“Wilhelm, it’s been a while.”
Reinhardt greeted the boy while sitting at his desk. Her boy shuddered and turned around her desk, placed between them, and stood in front of her.
“Dietrich has something to tell you.”
"Oh yeah."
“Mrs. Sarah called Dietrich earlier and said… … .”
“Wilhelm.”
She cut the boy off. The boy widened her eyes. Reinhardt rested his chin on his chin and gestured.
“When people talk, they look closely and talk.”
“… … Yes."
Wilhelm was still not good at dealing with people. He did it even though he had spent one season, more precisely, years that could be called two seasons in other territories. Considering that babies are taught by their parents from a very young age, two seasons were not enough.
So Reinhardt taught Wilhelm etiquette whenever he had a chance. Wilhelm, while rolling his eyes anxiously, slowly came to the desk and stood. His posture with his hands behind his back made him laugh, but Reinhardt kept his mouth shut and looked at the boy in front of him. It was because it had been a long time since she had been alone with a boy.
Dietrich lived with the boy all winter. Reinhardt sometimes let the boy sleep in his room on cold days, but one day Dietrich forbade Wilhelm to crawl into Reinhardt's room.
“It would be a very good picture if rumors spread that a deposed woman who was even the crown princess would invite a young boy into her room.”
That was right. Reinhardt nodded his head. Of course he didn't think that was all. It was because Dietrich was particularly strict with Wilhelm.
'It's like a younger brother.'
Dietrich had younger siblings, but they were all girls. When he was a boy, he used to regret that if he had a younger brother, he would have diligently taught him how to use a knife and hunted with him.
That's why Reinhardt wondered if Dietrich was considering Wilhelm like a younger brother. Of course, when she says so, Dietrich... … .
"It's like a person who really doesn't even notice."
I said and walked away.
She raised her eyebrows. I didn't notice Reinhardt was the first person to notice Michelle's affair. She is a princess of Canary who came as a hostage without a presence. She has had such a woman ever since Michelle dared to take care of her... … .
'Let's stop thinking like this.'
She waved her hands upwards, feeling as if a cloud had formed over her head.
It is not good to be buried in useless thoughts.
Instead, Reinhardt looked at the boy in front of him. The boy had grown considerably, even at first glance.
Reinhardt remembered Bill Colonna, whom he had seen in his previous life, and compared him to the boy. Michelle was also a tall and bulky axis, but Bill Colonna had broader shoulders and chest. She remembered that it was very nice to put on such a body a piece of jointed heavy armor with the whole waist split.
If it was a previous life, it would be a long time later when Michelle meets the boy. I don't know how the boy lived before meeting Michelle in his previous life, but it probably wasn't much different from when he was wandering in the mountains. It must have been a long time since my small body grew.
Reinhardt believed that the boy would grow very big if sufficient nutrition and training were guaranteed, and Wilhelm seemed to repay it.
Because of the cold season, the skin disease that was covering the messy face disappeared long ago. Reinhardt saw that the boy had a cut on his chin and throat, and he would take a little butter from his meal and apply it before eating, so the boy's skin was shiny. It was soft and strong, but it was enough to make her look like a young woman from a good family.
'Of course, if I ask what kind of family he is from, he'll be seen as the son of a knight's family.'
The sunlight in winter was more harsh than in summer, and the boy's skin was slightly tanned. His thin, skinny neckline tucked tightly under his chin. It was also nice to see his breasts begin to expand as Dietrich swung and rolled them nonstop. It's still hard to be called a man, but he had a great physique that would make his face blush if there were girls his age in this estate.
The best thing to see was probably the face.
Under the straight forehead, fast growing and hardening brow bones, a tall nose, and large, slender eyes. Her jet-black eyes were like those of a gentle calf, and her eyes, which brightened when she looked at her, were lovely. He'll be a really handsome man when he's a little bit older.
She reached out and brushed Wilhelm's hair. Wilhelm, who had been staring blankly at her, stunned her and pulled away from her, but Reinhardt was faster. A clear scar located in the middle of the right eyebrow. It was the only thing that didn't heal even though the body was big and the face was healed.
Reinhardt looked back at the memory of the time when they had only met once in their previous lives. He seemed to have seen these wounds even then.
<I advise you, tearing that human apart will help your life a hundredfold.>
She deliberately challenged her to fight, but the man who heard the words just stared at her in silence. I can't remember what that expression looked like. I only vaguely remembered the scars on her eyebrows, revealed through her swaying, parted hair.
'How could this kid not be Bill Colonna?'
Reinhardt looked at the wound and tinkered with it. When he saw the portrait of Michelle standing next to him, he thought he looked really bad. It was a surprise. Even though the boy standing in front of her now wasn't all grown up yet, he didn't even think of it as being tough.
“… … line."
"ah."
The boy called her thoughtfully. It was only then that Reinhardt was startled. It was because she was lost in her thoughts and was caressing Wilhelm's face from a position too close to her without realizing it.
"sorry. It was too close.”
“… … no."
The boy still used a mixture of flattering words and honorifics towards Reinhardt. Dietrich taught him to be able to speak respectfully to everyone else, but he didn't seem to want to do that to Reinhardt. Several times Dietrich scolded him firmly, but Reinhardt would wave his hand away.
"done. What's the matter with that kid and me being a little closer? Since then, it has been almost official between the two of them. And Wilhelm continued.
"What's wrong with being close?"
… … That was what she said to Dietrich. Reinhardt's eyes widened and burst into laughter.
"Yeah, what's up?"
It was smart and lovely. Reinhardt unconsciously pulled Wilhelm over and tapped him on the butt. Wilhelm's face hardened slightly. Oops, this was a bit too friendly. When Reinhardt hesitated, Wilhelm immediately noticed her embarrassment and smiled, opening his arms and hugging her. Her leather-gloved hand touched her back.
"ah."
Reinhardt was taken aback. She was wearing a cotton dress today, and she had left her usual shawl on her chair and felt Wilhelm's fingers through one of her thin dresses.
My body temperature was warm, probably because I had just finished training. She was different from how her hands were cold and polished every day.
"uh… … .”
