Return to Gutbecken
It was my first time back in the capital since asking the Third Prince to take me in as his vassal during his birthday banquet. Nearly two years, huh?
Even with my twenty-first-century sensibilities, Gutbecken still carried the sleepy atmosphere of a provincial backwater. That said, it was noticeably more energetic than the last time I’d seen it.
Well, with the First Prince’s entire faction gathered here right now, I guess that’s only natural.
Every noble, every soldier, every last scrap of supplies and manpower was being funneled into the capital in preparation for the coming civil war. The streets were packed with men who looked like aristocrats, knights, and regular troops.
I was wandering those same streets in search of a formal dress uniform to wear to my victory celebration. I’d been hunting for a tailor that specialized in noble attire, but somehow I kept drifting deeper into the back alleys.
Why the hell can’t I find any on the main road? Where is this place even supposed to be?
I felt like I’d been circling for ages, yet the shop refused to appear.
Pretty sure Hilt and I found it right away two years ago… Wasn’t it somewhere around here?
The chaotic, unplanned growth of the city was biting me in the ass. The alleys twisted together like a spiderweb; the longer I wandered through them searching for the store, the more hopelessly lost I became.
Worst case I could just fly out with magic, but… I still need to actually find the damn shop.
I’d grown more than I realized over the past two years. The uniform I’d worn before had still fit well enough, but when I tried it on this morning it was comically tight. No way I could show up like that.
Even without the First Prince’s invitation, I would’ve had to buy a new one anyway. But… ugh. I seriously can’t find it.
Maybe I should head back and drag some of my unit members out here? I hadn’t wanted to bother them since this was supposed to be a personal errand, but showing up to a royal banquet without proper formal wear would be even worse.
Tap. Tap.
While I was standing there agonizing, someone poked my shoulder.
“Who the—huh?”
“It’s been a while. Exactly how long were you planning to leave me hanging without so much as a single letter?”
Speak of the devil. The person who had tapped my shoulder was none other than Brunhild Rosenfels.
My fiancée.
“This one’s no good. This one’s outdated… Oh, this is nice. Al? Come here and try this on for me, would you?”
It had already been two full hours since we’d entered the shop and started picking out clothes. I felt like a goddamn dress-up doll.
Thanks to Hilt I actually found the store, but isn’t this a bit much? They all look the same to me…
Thinking back, I remembered a nearly identical scene playing out two years ago right before the Third Prince’s birthday banquet.
“Hey, Hilt? Don’t you think this is enough? We can just pick something and—”
“Just pick something?”
“Never mind, ma’am. Please continue.”
This was hell. I was getting exhausted faster than I ever did on the battlefield.
“By the way, what brings you to the capital?”
“My cold-hearted fiancé received a victory celebration without sending me a single word. I came to drag him back myself.”
There was a definite barb in her tone.
…Yeah, I had been completely focused on the mage unit lately. I was pretty sure I’d at least sent letters for her birthday and New Year’s, but beyond that… had I written at all? It was all a blur.
“I never imagined I’d end up hearing news about my own fiancé through the Third Prince. The fact that I—someone other than you—had to learn about it from royalty was… quite the fresh experience.”
“Uh… was it that bad?”
“Yeees, it waaas?”
“…I’m sorry.”
I had no defense. The more I tried to talk my way out, the deeper I sank into the quicksand.
Clatter. Rustle.
“We’ll go with this one. How much?”
“Wasn’t that the very first thing I tried on?”
“Do you have a complaint, Al?”
“None at all. Sorry, ma’am.”
See? Talking only made things worse.
After a total of three hours spent playing dress-up, we finally left the store. We were walking back toward the lodging where Hilt was staying when she spoke again, a little hesitantly.
“You should come home and show your face once in a while… We are family, you know?”
She must have been embarrassed to say it outright; her voice had trailed off at the end. Cute.
“You’re right. Once this mess is over I’ll make sure to pay more attention. Sorry for neglecting you, Hilt.”
Work had been hectic, but I couldn’t deny I’d been neglecting my family. It wasn’t just Hilt—I hadn’t seen my parents or anyone back in Rosfel for a long time either.
Once the civil war ends, I should visit everyone.
I needed to see Father and Mother, and Hardi too. Speaking of which, Hardi would be turning fifteen soon. His coming-of-age ceremony was right around the corner.
It was an incredibly important event for a noble entering high society. There was no way his older brother could miss it.
“After the war’s over, let’s go to Rosfel together. Hardi’s coming-of-age ceremony is coming up.”
“Of course we’re going together. …Wait a minute. You’d forgotten about your own brother’s coming-of-age?”
Damn. I really needed to sew my mouth shut.
Bang! Bang!
The celebration for my victory was far more extravagant than anything you’d expect from a medieval fantasy world.
…Which was entirely thanks to my poor subordinates who were currently being worked to the bone under the not-so-subtle order to “show off everything the mage unit can do.”
They kept launching the modified Fire Ball technique I’d taught them into the night sky, painting it with brilliant bursts of color like some kind of fireworks display. I’d originally taught them that spell for signaling, but I never imagined they’d end up using it like this.
