The Heir of the Count Family
A full month had passed since Milia and Schwarz were appointed as royal knights.
"Ugh…"
In the Count's manor, the study that normally belonged to Bernus was occupied by Milia. She sat frowning over a mountain of documents, her brow deeply furrowed.
"Here. Have some black tea, at least."
"Ah. Thanks."
Schwarz set a cup of steaming tea beside her. Milia took it with a quiet word of gratitude.
"Haah… I thought once I graduated I'd be free of this sort of work for a while…"
"It can't be helped, My Lady."
She rose from her chair and walked to the window, gazing down at the lands of the county spread out below.
Three months had already slipped by since her graduation from the Academy. Upon returning to the county, she had begun preparing in earnest to inherit the Count family. That was why she now buried herself in work with her head in her hands.
Keeping a territory where countless people lived running smoothly—that was the duty of the Count family, and the duty of the next lord as well.
"It's good that you're working hard, but please rest a little. You've been at it for over five hours without a break."
No matter how important the administration of the territory might be, nothing was more important than her own body. The county existed because the Count family existed; it would never do for her health to break down for the sake of the land—that would be putting the cart before the horse.
"Huu… All right."
At Schwarz's worried words, Milia set down her teacup, stretched her arms high above her head, and let out a low groan. Maintaining focus for more than five hours straight was no easy feat for an ordinary person.
"How on earth does Father handle all this work by himself?"
Even after five unbroken hours, a pile of documents still waited beside her desk—equal in volume to everything she had already finished. More astonishing still was the fact that it was winter; this workload was light compared to spring or autumn.
"It really makes me appreciate once again just how remarkable Count Bernus is."
Schwarz spoke with fresh admiration for the man who had maintained military strength enough to hold back the barbarians while still running the county itself without strain.
"Of course. Whose father do you think he is?"
Milia crossed her arms and lifted her chin proudly.
"By the way, what time is it? I'm starting to get hungry."
"Let's see… It's one in the afternoon."
Schwarz drew a pocket watch from his coat and checked the time. It was already past one. She had eaten breakfast at nine; feeling empty was only natural.
"Shall I have a meal prepared?"
"Yes, please. A sandwich will do."
"My Lady. I've told you that you need to eat proper meals."
Lately the mounting work had led Milia to make do with sandwiches for nearly every meal. At first Schwarz had thought it understandable given how busy she was, but when the habit stretched on for nearly a month he could no longer ignore it. Sandwiches were meant for quick eating; even setting nutrition aside, they simply could not match a real meal in calories or anything else.
"B-but if I want to finish everything without your help, I don't have a choice!"
Milia was not without her reasons. She could not keep relying on Schwarz forever. Even if he was her personal servant, he could not remain glued to her side every moment. She believed she needed to train herself until she could handle the work alone—if only to prepare for the times when he would not be there.
"Even so, some things simply aren't allowed. Sandwiches for a whole month… You'll ruin your stomach! And even if you're preparing for my absence, at this rate you'll collapse first, My Lady!"
"Ugh…"
Faced with his unassailable logic, Milia had no choice but to raise the white flag.
"Fine… I'll eat properly, all right?"
"I'll go tell the head chef to prepare a proper meal for you."
With a faint smile, Schwarz turned toward the door as Milia let out a short, resigned sigh.
"Ah. And make sure they include raspberry pie."
"Understood."
Just as he was about to close the door, her voice reached him from behind. He bowed his head and headed downstairs.
Maids hurried past him in the corridors. Schwarz made his way to the kitchen, knocked gently, and stepped inside.
"Hm? If it isn't young Schwarz."
"Good day, Head Chef."
The plump, kindly-faced head chef greeted him warmly. Schwarz returned the greeting with a polite bow. Even though he now held a knighthood and was treated with the courtesy due a baronial noble, every member of the Count family remained a benefactor in his eyes. One did not speak down to one's benefactors.
"So. Sandwiches again today?"
"No. She asked for a proper midday meal this time."
Schwarz answered with a light smile. The head chef, who had also been fretting over Milia's sandwich-only diet, had been waiting for the right moment to speak up.
"Oh-ho! Is that true?"
"Yes. And she specifically requested raspberry pie."
"Understood! I'll have it ready in no time!"
Beaming, the head chef strode off to light the oven. Watching the kitchen spring into lively motion, Schwarz nodded in satisfaction and returned to the study.
A short while later.
"My Lady. It's Schwarz."
He knocked, then carefully opened the door and stepped inside.
And there—
"This section you can refer to here. And for this part, check the transaction records with the merchant guilds."
"Oh-ho… I see."
—was Bernus, seated beside Milia, reviewing the documents with her and offering advice. He sorted the papers with practiced ease while giving her precisely the guidance she needed, and Milia kept voicing quiet sounds of admiration.
"Good day, Count."
"Ah. Schwarz."
Schwarz bowed; Bernus rose from his seat. While Milia was learning the duties of an heir, Bernus had been touring the fortresses throughout the county, ensuring every possible contingency was covered. That, too, was work the heir ought to handle, but both Bernus and Schwarz knew full well that if she took on inspection duties atop the paperwork already overwhelming her, her body would never hold out.
"So. The meal?"
"They said they would prepare it at once."
"You made sure to order the raspberry pie?"
"Yes."
Schwarz bowed again at her confirming question.
"Since Schwarz is here, I'll take my leave. I'm sure the two of you will be more comfortable alone."
"Father!"
Milia flushed scarlet and squeaked as Bernus stood. Schwarz tried not to show anything, but that was easier said than done; he scratched his cheek awkwardly. Looking thoroughly pleased by the pair's endearing fluster, Bernus left with a faint smile.
Schwarz bowed once more. The door clicked shut behind the Count.
"Couldn't even wait ten minutes before diving back into work?"
"I-I only asked Father about the parts I didn't understand while he was here!"
Milia answered defensively as Schwarz shook his head with a short sigh. Not even ten minutes, and she was already back at it… At this rate, should he start calling her a workaholic?
With that thought he stepped closer.
"W-what…?"
"My Lady. Working hard is fine, but please look after yourself from time to time. You are the most precious person in this entire county."
As Milia hesitated, Schwarz knelt so that their eyes met at the same level.
Driving oneself hard was not a bad thing in itself. It showed resolve and a heavy sense of responsibility. But what good was any of it if her body broke down? Lately she had grown noticeably thinner, and the sight filled him with worry he could scarcely put into words. Yet instead of asking for help she only pushed herself harder. How could a servant stand by and do nothing? As her lover, the same held true.
"So please—when you rest, rest properly."
"A-all right… I'm sorry…"
Perhaps his earnestness reached her. Milia nodded with a dejected look. Schwarz smiled faintly and gently stroked her hair.
A soft "Uu…" escaped her as her face turned pink.
And then—
My Lady. The meal is ready.
"Shall we eat first?"
"Yes. Let's."
At the knock and the maid's voice, Schwarz rose. Milia nodded and stood as well.