I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.
We had come outside the manor.
Before boarding the carriage for our return, a group of nobles and knights had gathered to see us off.
“Let’s have lots of chats again, Leila.”
“Yes, of course, Lady Selene.”
Selene and Leila had grown much closer, and it seemed their bond had deepened.
I’d heard that she often spoke with Leila when I wasn’t around.
As I watched the two of them, my elder brothers, Josef and Lemaire, approached.
Father had already given his farewells, and as for my eldest brother, Dietrich… well, of course, he wouldn’t come.
Josef stopped directly in front of me and placed a firm hand on my shoulder.
I do train, but his muscular arm was solid and heavy.
“Ainzich, take care.”
“You too, Josef.”
Well, Josef would probably be fine.
Even if an arrow hit him, he’d probably just brush it off like it was nothing.
I couldn’t imagine him ever catching a cold.
Standing beside him, Lemaire placed a hand lightly on his chest and gave a polite bow.
“Your Grace, if anything comes up, please call on me. No, even if nothing comes up, call on me anyway.”
I couldn’t help but let out a wry smile.
“You just want an excuse to slack off, don’t you, Lemaire?”
At my pointed remark, Lemaire playfully stuck out his tongue as if to say, Oops, you caught me.
He then straightened up and met my gaze.
“Father’s expectations may feel heavy, but just take it easy, like I do, Ainzich.”
So he was telling me not to burden myself too much.
It was very like the free-spirited Lemaire to give such advice.
Hearing their words warmed my heart, and I couldn’t help but smile.
As we talked, Kurt approached from behind.
“Pardon the interruption, my lord, but it is time for departure.”
Ah, so it was time already.
I turned to face my two elder brothers again.
“Well then, Josef, Lemaire, take care.”
Josef crossed his arms and gave a single nod, while Lemaire casually raised a hand in response.
With that, I turned on my heel and headed for the carriage.
As I climbed in, Leila followed closely behind.
“Is that okay?” I asked.
She nodded, though there was a trace of sadness in her expression.
“Yes… but we’ll meet again.”
“Yeah, we will.”
It might not be until next year, but we’d see each other again.
I leaned out of the carriage window and called to a nearby knight.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, sir!”
At my command, the carriage jolted slightly before slowly moving forward.
Leila waved out the window at Lady Selene.
Partings were always bittersweet, but still, the carriage continued forward.
The figures of those seeing us off grew smaller in the distance.
As we passed through the city streets and rounded a corner, the manor disappeared from view.
Gazing out at the familiar scenery from the carriage window, I noticed people lined up on both sides of the road.
Among them, I spotted the young man from the tavern.
Shouldn’t he be working at this hour?
Even so, he had come.
Noticing me, the young man gave a small bow.
Feeling a warmth spread through me, I raised a hand in return.
And so, we left the Earl’s city behind.