New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (1/3 chapters)

 

 

Welcome

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In mid-August, all the people of the Valentine territory had gathered in the village square.

“Now, everyone, please pay attention. I have something important to tell you.” (Mika)

Mika, the one who had summoned them, stood upon a wooden platform made of boxes and planks as he spoke. The honest villagers quickly turned toward him and fell silent.

“As you may have already heard, my fiancée, Ayla-san of the Hewitt Household, will soon move to this Valentine territory. She will become the wife of this land’s lord and your Madam-sama. Therefore, there are some things I would like you all to know before we welcome her.” (Mika)

In this world and this era, children helped their parents from a young age and learned the family trade. By their mid-teens, they were considered capable workers. However, the age at which one was officially recognized as an adult and permitted to marry was generally eighteen, as set forth by the doctrine of the Ladesion Church, which had become customary law.

It was now the summer of the Holy Calendar year 1043. Mika and Ayla were both 17. Thus, their wedding was scheduled for the following year, after they each came of age. However, because Ayla earnestly wished to spend time with Mika as soon as possible, and Mika shared her wish, she would begin living in the Valentine territory starting next week.

Until their marriage, she would be treated as a guest and have separate quarters from Mika. To prevent them from getting carried away before the wedding, servants from the Hewitt Household would stay as chaperones. Even so, Mika thought that Patrick Hewitt had been quite generous in respecting his daughter’s wishes. Though he might not fully understand the form of happiness Ayla sought, it was beyond doubt that he loved her deeply as a father.

Since Ayla would soon come to live in this land, Mika felt it was necessary for the villagers to know beforehand what kind of person she was. If they did not understand her individuality, their first meeting could end unhappily. It was for that reason that Mika had arranged this gathering.

“First of all, Ayla-san loves the color black. She always wears black clothing, and she loves ribbons and frills, so she decorates her black attire with many of them. She also wears a large ribbon in her hair. And she always carries a stuffed toy that holds memories of her late mother. It is a cute plush shaped like a round mice. Dressed in black adorned with ribbons and frills, and holding her stuffed toy, she is, in my eyes, an extremely charming woman. But you may find her appearance peculiar when you first see her.” (Mika)

As Mika spoke, the villagers began murmuring among themselves. Their expressions showed surprise and confusion. They had evidently expected a “normal young lady.”

“I understand your surprise, and I understand if you feel uncertain.” (Mika)

When Mika spoke again, the villagers fell silent and looked back at their lord.

“It is true that Ayla-san may differ from the average woman in many ways. But what about me? I was born in a distant northern territory, so far away that people here would not even know its name. I wandered south and drifted into this village, a strange user of thought-based magic. Because of a promise I made when I cut ties with my family, I have not even told you my family name. Compared to me, Ayla-san, a noble daughter of the distinguished Hewitt Household and cousin to the head of the well-known Yutilainen family, is someone of much higher birth and status. She may dress differently from most, but she is a lady of an honorable lineage.” (Mika)

The villagers exchanged glances and whispered among themselves. It seemed that most of them agreed. Mika’s reasoning had replaced their unease toward Ayla’s individuality with trust in her noble background.

“Now, think back. Why did you all choose me, a wandering stranger, as your new lord? Perhaps because I am a skilled user of thought-based magic. But more than that, was it not because you believed I was an honest and kind person? When I defeated the bandits, and when I spoke with you afterward during the celebration, you saw my nature and believed I would be a kind lord who cared for his people. That is why you entrusted this land to me, is it not?” (Mika)

At his words, the villagers nodded. They all voiced their agreement.

“If that is so, then you have nothing to worry about regarding Ayla-san. She is gentle and kind. She has promised to treat you just as I do, and she has sworn to love this land and its people as your Madam-sama. Her appearance may be a little unusual, but she is a kind lady. As the woman I will marry and welcome into this land, she is a wonderful person beyond reproach. What do you all think? Would you prefer a kind Madam-sama dressed differently, or a cruel and frightening one who dresses ordinarily?” (Mika)

“There is no need to even compare. Of course, a kind Madam-sama is better.” (Jeremy)

The lively voice came from one of the villagers, Jeremy.