Unlike usual, when Reinhardt flinched, Wilhelm immediately noticed and tried to remove his hand. The boy was more sensitive to Reinhardt's feelings than anyone else, and he still is. Reinhardt, who usually thought that Wilhelm was looking at me too much, was even more surprised and grabbed his wrist.
“No, Wilhelm.”
"ah."
"It's okay."
Reinhardt pulled Wilhelm over and patted him on the back. Soon, warmth warmed her arms.
“Is there anyone else close to me besides you? it's okay."
Wilhelm awkwardly raised his arm again. But his hand trembled, and he was still floating in the air. The nape of his neck was damp, as if his guess that he had been training was correct. Reinhardt laughed and moved away from the boy, lightly twisting his nose. Wilhelm wrinkled his nose.
“So, what about Sarah?”
"ah. Mrs Sarah said... … .”
“You said.”
"ah. You said.”
Wilhelm followed her words and blushed in embarrassment.
“Dietrich has to talk to Rein about this.”
"I see. now?"
"Yes. Originally, Dietrich was supposed to come, but he asked me to come to the stable because there was something I needed to see urgently.”
“He asked me to come.”
“… … .”
Usually, when Reinhardt corrected her words, Wilhelm immediately followed her words and repeated them several times. Strangely, however, Wilhelm did not always use engineering against Dietrich. If he used a mix of polite words and honorifics with Reinhardt, he was completely rude with Dietrich. Even if I fixed it, it was the same.
They seemed to be on good terms, but seeing the two of them always bickering, Reinhardt thought that Wilhelm might be like Dietrich because he's like his older brother.
“Again, again. Dietrich is your teacher.”
“… … .”
Wilhelm's face sulked very subtly. She decided not to mind. She's a kid with a lot to learn, and there's no need to make her nervous. It was something that would naturally be fixed when I got older and learned how to get along with people.
***[SD]
Dietrich usually didn't mind coming to Reinhardt's office. Very good, he said, except that it was so warm that it inadvertently caused me to relax.
So she entered the yard, wondering why Dietrich had called her to the stable. Stables and wells were lined up in the castle yard, and servants came and went busily. Dietrich was lining up the guards in the yard without going far. Even though there were only about 30 people in the yard, it seemed to be full because the yard was small.
“Dietrich, what are you doing?”
“Ah, you are welcome. Viscount.”
Most of the time, the man with a light smile was wrinkling his face today. Wilhelm stood behind her and mended her shawl.
“Did you hear from Mrs Sarah?”
“No, what is it?”
“Ah, don’t get me wrong. Before reporting to the Viscount, you asked me first to find out the status of the castle, but Mrs. Sarah doesn't know the situation at all.”
“So what?”
Reinhardt tilted his head. Dietrich sighed and he bit the guardsmen. The guards gave a salute and dispersed to their respective places.
“A conscription order has come from the capital.”
At those words, Reinhardt's brow furrowed.
“Do you have to go all the way here?”
"Yes. I bet you don't know why the order went this far.”
Dietrich reached out and rubbed Reinhardt's forehead. For some reason, Wilhelm flinched more. She asked after lightly kicking Dietrich's hand.
“It must be because of me. By the way?"
“It looks like you’ve been holding on tight to me.”
"why?"
“The number of conscripts is thirty.”
Reinhardt's face hardened without the reward of Dietrich's straightening. Dietrich added his words.
“… … I have an article on it.”
Michelle is crazy. Gears up, Reinhardt spat out a harsh sound from his mouth. Dietrich smiled bitterly.
Alanques was a pretty decent master for the princes. The territories that entered the imperial territory were guaranteed proper freedom along with proper taxes. It has been 200 years since the Alanques Empire was created. It was neither a homeland with an incredibly long history, nor a new one. The empire was a place that was being maintained with proper governance and proper tax revenue.
But Michel Alanquez was greedy.
The reason he used Bill Colonna in his previous life to conquer barbarians and expand his territory was because he couldn't stand the fit. He had the inclination to have everything I wanted. She was like that even with Princess Canary.
'I thought getting rid of me and raising Princess Canary was easier than changing the frosting on the cake.'
Reinhardt grunted and bit his nails.
The empire routinely ordered the conscription of the feudal lords in the winter. It was natural. This is because barbarians from the north come down in the spring to plunder the imperial territory. Rather, before winter, it didn't matter because the territories were well prepared.
The problem was the transition to spring. In the harsh winter, the territories are starving and their stamina is low, and the savages also come over here because they can't starve.
So the Alanques Empire conscripts soldiers and lends them to the northern territory. The princes have two options. Send soldiers or send money. Most choose the latter. This is because the latter is more convenient and less expensive than sending several people.
but
“Our estate has no money.”
"Yes."
Mrs. Sarah shook her head. Reinhardt then asked.
“How many people were originally drafted in Luden?”
“Considering the size of the territory, there were about 10 people.”
ten people. So, the Empire issued an order to recruit three times the usual number of soldiers in Luden's territory. Besides, there is an article there. Reinhardt frowned again and bit his thumb nail.
“Dietrich, you came here… … .”
“Of course, it must have been known throughout the empire. I came from a big sale in the house.”
Dietrich Ernst was a poor-looking person, but he was still a squire and knight of Rinke. Rumors that he had gone to Luden, who had made quite a name for himself, spread quickly and must have reached Michelle's ears.
Thirty soldiers and one knight. The latter must have been clearly aimed at Dietrich, and the former must have meant that he would eat shit all winter long. Even so, the number of security guards in each territory is being reported fairly faithfully to prevent the training of soldiers who went too far.
“That fuck. They sing a song that they all die in an attack in the very spring.”
In spring, wild beasts give birth to their young. After giving birth, wild beasts do not hesitate to come down and attack people even in private houses where they would not normally approach. So, of course, there was a need for money. However, if there were 30 people, it would be possible to handle it only if all of them were hired, not even leaving the minimum number of guards.
It had nothing to do with the attack of wild beasts, and it meant that everyone would die.
Reinhardt looked in the direction of the old lady. Even so, Mrs. Sarah, who had been dissatisfied with this deposed lord, was now openly looking at Reinhardt disapprovingly. From Sarah's point of view, it is natural that the safety of the territory itself is threatened by the lord who suddenly inherited the title one day.
