83: Mistya Kimmler

"Taking a wife?"

Lister was stunned. How did the discussion about the promised matters turn into whether he had a wife?

Did the topic change that quickly?

Looking at Viscount Connor's somewhat strange gaze, Lister felt something, though he wasn't entirely sure. He answered truthfully, "Currently, I am focused primarily on the development of my territory, so I have not yet taken a wife."

"Haha, that is truly wonderful," Viscount Connor exclaimed excitedly.

But the next moment, he realized his rudeness and quickly apologized, "My apologies, Lord Howard. I did not mean to make fun of you."

After coughing to cover his embarrassment, he smiled and praised, "It is just that Lord Howard, you are too outstanding. There are not many young noble lords with your talent in the entire kingdom."

"Moreover, I see that you are not young anymore. Territory development is very important, but if you could have a devoted woman to help you manage internal affairs, not only would you have fewer worries, but you could also better focus on the development of your territory, could you not?"

"It just so happens that my youngest daughter is around your age. Her appearance is not bad, and her personality is quite good. I wonder, Lord Howard, do you have any thoughts on a marriage alliance?"

A marriage alliance!

Good grief, you old fox, your fox tail has finally been exposed.

Although he had some premonition earlier, he did not expect this old fox, Viscount Connor, to be so direct.

What "devoted woman"? I see you are just coveting my family assets and don't want to make a losing deal.

Furthermore, even after changing worlds, he still couldn't escape the matter of being pressured to marry. It was simply more terrifying than a devil's curse.

Although he complained inwardly, Lister remained calm and said, "I appreciate the kindness of Viscount Kimler, but I currently have no intention of taking a wife. Let us continue discussing the previous matter."

Looking at Lister's unquestionable demeanor, Viscount Connor swallowed the words that had reached his lips. He said with great regret, "That is truly a pity. Since Lord Howard has higher pursuits, then…"

Before he could finish his sentence, a beautiful young girl suddenly rushed out from the nearby staircase. She ran in front of Lister and scolded him with a tearful voice:

"Although everyone in our Viscount Territory is grateful for your rescue, this young lady is not cheap goods! If you won't marry me, then don't! Howard, you are a big bad guy, boo-hoo—!"

Sigh! Sigh!! Sigh!!!

No, I didn't say anything disparaging. How did I become a bad guy?

This sudden, shocking rebuke caused the originally calm sea of Lister's heart to instantly churn with massive waves.

From the girl's scolding, he knew she was the youngest daughter Viscount Connor had just mentioned. He just didn't expect her to be eavesdropping nearby.

This is not the conduct of a noble; it must be reprimanded.

But then again, hearing such a direct refusal in person would indeed make anyone uncomfortable, but this reaction was too extreme.

However, the girl before him was truly very beautiful; Viscount Connor's description earlier was clearly very modest.

The girl's appearance was a notch above Flora's, and she could be said to be on par with the most beautiful woman Lister had ever seen, Daisna, each possessing their own unique beauty.

Compared to Daisna's exquisite features and dignified elegance, and Flora's pure gentleness and inner strength…

The girl before him possessed a beauty that was three parts pure, three parts charming, three parts spirited, and one part indescribable nuance.

As for her personality, it was clearly more sensitive and delicate; otherwise, she wouldn't have rushed out and acted this way.

Looking at the girl's tear-streaked face, Lister quickly stood up and, in a flustered manner, tried to soothe her, "Miss Kimler, you take it too seriously. My words just now did not mean to disparage you. How could a noble lady as beautiful as you not be liked by others?"

"It is just that my own primary focus is currently on developing my territory, and I also have someone in my heart. If there was anything in my words that caused you to misunderstand, I apologize. I ask for your understanding, Miss."

"Really? You mean you don't dislike me?" The girl's crying stopped abruptly, and she asked with a face full of joy.

What kind of thought process is this?

Lister was dumbfounded. Miss, can you not tell that what I just said was to soothe you?

How did it come out of your mouth as a 360-degree turn, making it feel like I was actually interested in you?

"But why do you have someone in your heart?" The girl sighed resentfully, but the next second, her tone became incomparably gentle, "Can you tell me who she is? Perhaps we can become very good friends."

Good friends?

This changed way too fast!

He could now be certain that the girl was absolutely Viscount Connor's biological daughter; otherwise, how could their thinking jump so bizarrely?

Although the girl's tone was very gentle and no negative emotions could be heard, Lister just felt it was extremely strange.

Subconsciously meeting the girl's pure, sky-blue eyes, a chill inexplicably ran down his spine.

Something is wrong!

It is twelve parts out of ten wrong!

He laughed it off, "She is not in Ironthorn Territory right now, and your personalities might not necessarily get along. I think there is no need for an introduction, ha, haha…"

Afraid that the girl would continue to pester him, he immediately changed the subject, "After talking for so long, I still do not know your name. May I have the honor of knowing it?"

Perhaps the girl was truly distracted, or perhaps she felt it was not good to keep asking.

She gently wiped away the tears on her face, lifted her skirt with both hands, and elegantly performed a noblewoman's bow, apologizing, "I was too rude just now. Please forgive me, Lord Howard."

"My full name is Mystia Kimmler, and I am Father's youngest daughter. Can we start by being friends?"

What "start by being friends"? I see you are just coveting my handsome appearance and strong, powerful physique.

Looking at the girl's watery, expectant eyes, although Lister wanted to refuse…

But in his peripheral vision, he could feel over a dozen pairs of eyes staring fixedly at him, especially the direct, piercing gazes of Viscount Connor and Akman, which made him feel like he was sitting on needles.

He felt that as long as he said the word "refuse," even with Red's protection, those two would absolutely rush up and fight him to the death.

Even if one was old and the other was disabled!

After thinking about it, he felt he must maintain his consistent virtues; respecting the old and the disabled cannot just be empty words.

These thoughts flashed through his mind, and he revealed a gentle smile, "Of course. Being a friend of Miss Mystia Kimmler is my honor, Lister."

As his words fell, Mystia's slightly nervous little face immediately blossomed like a flower, and her moving smile made Lister feel as if he were bathed in a spring breeze.

Viscount Connor in the main seat and Akman on the side both imperceptibly let out a sigh of relief, revealing a smile that seemed triumphant.

At this moment, a Soldier walked in quickly from outside the door and reported, "Viscount, Baron Moses Hanselton is waiting outside to see you."