translator: mii
editor: ASplashofMusic, Sleepchaser
I head to the location with two escorts and Schwede, riding Shurio’s carriage. The cliff is definitely a little dangerous in such circumstances.
The roots of the trees growing on the top of the cliff are entwined within the soil and stone, like a sh. The whole thing looks like sothing that has only been fastened with a fine line, its collapse just waiting any mont now. It’ll be dangerous the next ti heavy rain ever falls around this area.
The cliff beside the road is around the combined height of two adults. Once it collapses, the road will definitely get blocked with debris. When that happens, carriages will no longer be able to pass through. And above all, if the cliff just happens to collapse when there’s a person passing by, that’ll be bad.
Before that happens, it’s better to take action now.
I draw so sketches of the location so that I can attach them to the report. Then I talk with the villagers, Schwede, and the escorts about my plan and the scope of the planned construction. I roughly summarize and write down the necessary materials and the number of personnel needed.
After this, I have to arrange the materials and the personnel as soon as possible so that they can co and repair and reinforce the road at a later date.
Just when we finish our preparations, the villager who guided us to the cliff brings us the lunch that he has prepared for us.
I’m starving since it’s past lunchti, so I gratefully thank him for the food.
The handmade sandwich with crushed potatoes, cured at that tastes like ham, and slightly sweet onions is very flavorful and delicious. I think I’ll rember this recipe so that I can make it next ti.
That blond will definitely like this sandwich. He likes at.
We all sit on the soft grass and eat. The weather is nice, the climate is warm, and the fresh verdure is beautiful. This feels almost like a picnic, and that thought makes this a little more fun.
Schwede squints his eyes to look at the distance and breaks into a gentle smile. As I follow his line of sight, I see a few villagers sitting at the edge of the wheat field, chatting in a friendly manner.
“Maybe it’s because it’s spring but… the villagers look to be in a very relaxed mood,” he says.
“Yeah. But since they’ll be getting busier and busier farming, they can only relax for a few weeks during this season.”
“My, is that so?”
“That’s right. It’s like a short spring break right now. Not only at school, but also for the villagers.”
He heaves a sigh. “Does that an the entire village is in the middle of spring break now? Now it makes sense that everyone is smiling.”
“After all, the holidays are sothing nice and fun.”
“You’re right.” Schwede laughs out loud. As he chews on his sandwich, he looks like he’s having fun. “Ah, but Fram-dono seems to be especially busy right now, doesn’t he?”
“Oh… he’s… For so reason, he’s always busy during spring. This year is particularly severe. Sotis, he even has to repair roofs from morning till night.”
“Roof repair? That sounds tough.”
“Yeah, really. It’s unusual for the village to have snow this year, so that might be the cause.”
“I see… Then, after a while, will he get less busy?”
“Hmm, I wonder about that… He told that since mid-April, he has to stay overnight at Gouda-san’s apple garden to help out. To grow a lot of apples, it’s necessary to facilitate the pollination process, pluck unnecessary flowers, and add fertilizer during this ti. Gouda-san’s apple garden is very large, so he always lacks manpower every year.”
“Stay overnight, huh? Is that for a couple of days?”
“No, more than that… He always stays there for around four days…”
“Four days. It looks like April is also going to be a busy month for Fram-dono.”
“Yes. By the end of the spring, his workload will lessen, but… Well, Alfred doesn’t seem to hate moving around so much like that. Aside from his crazy strength, he also has crazy stamina! I want him to share so of it with , you know.”
Schwede laughs, probably finding my words funny. He does it so happily that I’m infected by his laughter and chuckle.
After controlling his laughter, Schwede looks back at . He cocks his head to one side, looking like he wants to ask sothing. What is it?
“Schwede-sama?”
“Lian-dono, have you been with Fram-dono for a long ti?”
“H-huh?!”
Why is he asking that suddenly?!
Please stop asking unexpected questions without any warning. It’s hard for to answer them, and they’re bad for my heart.
“T-that…”
I glance at him and… Turns out he’s staring at , waiting for my response. He also has a smile on his face, as if urging to answer.
I… I have no choice but to open my mouth since I can’t get out of this situation without answering.
I reply, “I-it’s… If you’re asking how long, then… uh… maybe… around six years…”
Has it been that long since I first t him?
“Six years?”
“Y-yes, it should be that long. But even so, at first…. we didn’t get along well at all…”
“What?!” Schwede turns around, eyes widened. Surprised by his unexpected reaction, I also look back at him.
“You didn’t get along with each other at first? …I can’t believe it at all.”
What does he an by that? But well, I actually can’t believe it as well!
I should’ve had a bad relationship with him. It’s supposed to be an act, the ‘role’ that I have been given.
“Lian” is supposed to be Alfred’s rival who can’t get along with him or even stand his presence. It’s to the point that they fight every ti they et.
I’m supposed to act like that, but…
…I wonder what happened at so point for us to beco like this?
I still don’t understand it myself. Not even what triggered the change in the first place.
Nowadays, being with him feels like the most natural thing in this world. On the other hand, if I can’t et him at the place where I can usually et him at any ti and within an arm’s distance, I won’t be able to calm down… It’s like sothing is off. It’s a very weird feeling.
Sohow, things have beco his way—
“…We really can’t predict what will happen in the world.” I then pat away the bread crumbs on my hands and my clothes and stand up to end this uncomfortable conversation. “Now then, that’s all we can do for today. I’ll be returning to the mansion now.”
I also tell Shurio and the escorts my next destination. They nod with a smile and walk back to where they parked the carriage and their horses.
Schwede also brought his own horse. It’s a huge white horse, though its mane and eyes are the sa colors as that of its master.
…Sohow, he feels more like the protagonist than Alfred.
Actually, the ga players have talked about this before too. If Schwede were a prince, then he’d be so perfect that everyone will start to question his role.
I thank the villagers who prepared lunch for us again before heading for the carriage.
“Lian-dono,” Schwede calls out, causing to halt. I look back.
My eyes are focused on his face… But the emotions I see there confuse .
For so reason, I can’t glean any emotions from his smile.
It’s not the fun, happy smile from earlier. It’s also not a fake smile with no emotion behind it.
Although I can’t be too sure, his smile is similar to the kids’ smiles whenever they see off every ti I have to leave the church and go ho.
It’s not sadness, envy, or resignation. Rather, it’s almost like a mix of a little bit of everything.
I don’t know what he’s thinking right now. What happened?
“Schwede-sama…?”
“Lian-dono, regarding Fram-dono… do you love him?”
And now we’ve made up the last two weeks’ chapters, Don’t worry, this week’s chapter will be out in a couple days or less. Thanks for being patient, guys!
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