“Madam, who in which territory is in charge of the recruitment of conscripts in this region?”
Usually, there is a stage in which the territories send up conscripts. Each of the small territories sent conscripts to a slightly larger territory, and then the conscripts were collected from the larger territories and sent up to the central territories.
Sometimes, if the number of conscripts is deemed not to match the circumstances of the real estate, the lords of the territories who are in charge of the intermediate merger will reduce the number themselves. The Alanques Empire was so large that it was not possible to take care of each territory.
Reinhardt was thinking of asking the lord in charge of the merger to reduce the number. As if sensing her thoughts, Sara bowed her head and replied.
“This is Baron Nathantine.”
“… … Nathantine?”
Reinhardt raised his eyebrows at the familiar name. Mrs. Sarah nodded her head.
“It’s right next door. But sending an official letter requesting mediation won’t help.”
"why?"
“Because of us, the surrounding estates were all set in flames.”
Dietrich crossed his arms and made a sarcastic remark in an irreverent manner. Reinhardt's face turned white. Mrs. Sarah continued.
“Nadantine's guard force is about 100 people, but it is said that 50 people and 2 knights have been recruited instead of the usual 10 or 6 people.”
“This bastard… … .”
“Uh huh. Right words and fine words.”
Dietrich pretended to cover her mouth. Reinhardt lightly tapped his forehead and pushed him away, then said with a sigh.
“Michelle -like cubs decided to stop their breath. … .”
“I told you.”
“I can say more.”
“Me too.”
Dietrich clicked his tongue. He was in a difficult situation, even if it was cancer.
As if Michelle was blatantly proud, she issued an unreasonable conscription order only to other territories near the Luden estate. So, it really means to look down on other territories and eat them like shit.
In a rich estate like Helka, where she ruled in her previous life, she could live well without the help of other estates, and wealth always came in and was more than enough. But Luden is different. Such an impoverished and poor manor would perish in an instant if there were no exchanges or transactions with the surrounding territories. The villagers will run away and the lord will starve to death.
“Shall I kill you?”
Reinhardt muttered gloomily. Mrs. Sarah opened her mouth.
“One more thing, in the case of Baron Nathantine, we will never reduce our manpower. There are only two knights in that territory, and one of them is Nathantine's second son.”
“It’s ruined… … .”
“By the way, Nathantine's first son died of an illness not too long ago.”
Reinhardt looked at Mrs. Sara, who spoke indifferently, in amazement.
“Can you say it calmly?”
“I don’t think there will be any great countermeasures even if I panic again.”
said Mrs. Sarah with a sigh.
The first son fell ill and the second son had to take over the territory.
However, the second son was conceived as a knight. Reinhardt could bet one million allanques that Nathantine would never reduce Luden's conscription. Of course, if there were 1 million Alankes.
"It's fortunate that he didn't come to assassinate me."
“There is no way.”
It was Dietrich who intervened. Reinhardt tilted his head.
“How? Assassinate Michelle?”
“Ah, that is a very appealing method. If you dare, I'm not good at assassination, so I'll just hold the sword for the viscount... … .”
Reinhardt and Dietrich giggled at the same time. At her frivolous man and woman, Mrs. Sarah rolled her eyes. Hmmm, hmmm, cleared her throat, Dietrich opened her mouth.
“We send a knight from our territory and reduce the amount of conscripts.”
"What are you talking about?"
“If that family’s second son is going to be drafted, why don’t we send a knight from here instead?”
“Dietrich. Are you going instead?”
Reinhardt frowned.
"No. Michelle won't understand if you go and Nathantine removes one of our knights. The target is Luden in the first place.”
"Absolutely. That's not what I meant.”
Dietrich shrugged.
“That bastard, Michelle, will never agree to reduce the manpower on our estate. Thirty soldiers, one knight. Absolutely no cuts here and extra borrowing.”
"then?"
It was at that moment that the man's friendly eyes turned strangely cold. He turned his gaze out the window. Reinhardt blinked his eyes, then walked over to the window and looked down. Seeing the castle courtyard, Reinhardt's complexion changed slightly. There, a familiar black-haired boy was in the middle of training.
"No way."
“Good. He was also quite tall.”
“… … No."
Reinhardt turned around. And he said it with force.
“Wilhelm can’t. He... … ”
“I was over sixteen. Again, when I was 16, I went to the battlefield with Rinke Hu.”
Dietrich's eyebrows furrowed.
“I’ll say it again, he’s good.”
“I have only been holding the sword for a few months now… … ”
“But a few days ago I broke the guard captain’s sword.”
Reinhardt looked at Dietrich with cloudy eyes. Dietrich continued with his arms crossed.
“He is smaller than his peers, but he is still growing. Do you know how numb and sore your limbs are when you are growing up? But with that arm, he defeated the captain of the guard. It's amazing.”
"It's quite nice to say that Wilhelm's talent is great, but Dietrich."
Reinhardt hurriedly looked at Mrs. Sara. He meant to ask for some help. Mrs. Sarah, however, shook her head.
“In conscription, those who pretended to be knights and were conscripted instead will not be punished. Do you know why?”
“I don’t know, ma’am.”
"It's because 80% of them die in the first battle wearing armor anyway."
As soon as he heard that, Reinhardt groaned. Mrs. Sarah continued.
“But it sounds like Sir Ernst meant that the child named Wilhelm would not die.”
"Yes. Well, what do you mean by this... … One person's knight's share will do.”
Dietrich said with a laugh.
“It came to my mind when I heard that Nathantine had no other articles, but it seems he has no thoughts beyond this. Appoint that child as a knight of our estate and rent him out as a knight of Nathantine. Also, try percussion to reduce the number of soldiers.”
It was very common to lend articles. It was impossible because there were no knights in Luden. Reinhardt wanted to shake his head. but… … .
Dietrich looked at the devastated Reinhardt, then looked out the window again and smiled bitterly. Wilhelm was now holding a heavy iron sword and wielding it, practicing step by step what Dietrich had instructed him to do.
'It's a knight's share.'
It was funny. He knew long ago that the child was doing more than one thing. In terms of strength and strength, he was superior to his peers. It was just that I was clumsy because my skills were lacking. Besides… … Dietrich said, trying to get the thoughts out of his head.
