaps he intends to link me by blood, or... that can’t be right."
I shook my head internally and gathered my thoughts.
"It seems the Medici baron has excellent character, to be loved so much by a mere maid."
He then gestured to Chloe to step back.
As she left the room, the duke wore a suspicious smile and said,
"Anyone who marries you will be happy. I wish I could receive such love from a woman; it makes me a little jealous."
"You're exaggerating."
"You know, once one becomes a noble, it becomes incredibly difficult to love. That’s why when women gather in social circles, they tend to bring up stories from novels about dull romances. Men also get caught up in chivalric literature, discussing idealistic love stories."
It is rare for nobles to fall in love and marry one another.
Most marry through arranged marriages, and even if unmarried men and women meet at social gatherings, the marriage rate is barely around 5-10%.
"Most of that involves women outsmarting men to snag someone better."
"So they resort to taking pretty concubines or maids. I can’t say anything because I’m one of those men, but you seem to be genuinely loved by that maid. Just from that, I can get a sense of the baron’s character."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"I think I understand why my father only praises you when he talks about you."
The duke smiled with great satisfaction and sipped his tea.
"I’ve been rambling on with unnecessary chatter. As you know, now that I’ve retired, I’m not really that free. My father is very keen on my heir education, so keeping up with that isn't easy."
Even the training of a baron's heir is on par with the overwhelming knowledge fed into a high school senior in South Korea.
Let alone a duke who commands dozens of such barons, it's not worth mentioning—it would just be a pain to say.
"I hear you’re planning to leave for the Ifriqiya continent soon? It seems you’re looking to meet the pagans there and see if you can break into the gold trade. I would like to accompany you; can you help me persuade my father?"
The first person to express this thought was the emperor.
However, knowing I couldn't hide it from the duke, I spoke truthfully.
I mentioned that I intended to explore trade routes and try to make a fortune in the western Ifriqiya continent.
So, did he immediately tell his son about it?
And now that son is asking me to take him along?
"This is ridiculous."
"Yes, I can offer my assistance."
After presenting the significant opportunity of the Deus Knights’ defection, they have come to trust me too much.
If someone saw it, they might think I had used a brainwashing app.
Here, with no smartphones, perhaps they’d think a witch cast a spell?
The duke pulled a letter stamped with the duke family's seal from his pocket.
"Read it; it’s directly from my father. I don’t know what’s written in it, so I would appreciate it if you could let me know the contents."
I promptly opened the letter with a letter-opening dagger, adhering to etiquette.
[Dear Baron Medici, I was truly surprised to hear that you are seeking gold trade routes in the western Ifriqiya continent. Well, you have astonished me more than once or twice already.]
The ironworks, seaweed, the defection of the Deus Knights, dismantling the spice guild, etc...
For ordinary people, accomplishing even one of these would be difficult, yet I had achieved all these significant accomplishments in just two years.
Honestly, it would be strange if I wasn't surprised.
[When I mentioned this to Count Latina, they said that no matter how capable you are, it would be difficult to establish trade routes in the Ifriqiya continent. However, I believe you can successfully plant our Toscana Empire's flag there.]
No, while it is true that the essence of the Age of Exploration was colonial expansion.
What power do I have to conquer the western Ifriqiya continent?
Thus, I could interpret this as merely a way of expressing how much he believed in me.
[I feel sorry for imposing a troublesome task on someone who is about to undertake a difficult journey, but I would like you to take Alfred along. He has studied hard and improved to a certain extent, but perhaps because he has only served in the military at a young age, his perspective is narrow. So, I hope this opportunity broadens his horizons. -Duke Visconti-]
This is absurd; why must I take the duke's son along to broaden his horizons?
I can only do business, after all.
Once I neatly folded the letter and set it down, the duke immediately asked.
"What did it say?"
"I don’t think I need to persuade you. The duke requested that you take his son along."
Hearing this, the duke grinned.
"Father really understands my feelings well."
I know he intends to strengthen my political standing, but isn’t this going a bit too far?
At this rate, I might just die of a heart attack.
"When do I need to prepare?"
"I will depart in a week. I can guarantee your safety, but this journey will not be as comfortable as those other nobles' travels."
While Albert did this, heirs of noble families go on a "Grand Tour" around the continent to broaden their connections and knowledge.
They ensure that the young masters can sleep comfortably by bringing along massive beds, bathrooms, and various furnishings, right?
"Did I lose 5% of the family’s financial income when Albert went on his trip?"
"I also haven't fought a single war while rising to the rank of division commander. As long as you don't let me starve, I will forgive everything."
"Understood; I will do my best."
Even if I say that, I’ll have to modify a cabin on a ship into a suite.
I can’t let it be too shabby.
"I’ve never been to the pagans’ land myself, so this should be quite fun."
Having the experience of bringing the duke’s son to the land of pagans would be like having the title of "Duke’s Tutor."
Because my assigned role is to be a temporary tutor.
"It’s my job to share all the knowledge about the travel destination and broaden his perspective."
I still can’t understand why a 22-year-old is doing this for someone in their early 40s.
Then, I headed straight for the large city of Nador in the northeastern part of the Ifriqiya continent with the duke’s son.