Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Harvest Festival (2)
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Autumn was the most beautiful season in Weibin out of all four.
And the only beautiful season.
Among the remote corners of the easternmost small nation, it was the most isolated territory, with its only boasts being flat terrain and a mild climate—truly a rural backwater where nearly all the residents engaged in farming.
That was Weibin, so what else was there to brag about besides the golden waves rippling from the wheat fields?
The world was in the throes of upheaval, clashing between steam engines and pure sorcery, but here it all felt like news from a distant realm.
It would take a bit more time before the changing era reached even this place.
Elric didn't mind either way.
He gazed out the window at the fields bustling with wheat harvest.
Even in the cool weather, sweat beaded on the farmers' cheeks.
Bending at the waist to work looked utterly grueling.
Yet it didn't seem purely pitiful because...
"A good harvest it is, then."
Their faces bloomed with joy.
"Yes, this year's yield is exceptionally abundant. It's the second time in the last decade, and the first you've ever seen, Young Master."
Elric nodded at Aldio's words.
Indeed, there was no memory of Weibin so thick with wheat.
It was beautiful.
As the sun began to set, the wheat fields glowed red and radiant—a scene utterly divorced from the bleak battlefield.
Elric's mind grew serene, his expression softening accordingly.
That was when he spotted her.
"Hm?"
Tiria's figure at the manor entrance.
She seemed to notice him too, directing her gaze precisely at the window before giving a brief bow.
Elric waved with a smile.
Seeing her brought something to mind.
*The Harvest Festival is coming up soon.*
It would be his second proper festival since childhood.
The first had been attending an imperial banquet with Elbus Graham.
Recalling that day made his breath catch for no reason, tension rising—before he shook his head.
*...No, comparing Weibin's festival to an imperial banquet is absurd.*
It was the same old festival playground he'd always romped through.
No way it could be like a battlefield of nobles wielding words as blades.
He just needed to help Tiria deliver her speech well.
"Aldio."
"Yes."
"How goes... her speech preparation?"
"She writes it herself. Just as the Family Head did."
"Well, she knows noble etiquette, so she must have a way with words too."
"Last year's was quite excellent, actually. It played a big role in steadying the people's hearts amid the chaos after the Family Head's passing."
"Ah, right—it lined up with that time."
He suddenly felt curious about that speech.
Would she tell him if he asked? She probably would, but asking outright felt awkward.
*Enough. No need to pry into every little thing.*
Elric brushed the thought aside.
"Let's have dinner soon. She's just finished work anyway."
"Yes."
Leaving the window, Elric headed to the dining hall for dinner with Tiria.
The two now shared evening meals together.
*
A few days later, at breakfast, Tiria spoke up.
"Would it be possible for you to come out with me today, by any chance?"
"Cough!"
The sudden words made Elric spit out his water in an uncouth spray.
Realizing his blunder, he hastily wiped his mouth and looked at Tiria.
She didn't seem overly bothered...
"It's w-work."
...yet for some reason, she hurriedly offered an excuse.
"The townsfolk are decorating the square for the Harvest Festival. It's the usual routine, so nothing major needs changing, but we should inspect for safety just in case. I thought you might join me for that. You need to learn these things now too..."
Tiria's gaze flicked momentarily to Elric's leg.
"...If it's inconvenient, I'll go alone."
"No. I'll come along."
It would be ridiculous to turn down her invitation first.
He'd made a fool of himself, but honestly, it wasn't that taxing.
Just stand by and watch her work.
Standing on one leg was no issue.
"Are you sure you'll be all right?"
"It's not impossible."
At that, the space between Tiria's brows widened ever so slightly.
A minute change, one Elric caught only from his superhuman scrutiny of her.
She seemed pleased.
"I'm glad. There are things a Family Head must do that are hard to learn outside this season."
That was her reason.
Elric chuckled dryly in response.
"Hm, thank you for considering me."
*Though next year, you'll be doing it again...* He glossed over the snide thought, not wanting to sour the mood.
"Then let's head out around lunchtime."
"Not right away?"
"...I need to prepare."
"Ah."
Right—women needed far more time to get ready than men.
Elric chided himself and nodded.
"Understood. Call me when you're ready."
"Yes."
Tiria rose from her seat.
Some food remained on her plate.
*No appetite?*
That she might have rushed off to prepare in excitement, forgetting to eat—Elric had no way of knowing.
*
Elric was the sort of man utterly divorced from the concept of dressing up.
To him, clothes served to cover vital areas and ward off winter war's chill—that was enough. Thus, his fashion sense was hopelessly abysmal.
Disaster was inevitable.
"Young Master, what on earth is that getup?"
"Hm? I dressed up properly since it's official territory business."
"Has the definition of 'dressed up' changed without my knowledge?"
Aldio's sigh was warranted.
Elric's outfit was equally cringe-worthy.
A sleeveless shirt in mid-autumn, topped with a necktie and brown vest; pants with hems flapping loose; shoes pointed white spikes ready to kill.
Where had he even gotten such horrors? The mystery only amplified the monstrosity—and he stood there oblivious, smug as could be. Aldio's temples throbbed.
"...You should change."
"Hm? Not good? I heard from my wandering days that this shows a man's manliness."
"Who told you that?"
Mercenary.
Elric swallowed the word.
It came from a western mercenary who loved skirt-chasing, regaling soldiers with tales.
Over a decade ago, yet vividly remembered—he'd been quite the handsome devil.
No way such a man would spout nonsense on attire.
*Though that fashion sense didn't save his neck.*
Beheaded, if memory served.
Lost in reminiscence, Elric barely registered—
"Hurry and change. If the Lady sees you like—"
"May I come in?"
Tiria's voice from beyond the door.
Aldio felt a chill down his spine.
Before he could stop Elric—
"Ah, come in."
"Yes."
Creak—
The door opened.
Aldio squeezed his eyes shut; Elric beamed.
"You've ar—"
Elric's greeting died on his lips.
His gaze blanked, trailing her.
Simple attire, not too thick, yet it struck him with electric novelty.
A straight white dress from neck to above the ankles, paired with an indigo shawl over the shoulders, tracing graceful lines. Highlighted thus: her nape from pinned-up hair, slender ankles.
Elegant features plus petite stature made her proportions enviable; drooping eye corners and long lashes deepened the ethereal, unreal aura.
"Uh..."
As he tried to speak, Elric felt her eyes on his outfit.
He looked down.
His mind iced over.
*Why am I wearing this?*
Like waking from a nightmare.
The thought of walking beside her like this sent shivers.
Only with comparison did sanity return.
Lifting his head, Elric saw it.
...
Tiria's pupils quaking like an earthquake.
Never had she shown emotion so raw.
Her lips parted.
"Perhaps you didn't want to go out after—"
"No. I just threw this on to tease Aldio. I'll change right away. Sorry to keep you waiting."
The lie flowed smoothly.
Aldio's face flickered with doubt, then smiled.
"That was fun."
"Good to hear."
Elric shot Aldio a grateful glance.
Inwardly, he could only pray.
*Please don't hold her in contempt for seeing this.*