Chapter 57 - Chapter 56: The Retainers' Romance ①
"Edgar-san, are you perhaps nervous?"
"Of course I am. There isn't a man alive who wouldn't be nervous when going to greet his fiancée's family."
On the road from the territorial capital, Noeina, to Retovik, Edgar and Anna were exchanging such a conversation while being swayed in a carriage.
Due to their roles as the person in charge of finance and the person in charge of agriculture, the two had many opportunities to see each other's faces during discussions and other matters. By the time winter ended, it had become obvious that they were conscious of one another to the point where everyone around them thought, "Just get together already," or "Just get married."
After that, they closed the distance with agonizing slowness, and finally, the other day, Edgar conveyed his feelings to Anna. From the perspective of those around them, it was a goal-in that made them want to say, "Finally."
And so, thanks to Noein's arrangements, which aligned the holidays of the two busy individuals, they were heading to Anna's family in Retovik today to report their marriage, which also served as Edgar's formal greeting.
For Edgar, it was a greeting to his future mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Even though Edgar had once demonstrated leadership as the eldest son of the village head's family in his hometown, and now served as the coordinator for the farmers in the Arqvist territory, it was only natural that he was nervous.
"It'll be fine. Anyone can see that you're sincere and earnest, Edgar-san. I'm sure my mother will like you. Besides, Marco-niisan is younger than you, you know?"
"Yeah, it's not that I'm that worried... but I'm nervous, I just am, no matter what."
For Anna, it was a return home after a long time, but for Edgar, it was an event where he felt excitement mixed with anxiety.
The distance to Retovik was less than half a day in the carriage borrowed from Noein. While Edgar was fidgeting with his anxiety, they arrived quite simply around noon.
"Ufufu, it's finally time, Edgar-san."
"Y-yeah... I'm looking forward to it."
.....
The distance from Retovik's west gate to the grocery store, which was Anna's family home, was short. They arrived in front of the shop without any trouble.
"It hasn't even been a year since I left home, but it feels like it's been a very long time..."
Anna murmured this with deep emotion.
For Anna, who had lived in Retovik since birth, every day in the Arqvist territory was fresh and intense. It felt as though several years had already passed since she left her family home.
"For now, why don't you go show your face to your family? My introduction can wait until after."
"Y-yeah. Thank you, Edgar-san."
Accepting Edgar's consideration, Anna stepped down from the carriage and passed through the shop door.
"I'm home, Mother, Marco-niisan."
"Welcome... ah, Anna!?"
"Whoa, isn't this Anna!"
Eliza and Marco raised their voices upon seeing their daughter suddenly return. Since they had received no prior notice, it was only natural that they were surprised.
"What happened all of a sudden! What about your work at the Knight-Baronet-sama's place?"
"There was something I wanted to report, so I took today off and came home."
"Is that so... you, your atmosphere has changed. Your face has become a bit more adult."
"Your way of speaking has become more mature, too. Have you been doing well?"
Both Eliza and Marco had heard about Anna's situation in the Arqvist territory from Noein and Bart, the logistics officer. However, seeing her face after such a long time brought a deep sense of emotion.
When she left home, Anna still had the face of an innocent girl, but while working as a full-fledged retainer in the outside world, she seemed to have grown considerably.
"Yes, I'm doing well. Noein-sama and all my colleagues are kind, and the work is very rewarding. I feel like we're building a new village little by little ourselves."
From her lively expression, Eliza and Marco could tell that Anna was spending fulfilling days.
"I see, that's good then. So, about this report... could it be that you've found a good person?"
"Ehehe... actually, that's the case."
Anna said this and looked back toward Edgar, who was standing at the shop entrance. Edgar also stepped inside the shop,
"Eliza-san, Marco-san, nice to meet you. I am Edgar, a retainer of the Arqvist territory,"
he introduced himself.
.....
As a result, Edgar's nervousness and anxiety ended up being unfounded. He was welcomed by Anna's family, and on this day, he was encouraged to stay overnight at Anna's family home, and now they were gathered around the dinner table.
"Edgar-san is so earnest. Just talking like this, I can tell you have a sincere personality."
"No, it's not that... in the village where I was born, I was from the village head's family, and thanks to my father's education, I became this way. I personally think I'm a bit too stiff."
"That's fine. There's no such thing as being too earnest for a human... haah, still, to think such a good person is Anna's husband."
"Really, I still can't quite believe that the shy Anna found a marriage partner like this in less than a year."
"Mother! And Brother! Stop saying the same thing over and over!"
Anna, who raised her voice like that, had an atmosphere different from the graceful figure Edgar had seen in the Arqvist territory. Having returned home after a long time and with alcohol in her system, it seemed she was showing her true self.
"Is it okay to be that excited? Edgar-san will think you're childish."
"Eh... it's not like that, Edgar-san, these two are just—"
"No, seeing a side of Anna that's different from usual is also a good thing. Please make yourself at home without worrying about me."
Edgar spoke gently, but Anna had a bashful expression. The redness of her face was likely not just because of the wine.
"So, I understand that Edgar-san is the person in charge of agriculture, but what about your work, Anna? I heard you have full responsibility for finance and administration?"
"That's right. I work directly under Noein-sama. I even have subordinates now, you know?"
"Heh, to think you've come to stand above others... you used to be so timid, you've really become impressive."
Compared to the Anna of the day she said, "I want to migrate to the Arqvist territory," both Eliza and Marco thought she was like a different person.
Her expression was firm, and her way of speaking was confident. Although they had sent Anna off with some anxiety as her family, they were both relieved to see that her decision had worked out in a positive direction.
"Well, even so, you'll always be my daughter. If you're ever in trouble, rely on us anytime."
"This place will always be your family home."
"Mother, Brother... thank you."
This sight of a family confirming their bonds was dazzling to Edgar.
The Arqvist territory was a land where those who had lost their place to go gathered. Edgar was no exception to this, having lost both his hometown and his family.
In the midst of that, Anna was a rarity; she had the hometown where she was born and raised, a place to return to. He felt a slight envy toward Anna, who possessed something he could never recover.
"And Edgar-san, too."
"Eh."
Edgar was surprised as Eliza and Marco suddenly turned their faces toward him.
"Since you're marrying Anna, you're practically family already. Please think of our home as your own and rely on us."
"I look forward to your kindness from now on, Edgar-san."
"...Yes. Thank you. I look forward to it as well."
Edgar tried to hold back his tears, but a single streak spilled over. He didn't know if Eliza and the others hadn't noticed, or if they were pretending not to.