“What could it mean?”

“Why are you asking me about that?”

Alexander replied bluntly. However, internally, he thought that William Rodante had undoubtedly made such a statement because he considered the dowry wasted.

If Larisa dies without getting married, her dowry will be returned to the Rodante family. Unless for that reason, there’s no need to…

“Isn’t it strange? After saying that, he says it doesn’t matter who you marry.”

“Do you really want my advice?”

Alexander asked seriously.

“Go ahead.”

Larisa stared at him.

“First, do you know the rumors about you spreading around?”

“The story that I am the witch’s pet?”

“No… not that story.”

Alexander scratched the back of his head awkwardly and spoke with a perplexed expression.

“About your dowry. There are rumors that the Duke of Rodante stored his wealth in a dowry fund without fees to avoid deposit fees and that the fund is exempt from fees because it is a national pension. Moreover, there are rumors that some of the money is deliberately kept in your dowry fund to prevent bankruptcy due to the Duke pouring money into the development of the Rodante territory.”

“…What?”

Larisa’s mouth dropped open at the unexpected story.

“The dowry fund is a national pension, so there are no deposit fees. However, if you deposit it in a bank, they will charge an exorbitant deposit fee. Besides, the Duke has been pouring money into the development of the Rodante territory, so there are rumors that he intentionally keeps some of the money in your dowry fund to prevent bankruptcy.”

Larisa was speechless. It was a story she had never imagined.

“P-people are saying that?”
“Yeah. Otherwise, there’s no need for that witch to support and take along a common girl.”

Alexander said nonchalantly, then abruptly closed his mouth.

“…Sorry. My words were harsh.”

“No, it’s okay. People say things like that?”

“…Yes.”

Alexander inwardly scolded himself. Although he had a tendency to receive criticism from his family for speaking thoughtlessly, he often insisted that he was just being honest. For the first time in his life, Alexander felt guilty for the words he had just uttered.

“Anyway, if I upset you, I apologize.”

“No. I actually appreciate that you’re the only one who talks to me so honestly.”

Larisa said with a playful smile. Alexander felt uncomfortable with Larisa’s overly kind reaction.

“Are you really… not being taken advantage of?”

“No? My mom cherishes me so much!”

“If Duke Rodante were deliberately using you, would you know?”

Larisa laughed lightly.

“Even if your words were true, I would be no more than a substitute for a bank. I want to be more helpful than that.”

Alexander was at a loss for words. He didn’t know what advice to give Larisa. After a moment of silence, he sighed and spoke.
“Anyway, even to protect your dowry, you must get married. Find someone with enough personal wealth not to covet your property, and from a reputable family with enough prestige not to be swayed by Duke Rodante. Since you said you don’t want to become a noble, it would be even better if you find someone with a brother to bear the responsibilities of nobility……”

Alexander stopped talking. The more he spoke, the more it seemed like there was no one else in the world who fit the description.

“Well, look for a suitable match.”

Alexander pretended to read a book that he had been flipping through for dozens of minutes. Larisa sighed and spoke.

“Where can I find such a match?”

There is one right next to Larisa. Alexander covered his reddening face with the book.

“Are you going to sleep?”

“I’m tired, so just go.”

“I’m bored.”

“You’re bothering a lady by staying for too long.”

“Are you a man?”

Alexander exclaimed, startled.

“Then are you a woman? Am I a woman?!”

“Oh, surprise. Why are you suddenly yelling?”

Larisa plugged her ears and grumbled.

“Men are sensitive about weird things.”

“You… Ugh, forget it. Just go.”

Alexander sighed inwardly.

‘Why do I like such a woman?’

Alexander wasn’t a fool. It might have been from the moment Larisa held his hand on the red carpet under the moonlight, or maybe from the moment she smiled after receiving his flowers, or perhaps from the very beginning.
He liked Larisa. It took him a long time to admit it, but once he did, it wasn’t clear-cut.

‘Larisa probably has no feelings for me.’

His pride was hurt. Moreover, there was no one else at the Knight Academy right now who could be considered Larisa’s friend besides himself.

If even Alexander began to approach her, Larisa would truly have no one to rely on. Alexander sighed.

“Alex, play with me!”

How did he end up liking such a childish girl?

‘Is she too innocent?’

Alexander’s ego was quite thick. Larisa singing because she was bored looked adorable, which was a big problem.

“Alex, I’m bored to death. The festival is over, and it’s vacation. Usually, what do other kids do during vacation?”

“Usually, they stay in their territories.”