Chapter 17

October, Year 762

As I handled various duties in the domain, such as training new recruits, the weather grew increasingly chilly.

The training of the new recruits was going smoothly. Recently, they’ve even been able to run for long periods in full gear. It’s amazing how people can adapt.

Within the domain, remnants of unrest had quieted down. With new recruits patrolling the area as part of their training, the overall security had improved significantly. The living conditions of the commoners were also improving, aided by a reduction in taxes that seemed to be helping restore their purchasing power.

While working in my office one day, Erich came in.

“Your Grace, there’s a letter from the Count.”

I took the letter from Erich and checked its contents.

“Ah, I see. It’s that time of year, isn’t it?”

Erich looked puzzled, clearly unsure of what I meant.

“Remember, around this time, the Vywellian faction usually holds a meeting?”

“Ah, I see. So this year, they’ve extended an invitation to you as well, Your Grace.”

“Indeed, that’s the case. However… they also want me to bring Lady Leila.”

“… I see.”

Both Erich and I exchanged uneasy looks.

Lady Leila had become more accustomed to life here recently, but would it be wise to bring her to meet with my father and the Vywellian faction? Yet, since it was my father’s order, I had no choice in the matter.

“Make the preparations. We’ll depart soon.”

“Understood.”

Erich left the room to make the arrangements. The sky outside was overcast, hinting at the approaching winter.

A few days later, we found ourselves inside a carriage heading to the Vywellian estate.

If it had just been me and a few knights, we would have ridden on horseback, but with Lady Leila accompanying us, a carriage was more suitable. Inside the carriage, it was just the two of us.

“Lady Leila… you might face some hardships from here on. I apologize in advance.”

After all, we were headed into the heart of a noble faction that we once opposed. I could only imagine what sort of looks, attitudes, or words we might encounter.

“It’s all right. I’m prepared for it.”

“I’ll do my best to support you.”

“Thank you, Lord Ein.”

Lady Leila had become much stronger compared to when we first met. It seemed that Melia, the head maid, had been guiding her in terms of mindset and many other things.

“Oh, here, try this.”

I took out a cloth-wrapped item from the basket beside me.

“Are these cookies?”

“Yes, but they might taste a bit different than what you’re used to.”

Lady Leila took a cookie and brought it to her mouth.

“! They’re so soft and very sweet. That ice cream you made before was delicious, but these are just as wonderful…”

She shared her thoughts, her eyes sparkling with delight. Watching her, I couldn’t help but smile. When she noticed, she turned bright red and lowered her gaze.

“I-I’m sorry. I must have been acting improperly…”

“No, it’s fine. It’s just the two of us here, so don’t worry about it.”

In this world, cookies are typically hard and filled with dried fruits, with a simple taste—likely because they’re meant to be travel food. But from my previous life’s experience, I always associated cookies with sweetness, so I used precious sugar to make these. I really used to love chocolate chip cookies, but there’s no chocolate here… I’d love to find a way to produce sugar on a larger scale, though I don’t even know about sugarcane in this world… As I pondered these thoughts, there was a knock on the carriage window.

When I opened it, I saw Erich riding alongside the carriage.

“Your Grace, we’ll be arriving soon.”

Looking out of the window, I caught a glimpse of the familiar town of the Vywellian Count’s domain.