Chapter 97

How was it so far? To continue the serialization, I would greatly appreciate it if you could purchase the book!

After the kingdom festival, the academy returned to its 'usual days' as if nothing had happened with the undead disturbance.

The usual days.

That was exactly how it was for me too.

Since my talk with Kiria, the approaches from the nobles had suddenly diminished.

Thanks to that, I was able to spend my days just like in the first semester.

Spending my school life alone with Rora.

But I wasn't lonely at all. It was impossible to be. It was a very quiet, comfortable, and perfect daily life.

Surely, such a peaceful rhythm suited both Rora and me.

I truly hoped these days would continue.

As time passed—

It was gradually getting colder, and it was already November.

It was around that time. A letter was delivered to me.

"Rora, I received an interesting letter yesterday."

After finishing our meal in the cafeteria, I brought up the topic of the letter to Rora.

"An interesting letter?"

"Do you remember the noble, Rihilt?"

Rihilt Strum.

The man we met in the battle commanded by Arrenzia. He fought with us as the captain of a disposable detachment and was promoted from a baron to a viscount for his efforts.

"Yes, of course I remember him!"

"It's a letter from Rihilt."

I took out a letter from my pocket.

"He was given a fief as a reward for the previous battle. Apparently, he's struggling with the unfamiliar task of managing his fief."

"Ah... That sounds tough..."

"So, he wants me to give him some advice."

"Since you're a noble too, Mr. Albert! As a senior, you can teach him about fief management, right?"

"No, it's not that."

...If it were that kind of advice, I'd be at a loss too. Indeed, I am a noble, but I've lived freely. I don't have any expertise in fief management.

"It seems he's having some trouble with a neighboring noble. He wants me to listen to his story and, if necessary, be a witness in the negotiations."

I wonder if I'm the right person for this... But the title of the heir to the Lumineuse Marquessate carries some weight. Rihilt and I fought together on the battlefield. If I can be of help, I'd be happy.

"So, I'm thinking of going to Rihilt's fief in December. If you'd like, Rora, you can come with me—"

"I'll go!"

She said it eagerly.

Rora's eyes sparkled, and she was waving her hands excitedly, clearly unable to contain her excitement.

She was brimming with enthusiasm.

"...But, are you sure? We'll be leaving in December, before the winter break, so you'll have to miss some classes."

If a noble's business is the reason, you can apply to the academy for a long leave. There won't be a negative impact on attendance, but I thought Rora, being a diligent student, might be hesitant.

"It's fine!"

Rora's answer was without hesitation.

"I think it will be a great learning experience. As a commoner, I usually don't get to experience such a world. Besides, that—"

Rora continued, blushing a bit.

"I don't want to be separated from Mr. Albert again!"

"Ah..."

That's right... I made Rora feel lonely because I was being dragged around by my noble classmates.

"You're right. Let's go together. I'd be happy if you came along too."

"Okay!"

She nodded energetically and continued.

"I'm really looking forward to it!"

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In December, Rora and I headed to Rihilt's fief.

Usually, for long-distance travel, nobles use 'transfer arrays.' These are buildings that teleport you instantly from one base to another, which I used when returning to my family home.

Generally, transfer arrays are only found in the fiefs of high-ranking nobles.

So, normally, there wouldn't be one in Rihilt's fief, but since the fief he was granted was originally a direct territory of the royal family, it came with a transfer array.

The transfer array is not only convenient but also enhances the reputation of the noble who owns it. It's something every noble desires.

He's definitely a lucky guy.

When we arrived at Rihilt's fief, a well-dressed middle-aged man approached us.

"I am the butler serving Lord Rihilt. You must be Mr. Albert and Miss Rora. I have come to welcome you."

Then, we got into a carriage and headed to Rihilt.

The capital of the fief had a peaceful atmosphere. It was different from my hometown, the capital of Lumineuse, which had become more commercialized. The residents walking around seemed to have a relaxed demeanor. It was probably because, as a small direct territory of the royal family, it hadn't prioritized economic development.

How will the new lord, Rihilt, change this?

—You are our saviors! I shouldn't be the only one to receive such an honor!

—But, I'm really sorry. I was just the captain, yet I got all the credit. It was mostly Mr. Albert's doing.

...A guy who can say such things won't become a strange lord.

We arrived at a clean and impressive mansion.

"...Good. It's not a castle..."

Rora whispered, looking relieved.

"This way."

The middle-aged butler led us to a room where a familiar face awaited.

"Mr. Albert! Miss Rora! It's been a while! Thank you for coming all the way here!"

A young man in his early twenties stood there, lacking the gravitas one might expect from a lord. His clothes seemed a bit more expensive, but his friendly tone and smile hadn't changed since half a year ago.

We hadn't spent a long time together, but—

His good nature and the camaraderie from fighting together on the battlefield made me feel nostalgic.

Rora and I spoke up.

"It's been a while, Rihilt."

"It's been a while! Mr. Rihilt!"

It was the moment when the three of us, who had fought together in that battle, reunited after a long time.