Oran Knight is out (1/2 chapters for today)
Bell Household
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We were attacked by bandits on the old of the mountain pass.
Among the captured bandits, we focused on the man who was playing the role of a travelling merchant, thinking he was the leader. As a result, we found out that the road we were supposed to pass through hadn’t actually had a landslide. They saw the luxury of our carriage and decided to trick us.
“Wait, then…” (Lux)
Just as I was about to say that, Sebas said with a stern face.
“The innkeeper is also in on it, isn’t he?” (Sebas)
The information about the landslide came from the inn. And then, right on time, the fake merchant appeared. That must be what it is.
“What should we do with these guys?” (??)
The guard started consulting with Sebas, so Heinz and I went back to our carriage for the time being.
“Oh, good job! You’re not hurt, right?” (Sonia)
Sonia’s voice was cheerful. She must have judged that the bandits weren’t much of a threat based on how easily she could hit them from inside the carriage. Maria and Hana also kindly expressed their concern in a relaxed manner.
“It was a piece of cake!” (Heinz)
Heinz puffed out his chest, thanked Sonia, and handed back the pistol.
My sister, Noris, who had been watching this exchange intently, said in a slightly exasperated voice.
“Onii-chan. Do you guys… always do stuff like this?” (Noris)
No, we don’t always do things like this.
After a while, Sebas came to our carriage. The bandits were tied up and were going to be taken away, while being connected to the carriage.
They would send a fast horse to the town just beyond the pass, Stola, governed by the Bell Household, to hand over the bandits and deal with the innkeeper who was connected to the bandits. Since this is within the Bell Household’s territory, we could have dealt with it ourselves, but since it was under the jurisdiction of another lord beyond the pass, we were showing consideration to them.
Even though they didn’t know, attacking the neighboring lord’s daughter means the innkeeper who colluded with the bandits likely had a bleak future. While thinking about that, Sebas deeply bowed his head toward us.
“I am truly sorry for what happened.” (Sebas)
“No, it’s not your fault, Sebas-san.” (Heinz)
Heinz responded.
“I should have acted after scrutinizing the information more carefully. I am prepared to accept any punishment.” (Sebas)
Hearing this, we became perplexed. The one who summed things up was Sebas’s lord, Maria.
“Sebas… If you are to be punished, then I am equally guilty for deciding to take the old road.” (Maria)
When she said that, Sebas was at a loss for words.
“No, that’s not what I meant…” (Sebas)
“There was no harm done, so let’s consider this matter closed.” (Maria)
Maria declared, and Sebas took out a handkerchief from his chest pocket and began to wipe his eyes.
“Sebas-san!? What’s wrong? Are you hurt!? Degozaru!” (Hana)
Seeing this, Hana asked in surprise.
“This is such a blunder… The Ojou-sama has grown so splendidly… I’m so happy that I just…” (Sebas)
Hearing this, Maria, looking embarrassed.
“That’s enough… Please get ready for departure, and let’s hurry and get over the pass.” (Maria)
Then, she gently pushed Sebas, who was still wiping his eyes, out of the carriage.
—
Although the handover procedures for the bandits were completed without incident and there was a suggestion to stay overnight in this town, it was decided that we would prioritize arriving in Stola, even if it meant arriving later, to avoid causing a commotion if the news of the bandit attack reached our family. After that, the journey continued without any major trouble, and as the sun was setting, the town of Stola came into view. While it wasn’t as large as Rodon, the town where the academy is located, it was big and had a much more relaxed and pastoral atmosphere compared to Rodon.
We arrived just in time for dinner, so there were quite a few people coming and going. At the entrances of the various shops, gates made of ornamental plants were set up, and as the sun set, lanterns placed at the top of each gate were lit. These lights gently illuminated the gates of each shop, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
“Beautiful.” (Noris)
Noris muttered absentmindedly. Just being able to show her this made me feel glad that I brought her along. Although Noris’ illness was improving, it was not something that would be cured in a day or two. It would still take some more time. At first, I hesitated a bit about bringing her here, but since Rita-san was also coming along, and more importantly, leaving her alone while we went out to have fun seemed too sad.
“That’s called the ‘Gate of Fortune.’ It’s said that there’s good fortune in any place you enter after passing through this gate.” (Maria)
Maria explained to Noris.
“Then this town must have lots of good fortune!” (Noris)
Noris replied cheerfully, and the other members felt warm inside as they listened to the conversation between the two youngest members.
As we enjoyed the townscape and continued forward, a large mansion came into view. Even from a distance, it was clear that it was much larger than the house Maria lived in back in Rodon.
“Well, of course, it’s the Bell Household mansion. It’s naturally big.” (Heinz)
Heinz said, causing Maria to look a bit embarrassed.
This Bell Household, though it hasn’t had any significant achievements in recent years, unlike Saxon’s family, which gained influence through wartime accomplishments, was once one of the five great noble households of the Principality of Rozan. Heinz explained that because they were entrusted with this important territory bordering the western countries, the Bell Household was a distinguished family highly trusted by the Princess.
“That’s why, originally, the number one spot in our class roster should have belonged to Maria. But the Saxon family pushed their way in.” (Heinz)
“Does the Saxon family have that much power?” (Lux)
“Yes. The Saxon family, the Parady Household, has produced famous Knights (Ritters) and played a key role in major victories. They’ve suddenly become more prominent in recent times.” (Heinz)
Ah, so that’s why Saxon is the way he is.
While I was thinking that, the gate to Maria’s family mansion finally opened, and the carriage smoothly glided inside. As we got off the carriage, we saw a line of maids standing on both sides of the stone-paved path leading to the entrance. Ahead, at the entrance, there were seven figures. One of them, upon spotting Maria, rushed forward and ran toward her.
“Oh! My dear Maria!! Have you been well? Nothing troubling you, I hope!?” (??)
The woman asked a barrage of questions as she hugged Maria tightly.
“Mama! Yes! I’ve been doing well.” (Maria)
Maria also hugged her mother back firmly.
As we watched the reunion between mother and daughter for a while, a slender man with a distinguished mustache, whom I assumed to be Maria’s father, approached us.
“I am Gowell, Maria’s father. Welcome, and thank you for coming all this way. You are most welcome here.” (Gowell)
“Thank you very much for your kind hospitality. We are grateful for the invitation and will be in your care for the next few days.” (Heinz)
Heinz replied smoothly, followed by Sonia, Hana, Noris, and me doing the same.
“So, you must be Maria’s friends from school. Thank you for always looking after her.” (??)
This was said by a young man who had come up beside Gowell. It was Maria’s older brother. Behind him stood Maria’s older sister and her spouse. Maria, having heard our greetings, separated from her mother and came to stand in front of us.
“Otou-sama! These are my classmates and teammates! They’re all amazing! We even beat the second-year team in our first competition!” (Maria)
“Ah, yes, yes. Sebas has told me all about it. I was quite surprised. But, well, let’s not discuss everything out here. We’ll hear all about your heroic deeds in detail another day.” (Gowell)
—
**Today’s Diary**
It was a day full of events. I’m exhausted.
The room where I’m writing this diary is apparently a guest room in the Bell Household. It feels too spacious, and I can’t seem to relax.
Gowell-san and the others, considering our fatigue, decided to save the detailed conversations for tomorrow. After washing off the grime of our journey and having a simple (though it was plenty luxurious for me) dinner, we were promptly shown to our guest rooms.
Tomorrow, we’ll take it easy in the mansion and talk about school, with Maria at the center of the conversation. It’s a well-deserved summer vacation, and I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest!
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