Chapter 62

This is a story from the past.

About eight years before the start of the main story, when the father was still alive. Lucia was 10 years old, and Albes was 17.

Ten years have passed since the family lost its glory.

The current Laguren no longer resembles its former self.

The road, once lined with luxurious carriages, is now almost buried in grass.

Fortunately, the villagers have continued to maintain it out of goodwill. Thanks to their efforts, the road, though narrower, is still passable and useful for transporting harvested crops to the capital.

Recently, however, young people have been traveling on this humble country road.

They are Albes' colleagues.

Unlike me, who has a weak constitution, Albes is robust and well-built. He is said to be one of the best swordsmen among the kingdom's knights.

The ancestors of the Laguren family were knights who achieved great military honors. Perhaps Albes has inherited their blood strongly.

I am proud of him.

I believe he will eventually inherit the viscount title, but there is also the possibility of advancing as a knight. He might receive an offer from a prestigious noble family. If that happens, it would be fine for Lucia to marry and continue the lineage.

I can't help but imagine such a future.

I am aware of my parental bias, but if such a future is possible, I must ensure that the Laguren territory is firmly restored.

While harboring such modest dreams, I was dedicated to the steady management of the territory one day.

A letter from Albes arrived.

The distance between the capital and Laguren can be traveled by carriage in about half a day. Therefore, he rarely sends letters for trivial matters. If there is something important, Albes usually returns home in person.

Some people consider sending letters a luxury.

Despite growing up in a relatively luxurious environment, my son has a very practical character.

Yet, he took the trouble to write and send a letter.

Lucia, who is not used to receiving letters, was very excited. Her face was full of anticipation, so I quickly opened the envelope and checked the contents. Then... I managed to swallow my shock.

"Hey, Father. What does the letter from Big Brother say?"

"Apparently, he is on leave starting the day after tomorrow and will be coming back."

"Big Brother is coming back?!"

"Yes, it seems so. And... he might bring a guest."

"A guest is coming! But the day after tomorrow is so soon. We need to start cleaning the guest room right away!"

"Yes, that's right. Can you tell Yurana?"

"Of course! I'll help too!"

Lucia, her eyes shining, ran out of the room excitedly, probably to inform Yurana in the kitchen.

She is a lively child.

Despite only knowing a simple life, she is delighted to welcome guests. She said it reminds her of her cousin Irena's house. Whether the guests are villagers or not, she happily helps Yurana prepare tea and serve snacks.

Albes understands Lucia well. That's why, despite his usual reluctance, he doesn't refuse when his colleagues come to visit.

Moreover... since I have been bedridden again recently, Lucia has been even more eager to help, despite being a noble's daughter.

I almost sighed, but the sight of Albes' letter quickly brought me back to reality.

The content of Albes' letter is exactly what I told Lucia.

There is nothing hidden.

But I couldn't help but think deeply.

Albes has brought his colleagues home many times before.

The young men of his age are all well-built, lively, and polite. They eat a lot during their stay, causing Yurana to complain, but they more than make up for it by helping with farm work and cleaning.

Therefore, bringing guests is not unusual.

The problem is this letter.

My son, who unconsciously tries to save, rarely sends letters for trivial matters. He has never sent a letter to inform us of his leave plans or to announce a guest. He only sent a letter when five people came at once.

So, this "guest" must be special. Unlike the young men before, who could be given blankets and made to sleep on the floor if the rooms weren't ready, this guest must have a proper guest room prepared.

This level of consideration suggests that the guest is either of high status or... a woman who cannot be made to sleep on the floor.

"...Hmm. So, the day has come."

Albes is still young. He has been a knight for only about a year.

When he returns home on leave, he helps with farm work as usual and plays with his colleagues like a large, playful puppy.

However, as a knight of the kingdom, it seems that his role is not limited to that.

Albes himself doesn't hint at anything, but from what I've gathered from his colleagues, he is quite popular with women.

If he is bringing a woman... she might be a future viscountess.

"I met my wife when I was nineteen. It's not too early for Albes."

I met my wife at a ball in the palace.

Albes rarely attends such grand events. But as a knight of the kingdom, he might be required to attend balls in uniform. It's not surprising that he would attract attention from women.

My son, Albes, has a well-featured face and is not rough in his manners. Perhaps because he lost his mother early, he is very kind to women without any ulterior motives.

Seeing such a son, women would naturally be attracted to him, and it wouldn't be strange for him to find a woman he wants to introduce to his family.

"...The day after tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it."

Despite my age, I was quite excited.

◇

The day Albes was returning home.

I stopped in front of the mirror multiple times from the morning, checking my appearance. I had neatly combed my hair, but I noticed that my gray hair had increased recently. I wondered if I looked too old to be Albes' father.

I regretted not getting a haircut. I hesitated to do it after receiving the letter, thinking it might seem too eager.

"...Hmm, my collar is crooked."

I straightened my collar in front of the mirror and adjusted my cuffs.

I felt quite flustered. Lucia was even more excited than I was, but I hoped it wasn't too noticeable. However, I felt that the maid Yurana, who passed by, had a look of exasperation.

Could she have seen me secretly practicing my self-introduction in front of the mirror? No, I don't think so...

"Father! The shepherd is signaling!"

Lucia, who had been going outside multiple times since the morning, ran in, breathless.

Hiding my eagerness, I let my daughter pull me along and slowly made my way to the front of the house.

In the distance, a shepherd was waving.

I raised my hand in response and strained my eyes to look at the road leading to the capital.

"I can see them! There are two people, so the guest is one person!"

Lucia called out. I could still only see dots. My daughter has good eyesight.

Eventually, the dots became visible as people to me as well.