Mathilda understands Noein’s beliefs better than anyone because she is closest to him and has spent the most time with him.
What Noein desires above all is his own happiness. And as an extension of that, he wants everyone living in the Earlkvist domain to be happy.
The happiness of the people in Earlkvist is Noein’s happiness. Therefore, Noein would not want Clara to marry into the Earlkvist family while harboring these uneasy feelings.
So, what can be done? Perhaps the best approach would be for Clara to feel that she is neither a burden nor an ornament.
With that thought, Mathilda decided to make a proposal to Clara.
“A request… from you to me, Mathilda-san?”
“Yes. Forgive my rudeness, but if it’s all right with you, Lady Clara, I would like to speak.”
“No need to apologize; I would love to hear it.”
Clara answered, but her expression was anxious, wondering what Mathilda was about to say.
“Then… Lady Clara, would you be willing to join me as a comrade, working with all your might to support Lord Noein?”
Clara’s eyes widened in surprise at Mathilda’s unexpected request.
“You want me to be your comrade, Mathilda-san? But… am I not a burden to you?”
“My happiness is not in monopolizing Lord Noein as a woman… Rather, it’s essential to me that Lord Noein lives happily, and that I am there by his side. His happiness is my happiness.”
Mathilda spoke, looking directly at the puzzled Clara.
“So, Lady Clara, as Lord Noein’s future wife, I ask that you support and bring happiness to him in a way that is different from me, a beastkin slave. In that case, you would never be a burden to me. Rather, you would be a comrade who supports Lord Noein’s happiness alongside me.”
This was a proposal Mathilda had thought up to dispel Clara’s dark feelings, so that Noein, Clara, and herself could all find happiness.
“But… someone like me… How could I support Lord Noein?”
Mathilda’s proposal could save Clara, but Clara lacked the confidence to respond to it. She couldn’t imagine how she, merely a daughter of a high-ranking noble, could be of any help to Noein.
“It’s not difficult. For example, simply by lessening Lord Noein’s burdens and worries in social settings with other nobles, you would already be a great support. I cannot speak or act in such situations.”
Mathilda began explaining ways in which Clara, with her unique position, could support Noein.
“Also… I have been present to hear your conversations with Lord Noein, and I know you are particularly fond of academics, especially history. Is there anything you would like to pursue in relation to that?”
“I have spent most of my time at home, and by studying and learning about history, I came to understand the vastness of the world. If possible, I would like to share this knowledge with others and deepen my understanding of history.”
“Then, why not set goals of creating a school to teach academics and pursuing historical research?”
Mathilda suggested a path that would make use of Clara’s interests and knowledge.
“I myself was taught reading, writing, and arithmetic by Lord Noein, so I understand the importance of education. Spreading knowledge in this land will broaden possibilities for many people and, by extension, for the Earlkvist domain. That would contribute to Lord Noein’s happiness.”
Listening to Mathilda, a spark lit in Clara’s eyes.
“And the study of history would also benefit Earlkvist. As the wife of the lord, your pursuit of a scholarly field would add to the cultural development of this domain. Your historical knowledge could directly aid Lord Noein as well.”
“These proposals are very appealing… But am I really fit to take on such things? Should I not simply remain reserved and avoid standing out?”
“On the contrary, Lady Clara, Lord Noein would want you to pursue your own path. To him, the happiness of every person in Earlkvist is part of his own happiness.”
Hearing Mathilda’s words, Clara looked as though she was on the verge of tears.
“Can I truly find happiness here? Rather than being an obstacle to both you and Lord Noein, can I become happy with the two of you? Am I allowed to have a sense of purpose beyond merely being a noble wife?”
To Clara, who had resigned herself to being “a noble’s wife” and nothing more, Mathilda’s words were brimming with hope and kindness—almost frighteningly so, because it was hard to accept.
“Of course. Here, everyone can pursue happiness. Lord Noein will make you happy. And we, too, will serve him and bring him happiness. Together, let’s find happiness with him.”
“…Yes. Thank you, Mathilda-san.”
They looked each other firmly in the eye, and then Mathilda suddenly felt surprised at her own bold words.
“I—I apologize. I’ve said many impertinent things as a mere slave…”
In her determination to speak for Clara’s and Noein’s sake, Mathilda had spoken without reservation, but now she worried that she had overstepped her bounds.
“Impertinent? Not at all. You have been by Lord Noein’s side far longer, so please, teach me as we go forward. Help me learn the mindset needed to support him.”
