The whispers didn't stop.
Even as Faye took her seat beside me, the nobles continued their murmuring, half shocked, half outraged, and all very loud in my head. I tried to focus on the herald.
But honestly… I was more interested in her.
Faye kept her hands folded neatly in her lap, glancing around nervously. Every so often, her eyes flicked to mine, as if trying to figure out whether I was dangerous or just clueless like I felt inside.
I wasn't really a ladies' man in my past life, but I also wasn't a full-on introvert.
And considering I have the body of a hot main villain character.
I should probably start acting like it.
The herald continued reading the imperial decree, formally listing obligations, alliances, and expectations. My brain mostly tuned out once the words "Heir" and "Territory" came up. Honestly, I'd read all this in the novel… vaguely.
I was an average salaryman in my past life; details about ruling a duchy were unknown to me.
If I eventually return to my estate, I'd need to find multiple competent people to make up for my lack of skill.
Still, I didn't want to appear rude by just not paying attention. Faye was nearby, and that meant I needed to act… presentable.
"Lady Faye," I whispered when I thought no one could hear. She tilted her head, clearly confused.
"I hope I'm not being a bother by choosing you."
She blushed so hard it could've melted a candle.
"N-No! You're not being a bother..." she stammered. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "It's just… unexpected, being chosen by a duke and all that."
She fiddled with a strand of hair, trying to calm herself down.
I leaned casually back in the chair, making myself look as reasonable and casual as possible to not scare her off.
"And why would it be unexpected? You don't only look beautiful, but you also seem genuine."
I laugh softly.
"It would be stupid of me not to choose you."
She stared at me like I'd just confessed to being a dragon or any other wild mythical creature. I also realized that was probably accurate from her perspective.
"M-My lord, you're being too kind!"
She bowed deeply, clearly thinking that she didn't deserve the praise.
"Call me Cassian, Lady Faye."
I smiled, turning back to the Imperial Herald to let her gather her thoughts.
I hoped I did well for a first impression.
***
The first conclave ended without any interruptions or other drama. It was a good start, considering there will be dozens more held this month.
In fact, the only thing noteworthy that happened was my decision, and it wasn't just me saying that to feel good about myself.
I could hear that same sentiment from all the other nobles who walked out of the hall.
And more particularly, a black-haired and blue-eyed knight wearing unassuming chainmail.
The main character of the novel.
And while I would feel bad for stealing the main heroine from him, they still haven't met each other during this time, so technically, I wasn't even stealing.
They didn't know each other after all.
"D-Duke... I mean! Cassian."
I could feel my sleeves being tugged, and when I looked beside me, it was Faye, still following me.
Right... both of us were now betrothed, the last thing she can do is leave without my permission as a duke.
"How does this work exactly?" She awkwardly laughed, at first she had planned on rising the ranks and getting land that way, slowly becoming an influential enough noble that she could finally have a say in things.
But she just skipped all of those steps entirely the moment I chose her.
While we weren't married yet, she was now effectively a duchess.
[Task 2: Develop relationship with Faye Amberlyne]
- Reward: ??? Skill
Wait...
Another task, but what about my first task reward?
[Would you like to claim the reward from task 1?]
Well, that was convenient.
And while I'm tempted to say yes, I'd rather not have a book suddenly materialize in my hand in public, I should wait until I'm in a private space before I accept that reward.
'No.'
flip.
The system panel closed.
That reminded me, I still needed to reply to Faye about how things would work from now on. Too bad I didn't really know myself.
Still, being a duke gave me plenty of leeway in how I could handle things from here.
It was still early in the morning, and I had plenty of time before the next meeting this afternoon.
"Before that, I'd like to visit your place."
I replied, while that was an unreasonable request for any other noble. She was still unlanded, which meant her own place was located directly in the imperial city.
If I were to develop a relationship with her, it would be best to visit the place where she grew up. That alone should give me a basic idea of her personality and the hobbies she enjoys.
Because... well, I couldn't for the life of me remember what she liked in the novel.
"H-Huh? My place?"
"Well, I thought it would be good to visit the house of my fiancé before we go for anything else."
She started to argue, embarrassed to have a duke visit her humble home, but then realized I made a good point and decided to just agree.
She wasn't totally against it; she didn't have anything to hide anyway.
And it might also give her a glance at my personality.
Both of us benefit from this visit.