Memories at the Lakeside
Adrian Carpoem stood near the small artificial lake. A single cabin for resting stood beside it. Trees and flower beds crowded the surroundings, creating a beautifully picturesque scene. When the breeze blew, the lake rippled gently, shaking ever so slightly. Birds chirped from the forest, and sunlight sparkled dazzlingly across the water's surface.
Adrian ran his hand over the weathered canvas set up by the lakeside. Aged art tools were neatly arranged around it, bearing the marks of time. He took it all in with his eyes, then let out a long sigh.
“Canella……”
He murmured the name of the one he longed for. But it scattered away pointlessly on the wind.
In the past, this serene lakeside had been a small haven for him and the duchess. Whenever the weather was fine, Canella would paint here, and Adrian would make time to visit even amid his busy schedule. Until her frail body gave out after giving birth to their child—this lakeside had been a precious place filled with their memories.
Adrian picked up the tools scattered on the ground one by one. It was mere attachment. Nothing more than futile lingering.
The small cabin by the lakeside had been built so that Canella, with her weak constitution, could rest. Her final painting and tools remained inside, untouched to this day. But what good did it do? The dead did not return.
The duke's eyes, lost in reminiscence, soon clouded with anguish. Deep in thought, he failed to sense the presence approaching and didn't hear the footsteps in time.
Soon, someone arrived at the lakeside and called out to the duke.
“Here you are.”
It was a familiar voice. The duke turned slowly, his face startled.
* * *
I was walking along a narrow path through the woods. There were quite a few pebbles jabbing at my soles through my shoes—not ideal for strolling in heels. I'd chosen the lightest dress possible, but the footwear was the real issue. Now I understood why Annie had fidgeted so anxiously when I said I was heading this way, asking if I was really sure.
Ugh. I grumbled inwardly as I trudged on, minding the unfamiliar shoes. Before I knew it, I'd reached the end of the path.
The duke wasn't in his study. When I pressed Dominic, he thankfully revealed the location. And now, I was on my way to find the duke.
A faint fishy scent drifted on the wind, brushing my nose. The lake Dominic mentioned must be close.
At last, the path ended, and the lakeside scenery came into view. I parted my lips in quiet surprise. I'd thought an artificial lake meant something small, but it was far larger than I'd imagined.
I stood there dazed for a moment before scanning around for the duke. He wasn't far. There was a small cabin by the lakeside, and he stood there.
I walked straight to him and spoke.
“Here you are.”
“……”
The duke looked startled, as if he hadn't even noticed me approaching. I stopped at a polite distance.
“…How did you get here……”
“Dominic Fuchs told me.”
I sold him out without a shred of guilt. Even if he earned the duke's ire over this, it wasn't my problem. I had bigger worries—like the duke yelling at me the moment he laid eyes on me.
But unexpectedly, he just stared at me blankly. He didn't seem like a man who'd avoided even looking at me before.
Was he in so much pain he might have a fit? As I stared back, the duke's red eyes wavered slightly. It was as if he were looking at me yet seeing someone else entirely.
I glanced around him. An old canvas stood beside the duke. The landscape painting of the lake someone had done was breathtakingly beautiful, like the work of a true artist, even at a glance.
“Oh, am I interrupting?”
“What?”
“I came because I have something to discuss, but if I'm in the way, I can talk at the mansion later.”
I glanced at the duke, who held a brush. Maybe I'd ruined his painting mood.
“…No.”
But as I turned to leave, the duke stopped me.
“It's fine. You can say it here.”
His calm, settled gaze turned to me—the usual duke. Relieved, I opened my mouth.
“There's something I'd like your permission for.”
“What is it?”
“Starting tomorrow, I want to learn the sword from the knights.”
“…What?”
His face twisted as if he'd heard something he wished he hadn't. I hurriedly added,
“The other day, I wandered into the training grounds by chance during a walk. Seeing the knights train made me want to try it myself. Can't I?”
“……”
The duke's expression grew incredibly complicated—a subtle mix of shock and anger.
“Father?”
I called out anxiously, and he flinched. He lowered his head and covered his mouth with one hand.
Startled, I approached him.
“What's wrong? Are you unwell?”
“No.”
Up close, I realized how tall the duke was. Abigail was taller than most girls her age, yet I still had to crane my neck to meet his eyes. He removed his hand from his mouth and asked seriously,
“…You want to learn the sword.”
