translator: mii
editor: ASplashofMusic, Sleepchaser
I head to the location with two escorts and Schwede, riding Shurio’s carriage. The cliff is definitely a little dangerous in such circumstances.
The roots of the trees growing on the top of the cliff are entwined within the soil and stone, like a mesh. The whole thing looks like something that has only been fastened with a fine line, its collapse just waiting any moment now. It’ll be dangerous the next time heavy rain ever falls around this area.
The cliff beside the road is around the combined height of two adults. Once it collapses, the road will definitely get blocked with debris. When that happens, carriages will no longer be able to pass through. And above all, if the cliff just happens to collapse when there’s a person passing by, that’ll be bad.
Before that happens, it’s better to take action now.
I draw some sketches of the location so that I can attach them to the report. Then I talk with the villagers, Schwede, and the escorts about my plan and the scope of the planned construction. I roughly summarize and write down the necessary materials and the number of personnel needed.
After this, I have to arrange the materials and the personnel as soon as possible so that they can come and repair and reinforce the road at a later date.
Just when we finish our preparations, the villager who guided us to the cliff brings us the lunch that he has prepared for us.
I’m starving since it’s past lunchtime, so I gratefully thank him for the food.
The handmade sandwich with crushed potatoes, cured meat that tastes like ham, and slightly sweet onions is very flavorful and delicious. I think I’ll remember this recipe so that I can make it next time.
That blond will definitely like this sandwich. He likes meat.
We all sit on the soft grass and eat. The weather is nice, the climate is warm, and the fresh verdure is beautiful. This feels almost like a picnic, and that thought makes this a little more fun.
Schwede squints his eyes to look at the distance and breaks into a gentle smile. As I follow his line of sight, I see a few villagers sitting at the edge of the wheat field, chatting in a friendly manner.
“Maybe it’s because it’s spring but… the villagers look to be in a very relaxed mood,” he says.
“Yeah. But since they’ll be getting busier and busier farming, they can only relax for a few weeks during this season.”
“My, is that so?”
“That’s right. It’s like a short spring break right now. Not only at school, but also for the villagers.”
He heaves a sigh. “Does that mean the entire village is in the middle of spring break now? Now it makes sense that everyone is smiling.”
“After all, the holidays are something nice and fun.”
“You’re right.” Schwede laughs out loud. As he chews on his sandwich, he looks like he’s having fun. “Ah, but Fram-dono seems to be especially busy right now, doesn’t he?”
“Oh… he’s… For some reason, he’s always busy during spring. This year is particularly severe. Sometimes, he even has to repair roofs from morning till night.”
“Roof repair? That sounds tough.”
“Yeah, really. It’s unusual for the village to have snow this year, so that might be the cause.”
“I see… Then, after a while, will he get less busy?”
“Hmm, I wonder about that… He told me that since mid-April, he has to stay overnight at Gouda-san’s apple garden to help out. To grow a lot of apples, it’s necessary to facilitate the pollination process, pluck unnecessary flowers, and add fertilizer during this time. Gouda-san’s apple garden is very large, so he always lacks manpower every year.”
“Stay overnight, huh? Is that for a couple of days?”
“No, more than that… He always stays there for around four days…”
“Four days. It looks like April is also going to be a busy month for Fram-dono.”
“Yes. By the end of the spring, his workload will lessen, but… Well, Alfred doesn’t seem to hate moving around so much like that. Aside from his crazy strength, he also has crazy stamina! I want him to share some of it with me, you know.”
Schwede laughs, probably finding my words funny. He does it so happily that I’m infected by his laughter and chuckle.
After controlling his laughter, Schwede looks back at me. He cocks his head to one side, looking like he wants to ask me something. What is it?
“Schwede-sama?”
“Lian-dono, have you been with Fram-dono for a long time?”
“H-huh?!”
Why is he asking me that suddenly?!
Please stop asking me unexpected questions without any warning. It’s hard for me to answer them, and they’re bad for my heart.
“T-that…”
I glance at him and… Turns out he’s staring at me, waiting for my response. He also has a smile on his face, as if urging me to answer.
I… I have no choice but to open my mouth since I can’t get out of this situation without answering.
I reply, “I-it’s… If you’re asking how long, then… uh… maybe… around six years…”
Has it been that long since I first met him?
“Six years?”
“Y-yes, it should be that long. But even so, at first…. we didn’t get along well at all…”
“What?!” Schwede turns around, eyes widened. Surprised by his unexpected reaction, I also look back at him.
“You didn’t get along with each other at first? …I can’t believe it at all.”
What does he mean by that? But well, I actually can’t believe it as well!
I should’ve had a bad relationship with him. It’s supposed to be an act, the ‘role’ that I have been given.
“Lian” is supposed to be Alfred’s rival who can’t get along with him or even stand his presence. It’s to the point that they fight every time they meet.
I’m supposed to act like that, but…
…I wonder what happened at some point for us to become like this?
I still don’t understand it myself. Not even what triggered the change in the first place.
Nowadays, being with him feels like the most natural thing in this world. On the other hand, if I can’t meet him at the place where I can usually meet him at any time and within an arm’s distance, I won’t be able to calm down… It’s like something is off. It’s a very weird feeling.
Somehow, things have become his way—
“…We really can’t predict what will happen in the world.” I then pat away the bread crumbs on my hands and my clothes and stand up to end this uncomfortable conversation. “Now then, that’s all we can do for today. I’ll be returning to the mansion now.”
I also tell Shurio and the escorts my next destination. They nod with a smile and walk back to where they parked the carriage and their horses.
Schwede also brought his own horse. It’s a huge white horse, though its mane and eyes are the same colors as that of its master.
…Somehow, he feels more like the protagonist than Alfred.
Actually, the game players have talked about this before too. If Schwede were a prince, then he’d be so perfect that everyone will start to question his role.
I thank the villagers who prepared lunch for us again before heading for the carriage.
“Lian-dono,” Schwede calls out, causing me to halt. I look back.
My eyes are focused on his face… But the emotions I see there confuse me.
For some reason, I can’t glean any emotions from his smile.
It’s not the fun, happy smile from earlier. It’s also not a fake smile with no emotion behind it.
Although I can’t be too sure, his smile is similar to the kids’ smiles whenever they see me off every time I have to leave the church and go home.
It’s not sadness, envy, or resignation. Rather, it’s almost like a mix of a little bit of everything.
I don’t know what he’s thinking right now. What happened?
“Schwede-sama…?”
“Lian-dono, regarding Fram-dono… do you love him?”
And now we’ve made up the last two weeks’ chapters, Don’t worry, this week’s chapter will be out in a couple days or less. Thanks for being patient, guys!
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