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Nobles’ Dispute

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

**Today’s Diary**

 

Even though we only stayed at the villa for two nights, it felt like we experienced a lot. We left the villa, taking with us the smoked venison that Sebas-san had prepared as a gift, and headed back to Maria’s family home. We would be staying at the Bell Household residence for three more days before returning to the academy.

That night, after returning from the villa, we unexpectedly learned something about Rita-san’s past.

 

—

 

That evening, we gathered for dinner. There were Maria’s parents, her brother and his wife, and us. Maria’s two older sisters had returned to their husbands’ homes but would visit again later. It was also my first time meeting Maria’s sister-in-law, as she had been taking care of her young child who was sick during our previous visit.

The dinner table featured the smoked venison I had hunted, now transformed into what looked like a gourmet dish. The venison was covered in a deep blue sauce that tasted sweet and refreshing, with a fruity aroma that complemented the meat perfectly.

“But I must say, I never imagined that the person Maria referred to as ‘Rita-sensei’ was the renowned Zalard Rita-sama.” (Gowell)

Maria’s father, Gowell, said as he clinked glasses with Rita-san, expressing his surprise.

“Please, drop the honorific ‘sama’.” (Rita)

Rita-san replied calmly. Even in front of the head of the Bell Household, she seemed to be controlling her alcohol intake.

“Otou-sama, is Rita-sensei that famous?” (Maria)

Maria asked as she elegantly cut a piece of venison.

“Ah, yes.” (Gowell)

Gowell replied, looking at his beloved daughter.

“Zalard-sama, or rather, Zalard-sensei, was known as ‘Silent Rita’ on the battlefield until three years ago. She was a first-class scout feared by enemies far and wide. Even though she wasn’t always on the front lines, her reputation preceded her. There were more than a few battles that were won thanks to her actions.” (Gowell)

I was impressed, once again reminded of how extraordinary Rita-san was. But the mention of “three years ago” caught my attention. Coincidentally, it was around the time when she saved Sonia. The others seemed curious as well, and Maria asked on our behalf.

“What happened three years ago?” (Maria)

Gowell-san looked like he regretted bringing it up and glanced at Rita-san, who remained composed.

“Oh, nothing much. I ended up punching a soldier who was a noble’s pet on the battlefield and got on the wrong side of some influential people. That was enough to get me reassigned away from the front.” (Rita)

Rita-san said casually.

Gowell-san immediately tried to correct the narrative, clearly distressed.

“No, that makes it sound like Zalard-sensei was entirely at fault! In fact, you were the victim! I still have strong feelings about that incident. If I may, could I explain the truth to these young ones?” (Gowell)

Rita-san, seeing Gowell-san’s earnest expression, looked slightly troubled.

“It’s not exactly a secret, but it’s not a pleasant story either.” (Rita)

However, she didn’t stop him from continuing. Taking that as her consent, Gowell-san began recounting the events from three years ago.

 

—

 

To brag a bit, our Bell Household is one of the “Five Great Nobles” in the principality, a house with a long-standing history.

However, recently, some nobles have rapidly increased their influence through achievements in the war, and unfortunately, we found ourselves unable to refuse Princess’ advice, which led to Maria being sent to military school.

These new influential forces are referred to as military nobles among us. Among them, there are five households that have become particularly powerful, absorbing other nobles under their banner one after another. Together with the old Five Great Nobles, they are now sometimes referred to as the Ten Factions of the Principality.

One of them is the Parady Household, whose third son—ah, Saxon, I believe—is in your class.

The military nobles’ foundation is based entirely on war achievements. They maintain their influence by constantly asserting, “Because we are here, you are able to fight the enemy nation.” Therefore, they are desperate for talented soldiers. They use various methods, such as offering large sums of money or guaranteeing post-retirement livelihoods, to recruit excellent soldiers as their subordinates.

Got it?

Among the military nobles, there is a household called the Deran Household. They meddled with Zalard-sensei and were brusquely rejected. If they had backed down at that point, it would have been fine, but they underestimated her because she was a woman, or perhaps they intended to intimidate her or set an example. Whatever the reason, they made the unthinkable move of using their subordinates to assault Zalard-sensei, which was an unforgivable act for a noble.

The result was inevitable. Zalard-sensei fought back and defeated them. However, the Deran Household, led by a person named Baxwall, then complained to the princess that Zalard-sensei had injured important soldiers in a private feud.

Ah, yes, Maria. It’s strange that such a story is accepted. But unfortunately, this is the current state of the principality. The Princess relies heavily on the military nobles and refuses to listen to our admonitions. However, everyone knows the truth, and Zalard-sensei’s achievements are well known. Baxwall can only push her to withdraw from the front line and has done nothing more up to now.

 

—

 

When Gowell-san finished speaking, no one uttered a word.

Only the sound of Rita-san continuing her meal was heard.

After a while, Rita-san asked everyone.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” (Rita)

“Uh, Rita-san…” (Sonia)

Sonia was at a loss for words.

“I told you. It’s not an interesting story. And I don’t particularly regret it. So don’t worry too much.” (Rita)

“Is that so?” (Sonia)

Sonia said, and Zalard-sensei grinned

“Well, well, as for Sonia, you could almost thank that foolish noble—oh, I apologize for my rudeness in front of the head of the Bell Household. You could be grateful to that upstart. Because of him, I was able to help your family. Besides…” (Rita)

Rita-san, then, cut off her words and cleared her throat.

“Well, anyway, I’m satisfied with my current life. Now, it’s summer vacation! Let’s have some fun!” (Rita)

With Rita-san’s words, the atmosphere in the room finally relaxed. The dinner came to a close, leaving everyone with a vague sense of unease.

 

—

 

After the meal, Heinz, Sonia, and I were on the balcony. Hana and Noris had already gone to bed, and Maria had returned to her room. We had gotten quite sunburned from our time at the lake. The night breeze felt nice against our slightly sore skin.

“Rita-san’s story was surprising, wasn’t it?” (Lux)

The topic was, of course, Rita-san.

“Like Rita-san said, I’m a bit conflicted. Thanks to her, we were saved, though.” (Sonia)

Sonia’s family had once faced a land grab, and Rita-san had helped them through it.

“But I still can’t quite accept it.” (Lux)

Despite saying that, to be honest, I felt conflicted as well. With Noris’s situation and the fact that having Rita-san close by was very reassuring, I still couldn’t accept the way Baxwall, that noble, had acted.

Suddenly, Heinz noticed the quietness. He was staring at the moon with a serious expression.

“Heinz, what’s wrong?”

“No, I was just wondering what Rita-sensei was going to say after ‘Beside…’.” (Heinz)

He muttered this without turning to face us.

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