The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 98

Chapter 98: The Duke’s Knight’s Request

“Lady Melfina, it’s been a while. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to see me.”

After performing a respectful and formal knight’s bow, August smiled widely. Melfina, thinking that he was as charming as ever, returned the smile.

“It’s been a little while, August. Have you been well?”

“Well, it’s been quite a busy winter, even more so this year with the increase in monster appearances. I’m looking forward to spring, sincerely.”

“Oh dear… Has the damage increased compared to previous years?”

“Yes, indeed. The famine has weakened people, and I would estimate the increase to be around twenty percent. Many villages and towns are struggling, so if we don’t act quickly, it could lead to a disruption in public order. The duke’s family is dealing with this with a certain level of tension.”

Disruptions in public order can lead to disruptions in security. It’s a headache for those managing the land when a trend develops where people abandon their farms in impoverished rural areas and flee to the cities.

I invited him to the kitchen, which I had shown him before, rather than the reception room, and had Ed prepare some tea. Although the coldest period was ending, it was still chilly outside. August sipped the steaming tea and sighed with relief.

“The ale from the Enkar region is superb, but the tea is also quite good. There are many warm rooms here.”

“The kitchen is especially warm. It’s the warmest place in the lord’s residence.”

Traveling in winter is difficult enough. August appeared nonchalant, but he must have been quite cold.

“Have you had lunch yet? If not, there’s some pie left, although it’s just leftovers.”

“That’s kind of you, but isn’t this treatment a bit too generous?”

“We’ve received so much fish that we can’t eat it all at the residence, and there’s not enough to send to the barracks. I was wondering what to do with it. This is just perfect.”

“That’s a nice perk.”

It’s not uncommon in this world to have conversations while serving light meals, but among the nobility, it’s more typical to just serve tea due to issues of etiquette and manners. August, who seemed uninterested in such formalities, ate the leftover pie that Ed had prepared with evident enjoyment.

“I expected something cold since it’s leftovers from lunch, but I’m glad it’s warm.”

“The pie loses its crispiness, but you can reheat it by putting a small amount of water in a pan, covering it, and heating it for a bit.”

“No, it’s moist, and the crumbs don’t fall off easily. I like it.”

It didn’t seem to be mere polite talk; August ate heartily as Ed warmed up additional pie, and Melfina tilted her cup while keeping an eye on them.

“We’ve had some monster appearances here as well. You’ve heard about it, haven’t you?”

“We received reports from the knights stationed here. Since we also have soldiers and mages from the Ivory Tower staying with us, we weren’t too worried.”

The knights and soldiers were staying in the Enkar region under the pretext of protecting Serleine. It’s only natural that the duke’s family would be informed if something happened. Given when August arrived, he likely left Soarassonne as soon as the reports came in.

“I was thinking that since we used them for monster extermination, we should thank and apologize to the duke’s family. How do you usually send apologies and thanks in the northern regions?”

“For neighboring territories, a letter of thanks and a small piece of jewelry are common. But for someone in your position, Lady Melfina, a letter of thanks alone would be sufficient. Adding jewelry can sometimes seem overly formal and even impolite.”

It’s not just formal; the duke’s family would prefer to avoid creating any further obligations if possible.

However, the reassurance the soldiers’ presence provided to the villagers must have been significant.

“Then I will write a letter of thanks. Did you come this time to confirm that and for inspection?”

“That’s part of it, but I also have a personal request to make of you, Lady Melfina.”

“A request?”

August had shown up suddenly to request a meal before, which Cedric had always reacted to with a sour expression, though it had undeniably strengthened the relationship with the duke’s family.

But this was the first time Melfina was asked directly for a “favor” like this.

“The earlier discussion about the increased monster appearances is related to this. The duke has been continuously going out on extermination missions and is quite exhausted. He will be inspecting a nearby town, so if possible, could he stay at the lord’s residence for a few days?”

“If you’re talking about a town, doesn’t the duke’s family have a residence there?”

“Your Excellency maintains a strict demeanor in public, but when he stayed here at the beginning of winter, he seemed unusually relaxed, so I suppose this is just a bit of personal meddling on my part.”

“Well…”

Melfina placed her hand on her cheek and considered the request.

August didn’t seem to have high expectations that Melfina would agree, as if he was just trying his luck.

“You know, I can only offer the same hospitality as before, right? Since we are also hosting Prince Serleine, you might want to check on him as well, and I have some things I’d like to discuss with the duke, so it’s fine with me.”

“Really? That’s wonderful!”

Seeing the knight’s chair squeak as he reacted with surprise, Melfina smiled.

“If it were not possible, I would tell you clearly. Once you’ve set the dates, please send a messenger. I’ll make sure to have freshly baked bread ready this time.”

“Thank you so much!”

Although August often displayed a nonchalant and unconventional attitude as a knight, he seemed genuinely grateful this time.

Monsters are said to dwell in the Moltre Forest, but they rarely come near human settlements. Yet monsters had appeared in such a place. Alexis, who usually patrols areas constantly threatened by monsters, must find little time for rest while dealing with the cycle of exterminating monsters throughout the vast northern regions.

“This may be an impolite question, but does the duke himself need to go out on these extermination missions?”

The Oldrand territory is vast, with several large cities. While he can’t possibly visit every single place, the number of major cities and the villages and towns he must visit in between must be considerable.

Especially in winter, with poor transportation and the added difficulty of moving around, it must be even more challenging.

“Most of the exterminations are carried out by knights and soldiers. The duke personally handles only the Pluina and its followers. The main reason he travels to various places is to reassure the people that their land is protected by their lord.”

Winter is a harsh time in the northern regions, with the cold compounding the difficulties. After a monster appearance, anxiety inevitably spreads, August continued with a slightly serious expression.

“I think it’s similar to how the people feel reassured and motivated when you, Lady Melfina, visit the villages.”

Nodding at Cedric’s words, Melfina understood the sentiment.

When Melfina appears in Enkar Village or Melto Village, the people always show visible relief. It seems that knowing their leaders are concerned about them provides more reassurance than one might expect.

After seeing August off as he announced he would return to Soarassonne, Melfina sighed.

— The weather has been nice lately. Perhaps I’ll visit with Serleine and Felice while we’re out for a walk.

Though winter tends to keep one indoors, getting some sunlight is beneficial for both the mind and body.

August’s request was unexpected, but it was true that she had matters to discuss with Alexis. With the visit confirmed, she felt a sense of resolution.

She had been feeling down lately, contemplating various things, but her mood had lifted slightly.

“For now, I should write a letter of thanks to the duke.”

With that, Melfina stood up.

In the office, Melfina managed to compose the letter of thanks without much difficulty. However, she spent about an hour deliberating over whether to include the phrase, “If you’re in the area, please also stop by here.”