Marriage Proposal of the National Treasure Young Master - Chapter 1: A National Treasure-Class Young Lord

Iralion Svarov.

There was no one in the Cuyer Kingdom who didn’t know his name and achievements. However, he had accumulated so many titles through his numerous accomplishments that people affectionately and reverently called him simply “Lord Iralion, the Marquis’s son.”

A prodigy born into the prestigious Marquis Svarov family—renowned for producing numerous prime ministers—he was the son of the king’s cousin and had overwhelmed the adults around him with his exceptional intellect since childhood. Furthermore, a swordmaster who had defeated countless enemies with his refined swordsmanship and led wars to victory.

He naturally graduated at the top of his class from the Academy. Though he was sought after as a court official, he unexpectedly knocked on the doors of the Royal Knights instead, quickly distinguished himself, became the youngest swordmaster in history to unite the fierce warriors of the knights, and rose to become captain of the Royal Knights at a young age.

Just when it seemed he would continue down the path of martial prowess, while fulfilling his duties as captain of the Royal Knights who bore responsibility for the kingdom’s military, he also assisted his father the prime minister, making various proposals and contributions that greatly benefited the nation politically.

Not content with just that, the academic papers he wrote during his Academy days on the principles of magical power and magic were highly praised, and his establishment of detection methods for dimensional rifts and conceptualization of new spatio-temporal manipulation techniques was such a groundbreaking discovery that the Magic Tower, a magical research institution, requested he become its director.

Though he declined the offer due to his extremely busy schedule, the Magic Tower, desperate to maintain a connection with him, created an honorary position called “Special Advisor Mage” and pleaded for him to add his name to their roster. Eventually, moved by their enthusiasm, Iralion accepted the position and took up residence at the Magic Tower as well.

He enjoyed the king’s favor and possessed beauty that captivated all who saw him, a handsome man with sweet features who enchanted young ladies throughout the kingdom.

It was already decided that he would become the next Marquis Svarov. In addition to that, despite holding the title of knights’ captain, he was considered the top candidate for the next prime minister, and his exceptional abilities, which drew calls from the Magic Tower, had reached legendary status.

In the war he volunteered to join, he served as supreme commander, using his strategic brilliance to employ clever tactics and overwhelming swordsmanship to lead the charge, magnificently bringing victory and ending the long-standing war with a neighboring country. This achievement was highly praised, and the king awarded him medals, the title of hero, and an earldom—a recent memory.

Even now, having become an earl through his own merits, people still called him simply “Lord Iralion,” which was also an expression of respect for his achievements that couldn’t be contained by a mere earldom.

By this point, he should have faced considerable jealousy from other young lords, but this man’s character was endlessly good. A serious, polite, refreshing gentleman with consideration and kindness. Moreover, he was friendly and occasionally showed a playful side, yet never boasted of his abilities, always maintaining humility and never forgetting to respect others.

Far from receiving jealousy, he was beloved and respected by everyone—power-hungry nobles, merchants interested only in their own profit, eccentric old men, and even small children in the marketplace all praised him and held him in high regard.

Also, his gentle manner, politeness, refinement, and purity in dealing with anyone without discrimination. No one had ever heard disparaging remarks about others from his mouth, and his nobility in constantly devoting himself to the country and sparing no effort. His popularity, with virtually no flaws, knew no bounds—truly a man worthy of being called a national treasure.

Such a man was currently twenty-four and unmarried. Perhaps because he had devoted himself to study and training since childhood and pursued work single-mindedly after coming of age, he had never had a single romantic scandal. A beautiful hero of integrity who combined literary and martial talents.

As a marriage prospect, he was a supremely capable, top-quality catch—the greatest heartthrob in history, the nation’s treasure-class young master Iralion Svarov… who had come with a bouquet and marriage proposal to a certain count’s house.

“Lord Iralion, for the renowned hero of the kingdom to grace us with his presence is truly an honor for our house.”

“Nothing could bring us greater joy!”

“Count Kurzhett, Countess, I am grateful for your precious time.”

Seeing Iralion greet them politely with his dazzling beauty, the count beamed with satisfaction. Beside him, the countess also smiled with flushed cheeks.

Now, there wasn’t a day when everyone in the kingdom didn’t talk about Iralion’s marriage prospects.

Such an Iralion had come to their house with an obviously recognizable bouquet and marriage proposal. It would be impossible not to have expectations.

At the light, skillful knock, the count and countess couldn’t suppress their overflowing smiles.

“Come in.”

At the grinning count’s signal, a beautiful young lady with glossy blonde hair elegantly arranged entered the reception room.

“This is my daughter Sofia.”

