Published: January 13, 2026
About an hour into the barbecue, His Majesty and the others were enjoying the meat with wine and beer in hand. The soldiers, who had been devouring the meat like starving beasts, were still eating with unabated enthusiasm.
“…Even with the alcohol, I don’t know how they can eat that much.”
Muttering this to myself, I sat at the edge with Arte, eating the meat. I was thinking it was about time to finish the meat and bread and move on to cookies or something when someone slender stepped out from the group of nobles.
The slightly hunched figure walked straight toward us. A man with a somewhat uncertain gaze—Count Ferdinand.
Since Arte was a delicate, beautiful girl, her father, Count Ferdinand, was quite the handsome older gentleman.
“…Good evening. May I have a moment?”
Glancing sideways at Arte, Ferdinand said this to me.
“Yes. Is there something you need?”
I stood up as I replied, and Ferdinand raised one hand apologetically with a nod.
“Well, it’s about Arte…”
He murmured and looked at Arte. Though he was her father, Arte had a very complicated relationship with him and stiffened instinctively. She had originally been sitting with her gaze downcast, but after Ferdinand called her name, she lowered her head even more.
Looking at that scene with sadness, Ferdinand turned to me.
“…It might be pointless to say this to Lord Van, but I would like you to listen for a moment.”
Prefacing his words, Ferdinand began to speak as if confessing.
“I was unable to act like a proper father to Arte… It was just as my own father had fallen ill and I had just become head of the family, and at the same time, your father, Marquis Fertio, was made marquis, causing us to lose part of our domain.”
After saying this, he glanced briefly at Arte, who remained perfectly still, then continued.
“…Though nobles seem to live glamorous lives, there are very ugly aspects hidden beneath. Nobles on the rise attract not only other nobles but also merchants and mercenaries to their side. Conversely, a noble house in decline faces tragedy. They are pushed to the margins within noble factions, removed from important positions, merchants and mercenaries become strict in business dealings, and even retainers who have supported the house for years may leave.”
Ferdinand shared this painful truth. His words were filled with frustration at himself, anger towards others, jealousy, and a host of negative emotions.
It must have been very difficult. From the way he spoke, the previous head of the family might have died suddenly. The heavy responsibility of becoming the head of a high-ranking noble house is unimaginable.
To prevent the family’s decline, one must make their presence felt through war, social circles, and managing domains. This is no easy task, and one would want to eliminate as many negative factors as possible. One such factor was Arte’s unusual magical aptitude, which was unbefitting of a noble.
But Arte was not at fault.
Feeling this strongly, I could not hold back.
“…I sympathize with your hardships. However, being busy and having difficulties does not justify ignoring your daughter. Saying you had a hard time is an excuse—ignoring the precious family you should protect is your sin and an irreparable failure.”
Even I surprised myself with my stern tone. Not only Ferdinand but also Arte looked startled, but I had no intention of stopping.
“Count Ferdinand, you may think I am too young to say this, but please listen as a person who cares for family. The wounds engraved in Arte’s heart will never fully heal. She will never forget them. But it should be possible to heal at least a little, to ease her pain.”
I said this, watching Arte’s uncertain face. Had I approached this incorrectly? Even so, I continued.
“As a father, there is only one thing you can do. Even now, it’s not too late. Look Arte in the eye and listen to her. Though she may lack confidence, Arte is kind and considerate of others. Please acknowledge that.”