Chapter 65

Aoyagi and Camilo were led to a room where Marius was waiting. It had been about two days, but he looked a bit more haggard.

"You seem quite tired," Aoyagi said.

"Hmm? Oh, even though the banquet will be held with only a select few, the preparations for the audience with the late king and the report of succession, as well as the procedures for the succession records, have been hectic," Marius replied.

"That sounds tough," Aoyagi said.

Nobles have a lot to do, even as nobles. I could never do it, I thought to myself.

"So, when is the banquet?" Aoyagi asked.

"Tomorrow," Marius replied.

"Tomorrow? That's pretty soon."

"Because it took some time to succeed to the title after my father and brother passed away. Normally, there would be a gap before the banquet, but this time, we can't afford to wait. We need to establish the succession as a fait accompli as soon as possible," Marius explained.

This is a rather complicated matter for us commoners, I thought.

"So, we'll attend the banquet tomorrow and leave the day after, right?" Aoyagi asked.

"Right. Please make yourselves comfortable until then," Marius said.

"Got it. Thanks for your hospitality," Aoyagi replied.

Marius then left. After that, a servant led Aoyagi and Camilo to the guest rooms.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," the servant said.

"Understood. Thank you," Aoyagi replied.

The servant bowed and left. The room was equipped with a desk, chairs, a bed, and a tapestry on the wall. The tapestry depicted a battle scene. On the allied side, there were armored knights, and on the enemy side, there were monstrous creatures. The tapestry probably depicted the battle that led to the sword being bestowed upon Aoyagi when he received his title. The thought of the sword, which was a symbol of honor for a person who had gone through such battles, being a fake made Aoyagi feel uneasy. There was more to it than just the quality of the sword. He couldn't think of a better way, but he wondered if it was right to destroy it with his own hands. If it wasn't thrown away somewhere, he would keep it and store it at home. That was the only way to atone for his sin. He would try to negotiate with Marius later.

Before dinner, the servant who had led them to the room—his name was Boorman—asked, "Miss Diana has called for you. What would you like to do?"

Aoyagi decided to go along. He thought she probably wanted to practice again.

Sure enough, he was led to the courtyard, where Diana was waiting with two wooden swords.

"Are we doing this again?" Aoyagi asked.

"Of course," Diana replied with a grin. You should stop that, it doesn't suit you.

"Alright, let's start then," Aoyagi said.

They bowed with the tips of their swords touching, then stepped back and began their usual sparring. After about half an hour, Aoyagi stopped and Diana, out of breath, said:

"Haa... Haa... Could you show me your full strength just once, Aizou?"

"Full strength, huh?"

Since today was the last day, he thought it would be okay to show her once.

"Alright, this is the last one," Aoyagi said.

"Okay," Diana replied.

Diana positioned her sword to be ready for any attack. After confirming, Aoyagi stepped in and struck with full force. Diana didn't move at all. Just before his wooden sword hit her neck, he stopped it.

"This is my full strength," Aoyagi said.

"I couldn't see it at all..." Diana said, her shoulders drooping.

"You've improved a lot in just a few days. With more training, you can aim for even higher levels," Aoyagi said, trying to encourage her.

Diana's face lit up.

"Really!?"

She was overjoyed, and Aoyagi felt a tightness in his chest, thinking he might not see her smile again.

After the practice, they were allowed to bathe, and then it was time for dinner. Since only the Aimur family was present, the dinner was relaxed. The conversation mainly revolved around Diana's experiences while staying at Aoyagi's place, and Marius listened happily. Aoyagi added details here and there, and Camilo was impressed by the stories. The night went on.

The next day, Marius went to report to the king early in the morning. The procedures with the recorders were already completed, so the succession of the title would be officially complete with the report to the king. The banquet was a family affair. The servants, including Boorman, were busy preparing for it. Even though it was a private event, it still required proper preparation as it would involve some guests.

Aoyagi and Camilo were also guests, but they were given leftovers from the dinner party preparations for breakfast and lunch. It would have been awkward to ask for a proper meal, so Aoyagi insisted on this arrangement. The servants, including Boorman, initially tried to prepare a proper meal, but Aoyagi convinced them otherwise.

During the day, they wandered around the mansion to avoid getting in the way. Aoyagi hadn't seen Diana yet, but she was apparently accompanying Marius to meet the king. He felt a bit disappointed.

The preparations for the banquet proceeded smoothly, and the main event began.

In the Aimur mansion's dining room, large tables were arranged, and they took their assigned seats. The food was placed in the center, and the servants were pouring wine from barrels into the guests' cups. Once everyone was seated and the cups were distributed, Marius stood up. He was wearing a formal outfit with intricate embroidery, which was probably the proper attire for the head of the family.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply grateful for your presence at this banquet today," Marius said, his voice resonating throughout the room.

"Today, I, Marius Albert Aimur, have succeeded to the title of baron and the Aimur family."

Applause broke out. Even the marquis was clapping.

"Let us raise our glasses to the future prosperity of the Aimur family and the continued strong ties with all of you. Cheers!"

"Cheers!!" everyone responded.

They all took a sip of the wine. It was quite good. Thinking about how Marius was now officially the baron and the head of the Aimur family made Aoyagi feel genuinely happy.

The dinner proceeded smoothly. The servants served the food from the center of the table, and there were many interesting dishes that Aoyagi had never seen before. Some of them seemed easy to replicate, and he thought he would try making them for Sermia and Rike when he got home.

