"Get this straight—you’re the one who married into the family!" Lekui glared angrily.

"True, I married in, but I still need heirs, right? Miss Christia clearly doesn’t want kids with me, so what choice do I have but an affair?" Lanche argued reasonably.

He didn’t care about heirs—he just needed a sex life. He wouldn’t stay celibate for her sake and die a virgin.

"You’re only fifteen, barely an adult! Why rush into this?" Liya looked incredulous. This boy defied all common sense.

A useless live-in son-in-law—how dare he even think it?

"You’re the ones who set terms with me. I’m just preparing ahead. Let’s set clear rules to keep family harmony," Lanche defended himself.

"Hah! A mere good-for-nothing like you has no right to demand anything," Lekui scoffed coldly.

Liya nodded in agreement.

Lanche glanced at Kestia, but she watched him calmly, silent. Of course—why else pick a useless man to marry in? To keep him easily controlled.

"Guess my place in this family speaks volumes," Lanche sighed, too frustrated to argue further. It’d be pointless anyway.

"Hmph. Family status? Dreaming of being master of the house? Focus on improving your pathetic skills first," Lekui shot back, every word dripping with "useless" without saying it.

Lanche propped his chin on his hand, staring out the window, done with her.

"Is there anything you wish to do?" Kestia asked calmly, finally sparing a thought for his feelings.

Lanche considered it. "Read books, sunbathe, stroll the streets. Someone to serve me tea, do laundry, cook meals—that’s enough."

The three girls fell speechless. Typical life of a good-for-nothing.

In this world, men should fight and become heroes. True men built legacies—even many girls dreamed of it.

But Lanche was a lazybones, stating his desires naturally, without shame.

Then again, a useless man couldn’t presume to be a hero. At least he knew his limits.

"Fine, Lanche. I’ll ensure you live that life," Kestia said.

"But in our home, don’t look where you shouldn’t. Don’t listen where you shouldn’t. Understood?" She fixed him with a calm, dominant gaze, every inch the mistress.

"You can count on that," Lanche smiled. "I hate trouble more than anything."

Kestia nodded, trusting his words—he seemed clever enough.

As they spoke, the carriage reached the Claire Family’s manor.

Originally owned by another noble house, the Claires had bought it.

Lanche’s impression of them boiled down to two things: a title without territory, and immense wealth.

Without Earl Belnos’s endorsement and their family history, the Claires would be nobodies among nobles—just a fallen lineage that got rich quick and returned to settle.

Lanche wondered why they chose this place when they could live anywhere.

"Inside. This is your room now. Don’t look where you shouldn’t. Don’t ask what you shouldn’t," Lekui snapped rudely.

She placed him in a separate room near the kitchen and bathrooms, far from important areas like the study.

"I’ll bring you any books you want," Liya offered with a smile.

Lanche nodded, indifferent. Fine, he’d skip the books—they were being overly mysterious anyway.

He scanned the house. "Such a big place... only two maids?"

"I said don’t ask! None of your concern!" Lekui shot him a fierce glare.

"Liya and I manage perfectly well alone," Liya assured him warmly.

Lanche nodded, holding his tongue.

And so, Lanche married into the Claire Family, becoming part of the Golden Grape Manor.

The maid sisters, Lekui and Liya, were capable. They kept the estate spotless daily, their nimble movements hinting they weren’t ordinary servants.

"Lekui, pour me some tea," Lanche called.

"Pour it yourself." She brushed past him, tea set in hand, ignoring him completely.

"This isn’t what we agreed!" Lanche protested indignantly.

"You have no right to bargain. Don’t hinder my work." Lekui marched toward the parlor without looking back.

Lanche sighed, fetching a plain tea set to brew his own. He grabbed a travelogue and sought a scenic spot to enjoy his time.

Married into this house, he rarely saw his wife Kestia. Flirting with the pretty maids was impossible. He had to entertain himself.

Guests often visited. Thanks to the wedding, the Claire Family had made a name, gaining business partners.

Kestia handled all guests. Viscount Clarein sought partners, but Kestia managed every detail—negotiations, inspecting materials and shops.

Though cold by nature, she excelled at business. Many were captivated by her aura.

Everyone praised Viscount Clarein for his capable daughter—no wonder she needed a live-in husband.

Kestia Klairein’s name spread through the city: beautiful, capable, desired by countless men.

Yet she was married... the thought left many heartbroken.

The brighter Kestia’s reputation shone, the more hatred Lanche faced.

He rarely left home now. When he did, he stuck to familiar streets, fearing rotten eggs tossed in secret.

Naughty kids circled him, singing mocking nursery rhymes.

"This is getting worse. Don’t let me find out who’s behind it!" Lanche growled.

Even a pushover had limits—did they think him easy prey?

"Miss Christia has handled your situation. You needn’t worry," Liya said, approaching him.

"How?" Lanche asked curiously.

"We found a few troublemakers. Forced public apologies. No one will dare mistreat you in the streets again," Liya explained.

"Guess she’s a good wife after all, looking out for her husband," Lanche mused.

Liya didn’t grasp "wife" or "husband," but caught the gist. "Don’t misunderstand. As Miss Christia’s husband, your reputation affects hers."

"Yeah, yeah. You’re only doing this for yourselves," Lanche shrugged.

Liya snorted. "Stay indoors more. We won’t guarantee your safety. If jealous men kill you, it won’t matter to us."

Their goal—securing Lanche as a live-in husband—was achieved. His existence now was irrelevant.

"I know my place. No worries," Lanche raised his hands in surrender.

"Good. Be smart. Don’t force us to use harsh methods." Liya smiled faintly, then turned away.

Lanche watched her back, thoughtful. "They made examples of people so quickly... the Claire Family isn’t ordinary."

Small matters, yet revealing their capability.

Was this family truly here just for business?

In his past world, scheming for profit made sense. But here, commerce was the least important skill.

Power, honor, territory, authority—these ranked far above trade.

What exactly did the Claire Family seek?