CHAPTER 1

"Annoying. Annoying. Annoying. Annoying."

Tired sighs filled the air.

"Tsk."

A petite woman with short blonde hair and green eyes, dressed in a maid's uniform, approached and gently handed me a small bottle containing a red liquid.

"Your medicine, young master," she said with a touch of concern on her face.

"Thank you, Artiz." I thanked her, taking the bottle from her delicate hands and, after removing the cap, emptied it into my mouth.

The bitter taste caused a grimace on my lips, but it was enough to calm my restlessness.

Sigh.

This is frustrating, incredibly frustrating. How can I expect a peaceful life when unexpected events arise and are beyond my control? Why did my father, Viscount Darmian Klaus, an old man weakened by a lung disease, scheme this for me? All I wished for was a peaceful existence in the Viscountcy and to continue developing our lands...

Annoying...

Oh, where are my manners? I apologize for the lack of introduction.

My name is Marcos Klaus, currently serving as the Acting Viscount of the Klaus Viscountcy. I have temporarily taken on the responsibilities of my father, who is debilitated by illness.

The heir's right should have belonged to my older brother, but he passed away three years ago. My second older brother chose to leave our family and marry elsewhere. Therefore, I inherited the role of the direct heir. Even my older sister was considered, but she cannot assume it.

In these circumstances, I should already be the true Viscount. However, my father will only grant me the title permanently when I marry, claiming it is necessary to ensure the continuation of our lineage. But that's where the great dilemma arises.

I had never considered the need to choose a bride until now. My priorities have always been in expanding our lands and protecting our borders. Besides being too young, I already had a concubine, which made me feel there was no rush to find a wife. But then, my father decided to make this decision for me.

Deliberately, he chose my future wife.

Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't be a problem. However, this old man had the brilliant idea of contacting that family...

He decided to kneel and lick that man's balls like a good dog would...

"Young master, we have arrived," Artiz's gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I barely noticed the carriage had stopped in front of an immense iron gate...

"Artiz, you will stay in the carriage," I ordered as I straightened up in my seat and stepped out of the carriage parked in front of the iron gate, guarded by about five sentinels. Besides them, an elderly man in butler attire was present.

I approached the elder, who immediately called my name.

"Young Master Klaus, welcome to the Duchy of Aurora. I hope your journey was peaceful." The old man bowed.

"Thank you, despite being long, there were no notable incidents. And from what I see, the Duchy of Aurora is as beautiful as the rumors indicated." I tried to smile, to which the old man responded with a nod.

"Come, enter. The master awaits you inside."

After nodding, I followed him into the estate. This place was the destination of my long journey: the Duchy of Aurora. The castle of Duke Aurora, my future father-in-law.

...if I had known it would come, to this, I would have impregnated my older sister…