I’m the star of the show, sure, but my unit members are basically co-stars tonight. I actually feel a little bad for them.
Watching them work so hard made me feel a twinge of guilt. But strangely enough, the mages themselves didn’t look unhappy. If anything, they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything so fantastical!”
“Magnificent. To think fire could color the night sky so beautifully.”
“My friend, could you perhaps do the same for an event in my territory later? I assure you the compensation will be more than generous.”
The nobles were completely captivated by the dazzling spectacle, gasping and exclaiming. Some were already approaching my subordinates to book them for their own domains.
I had no intention of stopping them. If it didn’t interfere with official duties, I didn’t particularly care if my men made some extra money on the side.
Clack. Clack.
“Truly splendid. Was this presentation something you’d planned from the beginning?”
“First Prince, I hope you’ve been well?”
“I can’t exactly say I’ve been at ease, but thanks to you I’ve been able to set down some of the burden on my heart. Congratulations on your victory.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“And who is this beside you? I don’t believe I’ve seen her face before.”
I bowed politely.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Brunhild Rosenfels, third daughter of Viscount Rosenfels. I am attending the banquet today as the fiancée of Alvaro Sternfeld.”
“Ah, so you’re the one my brother mentioned. Hahaha! Sir Sternfeld, one must always take good care of his wife! A woman’s resentment lingers for a very long time!”
“We are not yet married, Your Highness…”
“Nonsense! Hasn’t the engagement already been official for quite some time? Or are you perhaps thinking about someone else?”
A sharp glare stabbed into me from the side. Before the situation could get any worse, I quickly defended myself.
“N-no, not at all! I have never once considered anyone but Hilt!”
“Hahaha! Good, good. Even I, who spend so much time on the battlefield, make sure to serve my wife with my entire body and soul whenever we meet. You should do the same!”
The First Prince added with a booming laugh that it was a shame they only had one child so far.
…Did I just hear a royal make a sex joke right to my face? I didn’t mishear that, right?
When I glanced at Hilt beside me, her face had turned a rather noticeable shade of red. So I’d heard correctly.
…How the hell was I supposed to respond to a member of the royal family dropping innuendos in public? This was way above my conversational pay grade.
“In any case, when you two eventually marry, make sure to invite me as well. I would like to give my blessing in person.”
“Y-You would attend yourself, Your Highness?”
“Of course. You are not only my brother’s vassal but also one of my own subordinates. I have always made it a point to personally attend my men’s celebrations and condolences.”
The First Prince laughed loudly, completely unaware of the landmine he was casually stepping on.
…The man who would inherit the throne after the civil war was saying he’d personally attend my wedding. Haah…
I was starting to understand why both the Third Prince and Hilt always seemed to be nursing headaches. It was like watching a live bomb’s timer count down while being too afraid to touch anything in case it exploded. Of course that would give someone a migraine.
Now that I’d experienced it from the other side, did that mean I’d stop causing them stress? …Probably best not to make promises I couldn’t keep. I had enough self-awareness for that much, at least.
While I was chatting with the First Prince, the music flowing through the banquet hall suddenly changed. He nodded.
“It seems it’s time. Sir Sternfeld, please wait over there.”
With that, the First Prince began making his way toward the raised platform at the very front of the hall. The real victory celebration and awarding ceremony was about to begin.
When I reached the spot he had indicated, I saw that the Third Prince was already seated. I bowed in greeting.
“I hope you’ve been well, Your Highness.”
“Ah, Sir Sternfeld. You’ve finally arrived?”
“I actually arrived quite some time ago, but I was delayed speaking with the First Prince.”
“You were with my brother, I see. And is that Lady Rosenfels beside you? It has been a while.”
“It has indeed, Your Highness.”
It seemed Hilt and the Third Prince were already acquainted. That explained how she’d received word through him and come to the capital.
“By the way, what exactly am I supposed to do during this victory celebration? No one’s told the person actually receiving it what’s expected.”
“It’s not much different from any other banquet. Just enjoy yourself and your turn will come naturally. Be patient.”
The Third Prince took a sip from his wine glass, paused to gather his thoughts, then continued.
“Though I suppose this one will be rather more extravagant than usual. With a civil war looming, it also serves to boost morale. In that sense, your victory was the perfect pretext.”
“In what way, if I may ask?”
“It’s the ideal example to show the nobles what kind of rewards await those who distinguish themselves in the coming conflict. Perfect for stimulating the appetites of those fence-sitters who have been cautiously watching which way the wind blows.”
“Of course, no one can deny that your achievements were genuinely impressive,” the Third Prince added with a smile.
“And since you delivered such an overwhelming performance that no one can find fault with it, we can use this as an excuse to kick the asses of all those great nobles who have been playing it safe.”
Now, how much more supplies can we squeeze out of them? He laughed cheerfully, clearly enjoying the thought.
…Yeah, I definitely shouldn’t get on this guy’s political bad side. What a black-hearted bastard.
“We shall now begin the bestowal of rewards for the recent victory.”
The First Prince’s voice rang out across the hall.
Looked like the main event was finally starting.