“Edgar, are you perhaps feeling nervous?”
“Of course. There’s no man who wouldn’t feel nervous about greeting his fiancée’s family.”
As they traveled from the capital, Noeina, to Retvik in a carriage, Edgar and Anna exchanged such conversations.
Due to their roles as the finance and agriculture heads, they frequently had opportunities to meet during discussions. By early winter, it was obvious to everyone around them that they were becoming aware of each other, with thoughts like “Hurry up and get together” and “Just get married already” circulating.
After some frustratingly slow progress in closing the distance between them, Edgar finally confessed his feelings to Anna the other day. It was a goal that would make anyone want to say, “Took you long enough!”
Thanks to Noein’s arrangements, today, they were heading to meet Anna’s family in Retvik for Edgar’s greeting and marriage announcement.
For Edgar, it was a chance to greet his future mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Although he had once demonstrated leadership as the eldest son of the village chief back in his hometown and now served as a coordinator for the farmers in the Aalkvist territory, it was understandable that he felt nervous.
“Don’t worry. It’s clear to anyone that you, Edgar, are sincere and serious. My mother will surely like you. Besides, Marco is younger than you, right?”
“Yeah, it’s not like I’m that worried… but still, it’s only natural to feel nervous.”
For Anna, this was a long-awaited return home, while for Edgar, it was an event filled with both excitement and anxiety.
The distance to Retvik was covered in just under half a day in a carriage borrowed from Noein. Before Edgar could fully process his anxiety, they arrived swiftly around noon.
“Hehe, it’s finally here, Edgar.”
“Uh, yeah… I’m looking forward to it.”
…
The distance from the western gate of Retvik to Anna’s family grocery store was quite short. They arrived easily in front of the shop.
“It feels like such a long time since I left home, even though it’s been less than a year…”
Anna murmured this sentimentally.
For Anna, who had lived in Retvik her entire life, her days in the Aalkvist territory felt fresh and rich. It seemed like only a few years had passed since she left her home.
“Why don’t you go show your face to your family first? My introduction can wait until after that.”
“Okay, thanks, Edgar.”
Relying on Edgar’s consideration, Anna got off the carriage and entered the shop.
“I’m home, Mom, Marco!”
“Welcome… ah, Anna!?”
“Whoa, isn’t that Anna!”
Eliza and Marco exclaimed upon seeing their daughter return unexpectedly. It was no surprise they were astonished, as they hadn’t received any prior notice.
“What’s going on? Why the sudden visit? How’s the work with the viscount?”
“I wanted to report something, so I took a day off and came back.”
“I see… You’ve changed a bit, haven’t you? You look more like an adult now.”
“Your way of speaking sounds more grown-up too. Are you doing well?”
Eliza and Marco had heard about Anna’s experiences in the Aalkvist territory from Noein and Bart, the materials transportation officer. However, seeing her in person after so long stirred deep emotions.
When Anna left home, she still had a childish face, but it seemed she had matured significantly while working as a full-fledged retainer in the outside world.
“Yes, I’m doing well. Noein and everyone else are kind, and the work is really fulfilling. It feels like we’re gradually building a new village ourselves.”
From Anna’s lively expression, Eliza and Marco could tell she was leading a fulfilling life.
“I’m glad to hear that. So, this report… does it mean you found a good partner?”
“Hehe… actually, that’s true.”
Saying this, Anna turned around to look at Edgar, who was standing at the entrance of the shop. Edgar stepped inside and said,
“Eliza, Marco, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Edgar, a retainer from the Aalkvist territory.”
As a result, Edgar’s tension and anxiety proved to be unfounded. He was warmly welcomed by Anna’s family, and they encouraged him to stay the night at her family home. Now, they were gathered around the dinner table together.
“Edgar, you’re such a serious person. Just talking to you, it’s clear how sincere you are.”
“Oh no, not at all… I was born into the village chief’s family, so I was raised with that kind of upbringing. Sometimes I think I might be a bit too rigid.”
“That’s not a bad thing. It’s never a problem for someone to be serious… Ah, I can’t believe such a great guy is going to be Anna’s husband.”
“Seriously. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that our shy little Anna managed to find someone to marry in less than a year.”
“Mom! And you too, brother! Stop saying the same thing over and over!”
Anna raised her voice in protest, showing a side that was quite different from the graceful demeanor Edgar had seen at the Earlkvist estate. Having returned home for the first time in a while, and with a bit of alcohol involved, she seemed more relaxed, showing her true self.
“Are you sure you should be acting so excited? Edgar might think you’re being childish.”
“Wha—! No, Edgar, it’s these two, I swear—”
“It’s fine. It’s actually nice to see this side of you. Please, relax and don’t worry about me,” Edgar said kindly.
Anna blushed, a little embarrassed. Her face was red, and not just because of the wine.
“So, Edgar, we know you’re in charge of agriculture, but what about you, Anna? Are you really responsible for all the finances and administration?”
“That’s right. I work directly under Lord Noein. I even have subordinates now!”
“Wow, I can’t believe you’re in a leadership position. You used to be so timid, but you’ve really grown.”
Compared to the day Anna announced she wanted to move to the Earlkvist estate, she seemed like a completely different person. Both Eliza and Marco noticed how much more confident and composed she was, speaking in a firm and assured manner. Though they had been worried when she first left, seeing her now made them realize that it had been the right decision.
“Even so, no matter how much you change, you’ll always be my daughter. If you ever need help, you can always rely on us.”
“This will always be your home,” Marco added.
“Mom, brother… thank you.”
Watching this exchange between Anna and her family made Edgar feel a pang in his heart. The Earlkvist estate was a place for people who had nowhere else to go, and Edgar was no exception—he had lost both his hometown and his family.
In contrast, Anna still had her birthplace, a place she could always return to. Edgar couldn’t help but feel a little envious of that—of something he could never have again.
“And you too, Edgar,” Eliza suddenly said, turning to face him along with Marco.
“Huh?”
“You’re marrying Anna, so you’re family now too. Consider this your home and don’t hesitate to rely on us.”
“We’re looking forward to getting to know you better, Edgar.”
“…Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
Edgar tried to hold back his tears, but one managed to escape. Whether Eliza and Marco noticed or pretended not to, he wasn’t sure.
