Chapter 322 - Episode 314: Winter Days ①
"Dear, I have brought your barley porridge for lunch."
"I have also prepared some honey water with ginger, Noein-sama."
It was noon on a certain day in late December, with only the end of the year remaining. Clara, carrying a tray, and Matilda, carrying a cup, came to Noein, who was resting in bed.
"Thank you, both of you. I'm sorry, even though we've finally started our break, I'm in this state."
As Noein answered, his face was slightly flushed and his eyes were dreamy. He had the unmistakable appearance of someone who had fallen ill.
Just yesterday, as the pace of preparations for the founding of the nation settled down in anticipation of midwinter and he found some breathing room in his duties as lord, Noein had developed a fever. The result of the examination by the doctor, Selfers, was that it wasn't any particular disease, but "simply the accumulation of fatigue."
He had run through busy days, dealing with poor harvests, a brutal great war, and the frantic preparations for the founding of the nation. For Noein, who was not particularly physically robust, it was only natural that he would eventually collapse.
"There is no need for you to apologize. You have continued to struggle for the sake of the Arqvist territory without even the luxury of resting your mind. It is the end of the year and the start of the new year. Please forget about work and rest comfortably."
"Serving Noein-sama in this way is my duty and my greatest joy. Please, allow me to contribute by your side."
As they spoke, Clara and Matilda sat beside Noein, who had pushed himself up in bed. The bed was originally large enough for three people to sleep in comfortably. Even sitting side-by-side like this, it remained plenty spacious.
"...I'm a lucky man, to be loved by such kind and devoted girls."
"My, it's embarrassing to be called that now that I'm the mother of a child."
"I am no longer at an age where I can be called a 'girl'..."
"That's not true. Both Matilda and Clara will always be cute girls to me."
When Noein smiled at them, Clara grinned, and Matilda blushed slightly and smiled shyly.
Even after giving birth to Eleos, Clara maintained a slender figure, and like Noein, she had a baby face for her age. Matilda also looked youthful enough to seem around twenty. Looking at them objectively, the term "girls" did not feel out of place for either of them.
"Now then, dear, please accept our devotion for today's lunch as well. Here, say 'ah'."
"Ah."
Clara scooped up some barley porridge with a spoon, blew on it several times to cool it, and naturally brought it to Noein's mouth. Noein naturally opened his mouth and let Clara feed him his lunch.
"Noein-sama, please have this as well."
"Yeah, thank you... Back when I lived in the annex of the Kivireft house, I'd occasionally get a fever and have Matilda make me honey water. How nostalgic."
Then, Matilda brought the cup to his lips, and he took a sip of the honey water with ginger. There was no need to blow on it to cool it, yet it warmed his body gently from the core. It was just the right temperature.
Since falling ill yesterday morning, Noein had been looked after by the two of them for every meal. Even when Noein felt shy and tried to decline, the two of them would insist, saying "it's for your sake," and fuss over him.
Therefore, during this lunch as well, Noein let them do as they pleased and spent a time of complete indulgence. Just by sitting there, barley porridge and honey water were delivered to his mouth, and occasionally his head was patted or his cheek was kissed.
"...I wonder if there are any problems with work? I haven't been able to touch anything since yesterday afternoon."
"Honestly, you mustn't talk about work right now."
"Regarding administrative duties, there was nothing urgent until the end of winter, so we have built extra room into the schedule. There was a site inspection for house construction scheduled for today, but since it isn't mandatory, there is no problem at all in moving it to another day... so please, rest easy and relax."
When Noein asked after finishing his meal, Clara puffed out her cheeks while placing the empty bowl on the side table. Matilda briefly assumed her expression as an adjutant to answer, then immediately returned to a gentle smile.
"Then I'll relax and take it easy. Sorry."
"That's right. Because you are tired. You must let us take care of you and rest your body without doing anything."
Clara somewhat forcibly pushed the wryly smiling Noein back down onto the bed and lay down beside him. On the other side, Matilda also snuggled up to Noein. Just like that, Noein was clung to by the women he loved, feeling their warmth, softness, and scent.
"The fever... seems to have gone down quite a bit. Dear, may I stay by your side for a little longer?"
As she asked, Clara wore an expression like a lonely child.
"Since we couldn't sleep together last night... I felt lonely."
Matilda also said so while gripping Noein's hand.
"...Of course you can. Rather, I want you to stay. It couldn't be helped because I had a fever, but I was lonely sleeping alone too."
