Although she had managed to recover her health, her treatment at the hands of the Count Tenies household remained unchanged.
Thus, one year, then two, passed by in quick succession.
By the time Christiana turned eighteen, not a trace remained of the girl who had once been a count’s daughter. Her hair and skin had completely lost their luster, and she had grown scrawny and painfully thin.
Then one day, Christiana was suddenly summoned to Count Tenies’ study.
Inside, not only Count Tenies awaited her, but Claudia and Vicky were present as well.
“Christiana. A marriage arrangement has been decided for you.”
“…A marriage arrangement?”
At those completely unexpected words, Christiana stared in shock.
“Be glad. You finally have an opportunity to be of use to this family.”
Count Tenies beamed with unconcealed delight. Truth be told, this was a windfall he could not have dreamed of asking for.
Due to Claudia and Vicky’s wild extravagance, the finances of the House of Tenies had been deteriorating year after year. For a long time now, far more money had been flowing out than coming in.
Just as things were looking grim, word reached him that the household of Margrave Aldion was searching for a noble lady to become his bride—and that a massive dowry payout would be granted to whatever house gave up their daughter. Count Tenies immediately saw this as the absolute best chance to rid himself of a nuisance.
He had zero intention of marrying his precious Vicky off to a man rumored to be dangerous. But Christiana whom he no longer treated as his daughter anyway was a completely different story. The only condition was that the bride be a noble daughter. Possessing a magic crest was not listed as a requirement, making the situation exceptionally convenient.
Margrave Aldion was the young head of the house ruling a vast territory in the northern reaches of the kingdom. He was famous for possessing an extraordinary amount of magic, and his domain directly bordered the Forest of Monsters. Furthermore, because his magic power was so overwhelmingly strong, it was said that if he ever lost control, his rampage would drag down everything around him. Naturally, no noble willing to protect their child would send their daughter to such a man. Which was precisely why such a massive payout was being offered.
“Father… Who is this person?”
“Margrave Aldion. Once you marry him, a massive sum of money will enter our household.”
Count Tenies declared with a broad, greedy grin on his face.
“A dowry payout…?”
“Heheh. I never imagined the day would come where a worthless girl like you could be exchanged for cold hard cash. We’ve fed and housed you under this roof up until today. If you don’t at least repay us this much, it hardly makes for a fair trade.”
Vicky giggled with cruel delight.
“I almost feel sorry for the Margrave. Having to take a woman as scrawny as this—who can’t even cast a single spell—as his wife!”
“Oh, Vicky, don’t be so harsh! Though, well… you’re not wrong.”
Saying so, Claudia joined in on the laughter.
“Still, doesn’t the Margrave lose control of his magic from time to time? If dear sister gets caught up in one of his rampages and dies, what happens to the money?”
“There’s no need to return a single coin. I’ve already heard that once she’s married into that house, whatever happens to her afterward requires no refund. There is nothing to worry about.”
Count Tenies answered instantly.
“My. Well, that’s a relief, then. To think even someone like this could prove useful one day… This is the first time I’ve ever been glad you’re alive.”
Claudia sneered, and all three of them burst into laughter.
To them, Christiana’s happiness meant less than nothing.
All Count Tenies wanted was money.
All Claudia wanted was to protect her current lavish lifestyle.
And Vicky was simply overjoyed that she wouldn’t be the one forced to marry a dangerous man.