Chapter 7

"Swen, do you want to go to school?"

This conversation took place during the journey. Over the six days to the capital, we would mostly rest in villages along the road, in carriages, or camp outdoors, but for safety, we would all be packed into the same carriage. Although Nico and Mrs. Henrik were also there, I found myself talking to Swen more often due to my free time, which is how I came to hear the boy's story.

Swen scratched his head and looked out the window, saying, "Well, yeah."

"There's a lot to learn at school, so if you have knowledge, you can be of help to everyone, right?"

"Yeah, that's true, but for Swen, it's more like..."

Now that my problem is resolved, Swen is the only one who can inherit the Conrad territory. At first, I wondered why I didn't immediately realize that Swen was Mr. Camille's son, or rather, why I hesitated, and this point was part of the reason.

"My father recommended the school for nobles, but I refused."

"Why?"

"At the very least, it would be two years before I could return home."

"That's true, but..."

For children of the upper class, such as nobles, it's common to board at school if they come from far away. If a child is expected to be a successor, parents usually send them to this school, and the fact that one parent is from the common folk doesn't matter much. There might be discrimination within, but it's still normal to attend. This school is different from a commoner's school, with a narrower age range, typically admitting students between fourteen and sixteen for two to three years.

It's not mandatory, nor is it legally required. One can inherit without attending, relying solely on a private tutor. However, making friends at school can be advantageous in the future, so most noble or influential merchant children are enrolled here.

"Is that okay for you, Swen?"

"My father and mother said the same thing, but I want to follow in my mother's footsteps. Besides, I don't like those pretentious nobles."

"Are you not going to inherit the Conrad territory?"

"I will. If I don't, the stubborn relatives will ruin the land. So, that's just a side thing."

"Can you really become a lord as a side thing?"

"It's not about whether I can, but that I will. I've decided to become a doctor."

"Madam, Madam, Master Swen is unhappy because there's no doctor settled in the territory. So, to support everyone with the right knowledge even without Mr. Emma, he wants to..."

"Oh, I see."

"Nico!"

Swen blushed, as if Nico had hit the nail on the head.

It seems he decided to become a doctor not out of genuine desire but as a fallback to protect the territory. Moreover, when he called the nobles "pretentious," he looked genuinely disgusted, suggesting that his dislike of the nobility might be stronger than his reluctance to leave home.

"How old are you, Swen?"

"Fifteen. I can still enroll, right?"

So, he's a year younger than me.

Mr. Camille must have respected Swen's decision. Honestly, I think he should attend that school, but since he understands and refused, I won't interfere.

"I don't hate learning. So, if possible, I want to go to a regular school."

"…But you can't return home frequently at that school, either, right?"

"I know. But my mother… she said I need to know the outside world to become a doctor."

Mr. Emma probably wants Swen to broaden his horizons. In that sense, a commoner's school, where children from various backgrounds gather, would be perfect. While it doesn't match the nobility, many children from merchant and retail families attend.

"Hmm. So, are you also checking out the school today? Would you like a letter of introduction?"

"Letter of introduction?"

"I think you'll be fine, Swen, but it might be a bit challenging. The teachers will probably pay attention to you."

"…?"

"You'll understand once you get in."

"No, it's okay. The tuition isn't a problem. Thanks."

At first, I mentioned the advantages of the school, but since the tuition is not a significant issue, and the school doesn't refuse students unless there's a serious problem, it has many students. Teachers often can't keep track of everyone, as I experienced being gossiped about and almost getting into a fight, which was resolved by my fellow reincarnated friend, El.

Swen declined the letter of introduction but later requested it from Mrs. Henrik, who seemed to understand the importance of Swen attending a regular school.

"Even if the mother is from the common folk, traditionally, noble children attend the other school…"

"I understand. I'll write to the teacher while we're here."

"Thank you very much."

…Swen is likely to face bullying if he attends a commoner's school. A letter to the teacher in advance might help in case of trouble. Officially, it's from the Countess Conrad, but the name of the King's favorite concubine's sister stands out.

After a six-day journey, we arrived in the capital on the morning of the sixth day. We placed our luggage in a secondary residence owned by the Conrad family, which was surprisingly spacious. Despite being on the outskirts, the maintenance costs must be high, and I didn't expect them to have a mansion in the capital. Swen also seemed surprised, but Mrs. Henrik explained with a nostalgic smile.

"Your father now resides in the territory, but he used to serve in the capital."

"Has he been managing it all this time?"

"The mansion was granted by the royal family for your father's stay. Therefore, it would be disrespectful to give it up…"

"From the royal family? So, my father…?"

Swen exclaimed, but Mrs. Henrik left, saying she would check the kitchen and servant's quarters. Perhaps there were things she didn't want us to hear. We all looked at Nico, who frantically shook her head.

