Chapter 6

Aldar Saul von Baum's Perspective

Aldar Saul von Baum.

According to the country's customs, boys receive their names from their parents. My father gave me the name Aldar, and my grandmother gave me the name Saul. I am the eldest son of the Baum family, but since I was born as a result of my father's indiscretion during his bachelor days, I have no right to inherit the family name. When I was born, it was a headache for my family, but they decided to take me in, believing that a child should not bear the blame. My upbringing took place in a different location, and I still do not know my birth mother.

Later, my stepmother, who was a very capable person, took me into the Baum family right after her honeymoon when she learned about me. My father did not particularly dislike me, nor was he indifferent to me. He even bowed his head in apology, so I no longer have any lingering feelings about it.

When I was 12, my younger brother was born. Although I had no right to inherit the family name from the beginning, I felt relieved that the Baum family would be secure. However, the household staff looked at me with pity and suspicion.

Thinking it would be troublesome and that I would eventually leave home and become independent, I took the knight's examination right after my debut in society at 15. I was recognized for my talent and was able to join the Royal Guard. I suspect my father used his influence to help me, as I am aware that it is quite rare for a new knight to join the Royal Guard.

By joining the Royal Guard's dormitory, I demonstrated that I had no intention of competing for the family succession. I occasionally returned home to spend time with my brother, train in swordsmanship, and so on, leading a rather fulfilling life.

However, my life took a turn when my brother was considered for an engagement. Moreover, the potential match was Princess Primera. I knew she was a beautiful girl who resembled the late concubine, as the king often mentioned it. I was impressed that my brother was even considered as a candidate. The Baum family, being a noble lineage of knights who have always been loyal to the royal family, made the marriage proposal reasonable. The age difference between my brother and the princess was also suitable. Therefore, on the day of the meeting, I accompanied my brother as his chaperone and took the day off from work.

After all, considering the issue of succession, I would find it difficult to marry until my brother did. Finding a suitable partner and thinking about how long I would have to wait made it a source of worry. I decided to be a good older brother and support my brother's happiness.

When I laughed at my brother's awkwardness, Dean, who pouted, still looked up to me as his older brother. With a face that resembled my father, I thought he would make a fine knight. As for me, I only resembled my father in eye color, and I wondered if I took after my unknown mother. If my brother's eyes were like a clear blue sky, then mine were like the night sky.

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At the tea party, of course, the princess smiled at us, and a woman who was her personal maid stood beside her. She had her hair pulled back, wore thick glasses, and had no makeup, with a blank expression. She was a peculiar noble lady who chose to be a maid.

Meeting the person who was as described in the rumors, I found it a bit amusing.

Once my brother and the princess were seated at the table, it was natural for the guards and servants to step back, except during service.

The princess, perhaps considering Dean's feelings, did not make the occasion overly formal. She was accompanied by a few maids and attendants in a calm pavilion. Of course, there were many guards out of sight.

Cakes and tea were served, and the maid in question walked over to us. She stayed at a distance where she could respond immediately if the princess called but would not interfere with their time together.

However, Dean was extremely nervous. The princess was indeed adorable, and considering my father's words that Dean had fallen in love at first sight, it was understandable. Still, he lacked the confidence to take the lead, which is what a gentleman should do. He was still a child.

"Miss, my younger brother will likely be a bother to you in the future. Please take care of him kindly."

"It's no trouble at all. Dean Dain is my unofficial fiancé, so there's no problem."

"However, since it's unofficial, it might be a bother..."

"Lord Aldar Saul, please focus on your duties."

Oh, I was reprimanded. Despite being popular with women and having many people who wanted to befriend me, this maid did not even glance at me, only looking at the princess.

When the princess smiled and said the cake was delicious, the maid, who had been focused on her work, smiled softly. I realized I only knew her through rumors and superficial impressions, which made me feel a bit ashamed.

She must have chosen the path of a maid out of deep admiration for the princess, preferring loyalty over a peaceful life as a noble lady. The princess must also trust her greatly to have her as the head maid.

"...Excuse me, Miss. I apologize, but may I ask for your name?"

I actually knew it, being a member of the Royal Guard. I had to know the names of the royal family's close attendants.

"I apologize for the rudeness. My name is Yulia von Vandied."

She maintained her etiquette but did not say "pleased to meet you," which I found quite amusing.

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After the tea party, my brother threw himself into training. He wanted to become a cool guy to impress the princess. He was quite simple-minded.

Even though he was a "child" before his debut in society, he could not frequently visit the princess or send gifts, which might be seen as bribery. His handwriting was so messy that even I, his older brother, could not read it. I worried that his focus on training alone would make him appear one-dimensional to the princess, who was known for her intelligence and beauty. Whether he even made it to the starting line at the tea party was questionable.

So, urged by my parents, I decided to write a letter to Yulia.

To my surprise, I received a beautifully written, simple letter in return. The content was strict, advising that the princess, being very kind, would be sad if she heard that Dean was only focusing on training and getting injured. However, she subtly mentioned the books the princess currently enjoys and suggested reading them for the next conversation, showing her thorough consideration.

I thought the same and advised my brother to study more, not just train.

Indeed, she was not unfriendly. She responded to my letters, and her replies were very polite and revealing of her character. Each letter was on different stationery, sometimes with a faint scent or a small floral pattern, which I found quite feminine. The warm look she gave the princess made me wonder if she might smile at me if we became closer.

I thought it would be interesting to see the expressions of the "impenetrable maid" and decided to continue writing letters to her, using my brother's well-being as a pretext, even though I did not particularly enjoy it.

This turned out to be quite interesting. Whenever I visited her, she responded coolly but politely, which made me want to visit more often.

What gift could I give Yulia? What would make her happy? Would this just be a passing interest?

Current Characters' Ages:

- Protagonist (21)

- Princess Primera (10)

- Prince Alvarbaudt Dau (13)

- Dean Dain (13)

- Aldar Saul (26)