After visiting the baby, we were summoned for a brief conversation with the Margrave.
We gathered inside his study, where Fina-san’s older brother is also working beside him. Both of them seemed noticeably brighter than usual—there is this new lightness in the air, the kind that only new life can bring.
We took our seats on the sofa while the Margrave spoke, his tone both proud and amused.
“Fina isn’t the only one who’s changed. My son has truly started acting like a father. He’s been working harder than ever.”
Fina-san’s brother smiled sheepishly but with genuine warmth.
“Having a child really changes you. For the first time, I feel what it means to be a father. It makes me want to give my all—for his sake.”
The conversation began with talk on Fina-san’s older brother.
Ever since seeing his newborn child with his own eyes, he seemed newly motivated. Just like Fina-san, her brother had been deeply affected by Arthur’s birth—both in the best possible way of course.
But after a little more cheerful talk about the baby, the Margrave cleared his throat, signaling a shift in topic.
“Alright. Now, to commemorate Arthur’s birth, I’ve decided to increase the prize money for the upcoming martial arts tournament. We can’t exactly change the entry requirements, but a little more excitement wouldn’t hurt, don’t you think?”
““““Whoa!””””
…So even the main topic was still about Arthur, huh?
Still, it made sense—bigger prizes would definitely make the tournament more appealing.
Fina-san and the others cheered happily, though in truth, the only one among us actually planning to compete was Ao.
With more participants, the surrounding shops and streets would surely come alive as well.
“Furthermore, we’ve decided to allocate additional funds to support the martial arts tournament.”
He took a sip of his tea, looking quite satisfied with himself.
“Of course, the projected increase in revenue should cover the expenses through the corresponding rise in tax income.”
So even though the budget was being expanded, he already had a plan in place to recover the costs. As expected of him—calculated and shrewd as ever.
“We’ve already announced the birth of our grandchild to the town and thanks in part to Fina, the news has been received very warmly.”
“Thanks to me?”
Fina-san tilted her head in surprise.
“That’s right. You’ve always been proactive in building relationships with the townsfolk. Because of that, there are many who hold goodwill toward the frontier family.”
“I see… I’m happy to know I’ve been of help.”
To tell the truth, ever since baby Arthur was born, we hadn’t set foot outside the estate, so we had no idea how the town was faring.
We’d stayed close by in case anything happened to Fina’s sister-in-law or the newborn, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
But now that three days had passed since the birth and both mother and child were doing well, it was finally deemed safe for us to leave. After lunch, we planned to go gather medicinal herbs. It would also be a good chance to see how people in town were reacting to the news.
“The next matter concerns the martial arts tournament. Shiro and the others will, of course, be participating in the main event—but Shun and Sue, I’d like the two of you to remain on standby as part of the medical support team.”
He leaned back slightly in his chair before adding,
“We’ll treat it as a formal, designated request. Naturally, Shiro and the others are free to assist with treatment as well whenever they have downtime between matches.”
“Understood. I’ll do my very best.”
I said firmly.
“I’ll do my utmost to provide treatment as well.”
Sue added with her usual calm grace.
“I’ll help too!” Shiro also added enthusiastically.
“Me too!” said Fran.
“Me too!” echoed Horn, puffing up proudly.
Everyone is ready to lend a hand. Honestly, I half expected to be assigned to the cooking team again, so being placed on the medical team came as a pleasant surprise.
It had been a while since I worked as a healer—I am now looking forward to it.
“Fina, you have an important role as well.”
“My wife won’t be able to take part in the tournament this year. Well, childcare takes priority after all. So, I need you to stand in for her.”
“Yes! I’ll do my best in sister-in-law’s place!”
Fina-san straightened up, cheeks flushed with determination, her hands balled into little fists of resolve. Her eagerness was infectious, and even the Margrave let out a soft chuckle of pride.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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