Chapter 3. Were they such a high-ranking person? (2)
Chapter 3. Were they such a high-ranking person? (2)
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No matter a person's natural inclination, if they were extremely skewed in one direction, even a slight change makes them appear as if they've completely transformed.
If a good person commits even a single evil act, they are immediately treated as a 'villain.' Every action becomes a target for criticism, and people point fingers, saying, 'Well, that's what I expected.'
When a bad person does a good deed, it stands out. Even if their other behaviors haven't changed much, if they do even a slightly good deed, everyone is surprised and marvels at them, wondering if they had that side to them.
And Rosalyn—if one had to categorize her, she was the latter.
It could be said that she hadn't made any fatal mistakes yet.
To begin with, she was just the Duke's daughter, not the Duke herself, and when the former Duke was alive, Rosalyn was merely a young girl.
She couldn't kill or torture anyone, and there was no particular need to, either.
It was only natural, as everyone treated her like a lovely being just for staying by her father's side.
Though, naturally, everyone hated her behind her back.
"......."
Rosalyn's expression as she looked out the window hadn't changed much from before.
A somewhat sharp expression, appearing indifferent to her surroundings.
But Frida didn't think Rosalyn was a being without any emotions.
"You may become my maid."
That's what Rosalyn had said to Frida.
The reason was 'because I like how you look.' Though she seemed to have forgotten about it afterward.
But Frida knew.
Rosalyn had said that right after Frida's mother passed away. Right after the funeral.
Frida wasn't exactly lucky. The woman who took her father's side immediately after her mother died didn't like Frida much.
Frida was the eldest daughter of the Hagen family, so she wouldn't have died.
But life there probably wasn't all that happy.
"Rosalyn-nim."
Frida suddenly thought of something and spoke to Rosalyn.
"What is it?"
Rosalyn asked back. Her tone was soft. It was different from Rosalyn's tone until just a short while ago. Different from the tone Rosalyn used after the Duchess passed away and she became sharp.
"You said you were trying so hard because you wanted to go to Heaven."
"......Of course. I do not wish to go to Hell, at the very least."
Rosalyn replied indifferently, looking out the window as if asking why Frida would ask such an obvious thing.
But Frida knew that wasn't the truth, either. No matter what, she was a Baron's daughter.
That was an excuse. An excuse she had simplified because she was too lazy to explain this and that.
An excuse thought up by Rosalyn, who was somewhat clumsy at expressing that she had changed from her former self.
"Do you think I will not be able to go to Heaven, Frida?"
Rosalyn asked.
"That is something the Goddess will judge someday."
"......Hmph."
Rosalyn scoffed without enthusiasm at Frida's answer, which imitated her uncle.
There was one thing Frida could know for sure.
The reason why she started diligently doing all the things Rosalyn had extremely loathed until now.
Rosalyn wants to protect the Duchy. To ensure the Artena Duchy lasts for a long time, following in the footsteps of the Duke, who ruled this land wisely.
She is trying to follow her father's footsteps, no matter what.
"However, if you continue to work hard like this, you will surely be able to go to the Goddess's side."
"......The way you phrase that makes it sound like I'll be going soon."
"Ah, I apologize. That was not what I meant......."
Frida blushed and replied to Rosalyn's answer.
Rosalyn's look of disbelief turned toward Frida's face, making her feel even more embarrassed for no reason.
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......Is she being sarcastic?
I haven't done anything major in front of Frida, have I?
No, the major mistakes I've made from the start keep popping into my head.
Like breaking pottery and framing her, or insulting Frida's family.
As I stared intently at Frida, she blushed and hung her head low.
I tried to think if I had done anything to make her angry recently, but in the end, nothing came to mind, so I exhaled lightly and looked out the window again.
No, seriously, is it normal to feel this uncomfortable when I'm alone with my personal maid?
I can't just push her away suddenly after bringing her up to this point.
......Should I look into a suitable marriage partner and introduce her soon?
But I'm not even that close with nobles outside the Duchy. Besides, I'm a pretty good bride candidate myself, for that matter.
There are too many obstacles even when I try to do one thing.
I sighed deeply once more while watching the meadow flowing by outside the window.
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In 21st-century South Korea, basic training for infantry is mostly finished in a little over a month.