Clara smiled kindly, and Mathilda, slightly blushing, smiled back awkwardly.
・・・・・
Noein, who had stepped away to give Clara and Mathilda some time to talk, decided it was time to return to them.
Had they managed to talk a little? Had spending time with Mathilda sparked any change in Clara?
As he walked along the hallway leading to the garden, he overheard their conversation:
“Oh my, so Lord Noein has such a sweet side to him!”
“Yes. I suppose it’s the reaction from having to keep a strong front as a lord, unable to show any vulnerability to his subordinates or people. At night, though, he’s so innocent and gentle with me. And that expression… it just stirs a desire to protect him.”
“Really? So, at night… th-that means… you also share a bed together, right…?”
“Yes, as well as sharing the bath.”
“The b-b-bath as well?! So, when I get married, it’ll be like that for me too…?”
“If you’d like, I’d be happy to advise you on how to act in ways that will please Lord Noein.”
“Wha—?! I-I understand…”
Hearing this conversation made Noein pause in his tracks. The servant ahead of him, holding Clara’s coat, also froze, clearly unsure if they should interrupt the girls’ rather candid talk.
Both Mathilda and Clara sounded incredibly cheerful, especially Clara. What had happened in this short time?
“Still, it’s a bit surprising… but, Lord Noein has such a gentle face, a somewhat small build, and probably looks adorable when he’s being affectionate.”
“Yes, very much so… but because of his appearance and stature, he sometimes worries that he might lack the dignity expected of a lord.”
“Oh, so even Lord Noein has his concerns…”
“Yes. Although he has remarkable talent as a lord, he feels worry and doubt like any ordinary person. That’s exactly why we’re here to support him.”
“Yes, after all, each of us is a unique and irreplaceable presence in Lord Noein’s life!”
Listening any longer would just be too embarrassing. With that thought, Noein moved forward, passing by the still-stunned servant and stepping into Clara and Mathilda’s view.
“I’m back. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“L-Lord Noein?!”
“My apologies!”
Clara was startled by his sudden appearance, and Mathilda, uncharacteristically flustered, rose to her feet.
“Um… I’m glad to see you two seem to have become quite friendly.”
“Did… did you hear us?”
“…Yes, from the part about ‘such a sweet side,’ at least.”
Noein admitted awkwardly, and Clara covered her face in embarrassment. He glanced at Mathilda, who tried to maintain her usual composure but was clearly struggling, her eyes darting nervously.
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop… but I’m glad to see you enjoying yourself, Lady Clara.”
Noein smiled kindly at Clara, who, though her face was red, returned his gaze.
“…Mathilda has given me words that have saved me. Lord Noein, please forgive my previous somber behavior. While I may not hold the same position as Mathilda, I will support you in my own way and live here wholeheartedly. I, too, want to find happiness here.”
The expression on Clara’s face was entirely different now—radiant and refreshingly sincere. She looked so captivating, even Noein found himself momentarily spellbound.
As he stood there admiring her, Mathilda quietly stepped closer to Clara’s side.
The two women exchanged a look of unspoken trust, like lifelong friends, then turned to Noein.
“Lord Noein, please allow me to support you as your wife.”
“I ask the same, Lord Noein. Please accept our dedication.”
These two women, though in different positions, would henceforth share their lives with him. Noein, feeling their firm resolve and sincerity, let out a small laugh.
Until now, he had thought that if he could just maintain a respectful distance with Clara after their marriage, it would be enough.
They could fulfill their noble duties, raise children, present a harmonious image, and let Clara pursue her interests and studies, finding joy in her own way. Building true marital trust or affection seemed unlikely, but this approach would allow them both to live fulfilling lives.
However, Clara—and Mathilda—had proven far stronger than Noein. In the brief time he’d been gone, they had forged a bond, vowing to support each other and live happily together at his side.
How Mathilda had managed to stir Clara’s heart so quickly was a mystery, but he decided to set that aside for now.
“…Thank you, both of you. Let’s live together, and find happiness… No, I’ll make you both happy.”
“We’ll make sure to bring you happiness too, Lord Noein. Isn’t that right, Mathilda?”
“Yes… I’ll stay by your side to ensure your happiness, Lord Noein.”
“That’s… reassuring, and it makes me very happy.”
Seeing how close Clara and Mathilda had already become, Noein smiled wryly.
On that day, Noein truly accepted Clara as his wife in his heart, and resolved to live happily alongside both her and Mathilda.
