Chapter 57

"Edgar, are you nervous by any chance?"

"Of course I am. There's no man who wouldn't be nervous when meeting his fiancée's family."

On the way from the capital Noein to Letvik, Edgar and Anna exchanged such words while being jolted in a carriage.

The two, who often met due to their jobs in finance and agriculture, had become so obviously aware of each other by the time winter ended that everyone around them was thinking, "Just get together already," or "Why don't you just get married?"

They gradually closed the distance between them, and finally, Edgar confessed his feelings to Anna the other day. To everyone else, it felt like they had finally reached the finish line.

Thanks to Noein's arrangements, they managed to coordinate their busy schedules and today were heading to Letvik to meet Anna's family and announce their engagement.

For Edgar, it was a visit to meet his future mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Although he had once been the heir to the village chief's family and now served as a leader among the farmers in the Earquvist territory, it was only natural for him to be nervous.

"Don't worry. Everyone can see that you're honest and serious. My mother will surely like you. And my brother Marco is younger than you, you know?"

"Yeah, I'm not that worried... but there are just some things that make you nervous, no matter what."

For Anna, it was a long-awaited return home, but for Edgar, it was an event that was both exciting and anxiety-inducing.

The distance to Letvik was less than half a day by the carriage borrowed from Noein. Before Edgar knew it, they had arrived by noon, with him fidgeting with nervousness.

"Hehe, it's finally the moment, Edgar."

"Ah, yeah... I'm looking forward to it."

...

From the West Gate of Letvik to Anna's family's grocery store was a short distance. They arrived at the store without much trouble.

"It feels like it's been a long time, even though it's only been a year since I left home..."

Anna murmured, feeling nostalgic.

For Anna, who had lived in Letvik all her life, the days in the Earquvist territory were fresh and intense. It felt as if she had left home years ago.

"Let's go in and see your family first. I can introduce myself afterward."

"U-um, okay. Thank you, Edgar."

Taking advantage of Edgar's consideration, Anna got out of the carriage and entered the store.

"I'm home, Mom, Marco."

"Welcome... Anna!?"

"Whoa, Anna!"

Eliza and Marco exclaimed in surprise at the sudden return of their daughter. They hadn't received any prior notice, so it was understandable that they were shocked.

"What brings you here so suddenly? What about your work for the viscount?"

"I came back today to report something. I took the day off."

"Is that so... You seem different. You've grown up a bit, haven't you?"

"You sound more mature too. Are you doing well?"

Eliza and Marco had heard about Anna's life in the Earquvist territory from Noein and the supply transport officer Bart. However, seeing her after such a long time was a touching experience.

Anna, who had left home as a naive girl, now looked much more grown-up after working as a squire in the outside world.

"Yes, I'm doing well. Everyone in the Earquvist territory, including Noein-sama and my colleagues, is very kind, and the work is very fulfilling. It feels like we're building a new village bit by bit."

Her lively expression conveyed to Eliza and Marco that Anna was leading a fulfilling life.

"That's good to hear. So, what's this report you mentioned... Did you find someone special?"

"Hehe... Actually, yes."

Anna said this and turned to look at Edgar, who was standing at the entrance of the store. Edgar also stepped inside and introduced himself:

"Eliza-san, Marco-san, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Edgar, a squire in the Earquvist territory."

...

In the end, Edgar's nervousness and anxiety turned out to be unfounded. He was welcomed by Anna's family and was encouraged to stay at her family's home for the night. Now, they were all gathered around the dinner table.

"Edgar is so serious. I can tell he's honest just by talking to him."

"Well, I was born into the village chief's family, and my father's education shaped me this way. I sometimes think I'm a bit too stiff."

"That's fine. There's nothing wrong with being serious... Oh, to think such a good man would become Anna's husband."

"Really, for that shy Anna to find such a good match in less than a year... I still can't quite believe it."

"Mom! And you too, brother! Stop saying the same thing over and over!"

Anna, who raised her voice, had a different aura from the gentle and composed woman Edgar knew from the Earquvist territory. Being back home and having a bit of wine, she seemed to be more relaxed and showing her true self.

"Should you be so playful? Edgar might think you're childish."

"No, that's not it, Edgar, these two..."

"No, it's nice to see a different side of Anna. Don't worry about me, just relax."

Edgar said this kindly, but Anna blushed. Her red face was not just from the wine.

"So, I understand that Edgar is in charge of agriculture, but what about your job? You're responsible for all financial and administrative matters, right?"

"Yes. I work directly under Noein-sama. I even have subordinates now."

"Wow, you're in a position of leadership... You used to be so timid, but you've really grown."

Compared to the Anna who had announced her desire to move to the Earquvist territory, the current Anna seemed like a different person to both Eliza and Marco.

Her expression was more composed, and her speech was more confident. Although they had sent her off with some anxiety as a family, they now felt reassured that their decision had been a good one.

"But still, you'll always be my daughter. If you ever have any problems, you can always come to us."

"This will always be your home."

"Mom, brother... thank you."

Seeing the family reaffirm their bond like this was dazzling for Edgar.

The Earquvist territory was a place where people who had lost their homes gathered. Edgar was no exception; he had lost both his hometown and his family.

In contrast, Anna was rare in that she had a hometown where she was born and raised, a place to return to. The fact that she had something he could never regain made him feel a bit envious.

"And Edgar..."

"Huh?"

Edgar was surprised when Eliza and Marco suddenly turned to him.

"Since you're marrying Anna, you're practically family now. Consider this your home and come to us whenever you need anything."

"We look forward to working with you, Edgar."

"...Yes. Thank you. I look forward to it."

Edgar tried to hold back his tears but a single drop escaped. It was unclear whether Eliza and Marco didn't notice or were pretending not to notice.