Chapter: 321
It’s a cliché, but nothing beats experience. Securing carriages to transport hundreds of students and staff, finding routes for over a hundred wagons… Each task isn’t easy, but from the student council’s perspective, having done it last year makes it a nuisance, certainly, but also manageable. Even though the destination differs from last year, whether it’s the southern or the western edge of the Empire, it’s all the same.
Furthermore, the road from the Academy to Cheness was quite peaceful. The procession included not just the children of nobility but also royals, and the next Crown Prince. Not to mention, the current Executive Manager and the Duke were keeping a vigilant eye; if something went wrong in their territory, they might just bite their tongues off in disbelief.
‘At least the Wise Duke is around.’
Crucially, the procession was heading to the Cheness Duchy. For the Wise Duke, who had to welcome hundreds of guests, an accident on their route would be infuriating.
The Duke’s wrath is something terrifying, especially when directed at a Wise Duke who could unleash it without a second thought. She might bellow, “I’m furious! So next New Year’s Ball, you better wear a tutu!” and it wouldn’t even be a stretch.
Thus, to avoid witnessing genuine madness, the noble lords worked hard to ensure the school’s field trip went off without a hitch.
“Oppa, over here!”
While the procession remained peaceful, I found myself busy in multiple senses.
“Oh, thanks.”
I barely managed to chew and swallow the apple I had in my mouth while cramming in another one offered by Irina. It’s great that she’s looking out for me, but at this rate, I’d probably choke even if I had water.
Anyway, as I rolled my eyes while munching, I noticed four pairs of eyes staring at me. With me included, there were five people cramped into a four-person carriage. Technically, being noble carriages, they could fit twice that number, but clearly, we had exceeded the recommended capacity.
But what could I do? Riding separately from my companions, or taking some without another, or riding alone just felt off. Thanks to that, unlike last year when I watched over the members bewitched by Louise, this time, the seating was determined around me.
“Hehe, it’s nice being together like this.”
In the middle of it all, Louise caught my gaze and shyly smiled.
It takes several days by carriage to get from the Academy to Cheness. During that time, it felt like we were getting closer than we ever were at the academy, given our individual schedules and separate accommodations back then.
“Right? It’d be great if we could do this more often.”
Seeing Irina respond gently with a soft smile made me feel a little emotional. Irina, who trembled at the thought of accidentally touching my shadow last year, now rode casually alongside me…
‘People’s futures are unpredictable.’
Every time I think about this, I’m hit with that same realization.
Santoria, the heart of the Cheness Duchy. One of the ten major cities in the Empire.
In this big city, accommodations for tourists were abundant, and considering the floating population Santoria could handle, the number of Academy students and staff was merely a drop in the ocean. It was just a bit tricky to find lodging that matched noble standards.
“How unique! It almost feels like we’re visiting a temple.”
As soon as we arrived at the selected hotel, Margherita muttered softly. The hotel in Cheness, unlike the resort in Boyar, gave off a more grand and clean vibe rather than being ostentatious.
“Though Cheness is famous for tourism, during the previous Duke’s era, it was also known for the pilgrimage routes for believers. So, it focused more on cleanliness than opulence for those devotees.”
Maybe trying to answer Margherita’s curiosity, the Duke lightly patted her head while explaining.
The prior Cheness Duke, noted for being a pious man of the Dawn Sect, was often seen drunk, but he was actually deeply devout. Because of his fervent faith, the Cheness Duchy was filled with sacred relics and places considered almost holy.
The Duke had meticulously gathered relics and maintained sacred locations, an irresistible bait for pilgrims. Thus, while Cheness was a tourist location, it offered a very different atmosphere from the lavishness of Boyar. Now that I think about it, it might’ve been a clever way to avoid a humiliating defeat in Boyar.
It’s too bad today’s Duke is far removed from that devotion and faith.
“…It’s a little surprising. I expected the place ruled by the Wise Duke to be more vibrant and luxurious.”
The statement wrapped in a compliment was a graceful way to say, “Since the drunkard is in charge, I thought it’d be a total mess.” My warm-heartedness made both Margherita and the Duke smile.
She must have said that with the knowledge that my aunt was the Wise Duke. Not that it needed to be said.
“The Duke’s residence should be similar to Mar’s.”
“Ah…”
Revealing the harsh truth contrasting the warmth resulted in a pitying sigh from Margherita.
Sadly, that’s the truth. The ambiance of a territory often depends on the nature of its lord, and considering the Wise Duke’s temperament, it wouldn’t be out of place for all of Cheness to turn into a gigantic bar. Thankfully, there’s that dampener beside the Wise Duke.
Thanks to my uncle’s desperate efforts, faith and morality still breathe in Cheness, keeping its reputation intact. Though, it does come at the cost of the Duke’s mansion transforming into a massive tavern. A sacrifice of the small for the big.