“The crown prince was an asshole and I know you didn't get your mind right in the palace. If you had at least one dog, you wouldn't have been so lonely.”
Reinhardt let out a dry laugh. Dietrich shook his head.
"I'm just concerned that you seem to be turning your head away."
“From what?”
“Isn't the Viscount someone who can forget all his sorrow just because the son of a bitch is crippled? Then I'm telling you, don't try to get anything in his hands until you've done your revenge properly."
A hoarse voice leaked from somewhere in Reinhardt's throat. It was the sound of the sadness that I had been holding back. She swallowed her saliva on purpose. She did it to prevent unwanted words from coming out without her knowledge.
“In such an old manor… … Oh, excuse me, Mrs. Don't mess things up by being tied to one child.”
“… … .”
The old lady's forehead furrowed, but Dietrich didn't care. He spoke with strength, one syllable to the lord in front of him.
“You have to use people like chess pieces. I’m saying that you shouldn’t try to give each one love and raise them like puppies in your arms.”
Of course, that wasn't the only reason.
Dietrich Ernst was a man who served Rinke Hu for a long time in his own way. He has watched how Rinke Hu, who treats her daughter like melting butter, uses people on the battlefield.
The reason Rinke Hu was able to survive on the battlefield for such a long time and command the soldiers until he turned gray was due to his merciless temper rather than his bravery. Rinke Hu had no hesitation in writing knights, and he was a man who knew how to deploy soldiers in the right place.
But what about the daughter?
Dietrich looked at the woman in front of him who grew up as his childhood friend.
Reinhardt Delfina Rinke, who was given a name only given to the legitimate son of the Rinke family. After Rinke, she also had the name Reinhardt, so she should be called Delphina, but after Rinke abandoned her own name and wanted her to be called Reinhardt.
So, how proud and dignified Reinhardt, who had grown up with so much love, was when he wore the crown prince's tiara. Dietrich still remembers her back as she walked into her palace for her wedding.
But although she was confident and dignified, she couldn't calm down in the end.
To put it bluntly, during her days as the crown prince, did she just kick out the lady-in-waiting who framed her without killing her? So when Dietrich heard that Reinhard had stabbed the prince in the leg, he was dubious. Because she knew she wasn't capable of it.
Of course, this is thanks to Dietrich's ignorance that Reinhardt was once again living his life.
However, when Dietrich came to the Luden estate, he learned that Reinhardt was still staying with the woman he knew.
Because of Wilhelm.
Wilhelm.
I heard that the boy with that name saved Reinhardt's life on his way to Luden.
Of course, Dietrich didn't know that he was Bill Colonna either. So it seemed to him that Reinhardt was simply paying his debt to the child who had saved his life. However, it was too much for Reinhardt to hug him. She cherished and loved Wilhelm as if she were her younger brother.
'I would never be able to do that if I looked into that bastard's eyes for just one day.'
The beast with black eyes and black hair. As if proving the old saying that human offspring are not harvested and raised, his eyes glint from time to time. Dietrich did not like Wilhelm. It's because of those eyes.
Dietrich was sure that Wilhelm would become a great knight in the future.
You can see that just by looking at the boy. Touching Wilhelm's skeleton, Dietrich had no doubt that the boy would probably have had broader shoulders and a much larger build than he had had he grown properly. Bad luck only hindered the boy's growth.
But Dietrich couldn't like him apart from the certainty that the boy would make a great knight. His eyes turned toward Reinhardt whenever he had a chance. Reinhardt looked at Wilhelm as if he were a puppy, but the boy's eyes were different.
'Those are the eyes of a greedy beast.'
Dietrich thought so.
While working as a knight for Rinke Hu, an influential figure in the capital, Dietrich met more than one greedy person.
There were a lot of guys who were crazy about women and teased dicks everywhere, people who only trained all day because of their greed for swords, and people who didn't mind killing people because of their greed for money. But there was something they had and Wilhelm didn't.
Those greedy people had more important things than women, swords, and money. It is yourself.
No matter how good a woman is, if her dick is in danger of being cut off, she will lose her body, and if she is greedy for training, it goes without saying that I am trying to become better. Even if he kills people because of his greed for money, he will not do anything that puts his life in danger. no matter how much money they give.
But Wilhelm was different.
Dietrich still remembers going out on a reindeer hunt.
It was not easy for Dietrich and his party to camp in the deep snow, where even the thighs were sunk in. Eventually, they managed to find a small cave and make a fire. It was Wilhelm who poked the thigh of Dietrich, who was on watch, and approached him. Wilhelm asked Dietrich.
<Halsey hates Alutica?>
I only thought that the story of Halsey, the goddess of vengeance, and her sister, Alutica, left a deep impression on me. Dietrich scratched his chin in reply.
<Okay. Since Halsey is Alutika's older sister, maybe she didn't care for her little brother in the first place anyway? She must have hated it because she kept interrupting her.>
<Alutica likes Halsey.>
this child. Dietrich chuckled.
<I guess so. So Anilak must have been born.>
<Anilak... … .>
Wilhelm, who muttered Anilak's name, asked again after a while.
<After Anilak is born?>
<Ah. Do you want to hear the next one?>
Dietrich readily answered.
<Halsey was very busy being the goddess of vengeance. There was no end to the people who wished for revenge. However, she cared for the young Anilak for one hundred days immediately after giving birth to him. She entrusted her child to Alutika. It took her another hundred days to get to Alutika's castle. And she left Halsey.>
<… … Because I hate Alutica?>
<Yes. But Halsey was terribly in love only with Anilak, who had come out of her belly. So every year she went to Alutica's castle to see Anilak and stayed there for a hundred days. Of course, Alutica didn't even look. Halsey, by nature, did not like men very much. The reason she became a goddess of vengeance was because she was betrayed by a human man.>
Thus, a second son, Calon of Summer, is born.
As for the reason why the summer is terribly hot and the rain is constant, people say it is because of the tears of Halsey, who once again fell in love with Alutica and gave birth to a child with him. But in the end, Halsey falls in love with Alutica, who puts all her heart into me. The third daughter she gave birth to was Autumn Galactia. Galactia became Alutika's most beloved daughter and became a goddess who embraced her father's fertility.
