Episode 42: What It Means to Be a Noble
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A little before Elmia and I had our shocking reunion…
I was standing on the high ground of Bangwall Fort, letting the wind blow through my hair as I looked down at the land below.
“This view is truly breathtaking.”
“Indeed. The Ortenos Plain was formed by several large rivers that flow into Shario Bay, and it is now one of the leading granaries on the continent. With few obstructions, the view is excellent,” a woman Military Official with a blank expression interjected, providing a perfect explanation.
Before my eyes, a vast panorama unfolded, like a landscape painting from the Edo period.
The majestic Elhoro River flowed to the east, and fields of wheat, just beginning to sprout, stretched out as far as the eye could see. In some areas, I could even see clusters of Princess White Lilies.
I gazed in the direction of Ortenatris, where the setting sun was beginning to cast its light, but it was too far away to make out any details.
“So, Princess White Lilies bloom in this area.”
“Do you have a fondness for them?”
“…Well, yes. In any case, being able to see this view alone makes taking Bangwall worthwhile.”
“Yes, truly.”
I wondered if the warlords of old felt this way too.
Perhaps they stood in the castle tower, gazing at the magnificent nature, and reveling in their glory, thinking, “Gahaha, I am the great general of all under heaven!”
When there are visible results like this, it’s hard not to get carried away.
“Shall we head back soon?”
“Yes, please come this way.”
After fully enjoying the scenery, I descended the stone steps of the high ground with the expressionless woman Military Official.
She led me to a room that could only be described as a private room for nobles.
It was probably a room that a noble like Barbat would stay in, but from now on, I would be making use of it.
“Come to think of it, I didn’t ask your name.”
“Ah, I am Nicoletta.”
Hmm… she doesn’t Nico at all, despite her name.
She looks to be around twenty years old, and somehow gives off the vibe of a college student who’s aiming to be a librarian.
A single flower blooming amidst a group of gruff men—the competition must be fierce.
“Nicoletta, that’s a nice name.”
“…Thank you.”
“By the way, Nicoletta, what’s with that outfit?”
Before I knew it, Nicoletta was wearing a maid uniform.
The maid uniforms in this world are the orthodox type: a black dress with a white apron.
I was impressed that she could be a Military Official and a maid at the same time.
“Getrude-sama ordered me to serve Minashiro-sama from now on, so I have taken the liberty of dressing in this manner. Do you find it displeasing?”
“No, it suits you quite well.”
“Thank you.”
Nicoletta gave a modest bow.
A personal attendant—my unit has an unusually small number of women, so Nicoletta was inevitably chosen.
“Say, it seems to me that there are a lot of male Military Officials in my unit. Is that just my imagination?”
The ratio of male to female Military Officials is usually about seven to three, but there are clearly more men, and Nicoletta is the only woman I see.
I’m genuinely curious as to why that is.
“Um, it’s not your imagination.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“Many of the female Military Officials were hoping to join Ulgool-sama’s unit, so they are all stationed at Fort Ronchant now, I believe.”
What…?
No wonder it felt so stuffy around here. So that’s why.
“Could it be that my unit isn’t popular with women?”
“No, it’s more that Ulgool-sama is incredibly popular. His robust physique and strong arms, which belie his age, and his oozing sex appeal, captivate the female Military Officials.”
Nicoletta spoke fluently without changing her expression, but her voice was as lively as a fan talking about their idol.
“Could it be that Nicoletta was also hoping to join my grandfather’s unit?”
“…Well…”
“…No, never mind.”
Nicoletta looked a little embarrassed and hesitated, so I stopped pressing her.
She probably lost the lottery and had no choice but to come to the junior’s unit.
I’m about ready to throw a fit and go to sleep.
“I-I’m glad I’m in Minashiro-sama’s unit.”
“Nicoletta?”
Nicoletta said, her face flushed, to me, who was slumped over in disappointment.
“Minashiro-sama, the way you stand at the front and encourage everyone is the ideal image of a commander that everyone admires. It was just chance at first, but now everyone strongly wants to continue following Minashiro-sama.”
“I see.”
I was just acting desperately, but it seems I’ve been fulfilling my role as a commander to some extent, which is a relief.
“So, please continue to guide us from now on.”
Nicoletta said, her eyes glistening, as she took my hand.
Even though we just met today, she seems to have firmly grasped the hearts of her subordinates.
Or perhaps she’s grasped them too tightly? Nicoletta seems to be completely devoted.
(Could this mean I wouldn’t be surprised if I was attacked?)
Or rather, I’ve been feeling strangely aroused since earlier.
It’s probably because my desire to survive was stimulated by the life-or-death struggle with two Stella-Class individuals.
I’ve been trying not to think about it until now, but Nicoletta has awakened the beast of lust within me.
However, I don’t want to ruin the image I’ve cultivated so far.
I’ll observe the situation for now and take care of it myself.
“Ah… well, could you show me to the bathroom?”
“Of course, but is something the matter?”
What to do…
There’s no way I can say I need to relieve myself.
“…I’m a little sweaty, so I wanted to change.”
I pinched my clothes to show her.
“In that case, why don’t you take a bath? If you don’t mind, this Nicoletta will take care of Minashiro-sama.”
“Take ca…! Hmm, what kind of…?”
I snorted like a perverted old man in front of an options menu.
“Yes, please leave everything to me.”
“Everything?”
“Yes, everything.”
Nicoletta said in a voice filled with a little expectation.
Full options… so that’s what it is. I take back what I said earlier.
This innocent-looking librarian Military Official is a pervert, contrary to her appearance.
“I see, then I’ll leave it to you, Nicoletta.”
“Please leave it to me.”
There are times when a noble must do what he must do—and that time is now.