Chapter 78 - The Path to the Knightly Household
I toss words to my dejected friend. I cannot, on my own authority, permit him to continue his research at the Fortress. As the master of the Fortress, I would like to grant him that wish, but the authority to do so lies with someone else. Yes, it rests with my father, the head of the knightly family.
“But as you well know, I am the third son of the knightly family. I hold no decision-making power. I must seek permission from my father, the head of the household, and my brother, the heir.”
“I understand that. I am prepared to visit at any time. And I ask you, please allow me to continue my research here. If necessary, I can even present a letter of approval from the Prime Minister. If that would expedite matters, I will do so.”
“Pushing through with authority... Well, fine. If the son of a high comital family insists, and with the Prime Minister’s endorsement and the King’s approval, even my father would not refuse. Besides, having you around might accelerate the development of magitech tools.”
“Ah, that sounds good. Very good. If I can stay here as a guest, I won’t hesitate to assist in your research as a form of rent. And I suspect you’re already scheming something interesting, aren’t you? Count me in.”
“That’s just like you. Fine, I’ll grant you the use of the Fortress’s closed-off VIP room as your quarters. The attendants there will be more than capable of taking care of you. What about meals?”
“I’m going to adapt to the customs here since I’ll be staying. What about you? How are you handling things?”
“Ah, lately I’ve been dining here as well. It’s a waste of time to return to the main residence, and the resident communicators take turns managing the Fortress.”
“Ah, those people earlier... Who are they? Are they ladies from respectable families under your care? Or perhaps household specialists handpicked by the Knight Lord?”
“No, they’re not. They’re not even nobles. They are... the partners of those who have become the foundation of our territory’s future.”
“Ugh... I-I see. S-so that’s how it is. And they show you respect as well. I’ve heard the frontier is harsh, but this is something else. ...Understood. I’ll follow the customs here. You all, remember this is not the home of the Minister of Magic’s family.”
“ “As you command.” ”
The attendants of My Friend bow their heads respectfully. Though, as a high comital family, they could very well bring their capital lifestyle here... But that would be impossible, wouldn’t it? In this frontier, there’s nothing as glamorous as the capital. Over time, one gets used to it, but for a woman, it must be tough... Not that My Friend is a woman, but his appearance...
And so, after reaching an agreement, I arranged for My Friend to live at the Fortress by speaking with the head of the communicators. I instructed them to prepare the VIP room for his use. All that remains is to obtain permission from my father, the head of the household. Without his approval, My Friend will have no choice but to return to the capital.
I’m half-resigned to the possibility, but I can’t completely dismiss it. It all depends on my father’s judgment. There’s a chance he might refuse, given the vast difference in status between a knightly family and a high comital family.
――― § ―――
Urged on by My Friend, we head to the main residence. We decide to ride on horseback instead of taking a carriage, and since there’s a difference in status, I take the reins. Even My Friend’s attendants hold titles. In this situation, there’s no noble present of lower rank than me. As we prepare, the first party volunteers to escort us.
Fifteen fully armed soldiers, led by a shooter, all geared for patrol operations.
“We will serve as your vanguard. Commander, please ride with us. We will take the reins.”
“...No, that won’t be necessary.”
Listening to our exchange, My Friend can’t hold back and interjects.
“Such formalities are unnecessary. I can ride a warhorse. Though, in this form... I can’t gallop, but a trot should be fine. The goal is simply to reach the knightly family’s residence quickly. Friend, mount up. Do as your escort says. Here in this Fortress, was it? You are the highest authority. Don’t be bound by noble hierarchies. The frontier has its own logic.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed. If I were to make you, who is respected by the people and soldiers of this land, take the reins, my judgment would be questioned. You are a ruler of this land. Ride beside me. Let’s go, time is precious.”
The party leader, the Shooter, gazes at my friend with sparkling eyes. The Adjutant also looks at him with respect. That’s just how it is, My Friend. You, who disregard customs and noble pride for practicality and a keen understanding of the situation... You haven’t changed. Understood.
We ride toward the main residence. Preparations complete, we set off as a group. My Friend speaks to the party leader.
“By the way, how was the test firing?”
“Yes! It’s become much easier to use! The trajectory is straighter and less prone to dropping. There’s no need to adjust for angle or lateral deviation, and the trigger pull feels just as good as when we first received it. ...Sir! And, I feel like... the effective range has increased somewhat.”
“Is that so? That’s good. If you encounter any issues, let me know. I’m a genius, after all. I can fix anything.”
“Yes, Sir!”
Hey, hey, what’s going on here? Just moments ago, they were so cautious, and now this? Well, perhaps it’s a good thing. Let’s involve My Friend in equipment upgrades and maintenance. After all, he’s a genius. I’ll make sure to get his help as much as possible. A smirk creeps onto my face. This might be a rare opportunity. Preparations complete, we head to the main residence. Riding are My Friend, his entourage, and myself. The first party escorts us. The group solemnly makes its way to the residence.
――――
At the main residence, we are greeted by the head butler. I convey our purpose and request an audience with my father. The head butler bows respectfully, sends a messenger, and leads us forward. This is the treatment befitting the son of a high comital family. If it were just me, I would proceed alone without an escort. Of course, this is standard for dealing with nobility. The escort remains at the entrance. The first party heads to the training grounds, while we proceed to my father’s office.
Only our footsteps echo through the quiet residence. Of course, My Friend says nothing. Not out of nervousness, but because it’s the norm. In the capital, during my time at the Magic Academy, I interacted with many noble-born individuals. Among them were the sons of mid-ranking count families.
What struck me most was their demeanor within their residences. In the knightly household, we would gather as a family whenever something important arose to reaffirm our direction as a knightly family. But they were different. In the capital... among the central noble families, the head’s will takes precedence. Thus, even family members do not openly oppose the head’s decisions.
Moreover, if they felt the head was making a mistake, they would not voice their concerns directly. Instead, they would express their concerns to their assigned attendants. These concerns would then be shared among the attendants and reported to the head attendant. Discussions and suggestions would occur among the attendants, and the matter would eventually reach the second-ranking attendant—typically the lady’s attendant or head maid. Only after the lady’s judgment would the matter be relayed to the head butler, and only then would the issue be formally disclosed, allowing a discussion to take place.
It’s a convoluted and roundabout process. Naturally, My Friend has experienced this as well. Hence, he knows better than to speak out of turn within the residence. This is the proper way of noble life in the kingdom, I recalled, a bitter smile forming on my face...
But this is a secret from my friend.
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