But isn't it too stimulating for this child to even tell such a story?
Dietrich thought so and lit the fire. It's a story I often hear when I'm young, but actually, when I get older and think about it, there's no other end like this. Then Wilhelm muttered.
<… … Alutica is... … >
<Huh?>
<Alutica has Halsey anyway. Isn't that what happened?>
At that, Dietrich furrowed his brow.
<What is good? The girl you like will look at you like a bug.>
<… … It doesn't matter.>
It doesn't matter what. Dietrich, who was about to say, stopped laughing.
It was because the boy's eyes seemed to be possessed as he looked at the fire and muttered, "It won't matter." And Dietrich must have known what was in front of him whenever the boy had those eyes.
Reinhardt.
It was Jeju-gun, who was once the Crown Princess.
The boy shuddered at the sight of the wounded and ferocious reindeer, but the moment Dietrich held the axe and said, 'I'll give it to the Viscount,' his eyes changed.
Wilhelm cut the head of the reindeer wriggling and stomping its paws with the ax at once. It was a formidable force.
Wilhelm would be different from those who gave up their greed in front of their own comfort. He was handsome and serious on the outside, but the greed in Wilhelm's eyes was blind and there was no sense of self-interest.
When Reinhardt held him in his arms and caressed him, he acted like a gentle sheep, but his eyes suddenly overflowed with greed. When Dietrich takes the boy out of her arms, she is full of miasma. If Wilhelm put desire in her eyes when he looked at Reinhardt, then when he looked at Dietrich, he looked at her with jealousy.
Dietrich was thus able to deal with Wilhelm with ease. Wilhelm would wake up in tears when Dietrich compared him to Reinhardt. The reason he broke five of his wooden swords was purely because Wilhelm couldn't defeat Dietrich. Wilhelm, who got off the fight with Dietrich, swung his sword without sleep.
It was astonishing.
It was natural for Danny to improve his skills and grow his body by training so intensely.
'Perhaps becoming a great knight is as natural as one plus one equals two.'
Sometimes it was creepy that he was growing so strong, just to beat Dietrich. These were things that Reinhardt, who was busy with the affairs of the territory and who just looked at Wilhelm as cute, could not understand it well. Things that only Dietrich, who kept watching Wilhelm, noticed.
So Dietrich thought that he should gradually separate Wilhelm from Reinhardt.
Now, a newborn duckling cannot grow up by just blindly looking at its mother. If you separate yourself, your body will grow and you will be able to learn how to desire other things.
'It saved my life, and no one has ever loved it, so I'm not acting blindly.'
Maybe it would be better if I moved away from Reinhardt—just when I was thinking, the conscription order arrived. Dietrich thought this might be an opportunity. Of course, it's a pity for Luden's estate.
“I will take him to Nathantine. We only take 15 guards with us. If you say you will rent a driver and ask for a compromise on the number of hires, they will probably accept it.”
Reinhardt is too soft when it comes to using people. And Wilhelm only looked at Reinhardt. Dietrich said confidently, thinking that with this conscription, he would be able to do both at the same time.
Reinhardt's forehead furrowed.
'Well, it must be difficult for her to accept the fact that she is sending a child whom she loved so much to the war.'
However, Dietrich vaguely knows what Reinhardt ultimately dreams of. Revenge for Michelle.
Reinhardt was pushed out of the center and found himself alone in the remote mountains of the Northeast. In order for her to successfully avenge herself by approaching her central figure, Michel Alankes, she must keep tender emotions such as affection inside of her.
However, what came out of Reinhardt's mouth the next moment was far beyond Dietrich's expectations.
“It just can't be done. How much is the rent for one driver?”
“… … Yes?"
Reinhardt tightened his eyes and said.
“As you said, Dietrich, if Wilhelm really does the job of a knight, we can never be satisfied with compromises. rather good I think we can get Leylan Marsh.”
under.
A laugh escaped Dietrich's mouth.
It was because the reason why Jeju lord inherited the name Reinhard was self-evident. The coolness of Rinke, and even the calculation. Reinhardt had it all.
Mrs. Sarah, on the other hand, was puzzled.
“Raylan Marsh? It is… … ”
“It’s garbage land.”
Reinhardt shook his head and replied to Mrs. Sarah's doubts. Mrs. Sarah closed her mouth at her words. Dietrich also looked curious about why he had to accept such a barren land, but he didn't bother to ask.
“When should I start to meet the draft?”
“You should start as early as possible. You can receive food support from the Nathantine Manor, but until then, you have to prepare food in the Manor… … .”
Mrs. Sarah hesitated. It must be because the castle's stockpile of food is not enough to feed the 15 guards who usually go on a journey. Reinhardt scratched his temple.
“I can't help it.”
And Reinhardt took off the necklace that was on his neck. Dietrich's complexion changed.
"that's… … .”
“It has some blemishes, but it should have enough money to buy food.”
It was a single pearl left by Reinhardt's mother, the Marquis.
It was worthless, so Yohana left it without buying it. But that was from the point of view of the nobles, and it was calculated that among the merchants, even if there were some flaws, there would be someone who would buy them with processing in mind.
Even Mrs. Sara, not knowing what it was, knew that this was the only jewel Reinhardt was wearing. Mrs. Sarah carefully took the pearl and held it. But there was no hesitation in his grip. Reinhardt smiled contentedly.
“Is there anyone who will buy it?”
“There are several merchants who came to the manor to sell food a few days ago. Some of them deal with things like this, so let’s find out.”
"Maybe that's not enough."
Reinhardt looked around for nothing and sighed. In the northeastern part of the winter, food is worth paying for. On the other hand, a flawed gem is not worth much. How many people would want to buy a jewel that cannot be eaten, and a jewel that has a flaw?
“I’ll figure out a way, so ask for that first.”
“Viscount.”
Dietrich belatedly dissuaded her, but Reinhardt waved his hand.
"I've worn all sorts of jewels next to the crown prince, so I don't have any regrets."
“… … .”
“Isn’t it said that when a young woman wears pearls, there are more things to shed? She was unlucky, but she did well.”
