By Zephyria 
After sharing a bit more trivial chatter and reminiscing, I sent Matt and Vivian away.
I tried to get up with him, thinking I might be disturbing Ruben’s work, but he held me back, and I remained in the drawing-room. He said the topic we were about to discuss was also part of his work, so we should do it together. I wondered what more he had to say, only to find it was about the name of the new territory.
“If you come to possess Grimsvein, you’ll have to change the territory’s name too, won’t you?”
“But I don’t want to give up the Castle Ernhardt. I like it as it is… and I’d like the abbreviation of Ernhardt to be attached as a middle name after marriage.”
“…Mikael Hart Shierun?”
“Yes. Like that. So, wouldn’t it be fine to leave the Duchy of Grimsvein as Grimsvein?”
“But, Mika, a ducal title is hereditary. One designated person among your bloodline can inherit it. The owner of the new territory could be Michael, or Asdel, or even the children of your younger siblings.”
“…Huh?”
“The Earldom Ernhardt is also a rich and prosperous territory, but don’t you covet the ducal title that you cultivate and nurture yourself before passing it on to your siblings?”
I did covet it.
As the eldest son, what had I done for my siblings? I hadn’t been able to look after or protect the growing children, only causing them worry by wandering around. If I was going to be out and about anyway, wouldn’t it be a rewarding deed to acquire a decent territory and hand it over to them?
I hadn’t obtained it through dishonest means, nor was I being greedy without regard for my own abilities. It was something that would come to me as my share after I, a Grand Sword Master, resolved monsters and handled the affairs of my retainers with my skill.
“…Will the Duchy of Ernhardt… be named like that?”
“Haha, that’s for you to decide. Your father and mother will be coming up soon, so it would be good to discuss it with the family.”
“How many more days will it take?”
“I received a reply saying they would come up on February 27th, so I think we’ll be able to see them next week.”
It would be just right if Ranunculus could travel between Withrow and the capital in two days, and between the Earldom Ernhardt and the capital every other day. Did Ruben contact me as soon as he heard I was alive? It was both funny and strange.
“Who is the one Ruben mainly communicates with? Michael?”
“Yes, most likely. Michael was in the capital until last year.”
“That child was in the capital?”
“Yes. Hael is seventeen now, isn’t he? He enrolled two years ago and was in the capital the whole time, but this year he took a leave of absence and went down to the Earldom. I heard Adel also postponed his enrollment by a year and will enter the Academy next year.”
“He took a leave of absence? Why?”
“…He received a minor noble title at the end of last year. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family.”
Ah.
Shierun Academy’s winter break was two months, from December to January. They said my funeral was held at the end of November. Even after hearing that my family was deeply saddened, I had forgotten. To me, it felt like seeing them for the first time in only a couple of months, so how should I comfort them?
Hesitating for a moment, I asked about something else.
“Michael… what department is he in?”
“Business Department. He said he would join the Swordsmanship Department like you, but apparently, his parents strongly opposed it.”
“… ”
I felt so sorry.
Did my expression look very bad? Ruben gently took my hands in both of his and tenderly pressed his lips against each protruding knuckle of my fingers, acting cute. His appearance was so absurd and endearing that my sorrowful heart began to waver.
The child mumbled on.
I didn’t have the leeway back then… I couldn’t comfort or console you enough. I’m sorry.”
“No, Ruben, there’s nothing for you to be sorry about. It’s my fault.”
“Still, I should have believed that you would return soon…”
“How could Ruben have known what even the gods couldn’t guarantee? It won’t happen again, so it’s alright.”
Ruben blinked several times, putting on a cute act. Even though I knew full well it was a ploy to look pretty, I couldn’t help but fall for it and smiled broadly. When I opened my arms, Ruben, who eagerly came into my embrace, was held tightly.
I only learned that hugging was such a pleasant thing after coming to this world.
Ruben, who nuzzled his cheek and nose against my shoulder several times, acting spoiled, suddenly asked petulantly.
“But, Mika.”
“Yes.”
“Why… did you go to Professor Wilton Roberts instead of me? I’m always ready to answer anything you ask.”
“That’s…”
Hesitating, I placed my hand on Ruben’s waist. When my palm touched his waist, clad in a vest that fit snugly, I felt like I was doing something wrong.
The child tilted his head up and began pressing his chin against my shoulder and upper chest.
I could never lie to Ruben.
“When I’m with you, I tend to act foolishly.”
“Why…?”
“Because I think about things like this…”
I raised my middle finger and traced the waist along the seam of the child’s vest. Ruben, who instantly understood the meaning of the line drawn from below his ribs to above his hip bones, tensed up, then melted with a soft groan.