“Yes.”
The duke no longer looked at me with that bewildered gaze. He exuded his usual sharp, blade-like demeanor.
“Do you know what that means in our family?”
“……”
Of course I did. That was exactly why I was asking to learn it.
The Carpoems were an absolute symbol of martial might. With monsters endlessly pouring in from the north, the head of House Carpoem had to be a powerful knight to stand against them. Thus, a child of the duke's blood declaring they would learn the sword was tantamount to saying they would formally begin heir training.
Even if I said it playfully as 'wanting to try,' it could be interpreted that way. Because I was his daughter—his only child.
And House Carpoem had no lack of female dukes. The few there had been were all said to have been exceptional. Some had even seized the ducal seat by outshining their formidable brothers.
They were my goal. It was the only path for me to survive.
“I know, Father.”
“……!”
The duke's eyes widened in shock. The red gaze looking down at me wavered for a moment. He probably never dreamed Abigail would make such a request.
I smiled casually on purpose.
“Don't worry, Father. If it's too hard, I'll quit right away.”
“……”
Truth be told, I was anxious too. With Abigail's frail body that had never even held a sword properly, how far could I get starting now? Swordmaster was a pipe dream; reaching advanced Sword User would be a miracle.
“…Very well.”
After a long silence, the duke's lips parted. He looked at me with an inscrutable gaze.
“Do as you wish.”
“Really?”
I was surprised he'd permitted it so readily. The duke gave me one indifferent glance, then abruptly turned his head away.
“Thank you.”
At any rate, I'd secured the duke's permission. That alone made the trip worthwhile. I decided to be satisfied with that for now.
* * *
“M-Miss, are you really……”
“Tighten it a bit more there.”
“Haa……”
Annie let out a heavy sigh at my command but tightened the straps further.
Today was the day I started training with the knights. The knights trained in uniforms, but since it was my first time and I might get hurt, I needed to wear protective gear for safety. It was made for children, but it fit Abigail's girlish frame surprisingly well.
I stood before the mirror and flashed a satisfied smile.
“How do I look? Not bad, right?”
I'd tied my constantly slipping hair into a high ponytail, which felt much more comfortable. It was so long I wanted to cut it, but Annie and the other maids had vehemently opposed.
“Of course it suits you, Miss. It suits you so well, but……”
Annie mumbled, unable to hide her troubled expression. She kept fussing with the hem of my pants, her face anxious.
Having been by Abigail's side for so long, Annie must have grown genuinely fond of her. She'd just never shown it because of Abigail's usual viciousness.
These days, Annie expressed her emotions more openly than before.
“It's fine. They won't make someone who's never properly held a sword train like a brute, right?”
“Please be careful, Miss.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
I was thrilled. Finally free of those suffocating dresses and shoes, I was in pants and comfortable footwear. And I could learn the sword again!
I recalled my first time at the kendo dojo. I'd gone there to escape work stress and exhaustion, but it became my sole sanctuary in life. I wondered what the knights' swordsmanship would be like. I couldn't contain my excitement.
My steps to the training grounds felt incredibly light.
Upon arrival, I greeted Serrian, who was waiting, with a bright smile.
“Ser! I'm here.”
“…Lady Abigail.”
His face said, it's finally here.
“Phew, really.”
“Don't show how much you hate it?”
The duke had given permission. I had nothing to feel bad about. Grinning widely, I left Serrian speechless.
Instead, he stepped aside and introduced someone.
“I have to oversee the entire knight order, so I can't stay by your side, Lady Abigail. Sir Jade will instruct you.”
“……”
As Serrian moved a bit away, someone approached me. For a northerner, he had an unusual look. His hair looked green in the sunlight, but it was so dull it resembled dried seaweed piled on his head. I ended up staring at it for a while.
“Jade Mare.”
“Ah.”
Only after his curt voice did I properly face him. Cool green eyes met mine.
“Nice to meet you. Sir Jade.”
“……”
Sir Jade was a taciturn man who only spoke to give his name. But I wasn't here to make friends—just to learn swordsmanship well. No big issue.
“Then I'll be off. Lady Abigail. Sir Jade, I leave her to you.”
“Yes.”
“See you later, Ser.”
I waved off Serrian as he quickly departed with the vice-commander, then turned back to Jade.
“So, what do we do now? Sir Jade.”