"Nico doesn't know the old stories! I really don't know!"

"Huh? Really, you're not hiding anything?"

"I really don't know. If I knew, it would be Waiterley or Gardener Ben! Everyone else working in the mansion is from our neighborhood!"

Her desperate denial seemed genuine.

We decided to take a break in our respective rooms. After a light meal, I informed Mrs. Henrik that I would go out, leaving Nico behind.

"Leaving Nico behind? I don't agree with that…"

"Madam!"

Nico, who had come from the countryside, seemed eager to explore the city and tearfully pleaded with me, but I had my reasons.

"I'm used to living here, and I won't go to dangerous places, so it's fine to move around. Mrs. Henrik needs to take care of the mansion, so it's better for Nico to stay with her or Swen."

"Madam, I want to go around the city with you!"

For her, I'm a good master because I'm her age and easy to approach. …And I don't have to constantly keep my back straight with Mrs. Henrik.

I like Nico, but this time, I firmly refused.

"Listen, Nico, I'm going to visit Mrs. Sabrova."

"I'll wait quietly!"

"…Alright."

Nico was shocked, but Mrs. Henrik immediately agreed. She offered to go instead, but I declined.

Currently, I don't know what feelings my sister has towards me. If I go to apologize now and bring the Countess Conrad's maid, it might make things worse. Even if not my sister, her maid might say something unpleasant to Nico. I think going alone is a good choice.

"We'll borrow a carriage to get to the city. Then we'll catch a street carriage."

"Will you be early for the appointment?"

…Hmm? Even if Mrs. Henrik knows where Mrs. Sabrova lives, predicting the arrival time from here suggests she knows the geography well.

"I'll bring a gift since I can't go empty-handed."

"Ah, you should go to the confectionery on Ichou Street?"

"That's the plan."

"The shop owner is still active. If you mention the Count Conrad or my name, you won't have to pay."

She said they still use the shop, so we left the mansion and headed to the confectionery. I was skeptical about using the name, but the shop owner came out from the back and gave us a fine package of sweets without charge, which surprised me. It's a bit expensive, but the owner came out to serve us, which was unexpected.

After the warm farewell, I caught a street carriage and headed to my sister's residence. Arriving earlier than expected, I got off and walked down a private road.

"…Huh?"

I felt uneasy and looked around.

The sky was clear, and it was warm enough to sweat a little, but the cold wind made it comfortable. It was perfect for walking.

I felt like someone was watching me, but I saw no one. I took a deep breath and continued with the gift.

This place, with so much greenery, seemed out of place in the bustling capital.

The guards at the gate were initially wary but seemed to recognize me and let me in, albeit hesitantly. I handed the sweets to my sister's maid and was led to the entrance. My sister greeted me directly, but I bowed my head before she could speak.

"I'm sorry!"

Before she could say my name, I did this.

Caught off guard, she swallowed her anger and sighed deeply.

"…Next time, don't use my name without permission."

"I won't, I'm sorry."

"If you understand, that's fine. Please raise your head."

I cautiously looked up to see her expression, which was like she had bitten into a bitter pill.

"…It's rare for you to bow, so I lost my anger."

"Ah."

A light tap on the head. If this was the price to avoid a lecture, it was cheap. She seemed to have a lot to say, so it was best not to talk too much.

"There's no maid. Did you come alone?"

"Ah, yes. I didn't need one."

"Stop walking alone. Even if you're… no, I don't want to see a Conrad maid."

I was glad I didn't bring Nico or Mrs. Henrik. If Nico had been coldly spoken to by my sister, she would have been in tears. I mentally gave myself a thumbs up for my decision.

"Ha… already…"

"Um, I'm sorry."

"You're not really sorry, are you?"

"Sorry? No way, I am."

"Only about using my name. You never regret your actions, I know."

She knows me well. As sisters, we should.

My sister, looking like she had a headache, led me to a parlor, a different room from before.

The large glass doors on the first floor were open, offering a view of colorful flowers. It connected to the courtyard, allowing easy access outside.

It was a typical terrace found in wealthy homes.

The room was spacious, with a third of it hidden by a screen.

Leaves might easily blow in.

"Wow, this is beautiful. The garden is different from before."

"Isn't it? I asked the King to have the same gardener as the castle work on it."

"It's perfect for resting when tired."

"That's why I prepared tea here."

"Ah, I brought some too…"

"Of course, I know. You always bring your favorite."

Soon, my gift was beautifully arranged on a plate. My sister didn't say anything, but the chestnut sweets, cooked in sugar, were there, softening her expression. I took a sugar-free baked good for myself. It was a sisters-only tea party, so manners were secondary.

"…These are more to the taste of gentlemen. You don't like the taste of sugar, do you?"

"This is just right."

