Chapter 80 - The Future of the Knightly House’s Second Son
Noticing my expression, My Friend began explaining the educational standards of the high countess’ household to my parents. This was no ordinary high count family—they were the house that educated their daughter to be the “shadow” of the grand ducal lady—the lady who was to become the future Queen Consort. Given that fact, when the grand ducal lady married the crown prince, this family would naturally be expected to provide attendants for her retinue.
In other words, they would serve directly in the royal palace. For such a position, the standards of a mere high countess would be insufficient. Only the highest levels of “etiquette” and “ceremonial protocol” would suffice. From My Friend’s words, both Father and Mother were left speechless at the overwhelming depth of the education my second brother was receiving. Well, I had somewhat expected this, though.
“Your second son is to be wed into that high countess’ household, correct? That family is... somewhat special. The current head was once in service to the grand ducal house’s young lady and received an exceptional education. Rumor has it she was even skilled enough to serve as the grand ducal lady’s ‘shadow.’ And being of martial lineage, she was also rigorously trained in combat arts. My father once told me she was educated to act as the grand ducal lady’s ‘shield’ in close-quarters combat should the need arise. Given that household’s standards, their education must rival even that of the royal family’s. Quite fascinating, wouldn’t you say? I imagine your second son must be struggling immensely. He’ll likely be held to royal-level ceremonial protocol, for one. And then... ah, yes—he’ll also need to master the intricate power dynamics among the noble houses in the capital. After all, he’ll surely attend the crown prince and grand ducal lady’s wedding ceremony. More than that, given his bride’s background, there’s even a chance he and his wife may be assigned as the grand ducal lady’s official attendants. Truly, a monumental responsibility.”
He stated it all so casually. Yeah, figures, I thought. The high countess’ involvement with me at the magic academy had likely been the grand ducal lady’s own wish. I had obediently listened to her out of deference, but even from our brief exchanges, her formidable personality was unmistakable.
And now, my second brother would have to prove himself worthy of such a match. This, too, was a duty—one he’d have to steel himself for, lest his spirit break under the pressure.
Stubborn as he was, my brother would never admit defeat. No doubt he was already analyzing the situation, drawing parallels from his own experiences. The cutthroat maneuvering of capital nobles? He’d probably liken it to the predator-prey dynamics of the Demonic Forest. If he framed it that way, he might just make sense of it.
As for leading the high countess’ military forces? That hardly concerned me. After all, during the last campaign, her house had temporarily integrated its troops into the royal command structure and led the Kingdom’s Second Army to a redeeming victory. Their competence was beyond question.
Really, there was nothing to fear. My brother was a giant of a warrior, after all—one whose sheer presence could silence even the most seasoned knights. He wasn’t the type to cower before those who knew nothing of the forest’s terrors.
Yeah, no need to worry.
“B-but... will he be alright? He’s more sensitive than he lets on...”
“Mother, this is his duty. So long as he treats it as such, there should be no issue. Only one concern remains.”
“And what might that be?”
“Whether he will cherish the high countess. If they are to marry, I’d at least hope for a favorable report in due time.”
“...Yes, quite right.”
Indeed. Even if theirs wasn’t a love match, I hoped they’d at least share mutual affection. And if they were blessed with a child, all the better. To my concerns, My Friend broke into a wide grin.
“That will depend entirely on your brother’s resolve. A noble lady bearing grievous scars—no one in the capital would accept her. But here in the borderlands? Where battles against monsters and magical beasts are daily fare? Even in town, you’ll find countless women with prominent facial scars. To your brother, such ‘flaws’ are nothing unusual. Childhood wounds fade with growth—perhaps hers are barely noticeable now. Ah, but forgive my bluntness.”
Suddenly, Father smiled as if recalling something. His next words held tidings unknown to me.
“Then there’s no issue. That boy’s kindness toward women borders on indulgence. He once devoted himself to rehabilitating a mentally broken female soldier—one whose face and body bore terrible scars. He kept telling her, ‘These are marks of pride, proof that you’ve upheld peace’ until she regained her strength as a warrior. Of all in our house, he’s the most discerning of hearts. He understands emotional subtleties... which is precisely why he’s never allowed anyone close. But if duty binds him, he’ll strive to cherish her without fail.”
“Fufufu... Oh yes, that did happen,” Mother chuckled. “He was so devoted it nearly made me jealous. In that case... we needn’t worry. I only pray the high countess’ household will accept him in turn. The wedding approaches swiftly. He must meet certain standards by then, but since we’ve heard no complaints, I suppose all is well. Though it is unprecedented for the Minister of Military Affairs—the high countess’ adoptive guardian—to stand as a ceremonial parent... Still, I’m sure he’ll navigate it flawlessly.”
Father and Mother exchanged a smile. Hang in there, Brother. May you find happiness in time. And My Friend? You might want to work on your tact. The borderlands value frankness, but your words are too direct. You’re giving me secondhand anxiety here. Seriously…
――――
Perhaps the commotion had drawn them—the heir and his wife soon entered the study. My sister-in-law’s belly was now prominently round. Leading her by the hand, my eldest brother appeared before us. After introducing My Friend and securing Father’s approval for his posting at the fortress, my brother grinned and ruffled my hair. “Good for you,” he said, even offering congratulations.
=
Gaining a friend like My Friend was rare for a knightly house. Among nobles, true friendship is exceedingly difficult—central aristocracy prioritizes profit and alliances above all.
Even in the borderlands, this tendency runs deep, making our house’s marital customs something of an anomaly. Indeed, neighboring knightly houses often label us “the love-predispositioned family.”
“A house that values personal sentiment over noble obligation.”
And honestly? There’s truth to it. Past heads have all chosen spouses based on personal conviction rather than status. My eldest brother, for one, fell for one of Mother’s maids and insisted on marrying her.
The commoners spin their own tales—“The second young master took one look at the high countess and proposed on the spot!”—whispers now spreading through the streets as accepted fact.
Do they he even grasp the gulf between a high countess household and a knightly one? I laughed. Such storybook fantasies could never come to pass...
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