I hardly left the mansion on the second day of the Harvest Festival. As you can imagine the reason, I lost the battle with the Demon King, and I was a wreck in body and soul. Then a further challenger appeared to me.

　Count Merna and I were in good training. He watched me fight that day, pointed out what was wrong with me, taught me the right way to do it, and made me put it into practice.

　So far, so good. However, there was no one to practice with but the rumba.

　We fought with wooden swords, and even though it was supposed to be a hammering match, I felt my life was in danger.

　Naturally I was desperate to die, but I didn't want to die.

　On the way, Count Merna said to Father Nord, 'He'd be better off fighting at that level, wouldn't he?

He made extremely dangerous statements such as.

''Umm, yes, but it's not like Al wants to be a knight.''

It's more of an adventurer's talent. That thing is a survivor.

'You're interested in other countries, but you said you don't like adventurers because they're dangerous.

"Huh, you're weird. I'm that big--

　Anyway, it helped to have an understanding father.

　Al is going to be a knight too!　I would have been in trouble if you had told me that.

　Anyway, we were so lazy after morning practice that we didn't even feel like going out of the room yesterday.

　And today is the last day of the Harvest Festival.

　This morning, Count Merna, Viscount Lorena and Lady Linaria will return home.

　It's the last day of the noisy festival. The guests will be gone, and we can return to our peaceful days.

　The entire Sowlett family and all the maids go out the front door to see Count Merna and the others off.

''Nord, come to my estate this time, too!　You're welcome to join me.

"Yes, I'll be there when I go to King's Landing.

　As Father Nord replied, Count Merna patted me on the head.

''You're definitely coming too. Well, I'm old enough to have to show up at a nobleman's party soon. We'll see you then, I'm sure.''

'Yes!　Really!

　I looked up quickly at my Nord Dad and he smiled back at me. Apparently it's true.

'Yeah, parties and all that hassle,'

　When he heard my languid voice, Count Merna laughed happily. 'See you later!' He said and walked to the carriage.

　Two knight-like guards in armor, who hadn't been seen much before, followed Count Merna. Had they been in the servants' quarters until now?

''Then so am I. Thank you for your help. Please come to my estate as well.''

'Of course you're all welcome to come. You're welcome.

Yeah, sure. And Al, too.

Yes, of course.

　It's a social call, right?　Neither of you are serious, are you?　

'By the way, Yustel. Where are your guards?　Are you sure you didn't bring him with you?

　In this world where demons and bandits exist, there's no way a nobleman can travel without an escort. Well, as long as you're with Count Merna's carriage, you'll be safe. It's enough to make me think that he doesn't need any escort. Probably if a bandit or mercenary collapse attacks, the one who attacks will be the one who gets hurt.

　I mean, who is Justel?

Yeah, they'll be there to protect you.

　Viscount Lorena pointed to four men and women in the form of a groom and a peasant who were preparing to leave the carriage.

''Aren't those men the Gentleman and his servants?''

Does he or they look like that, even if you're not one of them?

'If you look closely, those people might have been in Celia's cafeteria, too. And something about their movements seems out of the ordinary.

There are many ways to protect a man, you know.

Oh, I see.

So I'll see you soon.

I'll see you later, Al.

　Viscount Lorena galloped to the carriage, and Lady Linaria patted me on the head and followed Viscount Lorena briskly.
　Ah, I crossed my arms. I don't want to go to those two's territory for a while. Maybe it's because they're newlyweds, or maybe it's because they're sticky all the time.

　Even in the mansion, I saw them flirting with each other with a pink aura many times. Each time, I was repeatedly assaulted by the urge to scratch my chest.

　After Count Merna's carriage left the grounds, Viscount Lorena's carriage left to follow him.

　The party would be fun if everyone was a friendly nobleman.

　After the send-off, everyone returns to the mansion, respectively.

　Well, the party is still a long way off, so there's no need to worry about it. For now, let's just enjoy the last day of the harvest festival.
　I immediately hummed as I headed back to my room to get the money.


　× X X X


　I took my brother Silvio out of the house today. This bookworm of a brother, even though it was the last day of the festival, he was going to stay in his room and read a book.
　With Mother Erna's support, it was easy to take him out.

　Now that I think about it, this might be the first time I've gone to the village alone with brother Silvio.

　I've always been taken from place to place by Elinora's sister.

'Brother Silvio likes books, doesn't he?

　As we walked down the usual road to the village of Coriat, we talked about it somehow.

'It's fun because there are so many different worlds in books. There are many different values and ideas, and feeling those values and ideas enriches your perspective and thinking.

　I was trying to make light conversation and was surprised to get a pretty serious reply.

''So ... and yet you've been trying to lock yourself in your room today.

'I'm sorry about that. I was just in the right place for the story.

What book?

Princess Marlene and the Three Dragons.

Oh, I've read it before.

　I saw this guy when my sister Elinora took the book for me a long time ago. I was curious about it after that and I kind of read it.

　It's a common Japanese story about a boy who longs to be a hero and rescues Princess Marlene from being kidnapped by a dragon.

'Really?　Don't tell me yet. I'm looking forward to it.

　When he hears my reply, Brother Silvio smiles an age appropriate smile. When he talks about books, his expression changes from one to the next. His future wife must be a woman who loves books.

I know, I know. I'm surprised to see you, though. I didn't know brother Silvio read adventure books.

What do you expect?　I can't be as dangerous as the boy in the story, so maybe that's why I was drawn to it.

You can let Father Nord and Sister Elinora do that sort of thing.

I guess my father's blood didn't run deep with my brother and me.

Even though Brother Silvio looks like a perfect Nordic father.

'I think Al is perfectly suited to look and feel like my mom.

Despite what it looks like, do you think it's that poofy?

　Also, I don't think he's as good looking as Mom Erna.

You look like her.

　Brother Silvio laughed after saying just that and didn't tell me any more.


　× x x x



　When we arrived at the village, there was a lot of excitement due to the last day of the harvest festival. Villagers were walking around with their families, chatting happily. They were holding hands and walking around with food and drinks in their hands.

　Various mouth-watering aromas wafted from their stalls, stimulating people's appetites.

　Children begged their mothers for food, and their fathers joined in on the fun. The father joins in and asks for a glass of ale or some snacks. Hearing this, the wife opens her purse, thinking she has no choice but to open it. Even the wives, who are always trying to protect their families' finances, seem to smile and their pockets relax.

'You're a great guy, was your first day like this?

'No, there weren't this many. Maybe it's because there's very little to prepare for on the last day, and there's a banquet in the evening.

　A feast is a time of dancing and singing around the fire, and eating together a sumptuous meal of drink and food.
　The drinks and food would be provided by Nord's father.

'Dad said it would be gorgeous this year because of the support from the Triella Chamber of Commerce.

　This year, with the support of the Trierra Chamber of Commerce, it's going to be gorgeous. The villagers will be looking forward to it a lot.

''He's making that much money?

　The traitor's face appeared in my brain, and with a thumbs up, he said, ''Please continue to be a regular customer! I can hear a voice saying.

I don't know what happened, but there's no need to get so angry. It's our harvest festival.

　Brother Silvio hushes me with a bitter smile.
　That was it, too. I have to enjoy today. It's not good to be gloomy because of that guy. You can't be angry about the little things. Let's just let bygones be bygones.

"Brother Silvio, I'm thirsty, let's get some fruit juice!

　Brightly, I tugged on my brother Silvio's arm and headed for the stall.