Begin the barbecue for a little over an hour. His Majesty also enjoys the meat with wine and barley wine in one hand. The soldiers who were eating the flesh like hungry beasts were still eating without losing momentum.
"... even though there is alcohol, I can eat it so much"
While muttering that, I was sitting at the edge with Alte and eating meat. It was almost time for meat and bread to end, and when I thought about eating cookies and such, a group of aristocrats leopardized someone.
That person, a little catty, is coming straight for us. A slightly unsure man, Count Ferdinand.
Not only is Arte a good-looking girl, but her father, Count Ferdinand, is Ikeoji.
"... good evening. Would you mind?"
Looking sideways at Arte, Ferdinand told me so.
“Yes, may I help you?”
Ferdinat raised his hand and nodded apologetically as he stood up and replied.
"No, that's right... Alte."
Murmuring so, Ferdinat looked at Alte. Having become a father but a rather complicated relationship, Alte unexpectedly stiffens herself. Originally, I sat in a leaning mood, but Ferdinand called me by my name, and I turned down even more.
Looking pitifully at the situation, Ferdinand looks here.
"...... I may have no choice but to ask Sir Van, but I need you to listen to me for a moment."
With that in mind, Ferdinand spoke like a confession.
"I couldn't be a father to Arte... just when my father had fallen and had just taken the lead, and when Sir Fertio's father, Count Fertio, had become a marquis and lost part of his family's territory."
After saying that, he glanced at Alte, who was still standing still, and continued his conversation.
"... the aristocrat seems to have a gorgeous life, and some of them are very ugly." Not only the other nobles, but also the merchants and mercenaries gathered in the upward-looking aristocratic family. Meanwhile, the noble's house, which seemed to have fallen, was miserable. Noble factions are driven to the edge and removed from positions of power, and traders and mercenaries alike face tougher deals. In addition, the ministers who have supported the house all the time may leave. "
Ferdinat told me about the terrible situation. It was filled with a variety of negative emotions, such as its own ignorance, anger at others, and jealousy.
It must have been tough. According to the way we talked, my ancestor may have died suddenly. The responsibility of being the head of a superior nobleman's house is immeasurable.
As an aristocrat, you will have to show your presence in the war, in society, in the management of the territory, etc., so that your home will not fade away. It was not a common struggle, and I must have wanted to get rid of the negative elements as much as possible. One of them was Alte, who possessed the magical aptitude of nobility.
But Arte was innocent.
I couldn't bear to feel that way.
"... thank you for your hard work." However, just because I was busy, it doesn't mean that I can ignore my daughter. It was hard, it was tough. It is your sin, and your irreversible loss, to scorn the family you should protect. ”
It was unusual for me, and I had a stiff voice. Not only Ferdinand, but also Arte had a dizzy face, but I didn't want to stop anymore.
"Master Ferdinat, you may wonder what a young person will do, but please listen as a person who thinks of his family." The wounds in Arte's heart will not heal completely anymore. You'll never forget it. However, you should be able to heal a little. It should be possible to reduce the pain. ”
I told him that and asked how Alte was doing. She looked anxious. I wonder if you've made a mistake in your approach. Thinking so, he continued his words.
"As a father, there's only one thing you can do. I don't mind it from now on. Look directly at Alte and listen to him. Alte is a wonderful person who can be kind and considerate of others, even if she is not confident. Please admit it."
Saying that, he closed his mouth, took a deep breath, and then looked at Ferdinand. The face of Ferdinand, whose eyes were round, was now stained with deep regret.
"... it's true that the child who just became a baron shouldn't speak." However, it was a point that I could not complain about. Really... I was stupid. "
Ferdinat turns to Arte to say just that.
"... if you don't want to answer, Alte, you don't have to say anything." Not long ago, when our territory was invaded by Yellinetta, there was a group of people who saved it. The group heard that Yellinetta's army was defeated by the long-range arrows developed by Baron Van and by two knights who could not be moved by humans. "
In addition to the words, Alte looked at us with a complicated expression. However, I dared to remain silent without answering. Then Ferdinat shook his head from side to side and bowed his head to Arte.
"The group held the flag of my Count Ferdinand family. It's impossible for anyone but the Count's family to do such a thing... thank you, Alte. And I'm sorry."
As Ferdinand offered his sincere thanks and apologies, Arte wept as he covered his mouth with his hand.
After seeing Arte without uttering words in her sob, Ferdinand turns his face to us.
"Marquis Fertio did the same, but due to common sense of magic suitability and being tied up as an aristocrat, I treated my child disgracefully." Even though, the child later helped me. It's ironic.... "
Exhale deeply and deeply and open your mouth again.
"... I promise I'll help if Baron Van asks for help in the future." This is a covenant as the head of the House of Count Ferdinand. Even if Lord Arte and I could not marry, we would not be broken. "
In response to the words, Alte reacted with a sharp look. I have been looking at this half-crying, so I return my bitter smile and put my hand on my back lightly.
“It's all right, unless Alte shakes you.”
No, I'm not doing that!
In response to my words, Alte replied in a panic. Surprised at that, Ferdinand rolled his eyes.
"... hah, hahaha! I see. It seems that you already have a very good relationship of trust. I'm relieved."
Saying that with a smile, he looks at Arte with gentle eyes.
"If it's not too late, let's talk." It doesn't matter if it's a grudge or anything. Let me hear your voice. "
When Ferdinat said so, Alte nodded in tears.
"Yes...!"
It seemed to me that it was the first time that the two of them had become parents and children.