In the year 762, April
“Wow. So this is the city of the Baltia Duchy. That’s quite the big castle.”
I was exploring the city with my childhood friend, Werner.
While I was seriously contemplating the rundown state of the city, my vassal was leisurely enjoying it like a sightseeing trip.
“Indeed. The Baltia Duchy originally had the duty of overseeing the region of Silria. It all started when the king’s brother took control. Because of that, the castle was built to be impressive as a precaution against uprisings.”
The one explaining was an old knight named Herbert, whom we call “Gramps.”
He’s been my tutor since childhood. Although he originally served a count’s family, he left them to serve me when I joined the duke’s house.
He often says that he still has much to teach me due to my shortcomings, though, to be honest, he’s probably just using it as an excuse to stay active and enjoy his old age by pushing me hard.
“Duke, there you are! Come, let’s head to the castle!”
It seems that after our arrival, a welcoming party was sent because we hadn’t gone straight to the castle and were wandering around.
Well, I’ll leave exploring the territory for another time. Besides, I’m about to meet my future wife for the first time.
Yes, there was a time when I was full of anticipation.
“Nice to meet you. I am Ainzich. It is a pleasure to meet Princess Layla of Baltia.”
“…”
Wait, she’s completely ignoring me.
But, well, I get it. To her, I am the child of her parents’ enemy…
After that, I tried my best to talk to her, thinking that as her betrothed, we should at least communicate a bit. But I didn’t get any response.
Eventually, I couldn’t endure the awkward silence anymore and suggested we speak again another day before leaving.
For now, I decided to rest in the office that the former head of the Baltia Duchy once used.
“She’s a pretty unfriendly woman, huh?”
“Well, don’t be too harsh… From her perspective, we are the enemies of her family… no, her entire clan.”
I could understand her stubborn attitude to some extent, but what concerned me more was that she didn’t just seem wary of me—she kept her distance from everyone around her.
I get why she would dislike me, but she showed no reaction even to the maid who served her.
“Gramps, when we attacked the Baltia Duchy, did we kill all the servants too?”
Gramps grinned.
“Oh, you’ve observed well, Ain-sama. From what I’ve heard, it seems the servants weren’t killed but driven away.”
“That explains it. She’s kept her distance from everyone around her because she feels there’s no one she can trust in this castle.”
“That appears to be the case. The Count didn’t want to leave any trace of the duchy behind.”
I see…
It makes sense. Her parents were killed, everyone close to her disappeared, and she’s surrounded by enemies.
Of course, she’d shut herself off. It’s not an uncommon story in times of turmoil, but it’s certainly harsh for a 16-year-old girl.
“Gramps, could you try to find a couple of female servants who had a close relationship with Princess Layla?”
“That’s fine, but won’t the Count say something about it?”
“If he does, I’ll just say that as a young newcomer, I don’t know my way around the duke’s castle yet and brought back a few familiar faces for assistance.”
“And the real reason?”
“I have you, Werner, and other vassals, but she has no one.”
I’m not even sure if I just want to feel good about being kind to her.
Maybe it’s because I still hold onto values from my past life…
“You are kind, Ain-sama. But kindness alone won’t defeat your enemies in times of war.”
“Gramps, Ain-sama’s fine as he is. We can handle his enemies ourselves.”
“Thank you, Werner. But don’t push yourself too hard, alright?”
Werner scratched his head without saying anything. He’s the kind of friend who tends to brush off promises he can’t keep, which I find endearing because of his honesty.
Knock, knock.
The sound of a knock on the door echoed.
“It’s Erich. My lord, I have gathered information on the territory.”
“Erich, come in.”
A cool-looking young man with a noble demeanor entered, saying, “Excuse me.”
He was one of the refugees I took in when they were displaced by war and orphaned. I raised a few like him as my vassals.
Honestly, he looks more like a noble than I do, and it’s a bit frustrating.
Erich laid out several reports on the desk. He and a few others had arrived before me to conduct a survey of the territory.
I quickly skimmed through the reports.
As expected, the territory was in dire straits due to repeated heavy taxes and conscription.
And the amount of debt…
“My lord, a representative from the Golden Sheep Merchant Guild is requesting a meeting. It’s likely regarding the debt.”
I couldn’t help but hold my head in my hands and look up at the sky.
Father, wouldn’t it have been better to just let the duke’s family be ruined along with its debt?
