Published: September 6, 2025
I took Melchior over to the table where Father and the others were seated and explained that he was the lord’s son and the next head priest, and that he would be discussing opinions with the soldiers as my successor.
“After Lady Rosemine comes of age, will Lord Melchior take over? That is reassuring. By speaking with Lady Rosemine here, it has become easier for us to coordinate with the lord and the knights order. That was true this winter as well, and just the other day, we were helped when nobles from other territories came to the West Gate.”
After saying that, Father shifted his gaze from me to Darmel, who was standing behind me.
“There are few opportunities to express our thanks directly, so may I take this chance to thank Lord Darmel?”
“Of course, that’s fine…”
When I turned to look up at Darmel, he just wore a slightly troubled expression but said no more. Not only Father was looking at Darmel, but some of the other soldiers were as well. They all stood up at once and knelt before Darmel and me.
“You said this was by Lady Rosemine’s order, but all the soldiers in downtown are grateful to Lord Darmel. We thank you.”
…What on earth happened?
Confused by the unexpected gratitude, I looked back and forth between Darmel and Angelica. It was useless to expect anything from Angelica. That smiling face clearly said, “I don’t really understand either.”
“Gunther, what exactly did Darmel do?”
“I only did my job, Lady Rosemine.”
“But he helped the soldiers in downtown, didn’t he?”
It’s natural for a lord to want to know if Darmel had some notable achievements. I looked at Father, who began speaking carefully, aware of Darmel’s wish to remain silent.
“There was an order to prevent nobles from escaping through the North Gate this winter. The knights order provided several magic tools that even soldiers could use, and everyone was given magic tools for calling reinforcements. But even if the gate was sealed, nobles would use their mounts to escape, and reinforcements wouldn’t arrive quickly enough at the North Gate, located at the edge of the Noble District.”
Most of the knights order were occupied with the purge. Though two knights were always stationed at the North Gate, it was difficult for just two to stop multiple fleeing nobles. In that situation, Darmel was apparently the first to rush to the scene.
“I was just nearby at the temple preparing for the dedication ceremony.”
Darmel said this humbly, but when two knights and common soldier troops were desperately defending the gate, Darmel’s surprise attack on the fleeing nobles from behind must have been a huge relief.
“Thanks to him, only a few soldiers at the North Gate sustained minor injuries. Also, when the West Gate incident happened, Darmel was the first to arrive to help resolve the situation. The soldiers are truly grateful.”
I hadn’t expected that Darmel was so appreciated and trusted by the soldiers downtown. Impressed, I told the soldiers to sit back down.
Then, I listened to recent news from downtown and told them about Greschel’s upcoming reforms and the big jobs the craftsmen would receive as a result. Melchior listened with interest.
It seemed quite some time had passed while listening to the soldiers. Melchior, whispered to by his aides, stood up saying, “If I’m late for dinner, I’ll break my promise to Father.”
“Lady Rosemine, I learned a lot today.”
“I could see Melchior’s eagerness to absorb everything. I’m happy as well. Here, for hardworking Melchior. It’s an amulet magic tool.”
I had entrusted Wilfried and Charlotte’s amulets to Filine to give before departing for the prayer ceremony.
“Thank you very much. Also, I’ll tell Father about what the soldiers said. Excuse me.”
Leaving those words, Melchior hurriedly mounted his Mount with his aides and left.
…Is Melchior a little too reliable? Did I manage to act like a respectable older sister?
I nervously wondered if I had shown some proper elder sister dignity as I saw Melchior off.