After the dinner, it was time for the dance. Although it wasn't a formal ball, it was a tradition to have both a dinner and a dance at a banquet. As the formality increased, they would be held separately. However, the so-called "dance" was more of a social gathering where people stood and drank while chatting, as the guests were too full to dance properly.

There, Aoyagi found Diana. She had been talking to various people, but there was a moment when she was free.

"May I have a moment?" Aoyagi asked.

"Oh, Aizou... You look very handsome in that outfit," Diana said.

Of course, Aoyagi was wearing the noble-like clothes. With the marquis present, he was officially introduced as Marius's friend from the north, implying he held a certain status there.

"My shoulders are a bit stiff," Aoyagi said with a wry smile, which was also a genuine feeling.

"You look very good in that dress, Diana. It suits you, the 'rose.'"

Diana, of course, was wearing a proper dress for the occasion. It was red with modest embroidery that suited her well.

"You're very kind," Diana said, her face turning red, though it was unclear if it was from the wine or embarrassment.

"I mean it. You really do look good. But this might be the last time I see you like this. It's a shame."

"Oh, is it?" Diana said with a mischievous smile.

"Hey, what do you mean by that?"

Before Aoyagi could ask for the true meaning of her words, Diana was approached by someone else, and Aoyagi had to deal with the marquis. He made sure to keep the conversation general, using his knowledge of the north to avoid revealing anything. The marquis was a pleasant man, and he patted Aoyagi's shoulder as he left, saying, "Take care of the Aimur family."

In the end, Aoyagi only had that one conversation with Diana before the banquet ended. Some guests went home, while others returned to their rooms. Aoyagi changed out of his formal attire and, feeling a bit tipsy, went to bed.

The next morning, it was finally time to go home. Visits to the capital would be rare, but if there was a need, he could come and pay his respects.

Since they didn't have much luggage, Aoyagi and Camilo quickly made their way to the carriage. Marius, the servants, and Camilo were waiting, but Diana was not there, probably because it was early.

"Aizou, thank you for everything," Marius said.

"No problem. As I said before, I owed you one. Be a good lord," Aoyagi replied.

They shook hands firmly.

"Oh, right, what about the fake sword?"

"Oh, that one. I cut it in half and thought you could fix it. It's in the carriage."

Fix it? If it stays in this house, that's fine.

"Should I return it after fixing it?"

"No, keep it with you."

"Is that okay?"

"Yes. It would be unnatural to keep a fake sword, but given the circumstances, it's better this way."

I understand. If I can keep it, I have no complaints.

"Got it. I'll take good care of it after fixing it."

"I also have another item to entrust to you. It's in the same box. Please take care of it."

"Hmm? A weapon?"

"Something like that. It's a bit difficult to handle."

"Got it. I'll take responsibility for it."

"You can do with it as you please."

"Understood. Tell Diana I said hello."

Aoyagi climbed into the carriage, and it started moving. He waved to the shrinking figures of the Aimur family and said goodbye to the mansion and the capital.

On the way back, Aoyagi and Camilo talked, but Aoyagi was somewhat distracted. When he tried to probe, Camilo just dodged the questions, so Aoyagi didn't push it.

By midday, they reached the entrance to the forest. They would part ways here. Camilo had to deliver goods to the store.

"Unload your luggage before you leave," Camilo said.

Aoyagi remembered the items he was carrying.

"Which box is it?"

"The box right behind the driver's seat."

"Is this it?"

Aoyagi tried to open the box. Wait, this box...

When he opened the lid, there was a bundle of cloth and a woman inside. The woman was Diana.

"Diana!"

Aoyagi exclaimed, forgetting to use her formal name.

"I came along."

Diana smiled mischievously.

"But... Is it okay with your family?"

"I have a letter from my brother. Here it is."

Diana handed Aoyagi a letter. It read:

"Hello Aizou. If you're reading this, our plan with Diana and Camilo has succeeded. I'm terribly disappointed that I can't see your surprised face, but there's nothing to be done. Oh well. Regarding the 'other item,' now that I'm a baron, her 'value' has increased dramatically.

She was originally part of the baron's family, but the value of being the only son is different from being one of four brothers. Naturally, this will cause various complications. I hope you can take her to avoid these issues."

I see. I understand the reasoning, but it's a rather forceful approach.

"P.S. You can do with her as you please."

Aoyagi ignored that part. Despite the situation, he was glad to see her smile again.

"Well, since you're here, there's no turning back. Let's go home together."

"Yay! Thank you!"

Diana smiled and climbed out of the box.

They took out the broken fake sword and Diana's luggage from the box and got off the carriage, waving goodbye to Camilo.

With the luggage, they walked through the forest. Neither of them talked much, but it wasn't because they were in a bad mood. Aoyagi just didn't know what to say.

When they finally reached the house,

"Did I cause any trouble?"

Diana stopped and asked.

"Trouble? If you thought so, I would have sent you back there."

"Really?"

"Really. I'm a blunt and stubborn blacksmith. I don't have the nerve to lie in such situations."

"Oh, I see. That's true."

"Don't just accept it."

Diana chuckled.

"Come on, let's go inside."

"Hey, Aizou."

"Just Aizou is fine."

"Huh?"

"If you're going to be part of my family, you don't need to use 'san.'"

"Okay, Aizou."

"Good."

Aoyagi started walking towards the house.

"Aizou!"

Diana called from behind. Aoyagi turned around.

"I'm home!"

Aoyagi smiled and replied.

"Welcome home, Diana."

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