Chapter 24

The cattle herder living on the land designated for the reservoir said, "I will move my new pasture near the reservoir because there is water and pasture."

All the land except for what individuals had developed belonged to the lord, so this matter was easily settled.

The discussion that dragged on a bit was with the farmer.

"If there is no surveyor, how will we determine the size of the land?"

That was a valid point. Then Marianne spoke up.

"I have prepared plenty of ropes. Let's measure the land together with the landowner to confirm its size."

She invited the bewildered farmer outside and guided him to the carriage.

"I have prepared ropes in the first carriage. We will lay them down as we move along the boundary of the land. When the rope runs out, we will mark it as the first point and drive a stake. The second carriage will follow, collecting the ropes as it goes. When the rope runs out again, the second carriage will take the lead, laying down the ropes as it moves forward. We will repeat this until we return to the starting point, and then we will know how many ropes' worth of land it is."

The farmer's face brightened, understanding the method.

Under the supervision of the village chief, the size of the farmer's land was determined. The alternative site was also decided, and the construction of the reservoir was set to begin the following week.

By the time they returned to the manor, the sun had set. Feeling pleasantly tired, Marianne enjoyed a delicious dinner when the earl said,

"The groundwork for the reservoir is almost done. Since it's just construction from here on, Marianne, you don't have to stay until the end."

"Huh? I came prepared to see it through to the end. I even submitted a leave of absence from school. Why?"

"Well, I thought Prince Alexandre might be worried. The prince has inquired gently about when Marianne will return to the academy."

"I want to try to improve the lives of the people in the domain if I can, for two or three years."

"That might mean the prince, who is already sixteen, will become engaged to someone else due to his age. If you're okay with that, I won't force you to return. But think carefully. It's uncertain whether you'll find someone who will watch over you so generously in the future."

"Hmmmmmmmmmm. I'm almost eleven, but do I really need to decide on a fiancé now?"

"The prince is already sixteen. Not only from the nobility, but also from other countries, there are many young ladies hoping to become engaged to him."

"Hmmmmmmmmmm" She groaned, out of breath.

I don't dislike Prince Alexandre. I think he's a wonderful person. But.

"Hmmmmmmmmmm" She couldn't come up with an answer. She knew she couldn't stay as she was. But.

"Hmmmmmmmmmm"

"I see... Maybe I have to give up on this. Florence has said she doesn't want to rush you into an engagement or marriage."

"Mother?"

"Yes. Florence is afraid you might end up like 'the person who disappeared.'"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

From there, her father told her about the wife of the Horse Baron, who was her great-grandfather's brother.

About a hundred years ago, a genius young man appeared in this country and made groundbreaking inventions one after another.

This person made various improvements and inventions for the people who provided him with lodging during his travels, but he used different names each time.

He had more than ten different names, and it is said that he designed the stone water channels that now run throughout the capital.

The stone-throwing device, which had a high accuracy rate, achieved great results in the war with the neighboring country.

The patent system, which was devised in this country, was also his idea.

From convenient household items to war.

However, when the king heard about him, the man with ten names was quickly identified and brought before the king. He was given the title of baron and granted a domain, effectively being confined.

Nobles from all over the country tried to sell their daughters to him, seeking profit, and they swarmed around him.

But one day, he left a note saying, "I will return all my titles and land," and disappeared.

It is said that only her great-grandfather's family knew who this wandering man really was.

He left a note saying, "I want to see the wide world. I want to make inventions in various places and live a nomadic life," and at the end of the note, he drew a single stalk of wheat tilted diagonally.

It is said that all the inventions made in various places had the same diagonal stalk of wheat carved on them.

He was an outstanding inventor and innovator who would escape if restrained by power and had no attachment to money, living according to his interests.

Mother Florence apparently sees a glimpse of "the person who disappeared" in me, even though I am still a child.

(Ah...)

I wonder. I can really understand how the person who disappeared felt. Still, that person is amazing, like a majestic eagle, free and incredible!

Compared to that, I'm a minnow! No, an ant! No, a grain of sand! I wanted to belittle myself, but it's not good to get depressed after dinner.

The entrance was noisy. The sound of multiple horses' hooves and neighing, and the clanging of metal.

Running footsteps, and a hurried knocking on the door.

"Miss Marianne, the second prince has arrived! Get changed!"

Yeah, I had a feeling. Misha, my friend, often said, "When you talk about someone, they appear."