After pondering for a moment, the child whispered in a much softer voice.
“…Professor Roberts is available on Monday mornings if nothing else comes up. If you wish, we can ask your questions together then.”
“Yes. I understand.”
“However, trust me too. I…”
“You don’t want to hide anything from me?”
The child laughed out loud.
“That’s right. I don’t want to hide anything from you.”
Ruben placed his hands on my shoulders and climbed up. Having completely forgotten how to push him away, I had no choice but to receive his warm kiss. We stayed close like that, chatting idly.
Until Ruben’s aide knocked on the door, announcing that it was time to leave.
❖ ❖ ❖
Tuesday.
I entered the drawing-room exactly ten minutes past the appointed time. Poplar Kiadris gracefully curtsied and announced that today’s lesson would begin.
I, too, bowed as I had learned, receiving Poplar Kiadris’s satisfied expression. I let her take her seat first before finding my own, showing no lack of etiquette.
However, Poplar’s seemingly serene smile soon cracked.
“…If you were busy, I suppose it can’t be helped. Perhaps you’d prefer to conduct a Fan Language lesson without a fan, of course.”
“…Mm.”
“Then what should I do today? With a student who brought neither homework nor supplies.”
When Poplar gets angry, her voice becomes exactly like her half-siblings’.
No matter how busy I was, I could have asked anyone to pick out and buy a fan for me. I was wrong. I had only said I wanted to learn, but my attitude wasn’t right, so it was understandable that she was upset.
Having no reply, I stood up after about ten seconds.
“Let’s go buy one now.”
“…What?”
“It’s still early and bright outside, so fabric stores and fan shops should all be open. It would be better to just go and buy one.”
“Just a moment, Lord Ernhardt.”
“We can’t just spend the day idly, can we?”
Poplar, who had been fanning herself towards her right cheek, snapped her fan shut with a click.
I knew what that meant now. It meant she wasn’t planning to end it like this.
“Yes. Since I’ve borrowed your precious time, we should do something.”
“… ”
Still, I felt proud that I had recognized something. I replied immediately, and Poplar, after letting out a sigh, quietly stood up, holding the ends of her skirt.
Her walking, sitting, and standing were all silent, and her shoulders didn’t sway. If her lower body was this stable, she would be good at learning swordsmanship. How old is she now? Is it a bit late? No, I’m learning Fan Language now, so what’s too late for learning?
I decided I should subtly mention it to Hestia later if I had the chance.
Poplar Kiadris, unaware of my thoughts, replied in a cold voice.
“If you say so, how could I refuse?”
“Where do people usually buy fans?”
“…I know a place behind the cafe street on 21st Street.”
“Do you need an escort?”
Out of habit from escorting Marianne, I offered my right arm. Poplar lightly pushed my forearm away with her folded fan, creating distance, and replied coldly.
“That’s not necessary. Being the subject of unnecessary gossip is enough with just one instance.”
If I were going out alone, I could walk on my own two feet, but since I was taking a woman who hadn’t learned footwork and was wearing heels, I rented a carriage. Two horses and a carriage without any emblems, along with a coachman, were immediately provided.
Poplar Kiadris tried to avoid accepting my hand when getting into and out of the carriage. When I asked why, she gave the same answer as before. She didn’t want to be the subject of unnecessary gossip.
“I heard it’s improper not to escort a lady in a dress.”
“It’s fine. What kind of rumors would I hear if I were associated with Lord Ernhardt.”
“What kind of rumors?”
“Don’t you know? Poplar Kiadris, the harlot who set her sights on the First Prince without knowing her place.”
It was pitiful to see a cold smile spread across the young girl’s face. Pretending not to know, I only held the hem of her skirt as she disembarked, preventing her from falling, and said.
“I have heard tales of a noble lady kidnapped by a bold woman, harassed by her wicked brothers.”
“…Is that what Hestia says?”
“Yes.”
“She…”
Poplar, who had been glancing at me with a prim look, huffed and pursed her lips. Seeing that, I found it amusing.
“Have you two become a little close?”
“No, absolutely not.”
“Even though you just called her name.”
“Don’t worry about it. Why would that be so important… Oh?”
Poplar Kiadris, who had been quickening her pace, stopped abruptly.
I stopped with her and looked in the direction Poplar was gazing. Wondering who she saw that surprised her so much, I remained silent, alternating between the crowded street and Poplar’s face. Poplar then furrowed her brow.
“…The woman who just passed by crying.”
“Hmm?”
“Doesn’t she resemble the former Empress?”
“…What?”