Chapter 7

The Granchester territory boasts vast grain fields, but the Acala mountain range stretches along its western side, with the capital city built at its foot. The Granchester Castle, the residence of the lord, is a natural stronghold, and an old fortress dating back over 500 years still stands.

Although the family usually lives in a two-story mansion built in the most recent style, it is still nearly 100 years older than the mansions in the capital.

While giving the tour, Robert described it as a "large but old and inconvenient castle," but the castle grounds house various buildings from different eras, each with its own character. Multiple wells were dug in preparation for sieges, and the grounds are designed to allow the people of the territory to cook even in emergencies, demonstrating its practicality.

As it turns out, Sarah was also a history enthusiast. She had read many historical novels and historical fantasies, and during her vacations, she often visited old castles and ruins. To her, Granchester Castle was incredibly appealing.

At the edge of the fortress stands a tall spire, from which one can overlook the entire capital. The western side offers a beautiful view of the rugged mountain ridges, and the changing light at different times of day creates a variety of landscapes.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, very much. Granchester territory is wonderful."

As the sun set, the ridges were dyed a vague, ambiguous color that was neither red, purple, nor blue. Just watching the sky change was soothing to the soul.

"I also love this territory. And you know, Arthur loved this view too."

"Father... I mean, Father also liked it, didn't he?"

She almost called him "Father" as she used to in the lower town.

"You don't have to act so aristocratic in front of me. For Sarah, Arthur was 'Father,' right?"

"Um, yeah, I mean, yes."

She almost forgot to use formal language.

"You don't have to force yourself to use formal language either. We are family, after all. Sarah is smart, so I'm sure you can tell when to use proper language and when not to, right?"

"Um, I'm not sure I can."

"It's okay. Arthur was good at it, and you are his daughter, after all."

"Really, Father was good at it too?"

"He was a big cat in disguise. Everyone was fooled by Arthur's facade, especially the girls!"

"Father was popular with girls!?"

"Very much so. Despite having a similar face, I never got any invitations."

"Then why did he marry a commoner like Mother?"

In fact, Sarah didn't know until her mother died that her parents had eloped and married, so she had always thought her father was also a commoner.

"Adelia wasn't fooled by how much Arthur pretended. When he approached her during a delivery to the castle, she apparently called his smile 'thin and creepy.' Arthur found that refreshing. From then on, he pursued her enthusiastically until she gave in."

"That's not very proper for the son of a marquis, is it?"

"Maybe not. But I also dream of a love marriage, and honestly, I envied Arthur."

It seems that while Robert manages the territory as a noble's responsibility, he remains single because he dreams of a love marriage.

"Uncle Robert, why don't you let someone else manage it and be free?"

"I wish I could. The current Granchester family is short of capable people. There's no one I can trust with the responsibility."

"Why not hire a steward?"

"It's not that simple... I'll explain the details later."

Uncle Robert scratched his head and looked troubled. It seems there's more to the story.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked without knowing the situation."

"It's fine. I'm glad you're a smart girl. I think Rebecca, who's coming tomorrow, will be pleased too."

"Rebecca, you mean. From Gavannes. I hope she likes me."

"She's our childhood friend. She loves smart girls, so I'm sure she and Sarah will get along well."