Fina-san moved close to Sue and gently took her hand.
“Sue-oneesama, Father and Mother are waiting. Let’s go quickly!”
“Fina, I understand. There’s no need to rush so much.”
Unable to contain her excitement, Fina pulled Sue along, her steps light and eager. Sue could only smile wryly at Fina’s high energy as she followed.
We walked behind the two of them, and soon the entrance hall came into view. There, dressed in fine noble attire, stood a dignified couple. There was no mistaking it—they were the Lord of the Northern Frontier and his wife.
“It has been a while, Margrave-sama, Madam.”
“I’m glad to see you well, Sue. And these must be Shun and the others. Welcome.”
“You must be tired from your long journey. Please come with us to the drawing room.”
“““Yes!”””
The Margrave and his wife welcomed us with warm, cheerful smiles. Once we were shown into the reception room, a steward brought something out and set it before us.
“““Ah, peaches!”””
“Oh? You recognize the specialty of my domain?”
“““Yes! They’re really sweet and delicious!”””
“Haha, I’m glad to hear it.”
The Margrave listened to Shiro and the others’ enthusiastic replies with a broad grin.
It was only natural—having the pride of one’s land praised would make anyone smile. The lady of the house, too, watched fondly as Shiro and the others ate the peaches with obvious delight.
Since they were so absorbed in the fruit, I decided it best to take care of business first.
“My lord, I’ve brought a letter entrusted to me by the Lord of the Eastern Frontier.”
“I appreciate you carrying it all this way. Let me see.”
I handed over the letter I had been entrusted with by the Lord of the Eastern Frontier. The Northern Margrave chuckled, clearly amused.
“Hahaha, I’ve heard tales of your great exploits in the Eastern Frontier. I was told the rough details, but I didn’t realize it went quite that far.”
“Uh-, now I’m really curious what’s written in that letter…”
“I’m afraid I can’t show you, though.”
That only made me more curious. Knowing the Eastern Margrave’s serious nature, I doubted he would have written anything strange. Well, that’s what I think.
The Northern Margrave then turned his gaze towards Sue.
“By the way, I heard you also performed admirably in the baron’s lands. Something about fending off four bandits all on your own?”
“Y-you know about that too?”
“I had word from the Eastern Frontier. You’ve grown quite formidable, Sue.”
“Sue-oneesama, that’s amazing!”
“Uh-…”
Just like in the Viscount’s territory, Sue’s fight against the bandits had become the topic of conversation again. Fina-san was absolutely thrilled, while Sue herself looked utterly embarrassed.
“Lately, Fina has even made her debut as an adventurer. She’s been making a name for herself in town.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yes. In whatever form it takes, fostering ties with the townsfolk is an important duty for the frontier house you see.”
The lady of the manor said with a smile.
“Sue-oneesama, let’s take on a quest together sometime!”
“Yes, I’ll look forward to it.”
With Fina-san’s boundless energy, she surely had a guardian accompanying her, but as the lady had said, it was a fine way to build bonds with the people.
It looked like I’d be teaming up with Fina-san for a quest before long.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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