Chapter 36

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On the second day of the harvest festival, I barely left the mansion. You can probably guess why, but after losing the battle against the demon king, both my body and mind were in shambles. And then, another challenger appeared.

The training with Lord Melna was quite beneficial. He watched my sparring that day, pointed out my mistakes, and taught me the correct techniques, even letting me practice them.

Up to this point, everything was good. However, the fact that the one I had to practice with was Rumba was a bit too much to handle.

Even though it was supposed to be a wooden sword sparring, I felt my life was in danger.

Naturally, I didn't want to die, so I tried my hardest.

In the middle of this, Lord Melna said to Father Nord, "Maybe he'll improve more if he spars at that level?"

"Um, that's true, but Al doesn't want to become a knight," Father Nord replied.

"He has the talent of an adventurer. He's stubborn and will survive no matter what."

"He seems interested in other countries, but he says being an adventurer is too dangerous."

"Hmm, what a strange guy. If I were at his age—"

Anyway, I'm glad I have an understanding father.

If someone had said, "Al should become a knight!" I would have been in trouble.

Anyway, I was so exhausted from the morning practice yesterday that I couldn't even think about leaving my room.

Today is the final day of the harvest festival.

This morning, Lord Melna, Viscount Rolina, and Lady Linaria are leaving.

The noisy festival will end today, and with the guests gone, we'll return to our peaceful days.

The Slowlett family and the maids all went out to the entrance to see them off.

"Nord, come to my territory next time! I'll welcome you."

"Yes, I'll definitely visit when I go to the capital."

When Father Nord replied, Lord Melna patted my head.

"You have to come too. Well, it's about time you start showing up at noble parties. We'll probably meet then."

"Really?!"

When I quickly looked up at Father Nord, he gave me a wry smile. It seems to be true.

"Ugh, parties sound so troublesome."

Hearing my lazy voice, Lord Melna laughed and said, "See you again!" before walking to his carriage.

Two guards, who I hadn't seen much before, were accompanying Lord Melna. They must have been staying in the servants' quarters until now.

"By the way, Yustel, what about your guards? Didn't you bring any?"

In a world with monsters and bandits, it's impossible for a noble to travel without guards. Well, it's safe to travel with Lord Melna's carriage, and I don't think he needs guards. If bandits or mercenaries attacked, I think they'd be the ones in trouble.

By the way, who is Yustel?

"Oh, I have guards. They're right there."

Viscount Rolina pointed to four people, two men and two women, who were preparing the carriage and looked like farmers.

"Aren't they the coachmen and servants?"

"Even the coachmen, but do they look like servants to you?"

"Looking closely, they might have been at Sera's restaurant. And their movements seem different from ordinary people."

"There are different ways to be a guard."

"I see."

"See you again."

"See you, Al."

Viscount Rolina walked to the carriage with a flourish, and Lady Linaria patted my head and followed after him.

Ah, they're holding hands. I don't think I want to visit their territory for a while. They're newlyweds, so they're always together.

I've seen them emit a pink aura and cuddle in the mansion several times, and each time, I felt the urge to tear my hair out.

After Lord Melna's carriage left the grounds, Viscount Rolina's carriage followed.

Everyone seems to be such friendly nobles, so the party should be fun.

After seeing them off, everyone returned to the mansion.

Well, the party is still a long way off, so I don't need to worry about it. For now, I'll enjoy the final day of the harvest festival. I immediately went back to my room to get some money, whistling as I went.

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Since it was a special day, I decided to take my brother Silvio out of the house. This bookworm was trying to stay in his room and read a book on the final day of the festival.

With Mother Erna's support, it was easy to get him out.

Now that I think about it, this might be the first time Silvio and I have gone to the village together.

Usually, I'm the one who gets dragged around by my sister Elinora.

"Silvio, you really like books, don't you?"

While walking the usual path to Coriatt Village, I started a conversation.

"Books open up different worlds, which is fun. They enrich your perspective and thinking by exposing you to various values and ideas."

I was trying to make small talk, but I got a surprisingly serious answer.

"Even so, you were trying to stay in your room today, weren't you?"

"I'm reflecting on that. I was just at an exciting part of the story."

"What book?"

"Princess Marine and the Three Dragons."

"Oh, I read that before."

It was a book I saw when Elinora got it for me. I was curious and read it.

It's a common story, even in Japan, about a boy who admires heroes and saves Princess Marine from dragons.

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

Hearing my response, Silvio smiled like a kid. His expression changes so much when we talk about books. His future wife will probably be a book lover too.

"Okay, okay. Still, it's surprising. I didn't think you'd read adventure stories."

"Surprising? Maybe I'm drawn to the dangerous things the boy in the story does, which I can't do myself."

"Leave that to Father Nord and Elinora."

"Father's blood doesn't seem to run strongly in us brothers."

"Silvio, you look exactly like Father Nord."

"Al, you look and act just like Mother."

"Looks aside, am I that soft and fluffy?"

I don't think I look as good as Mother Erna.

"You do."

Silvio just smiled and said that, but he didn't say anything more.

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When we arrived in the village, the final day of the harvest festival was in full swing. Villagers were walking around with their families, chatting happily. They held hands and walked around with food and drinks in hand.

The stalls, where everyone contributed, emitted various appetizing aromas, stimulating people's appetites.

Children begged their mothers for food, and fathers joined in, asking for ale and snacks. Hearing this, the wives reluctantly opened their wallets. Today, even the strict housewives smiled and loosened their purse strings.

"Wow, there are so many people. Was it like this on the first day?"

"No, there weren't this many. Maybe it's because there's almost no preparation left and there's a feast tonight?"

The feast involves dancing and singing around a bonfire, and everyone sharing luxurious drinks and food. Father Nord arranges the food and drinks for this event.

"Father said this year's feast will be more luxurious because of the support from the Triella Trading Company."

With the support from the Triella Trading Company, this year's feast will be more luxurious. The villagers are looking forward to it.

"Is he making that much money?"

In my mind, the face of the traitor appeared, and I heard a voice saying, "Please continue to favor us!"

"Haha... I don't know what happened, but you don't have to be so angry. It's the harvest festival, after all."

Silvio smiled wryly and tried to calm me down.

He's right. I need to enjoy today. It's not good to let a guy like that ruin my mood. I shouldn't get angry over small things. Maybe I should just let it go.

"Silvio, I'm thirsty. Let's buy some fruit juice!"

I said brightly, pulled Silvio's arm, and headed to a stall.

The harvest festival is expected to end in one more chapter.

I won't go overboard.