The standard sweetness of our country's confectionery is extremely high, with sugar levels that could make your teeth hurt. Mrs. Henrik's homemade jam was also sweet, but compared to the popular city confectionery, it was mild. The privilege of the nobility is to enjoy sweets with plenty of sugar, but eating a three o'clock snack in this country would put a Japanese person on a direct path to diabetes.

I don't want to acknowledge sweets soaked in sugar syrup after baking. And after knowing delicate desserts, it's hard to eat a cake that feels gritty.

"I know there are better confectioners, but I sometimes crave the taste of this place."

My sister, eating sweets soaked in syrup, made me tilt my head. Despite her tone, she usually eats more casually, but today she sat up straight and followed proper etiquette.

"…Sister, do you have plans today?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"Your outfit…"

Looking closely, she was dressed for a formal occasion. "A little," she smiled and sipped her tea. Perhaps the King would visit in the evening.

"You should also prepare a more formal outfit."

"I don't like uncomfortable clothes."

We chatted casually, but as we finished half the sweets, my sister took a breath, and I straightened my back slightly. It was time.

"Kalen"

"Yes?"

"Regardless of the circumstances, congratulations on your marriage."

"Thank you."

…There was a hint of sarcasm in "regardless of the circumstances."

"Do you love the Count Conrad?"

"No."

I answered immediately, surprised by the direct question. I tried to remain calm and took a sweet that caught my eye.

"I've never met him, so nodding yes would be lying to you."

"But you answered so quickly."

"I think he's a good person. That's enough for me."

My sister, frowning, seemed unsatisfied.

"I'll accept that you think he's a good person. But was he better than Roderwald, whom I introduced you to?"

"Um…"

Um… hearing that now?

"Um, don't say that. It's disrespectful to the other person."

She was unusually strict, clearly still upset about rejecting the handsome man.

"True, he's a second son, but he's not just any second son. He has his own military achievements and is recognized as independent by the head of the family…"

"Sister, I…"

"He's kind to women and known for his high moral character. He promised not to make you suffer."

"…Ha."

"Are you dissatisfied with his abilities?"

"No, no. When we were in the carriage, he showed excellent leadership over his subordinates. It's not something a mere noble's son could do."

Indeed, the discipline was scary the whole time…

Moreover, after independence, he would strengthen ties with the main family and Kyrsten, making divorce even harder.

"After that, I had to apologize to Roderwald."

"I'm truly sorry."

This is probably 60% of her true feelings. I sincerely apologized.

"Kalen, what was your issue?"

"I have no complaints."

"Huh?"

"…Hmm. I think I can live a stable life, but he doesn't seem interested in a partner."

It's just a hunch, so I only told my sister. If I were just a teenage girl, I would have fallen in love, blushed, and enjoyed every day. But for me, marriage is no longer something decided by a partner alone.

Honestly, I regret being so mature in this aspect.

…Well, I missed my marriage window before reincarnation too!

I felt sad saying it.

"Ah, I don't dislike him as a partner. I wouldn't be rude enough to dislike someone on first meeting. …If it's about connecting with Roderwald, wouldn't my cousin Marie be a better choice?"

I added a comment that didn't help.

My sister, stunned, eventually slumped, looking utterly defeated.

"Really, what should I do…"

She handed me an intricately designed box, which she probably had placed on the chair, saying it was a wedding gift. Opening the lid, I saw a red velvet-lined interior with a delicate gold bracelet on a small pedestal.

"Wow, amazing."

Most bracelets are bulky, but this was a fine gold chain with a pale blue gemstone. The gem was modest in size, suitable for everyday wear.

I picked it up, and my sister, resting her chin on her hand, looked surprised.

"…Surprised. I thought you didn't like such decorations."

"I don't dislike them. I just find flashy ones hard to wear. …Wow, this is so intricate."

In modern Japan, fine chain jewelry is common, but not here. Without advanced machinery or specialized magic, such intricate work is the domain of skilled artisans, making it more expensive.

"It doesn't seem like something from an ordinary store. Sister, this must be expensive…"

"…More importantly, do you like it?"

"Yes, I really do. It's nice to finally have something in common with you."

"…Hmm."

Why does she look like that, even though she prepared it?

"I thought I would give up if you just said no, but what should I do now?"

Hmm?

Her troubled sigh was beautiful, but I was more concerned. Because from a room where no one else should be, I heard a low, secretive male laugh.

I searched for the source, and following my sister's gaze, I looked behind the screen. The laughter came from there.

There was a thud as someone stood up.

Wait, just wait.

My sister's eyes said, "Give up."

A man in his early thirties appeared from behind the screen, laughing. My brother, looking serious, followed, and more men, likely subordinates, emerged…

Oh, wait, sister.

Sitting there, unmistakably, was Roderwald, a feast for the eyes.

My cheeks twitched, and the face symbol \ (^o^) / flashed in my mind and disappeared.