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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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After the exceptionally peaceful and luxurious meal (excluding the anxiety of Cheryl and the estate staff), Asirye and I retired to our rooms at Esmee’s suggestion.
It was a decision made out of consideration for Ogatorf’s reputation, as it would be disrespectful to ignore the head of the household while engaging solely with their guest.
Honestly, Cheryl’s expression suggested she would have preferred to be completely ignored, but that wasn’t happening.
It was the first time we’d seen each other since my confinement, and Asirye, having perfectly predicted Esmee’s clinginess, wasn’t letting me out of her sight.
Aside from that small incident, the time passed smoothly.
I discussed the dinner invitation from Rellie and the others with Asirye, securing her agreement.
Then, after Esmee returned from her business and bestowed upon me another unabashed display of affection, the day finally drew to a close.
“Even considering my recent absence, this has been rather hectic.”
My belongings, which I usually shared with the other retainers, had been moved to a guest room.
There were no issues with our camaraderie; we’d lived and worked together for two years, after all.
Even in the Korean military, a certain level of comradery develops among those who serve together, unless someone is utterly incompetent.
The bond between individuals united by a common purpose was even stronger.
The decision to move me was purely for appearances; it wouldn’t do to have the person who killed a knight sleeping in the same room as the retainers.
Leaving things as they were might have led to bravado like, “Even our retainers can defeat a knight with battlefield experience!” which would inevitably attract unwanted attention and trouble.
Those obsessed with honor and reputation would seize any opportunity to challenge and criticize.
I, myself, could think of countless ways to retaliate if provoked, so I could only imagine the lengths those immersed in that culture their entire lives would go to.
“The timing of all this seems… opportune.”
Even though my goal was to earn the title of wandering knight, the Ogatorf estate had become like a workplace I’d grown fond of.
I wanted to leave on good terms.
Even the royal family was hesitant to openly praise me; I couldn’t predict what further complications might arise if I remained within such a prominent knightly family, even one as esteemed as the King’s Ten Swords.
A discreet dismissal, disguised as continued mentorship, would be the most palatable solution within noble society.
Changing into more comfortable clothes, I finally lay down on the bed, only to be struck by the shocking realization that even the guest bed was less comfortable than the one in the detention center.
However, the psychological comfort far outweighed the physical discomfort.
As I lay there, mentally organizing the details I needed to explain to Cheryl or Sir Ekaf the following day, I drifted off to sleep.
Perhaps it was the sense of being home, but I slept soundly.
I usually woke at dawn, but this time, I slept until nearly breakfast, waking to a lavish spread, undoubtedly prepared with Esmee in mind.
After bidding her farewell as she returned to the delegation’s lodging, I began the process of sorting out my affairs, as planned.
I explained the situation to Cheryl and outlined my plan.
Her initial reaction was less receptive than I’d anticipated, putting the whole endeavor on shaky ground.
However, after a three-way meeting with the head butler, my arguments were deemed reasonable, and the matter was settled.
“…So, you’re really leaving next year?”
“Don’t act so surprised. This was decided when I arrived.”
Cheryl, with a deeply dissatisfied expression, finally signed my resignation after much deliberation.
My next destination was Lagnis’s estate.
With everything resolved and returning to normal, the estate buzzed with activity, servants bustling about in a flurry of organized chaos.
I hesitated, wondering if my visit would be an intrusion, but then, just like on my first visit to the Empire, I spotted Renissa amidst the chaos, directing the activity with her usual efficiency.
She noticed me and approached with a welcoming smile.
“Sir Eldmia! It seems your confinement has ended!”
“It’s good to see you again, Lady Renissa. I’m glad everything worked out.”
“It’s all thanks to your efforts. Lady Lagnis has been eagerly awaiting your return.”
“You seem incredibly busy. Can I offer any assistance?”
“Haha, no thank you. I received help from an acquaintance yesterday; I couldn’t impose any further.”
She didn’t mention any names, suggesting a purely professional interaction.
Deciding that lingering would only be a hindrance, I nodded and entered the estate, making my way to the office.
There, in stark contrast to the bustling activity outside, Lagnis lay sprawled on the sofa, staring at the ceiling.
“Your confinement is over!”
“Yes, I was released yesterday, but I had some matters to attend to. Why are you the only one relaxing in the estate?”
“I’m being forcibly… benched.”
Apparently, out of consideration for her recent stress, she’d been ordered to rest until the estate returned to normal and the royal family issued an official statement.
She dramatically described how she needed Renissa’s permission to even lift a finger, emphasizing her boredom repeatedly.
Her complaints weren’t her sole focus, however.
She mentioned Gies’s reinstatement, the execution of the noble who challenged her to a duel, and other such updates.
Despite her claims of boredom, she seemed genuinely fatigued, which likely explained Renissa’s insistence on rest.
“Speaking of which, I have some news that might alleviate your boredom.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“I think I’m going to be learning magic from a Royal Mage.”
“…What?”
Whether it alleviated her boredom or not, she was clearly surprised and bewildered.
As I recounted the events of the previous day, her expression morphed into one of astonishment and disbelief.
“That’s an incredible coincidence.”
“My life has been full of incredible coincidences.”
“…Well then, how about staying at our estate this time?”
“That’s what I was about to discuss.”
As expected, Lagnis was prepared to throw a tantrum, but my persuasive arguments won her over, and she reluctantly agreed not to drag me back to her estate.
“The specifics will depend on my discussions with Widra and scheduling, but that’s the likely outcome.”
“I knew he was renowned for his independent research, but I never imagined he studied mana, let alone had such a connection with you.”
Lagnis shook her head in disbelief, and all I could offer was a sympathetic chuckle.
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The following few days felt like a true vacation.
I enjoyed a pleasant dinner with Gaendal and the others, explained the situation to Sir Ekaf upon his return, tested the throwing weapons Vulcun had crafted, and scouted potential inns for long-term stays.
Three days later, Asirye made a sudden suggestion.
“Eldi? Let’s visit Ogwen while we have the chance.”
“Oh.”
Time would be tight once I began my magic training.
There was no reason not to go, and it would be more difficult next year, so the timing was perfect.
Even though I’d submitted my resignation, I was still living at the Ogatorf estate, so I spoke with Sir Ekaf first.
He even offered me the use of his horse.
“You’ve done so much for us; it’s the least I can do. I’ll inform Cheryl.”
As soon as the royal decree was officially issued, Cheryl returned to the Academy.
I’d honestly assumed she was on break, given her casual presence at the estate, but apparently not.
She explained that maintaining her grades required considerable effort.
In any case, I’d initially planned to travel by stagecoach or on foot, so this was a welcome development.
I left Sir Ekaf’s office and headed to the adventurer’s district with Asirye to purchase travel supplies.
Asirye had traveled to the capital unexpectedly, so she was unprepared, and my adventurer work primarily consisted of day trips, so I needed to replenish almost everything.
It wasn’t a problem, though.
The rain that had fallen the night of the incident at Envelde’s mansion seemed to have ushered in an early winter; snow felt imminent.
Even if I had existing gear, it was time for an upgrade.
“Let’s splurge on cold-weather gear.”
“Agreed. I’ve grown accustomed to Ogwen’s climate; the capital’s winter is harsh.”
“Let’s stop by the guild. There are a few things I’ve had my eye on.”
A two-person tent.
And a magically warm blanket.
I hadn’t expected to purchase them so soon.
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[Winter is coming.]
Oh my? The end of the chapter implying something?