Noein was slightly surprised that his own voice sounded unexpectedly childlike. Perhaps it sounded that way to Clara and Matilda as well, for the two of them hugged Noein from both sides with overwhelmed expressions, as if looking at a precious young child.
Just like that, Noein was spoiled to an extent that he could absolutely never show to anyone else.
.....
"Father, Mother, I'm home."
The house of the Chief Retainer Yuri stood close to the lord's mansion. Yakov, the eldest son of that house, announced his return to his parents upon stepping through the door.
"Welcome home. How was school today?"
"I studied many new things today too. It was interesting."
"I see, that's the most important thing."
Yakov's mother, Mai, took the cloak his son took off and patted his head gently.
During the winter, which was the agricultural off-season, there were many classes at the school directly managed by the lord, and Yakov attended almost every day. The reason he could commute alone despite being only seven years old was precisely because the public order in the capital city, Noeina, was good.
"...Yakov, were you able to approach your studies today with an attitude that serves as a model for others?"
"Yes, Father. I worked hard to be fitting of a future Baronet. The principal... the honorable sir also praised me."
"Then it is well. Good work."
"Thank you, Father."
Yuri, who was relaxing while reading a book in the living room, exchanged these words with his son.
Once midwinter arrived, there were few duties in the territorial army that required the direct supervision of the Chief Retainer Yuri. Yuri, who was always busy in other seasons, took many holidays during this period. By the same logic, Mai, the head of the Women's Association, also took more time off in winter.
Thanks to that, both parents could welcome their child's return home together like this.
"Big Brother~!"
"I'm home, Johanna. Have you been a good girl?"
Now receiving the welcome of his younger sister, Johanna, Yakov held her with a gentle smile and patted her head.
"Now Yakov, go wash your hands. I'll prepare lunch."
"I understand, Mother."
Prompted by Mai, Yakov headed to the washroom that doubled as a bathroom, followed by Johanna, who was fond of her brother, trotting along behind him.
After finishing washing his hands and returning to the living room, Mai lined up bread, ham, cheese, and a soup filled with vegetables in front of Yakov as he sat at the table.
Beside Yakov, who was having a slightly late lunch, Johanna sat perched, seemingly not wanting to be away from her brother, behaving quietly while receiving fruit water from Mai.
"...Mother, is there anything I can help with this afternoon?"
"Nothing in particular. Why?"
"I promised Sasha, Amanda, and Theodore that I would teach them reading and writing when I'm free. I'm thinking of borrowing an empty room in the Women's Association office for the location. May I go?"
Sasha was Radley's daughter, Amanda was Bart's daughter, and Theodore was the son of Edgar and Anna. They were each at an age where they could learn the very basics of reading and writing.
"That is a very good thing. If your father gives his permission, you may go."
"Father, may I go?"
"Serving as a guide for others is a very admirable thing. You may go. However, be careful not to interfere with the work of the Women's Association."
"I understand, thank you very much!"
Having obtained Yuri's permission, Yakov hurriedly finished his lunch, took the dishes to the kitchen, put his cloak back on, and bowed to his parents, saying "I'm off," before heading out.
Yuri and Mai, who saw him off to the entrance—let out a small sigh.
"I think it over and over, but is that kid really our child?"
"Truly, it feels exactly like a kite gave birth to a hawk."
Yakov, who had shown glimpses of talent since he was a mere toddler, was increasing in intelligence day by day now that he had started attending school. He was called a prodigy by those around him, and was seen as a flawless talent who would grow into the heir of Yuri, who was to receive a Baronetcy.
Looking at his appearance and hair color, there was no doubt he was the child of Yuri and Mai, but even so, the two of them could not help but be surprised by their child's growth beyond their expectations. To the point where they occasionally felt relieved looking at Johanna, who was acting her age.
"I think we are competent enough for our positions, but in the future, we might not be a match for him."
"The role of a close aide will become even heavier in the next generation as the Grand Duchy grows, so wouldn't it be just right to have someone abnormally clever like that child?"
"Well, I suppose you could think of it that way."
In the future, the position of Chief Retainer would disappear from the Arqvist family's vassal group, and the position of close aide would be inherited by the people of Yuri's Baronet house. The education of the heir would become the most important task for the Baronet house, but at the very least, there was no need to worry about the next generation.
While reflecting on their child's future growth, Yuri and Mai returned to the living room.