Chapter 479 - Chapter Six: Eleos's Study Abroad ④
"Margarete-sama. I trust you are faring well."
To Margarete, who had come to a stop before him, Eleos gave a polite bow befitting the son of a noble.
After arriving in the royal capital, Eleos had visited the castle once to greet Margarete. It was the first time the two had exchanged words directly since that day.
"I have longed to see you, Eleos-sama. At last, I am able to greet you at school... Due to my position as royalty, I have been unable to make much free time for myself."
Margarete responded with an elegant bow of her own.
The princess of this country and the crown prince of the neighboring country, who was her fiancé. While the surrounding noble children watched the conversation with a buzz of excitement, the two—both accustomed to drawing people's attention—remained completely unfazed.
Their respective attendants subtly surrounded them. They did so to block the gaze of others and to ensure they could immediately protect their masters should the commotion grow too great.
"The classes Eleos-sama and I take will likely differ in many ways, but since we are spending our school lives during the same period, it is a precious opportunity. I hope to see you as often as possible from here on."
"I feel the same. Whenever you have time, Margarete-sama, please let us spend it together."
"Oh, what wonderful words. I am moved."
Seeing the princess speak with an entranced expression, clearly completely smitten with Eleos, the buzzing among the noble children grew louder.
Beyond meeting in person several times, Eleos and Margarete had cultivated their relationship through the exchange of letters. Their bond had deepened the more they exchanged words in writing, and Margarete in particular—influenced by the education provided by the royal family—now revered Eleos as her future partner.
"I am about to go have lunch. I have rented a room within the school and had the royal chefs prepare it. If you would like, Eleos-sama, why not join me? There should be plenty of ingredients, so I can have them make enough for two."
"That is a very generous offer, but... with all due respect, I shall decline this time."
When Eleos answered, Margarete looked blankly at him, perhaps not having expected to be turned down.
Asked by her expression why that was, Eleos spoke again with a bashful smile.
"I've decided to eat lunch in the cafeteria together with my attendants. Besides, I have a few friends now, and I've arranged to meet them in the cafeteria... Since I'm spending my time at school, I want to use the lunch break to interact with various people."
"...That is wonderful!"
Upon hearing Eleos's explanation, Margarete spoke with sparkling eyes.
"As expected of my future husband; I admire that attitude of seeking to deepen interactions with many people... If it is alright, might I join you? I feel bad for the chefs I have waiting, but as royalty of this country, I wish to follow Eleos-sama's example."
"If Margarete-sama is fine with it, you are more than welcome. I am very happy. I want to spend as much time as possible with you, Margarete-sama."
That casual remark seemed to pierce the heart of the maiden in love; Margarete-sama covered her mouth, looking overwhelmed, her face turning red.
"...Then, let us go! Eleos-sama!"
While being flanked by a Margarete who could not look any happier, Eleos began walking toward the cafeteria. The attendants followed, watching the two with fond smiles.
.....
"...I see. I wasn't overly worried, but it seems you're having a good study abroad experience. As expected of our son."
Some time had passed since Eleos's enrollment. Noein, who had come to Lichthagen for the dual purpose of checking on his son and socializing, spoke with a smile after hearing a report on recent events from his child's own mouth.
"You're diligently applying yourself to your studies while interacting with your schoolmates, and deepening your friendship with Her Highness Margarete... You're doing your best while enjoying yourself. We are proud of you, Eleos."
"Thank you. This is all thanks to Father and Mother for letting me study abroad."
Praised by Clara following Noein, Eleos answered happily.
"It's wonderful that Yakov and the others are also doing their best. If you, who will become Eleos's direct vassals, continue in this manner, the future of the Grand Duchy of Arqvist is bright."
"I am extremely honored by your praise. So as not to shame the words we have received, we shall all continue to exert our efforts for the sake of the main house."
Noein also addressed the noble children serving as Eleos's attendants. Yakov answered on behalf of everyone. Nikolai and Sasha, standing beside him, showed proud expressions, while Amanda and Theodore bowed bashfully.
"Truly reliable. I will be sure to convey your hard work to your families... Thank you for accompanying me for the report. I'm sorry for taking up your time on a holiday. Please rest well."
After dismissing the noble children, Noein continued to chat with his family for a while. Not only Noein and Clara, but Matilda—who was another mother to Eleos—joined the circle, and they enjoyed a peaceful moment.
They spent dinner as a family as well, and after Eleos went to bed early to prepare for school tomorrow, the three of them spent the time before sleep in the living room, gathered around tea brewed by Matilda.
"Gaining experience in a new environment, it seems Eleos has grown a bit more as well."
When Noein murmured, both Matilda and Clara nodded.
"Yes. I feel that the current Eleos-sama has come to resemble the Noein-sama of your boyhood even more."
"Is that so. Thinking that I am seeing the image of the old Noein-sama through that child makes me happy as well."
To Matilda's emotional words, Clara, who did not know Noein's boyhood, replied with a chuckle.
"I'm sure that child will continue to grow more and more. Not just Eleos. The noble children are also growing in a way that is even more reassuring. Eventually, Eleos and the others will succeed us and protect the happiness of the Grand Duchy of Arqvist. I've become increasingly convinced of that."
Not just the happiness they held in their hands now. Even after they stepped back from the front lines, and even after they eventually left this world, the happiness would continue. Such a feeling grew larger in Noein's heart day by day, because of the existence of the next generation, like Eleos.
"Our happiness will be inherited. It will continue. Forever."
As Noein spoke as if telling it to himself, Matilda, by his side, snuggled close to his arm. Clara, sitting on the opposite side, gently squeezed Noein's hand.
Feeling the love of the two, Noein was filled with contentment.
Today, April 25th, Volume 5 of the book version of "The Happiness Tale of the Twisted Lord" has been released. Additionally, Volume 2 of the manga adaptation has also been released.
Along with this, an important announcement.
Regarding the book version of "The Happiness Tale of the Twisted Lord," it will conclude with this 5th volume. Due to insufficient sales, it has come to this result. To everyone who supported me, I am truly sorry.
It closes with Noein's story—embarking on land development, overcoming numerous trials, reuniting with his father Maximilian to bring a conclusion to his revenge, and finally walking toward the future.
If you are willing, I would be happy if you could accompany me until the final volume of the book series.
As for the manga adaptation, it is planned to continue, so I ask for your continued support.
Also, as mentioned in the afterword of Volume 5 of "The Happiness Tale of the Twisted Lord," the book for my latest work currently being updated on the web, "Friedrich's Battlefield," is scheduled for release around summer.
I would be happy if you could keep an eye on that as well.
Information regarding Enoki Surume's future activities is announced via activity reports, status notes, and Twitter. I look forward to your continued support.