Chapter 19

The Royal Academy has entered its 'summer vacation.'

I am using this summer vacation to head to the Baltsline territory.

A year ago, I never thought that heading to the frontier would make me feel so happy.

I am looking forward to seeing Lord Ash and Lady Aria again.

The journey to Baltsline will take two weeks.

Since it takes this much time, most of my summer vacation will be spent traveling.

I need to plan carefully to ensure I return in time for the start of the second semester.

That said, this travel schedule is quite generous.

If I were to ride a horse at a fast pace, I could make the trip in a shorter time.

I am moving while checking the roads and the territories I pass through.

Baltsline is a place of battle, sometimes ravaged by monsters.

At such times, support from neighboring lords is a great comfort.

Even more heartening would be the arrival of powerful reinforcements from the capital, including the Royal Knights.

The Baltsline Knights are strong, but if the number of monsters is large, they cannot avoid being exhausted.

It would be helpful if there were reserve forces that could provide them with a place to retreat and rest.

However, it’s not as simple as just having a large number of knights.

The advance of the monsters has its ups and downs, so even if it’s better to be prepared, having a large number of personnel during a period of inactivity can lead to budget issues.

While it’s not exactly a fortunate situation, in Baltsline, having excess personnel is rare.

Without knowing the reality, without studying history, and without asking others, it is not permissible to make proposals about Baltsline based on theoretical assumptions.

Looking at the current situation only on paper and saying, "This is what should be done" or "That is what should be done" is not acceptable.

Especially as a future Countess of the frontier, my opinions, if mishandled, could cause confusion. I want to avoid that.

Therefore, I believe it is necessary to make multiple trips by carriage at different times.

"Good news, our engagement is set!"

"Then, we’ll get married after graduation!"

"Until then, I’ll be living in the capital for three years while attending the academy! Come visit me in the capital sometimes!"

...Such behavior would probably make for the worst possible marriage partner.

It would surely make the people of the frontier uneasy.

Three years may seem long, but it is also short. No matter how much preparation I do, it is never enough.

Therefore, even if the total travel time by carriage is one month, it should be spent to learn more about Baltsline.

There is still so much I don’t know.

During my last stay, I was still treated with care.

Of course, I saw the direct attacks by monsters and witnessed their battles.

Still, they are too lenient with me.

The feigned kindness and gentleness of Baltsline may provide comfort and healing, but I am to become one of their family. I must know their harshness, their cruelty, and their pain.

And I believe that this cannot be truly known just by exchanging words.

It can only be known by living there, gaining experience, and facing various troubles.

Lord and Lady Ash and Aria’s parents died in a monster attack.

If the lord and lady of the manor were to die, the people and the places they lived in would also suffer damage.

I might get carried away with romantic notions, but the situation is different for a lord of such a place.

I don’t need to have a gloomy face, but there are certainly times when I need to be sincere and earnest.

Yes, the family I am to marry into is the Baltsline Count’s family.

Even if I am of royal blood or from a ducal family, I cannot treat them with disrespect.

They are a family that boasts the kingdom’s greatest military power and embodies the protection of the nation.

I need a different resolve and will, different from that of becoming a queen.

"Miss Angelina!"

"Miss Aria, it’s been a while."

And I, reuniting with Miss Aria and Elke.

The others also welcomed me warmly.

The atmosphere felt softer and more intimate than during my last visit.

"Come, right this way! Your room is perfectly prepared!"

"Yes, thank you, Miss Aria."

Aria Baltsline, the bright and lively daughter of the Count, with silver hair and ruby eyes, is to become my sister in the future. ...She is a bit too energetic for a lady of her status.

Perhaps because she lost her mother early and is surrounded by men, she lacks the grace expected of a lady.

...Yes, I will surely raise her to be a proper lady.

"Miss Angelina? Are you thinking about something scary?"

"Hehehe..."

"Miss Angelina!?"

After reuniting with Aria and the others, I visited Lord Ash again.

This time, I am meeting my fiancé after a long time.

This reunion alone made my heart warm.