We followed the same route and pace that Father and I took yesterday.
Grando Castle was a massive facility, half of it a stone tower and the other half a beautiful mansion made of brick and wood.
The stone part was apparently built over two hundred years ago. It was a fortress built by a border lord when this place was at the edge of the kingdom's territory. In the peaceful present, it exudes a solemn grandeur.
"Though it's collectively called 'Grando Castle,' the castle part is mostly for show. It's used for negotiating with merchants, special ceremonies, and parties. It serves as an exhibition hall to display authority to guests. The actual living quarters are in the 'mansion.'"
I see. That explains why it didn't feel like a place where people live.
When we stepped out the back door of the castle, the scenery opened up. It was a splendid garden. On the other side of the garden stood an elegant mansion. Near the mansion, there was a small bathhouse.
I see... I was looking down while walking yesterday, so I didn't realize the layout was like this.
The wooden part is the living space. It was built by Mrs. Rieu Rieu after she moved here, and it has water channels, wells, and a water supply system, as well as fireplaces and ventilation windows. It's safe, convenient, and comfortable.
While opening the door to the mansion, Mio explained:
"The first floor is the kitchen, bath management facilities, and the living quarters for the staff. Most of them live in, and some even live with their families. They work in shifts to guard the castle and take care of the master day and night."
"Wow..."
"The second floor is the private rooms for the earl's family. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in the private rooms, while lunch and dinner are served in the dining room on the first floor."
Come to think of it, last night's dinner was brought to me with the words, "We'll have it here today." I wonder what the dining room of Grando Castle looks like.
"Then there are the main guest rooms. Ordinary guests are handled in the 'castle,' but when a duke, a relative, or a particularly close friend visits, they are shown to these rooms."
"Is that so... Hey, then why was I taken to those rooms from the start?"
"Your father was dealt with in the castle."
I received a confusing response.
Thus, I walked around the entire mansion while receiving explanations. It was a very large and magnificent mansion, full of flowers and well-maintained.
The castle was also meticulously repaired, filled with a gentle cleanliness. The initial sense of oppression I felt from the outside turned into a feeling of reliability from the inside.
...It's wonderful. So different from Chalerran. Our house was also an old family home and spacious, but we couldn't afford the maintenance budget, and there were no housekeepers. I maintained it by myself, and the signs of wear and tear were noticeable.
I greeted everyone I met, from the maids other than Hanna and Ilza, to the head chef and the gardener. Some were friendly, while others seemed a bit awkward, but they all introduced themselves politely.
The tour, which started at the castle gate, ended back at the same gate.
There, I let out a gasp when I saw the gatekeeper. Was he on break earlier? I finally got to meet him again and called out to him before Mio.
"Mr. Thomas, I'm sorry for the trouble my father caused you yesterday."
He turned around and jumped in surprise.
"Madam, how do you know my name?"
Oh, Madam...
Well, I am the official fiancée, so it's not wrong. I didn't deny it and bowed again.
"I thought I heard you called that, but did I get it wrong?"
"It's correct! I didn't expect you to remember!"
"I'm glad. My name is Marie Chalerran. Mr. Thomas, could you please tell me your full name? I want to remember everyone's names since I'll be relying on you all."
"Ah... My full name is Divomov Thomas Tender. Haha, my real name is rare in the kingdom and hard to pronounce, so please call me Thomas by my middle name, Madam."
"...Divomov... Could it be named after the hero Divomov who developed Rhubarb Island?"
"!! You know!? I'm from Rhubarb!"
Thomas's mood lifted. He grabbed my shoulders with a big smile, almost hugging me. I thought, "Oh no," and suddenly Thomas was flipped over.
"Miss Marie is the master's fiancée. Do not touch her body frivolously."
Mio seemed to have used some technique. She was crouched behind Thomas, ready to strike. Thomas, still on the ground, apologized. If I helped him up, he would be scolded again. I held back and stepped away.
"Ah... I'm so happy. To hear about my hometown in the capital..."
It seemed his legs had given out, and he was kneeling, muttering.