Chapter 482
Servette Principality. One of the five principalities of the Empire, located in the southwest of the continent. It boasts the highest population and level of development among the principalities due to being a capital region.
Additionally, being the closest principality to the continent, it serves as one of the pillars of defense against potential threats. Historically, all of Servette’s dukes have been renowned as the Empire’s greatest magicians, the last line of defense. It’s safe to say that Trixie stands out as a unique gem, with previous dukes not being ones to scoff at either.
So, given its importance, I had visited a few times for work. Ironically, I hadn’t been there even once since becoming Trixie’s partner.
I really do plan to visit Servette with Trixie soon. Before we officially become a couple, I should at least introduce myself to her retainers.
“Field trip…”
I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.
Of course, I had thought that Servette Principality would be one of the potential field trip spots this year. The year before, we visited Boyar, and last year, we went to Cheness, so I figured this year would be to another principality.
But both Trixie, the duke of Servette, and Mar, the daughter of the Wulken duke, hadn’t said a word, so I assumed we would be heading to Hablem for the field trip. I intended to mention to the Vice-Captain that I might visit their territory soon for a casual hello.
When I glanced at Trixie with a surprised expression at the unexpected news, she smiled slightly while chatting with Mar.
“Sorry for keeping it a secret. I wanted to surprise you with this little gift,” she said.
I nodded in a daze, realizing she had intended to give me a pleasant surprise.
For several months, Trixie had been singing the praises of visiting Servette, and knowing my yearning likely filled her with joy that it was finally possible.
“I can’t believe Mar knew about it too.”
“I’m teaching the student council president now. I found out when we spoke a few days ago.”
Trixie’s explanation was met with Mar’s laughter, which made me realize that the secret was somewhat nullified because of Mar’s independent communication network.
I mean, it’s a bit ridiculous for the student council not to know about the field trip, and there was no need to keep it secret from Mar, a year senior and a lady. It was an oversight on Trixie’s part.
“I visited Wulken before, but I’ve never actually been to Servette?” Mar remarked, blinking in surprise. “Isn’t that close to your territory, Oppa?”
The Servette Principality is located in the southwest of the continent, right next to the Tailglehen County. It’s practically a neighbor, so a leisurely carriage ride would get you there in no time.
Despite how close it is, various schedules had prevented us from making the trip, so it was delightful to finally have a reason, like a school field trip, to go.
“I heard the forest park in Servette is stunningly beautiful, and now I’ll finally see it for myself.”
“Oh, really? I’m thrilled to hear such news as a lord!” Trixie said, flapping her ears in joy.
Her reaction to the praise of the tourist destination was more than just that; it was evident how much it meant to her.
‘It’s more than just a tourist spot.’
The forest park Rizie mentioned was directly created by the previous duke of Servette—Trixie’s father—using magic. It was a place made for his elven wife, who adored nature.
In fact, Trixie was born in a villa right within that forest park, making it a meaningful spot filled with family affection, like a holy place to magicians where industry legends descended. It’s no surprise that Trixie showed a strong emotional response.
“There’s a place in the forest park that only members of the Kato family can enter. I’d be bored going alone, so let’s go together.”
“R-really? Would that be okay?”
“Of course! We’re family, right?”
Seeing their warm exchange, I quietly munched on a cookie. I was momentarily taken aback, but if the field trip is to Servette, that only means good things. Even Rizie, the student, looked delighted.
‘Should I bring a gift or something?’
Since I’ll be visiting my soon-to-be wife’s family, it wouldn’t be polite to go empty-handed. I should probably send a thank-you gift to the house steward managing the territory on Trixie’s behalf.
The problem is that the steward of a principality isn’t exactly someone who would lack for anything. Being the number two in the principality, a marquis would be quite discerning; a simple gift probably wouldn’t make much of an impression.
‘…Maybe I could send some fur.’
After lengthy consideration, I finally thought of a resource from the northern region.
Yes, fur seems quite fitting. It symbolizes that as the head of the northern faction, I’m gifting something from my homeland, and fur is classified as a luxury item, so it would work well.
I should prepare about 100 pieces or so.