“That’s right. Since we will be serving her, kindness is the most important thing.” (Villager)

“Think about what the previous lady of the former lord’s house was like.” (Villager)

“Oh, she was terrible. Always cold and arrogant toward us.” (Villager)

“I never want to serve someone like that again.” (Villager)

“If our Madam-sama is kind like Mika-sama, that’s more than enough.” (Villager)

“Exactly. A little unusual clothing doesn’t matter at all.” (Villager)

“She comes from a proper family, and above all, if Mika-sama has chosen her, then that’s good enough for me.” (Villager)

Listening to their conversation, Mika could tell that his persuasion had worked. The villagers seemed ready to accept Ayla’s individuality.

By informing them of her personality and convincing them beforehand, their first meeting with Ayla would not end in a negative impression. Since Ayla truly was kind and gentle, she would surely become a beloved lady of the land, and in time, she would naturally become part of the community. Mika believed so.

“Ayla-san has rarely left her family’s city before, so I am sure she will feel anxious coming to an unfamiliar place. She will be a kind Madam-sama, so please welcome her warmly.” (Mika)

At Mika’s call, the villagers responded cheerfully and in unison.

 

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At the end of August, the Hewitt Household’s entourage arrived in the Valentine territory.

Officially, Ayla’s visit was to deepen her bond with her fiancé Mika and to become accustomed to life in the Valentine territory. In practice, it was the beginning of her relocation in preparation for marriage. The group was quite large, as they brought all of Ayla’s personal belongings.

Two two-horse wagons carried luggage, followed by a decorated carriage for Ayla and Patrick, along with several knights and soldiers as guards. Servants also rode on the wagons.

“Lord Hewitt, Ayla-san, welcome to my territory. I am truly relieved that you arrived safely.” (Mika)

Mika greeted Patrick and Ayla with a smile as they stepped down from the lead carriage. Ayla looked slightly tired from the journey, but when her eyes met Mika’s, she smiled like a blooming flower.

“Mika-san, it has been a while. I have missed you.” (Ayla)

“I have missed you as well. I have been looking forward to seeing you again, Ayla-san.” (Mika)

Blushing slightly, Ayla spoke shyly, and Mika replied with a gentle smile.

“Sir Hewitt, thank you very much for your long journey.” (Mika)

“It is nothing. I wished to see with my own eyes the land where my daughter will live.” (Patrick)

Mika bowed respectfully as he spoke, and Patrick raised his hand lightly in response. Then he looked toward the manor’s gate.

“When we arrived, I looked from the carriage window. It is a fine village. Small, but with wide farmland for its size. The development is clearly progressing well. The air feels calm. It seems a pleasant place for my daughter to live.” (Patrick)

Compared with the Hewitt territory, which had a population exceeding a thousand, the Valentine territory was small indeed. Mika assumed that some of Patrick’s praise was polite flattery, yet he maintained a calm smile.

“I am deeply honored by your generous words. I shall do all in my power to ensure that Ayla-san may live happily here. I also thank you for allowing her to stay here before the formal marriage.” (Mika)

“It is better this way. Rather than remaining stifled in the Hewitt estate, it will be easier for her to live alongside someone who understands her behavior. At this point, I think it best to let my daughter live as she wishes.” (Patrick)

Watching Ayla’s delighted face, Patrick spoke with calm resolve. Though he might not be her perfect understanding, he was clearly her good protector.

Mika turned to Ayla again and gestured toward the group standing before the manor.

“Ayla-san, allow me to introduce the retainers and servants of the Valentine household. You may already know their faces. The man standing on the far left is Dimitri, my attendant and guard who also oversees the security of the manor. Beside him is his wife, Bianca, who manages the household duties. The others are Helga, who assists with domestic work, and Ivan, who handles outdoor labor.” (Mika)

At Mika’s introduction, Dimitri and the others bowed to Ayla, who would soon be their mistress.

“Everyone, it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working with you.” (Ayla)

“We have long awaited your arrival, Ayla-sama. It is an honor to meet you. Please take care of us as well.” (Bianca)

Bianca, who was about the same age as Ayla, spoke warmly, easing Ayla’s nervousness. Seeing no hint of curiosity or judgment from any of them, Ayla relaxed and smiled gently.

“You both must be tired. It is a small manor, but please come inside and rest.” (Mika)

Saying this, Mika led Ayla and Patrick into the manor.

 

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