“He must be quite a delightful person.”
“Too delightful; it’s a problem. The devoted Duke was a bit too serious…”
As Louise, her eyes sparkling while scanning the hotel, caught wind of our conversation and opened her mouth, the Duke gave an awkward smile, tiredness evident.
The one person who showed discomfort was none other than the Duke. In a century-long history of the Wise Duke as the ruling figure, I’m sure there’s never been anyone else quite like him. It’s hard to believe if there were. If there were several Wise Dukes in a century, the imperial family would’ve likely perished with high blood pressure.
‘Thank goodness the Young Lord seems okay.’
Suddenly thinking about the sole child of the Wise Duke, a sigh of relief escaped me.
The Young Lord stands as proof of the Wise Duke’s anomaly, providing hope that once the Wise Duke’s era passes, a more normal duke could ascend. He draws the Empire’s attention for many reasons, yet similar to his mother, he seems trapped within the territory.
However, seeing my uncle’s demeanor, it doesn’t seem like there’s anything wrong with the Young Lord.
‘He’s probably just like me.’
Honestly, I’m not in a position to judge others for being reclusive. I’ve been cooped up in the territory before becoming a civil servant and even after.
The Young Lord must be too busy with work to emerge. After all, being the duke’s heir means there’s a mountain of responsibilities.
That line of thought continued on…
*
As soon as I heard the procession had entered the duchy, I diligently monitored the movement, worried about my precious nieces and nephew possibly facing discomfort in the Salón family’s territory.
Thus, I specially instructed the noble lords under the Duke to diligently escort the procession. Those people wouldn’t need my reminders, but as the uncle and a member of the Salón family, there was no way I could stand by silently.
– The Young Master Carl and the Young Master Erich have all arrived.
“Good work. You may return now.”
– Yes.
Fortunately, it seemed my attention and worry resonated with Enen, as a retainer waiting at the hotel designated by the Academy sent word that the young ones had reached their accommodations safely.
‘Soon, I’ll get to see them.’
I tucked the communicator into my breast pocket, a slight smile gracing my face. I was finally going to spend quality time with my two nephews after such a long time.
Sure, I saw Carl at the New Year’s ceremony a few months back, but that time, he was the Executive Manager Carl. His standing as the Duke’s husband made it tricky to approach him closely. But now, with him visiting, I could play the doting uncle.
‘…Will they like it?’
At the same time, I felt a bit anxious. Since it’d been a while since we’ve met privately, I wasn’t sure what kind of gifts would be appreciated.
For Carl, I suppose I’d go with a piece of jewelry to congratulate him on finding a partner. But for Erich, nada. Eventually, I settled on couple’s jewelry for both of them to be given later when they find someone special.
‘If all else fails, I’ll just give them gold coins.’
I heard these days kids prefer cash over things anyway. I’m pretty sure Erich would appreciate it too.
Just as I was about to rise from my seat quietly, I suddenly heard footsteps racing down the hallway from afar. Anyone running in the mansion without a care for the world is obviously one person.
“Jaaaaah! Jagi jagi jagi jagi!”
Delt, flailing about with a bottle of alcohol in one hand, came rushing in.
…Wait, just one bottle?
‘What in the world.’
I was genuinely moved. It was noon. Noon, morning, night, midnight, evening, and dawn were times when Delt particularly liked to drink. Despite that, he only had one bottle in his hands.
‘He’s showing some restraint.’
Delt must be moderating himself, thinking about meeting his long-lost nephews. He truly has a heart filled with family love.
“I’m all dressed up! Gonna meet my nephews! My nieces too!”
“I just heard. They’ve arrived at the Margaret Hotel.”
“Yay! I’m going!”
Just as Delt, who was devoting his whole self to me, turned to dash out, I barely managed to grab him by the nape.
Even if the nephews are fine, there are other Academy students and staff at the hotel. If the drunken Duke appears out of nowhere, it’s going to be a surprise for everyone.
“Delt. You really need to announce yourself before heading out.”
“Buuuuu~ But I wanna see them right now!”
“Arodel.”
Upon calling his real name, Delt finally ceased his restless squirming.
Seeing that made me chuckle. The only time this shameless guy shows weakness is when I call him by his name.
‘…It is dorky, though.’
Arodel. An earnest name after the grown-up from the Krasius Empire.
To the man affectionately known as the Pious Duke, it’s an entirely common name. The problem is, that Arodel is depicted as a hulking, muscular man, which is a slight issue.
‘It’s meant to denote strength, but…’
He’s grown strong in a fashion that’s a tad different than my uncle’s noble intentions.
Nevertheless, what really matters is that he’s strong, I guess. My uncle must be smiling in heaven over it.
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