The fair concluded without a hitch. Count Nerkaff, who had come for secret discussions, mingled with Rutis and appropriately returned home. Duke Kilanas spent every day discussing magic with Trixie until he ascended, while Cardinal Alexandria genuinely wandered around the fair like a guest before vanishing.
Among the three big names, only one had brought an annoying issue to the table. Not bad of a ratio at all. And even that one issue was merely bothersome; the secret negotiations went smoothly. I’d say that’s well beyond acceptable.
‘The last fair is pretty mild compared to what I expect.’
Honestly, it felt like a relief. Given I’m the blessed one of Enen and the eternal priest of the blue sky, it seems I’ve had extraordinarily good luck this year. Is this why people believe in a higher power…?
‘That guy has been atheist until now, hasn’t he?’
Unintentionally, I glanced at Erich, who looked half-out of it. The kid had an air of impending doom, and judging by his condition, it was clear he had no faith.
‘Darned unbeliever.’
The star of this club fair was that unbeliever, for sure. If you’ve got girls on both sides and you’re parading all over the place, who wouldn’t stare? Even if Erich didn’t choose this setup, it’s irrelevant to the onlookers.
Rumor had it that the ladies, Sara and Zenobia, who had been holding him captive, were quite openly affectionate in front of the academy students and guests from both the Empire and other countries. They were showcasing that something was definitely up between them.
Thanks to that flamboyant display, spectators mistook the three as lovers. The reality, however, was that Erich was receiving love attacks and was left stunned.
“Erich.”
“Uh, yeah?”
Erich, with his blurring vision, was sprawled (unwillingly) across Sara’s lap, suddenly snapped to attention at her voice.
“Here you go, mmm~”
He looked dazed as he took in the strong affection with trembling eyes.
However, seeing him willingly open his mouth to receive a macaron, it seemed he’d accepted his fate.
‘People can be helped after all.’
It almost brought a tear to my eye. Someone I thought was a lost cause was finally changing. The future of the Krasius family, once filled only with children but no nephews or nieces, was beginning to change.
Though Zenobia wasn’t here at the end of the fair, considering how bright her expression was while bidding farewell, I’m convinced she’s also made great strides. At least, I hope so.
“How is it? Tasty?”
“Yup… tasty.”
Suddenly lying down and munching on a macaron, Erich moved his head around, looking a bit choked. Eating while lying down is a bit harsh, after all.
But no one paid him any mind. After all, Erich had irritated us more times than he had been irritated himself.
“By the way, Tannian, where did you put your coat?”
As Rater glanced at Erich for a moment, he turned his attention to Tannian, showing a brotherly warm concern to not interrupt the loving duo.
“Oh, I gave it to Sister Alexandria as a keepsake.”
“A keepsake? A uniform?”
“It’s something we wear all the time, but to Sister Alexandria, it’s an outfit she’d never have the chance to wear in her life. Thankfully, she liked it.”
Rater seemed puzzled at Tannian’s response. Even so, he wondered whether it was normal to take a school uniform as a keepsake to a fair.
But his uncertainty was short-lived as he quickly nodded, realizing that it’s up to each person what they consider a keepsake. No need for a third party to interfere.
“Well then. If you don’t have an extra coat, just let me know. I’ll give you one anytime.”
“Haha, thanks.”
Seeing him care about his friend not having clothes to wear, it seemed like Erich and the 79th club members had all matured.
At this point, it’s starting to feel like the Imperial Academy is truly the continent’s top educational institution. The royal family members mercilessly enrolled in a foreign educational system and are now developing a sense of conscience. What kind of education can surpass this?
‘No need to prove this, really.’
Of course, I’m sure even the principal didn’t want to flaunt that they had foreign royalty and the next saint as students for three years to validate their status as the best institution. What would happen if other royal families caught wind and started enrolling too?
‘…Other countries’ royalty.’
Just the briefest thought sent a chill down my spine.
If such a future were to arrive, all I could do was extend my condolences to whoever the future principal and the future academy inspector would be.
“Oh, by the way, I heard the next field trip location is Servette Principality—”
While I was lost in thought, offering imaginary condolences to a future person, Rutis, who’d picked up news from somewhere, switched the topic.
Right, for now, let’s focus on the field trip. What good would worrying about potential future happenings accomplish?
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