When the count introduced her, the young lady looked up at Iralion with shy eyes.

“It is my pleasure to meet you for the first time. I am Sofia of House Count Kurzhett.”

When Sofia curtsied, Iralion also stood gracefully and bowed.

“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Sofia.”

At the overwhelming beauty of Iralion’s gesture as he bowed, Sofia blushed to the utmost.

Her eyes were filled with expectation.

Her expression showed she believed without doubt that she would win the coveted position as Iralion’s bride, whom everyone admired. While desperately hiding the excitement welling up within her, Sofia waited for Iralion’s words. Surely she would receive words of proposal and the bouquet at any moment.

However, no matter how long she waited, no words of proposal came from Iralion. On the contrary, while showing an elegant smile, Iralion remained silent as if waiting for something.

“Um, Lord Iralion…?”

It was Count Kurzhett who lost patience first. He addressed Iralion with a cough.

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“Don’t you have something to say to my daughter?”

“Indeed I do.”

“Then please speak…”

“However, I cannot say it when the person in question is not present.”

“The person…?”

Not understanding what Iralion was saying, the count tilted his head. Unable to bear it, the countess spoke to Iralion from beside him.

“But Sofia is right here…?”

Seeing the genuinely puzzled count and countess, Iralion spoke with his refreshing smile never faltering.

“With all due respect, it is not Lady Sofia I wish to meet, but Lady Teril.”

At those words, the count, countess, and Sofia gasped.

“Where is Lady Teril now?”

Iralion’s endlessly beautiful, pure, and vivid blue eyes were directed straight at the count.

The count, flustered, answered in a stumbling manner.

“If you’re speaking of our eldest daughter… surely there’s some mistake? That one is not the kind of daughter we could present before Lord Iralion.”

“That one.” At the contemptuous way he referred to his daughter, Iralion raised his eyebrows just slightly.

“No, I don’t believe there’s any mistake. I came today wishing to meet Lady Teril.”

“…That one is not here. She’s emotionally unstable and somewhat dim-witted, you see. We’ve sent her outside the mansion so she wouldn’t disturb our important guest.”

“I see. Then, might I be permitted to meet Lady Teril again on another day?”

To the count who clearly disparaged his eldest daughter, Iralion made his request with utmost politeness.

“Excuse me, but what business do you have with Teril?”

“I had intended to speak with the young lady herself first, but I wish to propose marriage to Lady Teril.”

To Iralion’s clear declaration, Count Kurzhett, his wife, and Sofia let out screaming voices.

“Marriage proposal?! That one is not suitable for Lord Iralion!”

“That daughter isn’t worth anyone’s attention!”

“Lord Iralion! Lord Iralion doesn’t know about that one—if you knew, there couldn’t possibly be anyone eccentric enough to want to propose to such a woman!”

To the screaming family, Iralion showed a beautiful, melancholy smile.

“I have given my heart to Lady Teril. Though I have met her only twice, if she would grant me her permission, I would very much like her to become my life’s companion.”

Iralion, who already possessed blinding beauty, speaking with downcast eyes and a wistful expression was not just a feast for the eyes but positively harmful to them.

While covering their eyes from his overwhelming beauty, the count’s family still attempted resistance.

“With all due respect, you have been deceived by that one!”

“Any person with common sense would never give their heart to such a daughter!”

“That’s right—any man who would do so would be completely mad!”

Iralion’s eyes, directed at the three shouting people, didn’t waver in the slightest.

“Mad, you say. How unfortunate. It seems you three don’t think very highly of me. If my immaturity prevents you from permitting my proposal to Lady Teril, then I shall strive to improve myself further. Therefore, please allow me to propose to Lady Teril.”

“Guh…!”

Iralion, who possessed the kingdom’s greatest intellect, physique, and beauty, was politely bowing his head. Faced with such a sight, Count Kurzhett fell silent, unable to say anything. Sofia’s earlier statement had been unwise. If he said anything more, it might be seen as an insult to the great Iralion Svarov.

If that happened, they would make enemies not only of the Marquis Svarov house, but also the royal family who worshipped him, other noble houses, and even all the kingdom’s citizens.

However, they also couldn’t bring out that eldest daughter. Just as he wondered what to do and silence fell over the reception room…

Knock knock.

The reception room door was knocked, and a maid entered the room. Seeing the maid who had come pushing a cart loaded with tea and sweets, Iralion was the first to move, quickly crossing the room.

“Lady Teril. It is an honor to meet you again.”

At Iralion bowing politely to the maid, everyone present was struck speechless. The maid in question was so surprised that she dropped the teacup she was about to prepare, and the poor cup fell to the floor and shattered with a sound.