As the new year dawned and the harshness of winter intensified in January, Mai, a vassal serving the Earl Earlkvist family, was planning to hold an event.
Once a member of a mercenary group who had lived through the heat of battle, Mai felt she had already ceased to be a “warrior” since becoming the wife of the chief vassal Yuri and giving birth to their first son before winter, dedicating herself to child-rearing.
Although she still continued with minimal training, having a family and a child to raise made her realize that she would no longer return to the front lines.
In light of this, Mai considered what she could do as a vassal and decided to establish the “Earl Earlkvist Ladies’ Association.” Today marked its first activity, a buffet-style gathering.
The venue was the central square of the territorial capital, Noeina. The sky was clear, the sun was shining, and several campfires were prepared to provide warmth, making the winter outdoor setting not too cold. Tables were set up in the square, laden with food and drink.
“Alright, then, let’s officially start the Earl Earlkvist Ladies’ Association’s gathering. Today, let’s mingle freely, regardless of whether we are vassals, commoners, or slaves. Let’s make new friends and deepen our bonds with old friends, contributing to the society of the Earl Earlkvist territory by strengthening our unity as women. Cheers!”
As Mai declared this and raised her cup, the women participating in the gathering echoed her cheers.
In the Earl Earlkvist territory, which has been primarily composed of refugees, most women lack the mothers and mothers-in-law they would normally rely on for managing households and raising children.
For Mai, who married two years ago and already has children, and for newlyweds like Anna, Gina, and Michelle, who married last year and are about to have children, moments of anxiety are common.
To address these issues, Mai established this ladies’ association. Its purpose is mainly to share concerns and know-how regarding child-rearing and domestic life, and to support one another.
As one of the veteran female vassals, Mai contemplated how she could contribute, and this ladies’ association was the result. Its significance was recognized, and the budget for organizing this gathering was approved by Noein, the lord of the territory.
“Creating a mutual support organization for women is a really innovative yet great idea, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely. I’ve just moved to this territory, and since Bart is often away, it’s helpful to connect with other women.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Let’s not hold back and talk about anything we want today, whether it’s complaints about home or gushing about our husbands. Anything goes!”
Mai smiled at Anna, who married Edgar, and Michelle, who became Bart’s wife.
Although it was called a mutual support organization for women, it was still a loosely connected community for now. The main goal was to foster friendly relationships without any pressure.
“Do you two have any problems in your married life so far?”
“Problems, you ask…? Not at the moment. Edgar is really sincere and kind.”
“I feel the same; Bart treats me like a princess.”
“Oh, Michelle, that sounds lovely. I want to hear more about that!”
The quickest way to deepen friendships is to discuss romance. It’s an unchanging truth that transcends generations and genders.
“W-Well, it’s a bit embarrassing…”
“Let’s talk openly without being shy today. I’ll share how Yuri behaves at home too.”
“Eh, Yuri-san?”
“Now, that’s a bit intriguing…”
Yuri, who usually displays a dignified demeanor as the chief vassal and exchanges candid opinions with Noein, piqued Anna and Michelle’s interest regarding his home life.
“You know, he’s surprisingly clingy at home? During his mercenary days, he always felt the need to be a strong man, so when it’s just the two of us, he’d immediately want to snuggle. It hasn’t changed.”
“Wow…”
“That’s a bit unexpected…”
“Right? And since Yakov was born, he comes home and immediately wants to hold him, making funny faces to entertain him. After that, he comes to me for affection, so it feels like I’m taking care of a big kid and a little kid at the same time.”
Yakov is the name of Mai and Yuri’s son.
“Yuri-san has a cute side too.”
“Bart-san said that men are always babies, no matter how old they get, but it seems to be true.”
“Keep this story a secret from him, okay?”
Mai smiled mischievously at Anna and Michelle, who looked surprised.
“Anna, what about Edgar? Does he have any surprising sides to him?”
“Edgar is… pretty much the same as my impression before marriage. He always seems determined to set an example for the villagers, focusing hard on self-discipline.”
“Sounds just like him… Such an honest person.”
Among the vassals, Edgar’s reputation is, for better or worse, that he is “dead serious.” While it’s impressive, it also makes one worry that he could afford to relax a bit now and then.
“But when I occasionally show concern and ask, ‘Are you not overdoing it?’ and pat his head, he says, ‘I’m fine,’ but his expression becomes really lax. He seems to think he’s tightening his expression.”
“What? That sounds hilarious…”
“Edgar-san is also a baby… Bart-san’s words really hold truth.”
Mai and Michelle’s eyes sparkled as they listened to Anna’s revelations.
“So, Michelle, I heard earlier, but Bart is still playing prince at home, right?”
“Prince…? Yes, it really feels that way. Every day he says, ‘You’re so cute today, Michelle,’ ‘Your cooking is the best in the world,’ ‘I can do my best because you’re here…’ Being praised that much makes me feel like I’ve become a princess from a fairy tale.”
“Wow…”
“As expected from a charming man.”
Mai, who knew about Bart’s flirtatious past, showed a slightly taken aback expression, while Anna, who had heard about his popularity in Retvik from her family, smiled wryly.
“But I’m glad that Bart, who worried us all by being a playboy for so long, has finally found his lifelong partner and is happy. As a former colleague from the mercenary days, it’s a relief.”
“Speaking of which, I haven’t heard any love stories about Pence among the former mercenaries, have you?”
When Anna voiced her sudden curiosity, Mai frowned.
“Pence, huh… I wonder what he’s up to.”
“Is he not popular? Pence?”
“I think he’s reliable, always keeping an eye on things in the territory of Noeina…”
“True, he’s quite capable and handles work well, but… how should I put it? He seems unapproachable? Lacks cuteness? For some reason, he’s never been popular. I don’t think he’s bad as a man at all.”
With a sigh, Mai said that when—
“By the way! I have good news!”
Mary interrupted the conversation. Behind her were her maid friends, Kimberly and Rosetta.
“Good news? You mean there’s been progress in Pence’s love life?”
“It seems that Pence himself hasn’t noticed yet, but there’s a girl who has feelings for him!”
“Really…?”
As Mai and the others looked behind Mary, they saw Rosetta blushing and fidgeting while hiding behind Kimberly.
“R-Rosetta?!”
Seeing this, Mai immediately realized what was happening and couldn’t help but raise her voice in surprise at this unexpected budding romance.