Dietrich sighed when he saw her talking about folktales he didn't normally believe in. Reinhardt slapped Dietrich on the back and drove him out.
“Go ahead and get ready to leave!”
“Ah, okay.”
Dietrich grumbled and left Reinhardt's office first. As Reinhardt was about to sit down at his desk, he met eyes with a woman who had not yet left the room. She was Mrs. Sarah.
"wife?"
“… … Yes."
“Anything to say?”
The corner of the old lady's eyes were full of fine wrinkles. It has only been two months since Reinhardt met the old lady who had been running this cold estate alone for decades. She continued to act consciously out of respect for Mrs. Sara, but… … .
'Maybe I feel a bit outcast.'
It is also true that the wife found out that the conscription order had fallen so excessively when she came to her office.
It was because Reinhardt, who was surprised at the stable, immediately called her to my office and briefly explained it and then started to discuss it with Dietrich.
Besides,
<Raylan Marsh? It is… … >
Just now, Mrs. Sarah asked me with a surprised face. However, Reinhardt did not explain and cut off her words by saying 'I know it's garbage land'.
'Does it need an explanation?'
“Ah, madam. A while ago... … ”
“You don’t have to explain to me.”
To Reinhardt, who opened her mouth as soon as she thought about it, the old lady unexpectedly cut off her words decisively. Reinhardt blinked, and Mrs. Sarah spoke again.
“There must be a reason why you want to buy it even though you know it is garbage land.”
“… … Umm... … .”
“Baron Nathantine's land is not that good. As is the case in all of the Northeast, there's no land worth paying for a single driver's rent. There are very few good lands.”
In a word, it means that the only thing you can get is garbage, but you want to choose better garbage. Nonetheless, her words contained a little bit of her trust in her.
The old lady politely bowed her head.
“I will look for a merchant who can buy pearls.”
“Thank you. And… … no."
Reinhardt was about to say something, but waved his hand. The old lady nodded and left his office. Reinhardt smiled bitterly.
Only then, if there is no peat in Leylan Marsh, will you be treated as a really incompetent person and isolated from the territory.
***
It was late at night when Wilhelm came to her room.
Because of the sudden conscription order, Wilhelm was not free from packing. Moreover, Wilhelm had heard that, albeit wildly, he might end up as a rental driver for the Nathan Tin estate.
What if a boy who is exceptionally obedient to himself gets shocked by his sudden words? He thought about it, but worrying about it when he wasn't there was almost a luxury for Reinhardt now.
So she just waited. reading a book in the office.
The estate was so poor that there were not even a few books. The only things in the library were the genealogy of the Paledon family, and a couple of books that looked like history books that weren't even funny, titled [Abandoned Books of the Cold Weather].
At the end of the genealogy of the Feildon family, several names of the Marquis's relatives were written. Reinhardt reminded me of a woman he didn't give me much affection for, but he didn't even hate himself for.
'If I had known that I would inherit her name and survive, I would have treated her a little more kindly.'
Thinking so, Reinhardt shook his head. After Rinke, the couple's relationship was close even if they had no children, but after Rinke brought Reinhardt and named him the Rinke family, the temperature changed a little.
The warm relationship has become lukewarm, can I express it in terms of degree? Well, considering all the nonsense that the Marquis had to endure because of Reinhardt, it was understandable.
'If I were the Marquis, I would have beaten myself with a whip and starved myself.'
I tried to relate the story of a common bad wife to my life, but I stopped because it was a boring imagination. Reinhardt passed the [Delete of the Cold Land]. It was a book that organized stories about when and how the northeastern lands of the Empire were incorporated into the Empire, what special products were, and the Fram Mountains in the Far North.
'Let's see, the author... … '
Reinhardt's eyebrows furrowed as he checked the author. Lil Alanquez. It was a very familiar and embarrassing name. There was no way there would be another family with the surname Alanques in the Alanques Empire, so it was definitely a book written by a member of the imperial family.
Besides, if it's a reel.
'Isn't it the famous nickname of Amaryllis Depafina Alanquez?'
Amaryllis Depafina Alanques was the name of the first emperor who founded the Alanques Empire. Among the few magical legacies left on the continent, she acquired the holy grail and sword, which were said to have been made by a saint longing for a great leader, and created the Alankes Empire.
'… … no way.'
Being the first emperor also meant that he was so busy that it was not enough to pour all the rest of his life into the empire. It is said that even Amaryllis Alanquez herself enjoyed joking, saying, 'I have lived nine lives'. That she had time to write her book?
Reinhardt opened the book. The name or affiliation of the person transcribed should be written on the back of the thick paper, but there was no such thing. The content is too sound to be a book that was secretly circulated.
I hope this is the beginning... …
Riga.
Reinhardt smiled bitterly.
It could just be another member of the royal family she didn't know who was named Amaryllis. Reinhardt slurped through the book again. 'In the harsh northeastern region, wetlands are often useless land that is frozen for more than half of the year... … .' In the second half, the story of going directly to the Fram Mountains was written. The story of the author, who claims to have gone through monsters to meet the dragon, is like a lie... … .
'Isn't this a scammer?'
It was then. Smart, someone knocked on Reinhardt's door. It was obvious who it was. Reinhardt smiled and said.
“Come in.”
It was Wilhelm. Her black, disheveled hair made it hard to see her eyes, as if she had come straight from work carrying luggage. The boy entered cautiously and stood some distance away from her desk. Reinhardt opened her eyes wide, holding her book.
“Why are you doing that there?”
“Uh, that.”
Wilhelm hesitantly said.
“I don’t have time to wash up… … .”
“What else am I saying?”
Reinhardt let out a small laugh and put the book down.
“I’m used to the smell of knights’ sweat. You can come closer.”
Growing up in Rinkefu's castle, she couldn't hate the smell of the soldiers' sweat. Occasionally, Reinhardt found the smell rather friendly to Rinke Fu. Besides, even Wilhelm could see a little bit of Rinke Hu, who was stirring the smell of sweat on the lovely apple pie. So Reinhardt had no choice but to smile.
However, Wilhelm hesitated. Her jet-black eyes cast a confused light on her.
"Familiar… … .”
