The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 138

Chapter 138: The Guard Knight’s Leave Request

These days, there was a constant flow of people and horse-drawn carriages between the capital of Oldrand, Soarasonne, and Enkar Village. Today, Alexis’s bodyguard, August, was among them.

Unusually, he was accompanied by another man dressed in the same knight’s uniform.

“It’s a relief that the ground has finally solidified. It really takes a toll on your waist when the road is muddy. Although, it’s much better than a snowy road.”

“Fufu, it’s been nearly three days since we left Soarasonne. You must be tired. How about you, knight?”

“My name is Theodor, Duchess. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“I remember you coming here with the Duke previously. Nice to meet you, Theodor.”

“It’s an honor that you remember me.”

He didn’t speak much last time, and he wasn’t formally introduced. But I recognized him, the middle-aged knight with a large scar on his face. He was one of the knights who accompanied Alexis on his first visit to Enkar Village.

“Cedric, the Duke has granted permission for that matter.”

“Ah, I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“…To think there would come a day when you apologize to me. You’ve become so mellow. It’s both joyful and a little sad.”

Cedric tried to kick August’s shin, but August nimbly dodged. They are cousins, but it’s hard to tell if they are close or not, given their constant banter.

It’s rather heartwarming to see Cedric, who is usually rigid and barely breaks his courteous demeanor even in front of Melfina, relax in front of August and Julius.

“Lady Melfina, Theodor’s visit was at my request. It might be an after-the-fact approval due to delays, but I’d actually like to request some time off.”

“Oh, my! Of course, you may. I’ve been wondering how to handle it, as Cedric never asks for time off.”

With the addition of the administrator and government officials, Marie’s workload has been reduced to some extent. However, Cedric remains the primary force protecting Melfina.

Even though Melfina told him to feel free to go as he pleased when she was in her room on days off, Cedric wouldn’t leave the mansion. He would even practice his knightly skills at night after Melfina went to bed.

Even though he’s young and energetic, I was worried he might break down if he kept this up.

“Theodor is here to fill in for you during your absence, then?”

“Yes. It’s presumptuous of me, but I’d be grateful if I could take about ten days off. It would have been ideal to take it during winter or, at least, the rainy season, but it was difficult to adjust the schedule. I apologize for overlapping with such a busy time.”

“Don’t worry about it. In fact, I think we should establish a system where you can take regular breaks.”

“No, that’s alright. Taking leave this time will be my last.”

Cedric’s firm declaration made me worry even more.

Cedric is very serious, and he would never lie, at least not to Melfina. He really seems intent on working without rest from now on.

“If Cedric doesn’t take time off, I can’t relax either. We’re busy now, but once the management of the territory is established, I intend to live a leisurely life like a pleasure-seeking noble.”

After all, Melfina’s goal is to live peacefully. She doesn’t even desire to become a skilled lord who works hard.

A reasonably wealthy, peaceful, and tranquil slow life, it’s perfect.

I genuinely believe that, yet I find myself receiving strange, lukewarm smiles from everyone in the office.

“Lady Melfina, if you truly wish to live a leisurely life, couldn’t you do so even now?”

“I’m not prepared enough yet. If I laze around from the start, I wouldn’t be able to handle things if something happened.”

It’s the ant and the grasshopper, as they say in the past world. The grasshopper can enjoy itself in winter because the ant worked diligently during other seasons.

“You think about it so seriously. I don’t think you’re really cut out for a leisurely life.”

“No, I will eventually slow down, make matching dresses with Marie, go shopping in town, and spend all day lying in bed reading books.”

It’s a genuine hope for my future, but it seems to be lost on everyone present.

I clear my throat, hoping to gain their attention.

“So, Cedric, how will you spend your time off?”

“I will go to Soarasonne.”

“…It takes six days to travel there and back. Isn’t it a waste to spend half of your vacation on travel?”

He will probably visit the Duke’s family and the Knights Order, so his actual break will be one or two days.

“Maybe it’s because of Theodor’s schedule, but why don’t you take twenty days, or even a whole month?”

“Lady Melfina, don’t say such unkind things. He’s probably thinking he doesn’t even want to leave your side for a single day.”

As soon as those words left my lips, a pained cry, “Ouch!”, filled the air. It seems he finally landed a hit on his shin.

“I apologize for the unpleasant noise.”

“No, that’s fine, but…Don’t go overboard, Cedric.”

“This man’s banter is incurable, he’s worse than a dog, so don’t mind him.”

I laugh at Cedric’s serious tone, then glance at Marie.

“I’m fine with not taking time off. I’ve been enjoying myself immensely. In fact, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to relax outside the lord’s mansion.”

“Marie, you’re also a workaholic, huh…”

“No, it’s just that the food at the lord’s mansion is too delicious. To be honest, I don’t think I could ever live comfortably elsewhere.”

She said it with a serious expression, and after a moment of silence, we all burst into laughter.

“The reputation of the dishes served at the lord’s mansion is famous among the knights. I’m embarrassed to say this because I’m working here, but I’m actually looking forward to them.”

“Oh, in that case, we’ll serve a special ale tonight to celebrate Theodor’s arrival.”

“Wow, I’m looking forward to it!”

August’s excited voice drew a cold stare from Cedric.

“August, your work is done. We’re leaving at noon.”

“What? You’re leaving already!?”

“After giving Theodor the handover, of course, but it shouldn’t take more than an hour. I don’t want to waste time.”

“There’s also the preparation for departure. Wouldn’t it be better to leave tomorrow?”

Cedric’s response was a simple, “No.”

August looked at me pleadingly, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“If Cedric wants to leave, I can’t stop him, but…Ah!”

The sound of raindrops hitting the stone wall caught my attention. Looking out the window, with the shutters wide open, I saw raindrops falling.

Even though the rainy season is almost over, the weather is still unstable. It’s raining again, as if to remind us.

“Traveling in the rain is difficult. Why don’t we leave tomorrow? Cedric?”

“…If that’s what Lady Melfina wishes.”

Cedric reluctantly agrees, and behind him, his cousin throws a fist in the air, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

“Let’s have a feast tonight. I’ll make a special dish for once.”

Everyone is laughing, a very cheerful atmosphere.

What would have happened if Cedric had left as planned?

Much later, Melfina would often ponder this question.