Of course, it takes longer to receive a position and take over more specialized matters, and one has to work for a year to be treated as a proper 'military force,' but still.
Since that's only possible after receiving all sorts of privileges of modern society, the 'basic military training' in this world would have to be several times longer.
"Hmm."
So, honestly, I was impressed with Erna for seeing them accomplish even this much.
The time I gave Erna was almost exactly a month. It was two weeks since I dragged the young ladies and dumped them next to Erna, and I gave them another two weeks there.
Was it effective that Erna hounded Leana, and Leana, along with Inge, hounded the other young ladies?
The posture of the lady knights on horseback could be called reasonably upright. Even while wearing proper armor, at that.
"I apologize, Your Excellency."
However, Erna, who was riding a horse next to me, said that to me.
"Apologize for what?"
"I have conducted the training, but...... I was only able to correct their walking and posture to some extent. There is still a long way to go."
Is that so.
Still, I think that much is excellent.
Erna herself hadn't gone through a proper course to become a knight, after all. Usually, a knight starts by following another knight as a squire, but Erna caught my eye and was fast-tracked to 'Vice-Captain of the Knight Order,' and then 'Captain of the Knight Order.'
It's fortunate that this Knight Order is treated as a decorative piece made by my own insistence; if it were treated as a proper, official Knight Order, I might have lost all the respect of the existing knights.
"......."
Thinking this far, I broke into a cold sweat for no reason.
Is it really okay to keep these guys?
Should I train them a little less? Maybe it's better to keep them as fake friends I drag around to relieve my stress.
......Huh? That sounds like a pretty good idea?
"Your Excellency?"
"This much is fine, Erna."
I replied.
And I held out my palm, facing up. Erna lowered her head slightly.
I tickled Erna's chin, as if scratching a puppy.
I feel a tiny bit of regret that Erna doesn't find that action strange. I wish she would feel a little more humiliated, if possible. Because I don't want a dog, I want a person who is treated like a dog.
Well, if I said that here, the human relationships I've painstakingly built would fly away.
"They already knew how to ride horses, and they say they learned swordsmanship in their own way at home since they are knights."
"Were they useful?"
"Except for Leana....... I think they have forgotten a lot in the meantime."
"Well, that's fine."
I rode my horse and approached the knights slowly, saying,
"At least it means they can ride horses. And they know how to swing a sword."
"That is correct."
"Then let's go outside for a bit today."
When I said that and turned around, Erna was looking at me with wide eyes.
"The Duchy's security is excellent. Especially since the Eichenorden periodically cleans up around the Duke's direct territory."
"In that case, Your Excellency. How far do you intend to go?"
"For now, the vicinity of the Lord's castle today. Erna, your Knight Order isn't exactly famous, is it?"
"That...... is true, but......."
"Let's take this opportunity to let people know your faces."
I said.
Yes. I can't just hide them. If I did that, I'd be misunderstood as trying to create my own secret unit.
Let's just reveal it all. Let them know how sloppy we are, how much of a show-piece we are.
And if something really important happens, I can just have those three Knight Orders do the work.
I looked at Erna's face, and her eyes were trembling slightly.
"Are you scared?"
I asked Erna.
"Yes? No, I am......."
"A person who is a Knight Captain shouldn't be scared of something like that."
I said.
Well, I understand.
Even commoners often evaluate other commoners as 'just a commoner.' It means they end up thinking, 'A commoner?' when looking at a commoner who has risen up there. Class is something engraved that deep in the bones.
The nobles looking at Erna will be like that, and perhaps the knights might think so too.
"Stand tall and ride your horse by my side. Do you understand?"
I said.
Yes. If possible, get laughed at.
It's saying, 'This Knight Order is a ragtag group anyway~ They aren't something you need to be afraid of~' So that no one cares even if I play with them a bit.
"Y-yes, I understand."
Erna straightened her back and squared her shoulders.
Hmm, the picture is good.
It would be perfect if she held the Knight Order flag in one hand.
It will be a very short and unimpressive procession for a 'Knight Order.'
I don't care if they curse behind my back. If it's the current Erna, I can somehow manipulate her with my words.
Come to think of it, the past me seems pretty amazing.
If I hadn't brought a commoner who knew nothing into the Knight Order, how could I do something like this?
Not knowing at all what I was thinking inside, Erna's expression looked a little brighter.