"then."
“… … Because of Dietrich?”
Reinhardt blinked before smiling.
"right. You could say it was because of Dietrich.”
Next to Hu Rinke was Dietrich, who smelled twice as sweaty as Hu Rinke. So you can do that too. Reinhardt thought so and gestured, and Wilhelm, who stood in her corner for a moment and stared at her, quickly approached as if he had made up his mind on something.
The soil in the courtyard of the castle was coarse. The soil, which must have been buried under Wilhelm's shoes, helped make the taller Wilhelm squeak as he walked on the stone floor. Reinhardt, thinking that it's a little too much to call him a boy now, suddenly noticed the shadow cast over him and opened his eyes wide.
At best, the boy she thought would stand in front of her desk was standing right in front of her.
“Wilhelm?”
When Reinhardt called out the boy's name, the boy hesitated, then closed his mouth and reached out to her. And just like that, Reinhardt was embraced.
“… … Wilhelm?”
“… … no."
Reinhardt felt somewhat embarrassed and patted Wilhelm lightly on the shoulder. But Wilhelm hugged her even tighter as she tapped her on the shoulder.
"I'm familiar with Dietrich, I don't like it."
Oh, that's what I was talking about. Reinhardt laughed out loud. Her boy strangely hated having Dietrich with her, even though she continued to stick with her mentor, Dietrich. Well, I thought it might be some kind of monopoly desire of a duckling after seeing its mother. Today, for another reason, it seemed that the desire for exclusivity was ignited.
“Yes, yes.”
Reinhardt hugged the boy back and patted him on the back. His back, which had grown quite wide and firm, twitched at the end of her touch. Reinhardt buried her nose in the nape of the boy's neck and inhaled deeply. Familiar men's smell. The smell of sweat and the presence of a slightly cold nose echoing... … .
“This is your scent.”
The boy trembled. It seemed like it was itchy.
Reinhardt hugged the boy tightly and let out a deep sigh.
In his previous life, Reinhardt had met Bill Colonna. It was time to return to the capital after winning the war he waged for Michelle. Bill Colonna passed by the Helka estate and asked for what the imperial army could ask for from the rich estate. Plains and food for soldiers to stay.
At that time, Reinhardt was plotting a rebellion. Naturally, Bill Colonna's request was staggering. But to cover up any hint of rebellion, he met him just once, thinking he'd be willing to let Michelle feed his right arm.
Back then, Bill Colonna looked almost like a savage. Reinhardt almost covered his nose in disgust when he faced the filthiness of the battlefield and the man who hadn't even taken off his grime. A man like that even thought he deserved to die on the battlefield, so he even sneered at me face-to-face.
On the other hand, what about now when he is hugging Wilhelm? Being a person is bound to change depending on the situation, but her position was very different from her previous life. She was terrified at the thought of having to send a child to war like this. I heard that the savages of the north fly even in the snow. Dietrich assured Amman Wilhelm that one person's role as a knight was enough, but it was not in Reinhardt's eyes.
'And what if I die?'
Reinhardt's thoughts crossed Dietrich's words. The kind green eyes that used to say you should use people like chess pieces. Reinhardt immediately understood what he was talking about. Dietrich wanted me to resemble Hu Rinke's skill.
I could have thought of it that way. Just like that. Reinhardt's mind had been filled with things about Leylan Marsh even before he asked how he sent that little child as a knight.
Knight's rent was expensive. The cost of training a knight is beyond imagination.
Dietrich is next to her because of his relationship with Hu Rinke, but if he wants to make money, he can easily sign a contract with another territory as a mercenary knight for a lot of money. Since he was a knight raised by Rinkefu, he should have enough money to build a mansion in the central estate.
So, if you were Dietrich's disciple, you'd probably be able to get the level of Raylan Marsh with ease.
In Nathantine's territory, land that is hard to access and frozen for more than half a year is actually not that expensive. But Reinhardt was disillusioned with me at the same time. As the situation changed, my thoughts on the same person changed, and it was because I was afraid of trying to send a child who blindly followed me to the battlefield like that.
“… … line?"
"ah. sorry."
The boy wriggled as if he was uncomfortable. Reinhardt finally realized that he was holding Wilhelm and let go of his hand. Wilhelm staggered away from her arms and politely brought his hands together in front of her. He was still less ripe, but his fair face and ears were red.
<… … Please don't let the rumors spread that you're dragging a young boy into the lord's bed.>
Dietrich's words suddenly came to mind, and Reinhardt felt awkward in an instant. Wilhelm couldn't even look at her face. Reinhardt chose her words for a long time before opening her mouth.
“… … Eh, Wilhelm?"
“Yes, Line.”
“Did you hear from Dietrich?”
At those words, Wilhelm's face went quiet. As if the shame that had risen to the surface just before did not exist at all. With black eyes, Wilhelm started somewhere on the floor and answered.
“I heard.”
“Even if you don’t have to say respectful things to me… … . no."
Dietrich's words of using people like chess pieces came to mind once again. Reinhardt chuckled.
“Good. I hope I can use honorific words well.”
“… … Do you like me doing engineering?”
"then. If Wilhelm calls me that... … .”
What should I say? Reinhardt pondered for a moment before replying.
“I like it because I feel like a very important person.”
“… … You are a precious person.”
Wilhelm looked at her shyly and said. But soon after Dietrich's story came out, her face changed again. Reinhardt apologized and continued.
“I’m sorry, Wilhelm. Our estate is home to only thirty guards. If you go, the number of conscripts will be reduced by half, and the villagers will be safe from the beasts of spring.”
"okay."
“If you don’t want to go… … .”
He was about to say that he didn't have to go, but Reinhardt bit his lip. To say that it's okay not to go, there are too many things at stake for this little boy to participate in one competition. Reinhardt shook his head and decided to be a bit petty.
“… … Won't you think of me?"
“A line… … Yo?"
Even though he was awkward with respectful words, it was cute to follow him well. Reinhardt smiled softly and took the boy's hand and held it with both of his own. Her long, coldly curled palms were already much larger than those of boys his age, suggesting that Wilhelm would still grow a lot longer. The tips of Wilhelm's ears turned red again.
“Wilhelm. I can't tell you not to go. Then I will be the one who abandons the territories. I am the lord of Luden, and that is why I must protect the lives of the people of the territory.”
“… … .”
“But you are also my landlord.”
Gently tucking Wilhelm's hair behind her ear, she continued.
“So I will pray for your safety every night. Please, thinking of me, who cares about you, won't you listen to my request?”
“… … line? everyday?"
"yes."
Reinhardt raised the boy's hand and kissed the back of it gently. Just like a knight does to a lady. Wilhelm was startled, but did not remove his hand from hers.
“I will think of you every day. And praying that you always shine the brightest on the battlefield, I will wait for you to come back.”
“… … .”
“I’ll give you this.”
Reinhardt took out what he had prepared in advance. It was the sword after Rinke. The sword that he cut off Michel Alanquez's thigh, and the sword that my father always pulled out in front of him when he went to war. To her, it was her most precious thing.
Wilhelm was also taken aback by the beautiful sword. That's because it was too embarrassing for a probationary knight. Reinhardt pulled Wilhelm's hand and put it in his sheath. The sword, which was finished with splendid silver ornaments, shone in the boy's hand.
"This is my father's sword."
“… … .”
“My father fell off his horse in Sarawak and died without even drawing this sword.”
Reinhardt suppressed his sadness.
"It's a very precious item to me, so I want you to come back with this sword."
Wilhelm dazedly gripped the sword with both hands, then looked at her face and looked like he wanted to say something. However, Reinhardt shook her head and chinned her to pull out her sword. When Wilhelm drew his sword, it came out with a gurgling sound.
“It is the sword with which I cut off the leg of the prince.”
“… … .”
“I must finish my revenge with that sword someday. therefore… … .”
Line put a hand on my heart and smiled.
“Do you think I was with you too?”
“Line, come out… … .”
Wilhelm repeated her words like an incantation. Reinhardt wiped Wilhelm's forehead. Wilhelm was taken aback, but did not avoid her hand. Reinhardt muttered as if talking to himself.
“I know I am cowardly… … .”
“… … .”
“But Wilhelm, I have no choice.”
Either all the territories died defenselessly in the raid, or they invaded from other territories. If I send Dietrich and thirty guards, it will surely happen. When Dietrich and the guards return after the raid of the barbarians, the territory might be gone.
Even if that wasn't the case, it would be very difficult to become isolated among the surrounding territories. Even now, Luden is a terribly poor territory.
“… … I'll go, Line."
“Sorry, thank you.”
Reinhardt was apologetic at those words that came out of nowhere, but he felt a part of his heart open. The boy with black eyes like a calf clutched her sword and whispered.
“Please hug me one more time instead.”
"Gladly."
Reinhardt pulled the boy back into his arms. Reinhardt was seated, and the boy was still standing, so his hips were slightly hunched over, but he could feel the warmth. Reinhardt patted the boy on the back.
“Dietrich said you could do as a knight and have more than enough, but I am uneasy.”
“… … Don’t talk about Dietrich.”
“Yes, yes.”
Reinhardt laughed a little. Wilhelm stayed hugged by her for a while, then asked her quietly.
“The knight takes the lady’s handkerchief when he goes out.”
"Oh my gosh. Who told you about it?”
“Among the guards… … Mark did it.”
Mark was Sarah's daughter. Even though she was a woman, she was a kind-hearted child who volunteered for the guards and was doing her part, and it seemed that she had become friendly with Wilhelm during that time. Reinhardt laughed.
The knight receiving the lady's handkerchief was a popular thing from a very long time ago, when Rinke Hu was a young man with a strong sense of femininity. A story that is at least 30 years old.
But, what... … . Reinhardt thought of the story of Hu Rinke and the Marquis.
Hu Linke also generously told Reinhardt the story of how he loved his wife, but Reinhardt's favorite was the story of how the Marquise's wife tore off his sleeve at Hu Rinke's sudden request for a handkerchief. The Marquis, a poor young lady who did not carry her handkerchief very well, ripped off my sleeve to reluctantly tell me to take it if it was okay.
Reinhardt carefully pushed Wilhelm away. And he took the sword from his hand. Wilhelm, wondering what Reinhardt was doing with her, was startled to see her ripping off her sleeve.
“Line, this is… … .”
“It’s precious, so take it. I only have two street clothes.”
Reinhardt blinked in one eye. There were only two dresses of hers in her Luden estate, and the sleeve of one of them had been ripped off. Yes, it should be fine since it is easy to repair by attaching a lace to the end of the sleeve.
'Ah, races are expensive. I'll be scolded by Mrs. Sara.'
I shrugged my shoulders a little about the budget that would follow, but I also continued to have strangely positive thoughts about that, as long as I was successful. Anyway, Reinhardt cut the middle of the sleeve he had ripped out of the drum, made it like a long string, and wrapped it around the handle of the sword.
As the dark blue jacquard cloth was beautifully knotted, Wilhelm watched as if in awe. After wrapping it up, Reinhardt held out his sword, and Wilhelm accepted the sword with a strange expression, not knowing if he was excited, cautious, or scared.
“Come back with your sword.”
"Yeah. I will definitely return the sword to Reinhardt.”
“… … I'll tell you, but I don't need the sword to come back. It’s not because the sword is precious.”
In her words, Wilhelm looked at Reinhardt with new eyes. Reinhardt pressed the words he wanted to say into her throat.
My father returned as a corpse with the sword. I don't want to see something like that again... … . Instead of saying that many words, Reinhardt smiled and said.
“There is nothing wrong with life. If you fall behind, it's all over. Got it?”
“… … Yeah."
Black eyes twinkled. Reinhardt did not try to look directly at the numerous emotions contained in those eyes, but passed them through his sideways eyes. If there was fear in him, it was because Reinhardt seemed to find it difficult to forgive himself.
It was at dawn two days later that Wilhelm went to Nathantine with Dietrich and fifteen other guards. Reinhardt tore off the other sleeve as well and wrapped it around Dietrich's sword. Wilhelm looked on with great displeasure, but Dietrich smiled cheerfully and left without looking back.
It was early spring, about nine months after Reinhardt cut Michel Alanquez's leg.