"Welcome back, Arnolt-sama."
With that exchange with the guard knight, I entered the Amsberg Brave Duke Family's mansion. Once inside, a familiar butler appeared. The butler informed me that Erna and Anna were having a meal and, without even checking with them, started leading me to them.
This is usually how it goes when I visit.
It's so open, or something like that.
While thinking about this, I headed towards them.
"Oh? Isn't that Al? Welcome."
"Sorry to intrude, Anna-san."
Anna didn't seem surprised and greeted me with a warm smile. She then stood up and moved with Sebastian, probably to prepare some food and snacks for me.
I decided to take advantage of her kindness and sat down in the seat next to Erna.
"Al? What's wrong? I thought you were at a party today?"
"I left because it wasn't fun."
Saying that, I placed the wine I had brought.
It was a fine vintage from the castle, and it tasted great.
"Leaving at this hour... Did you leave before the Emperor retired?"
"It's fine. No one cares. The main stars are Leo and Lise."
"Always saying things like that..."
She's the same as always. She doesn't look down.
Still, I feel like something is different, and it's probably my fault.
I took two glasses and Erna tried to stop me.
"I don't drink, you know?"
"Do you not know how to keep company?"
"Hmm... just a little, then?"
I managed to get her to compromise, pouring a little into one glass and a good amount into the other. I handed the one with less to Erna.
A moment of silence followed.
Erna didn't say anything. She probably knows what I'm trying to say, but she doesn't rush me.
Grateful for this, I quietly bowed my head.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"...Krista's future was set no matter what. No matter what Erna did, Krista was going to be kidnapped. Still, I asked you to be her bodyguard. It was like belittling you..."
"Is that so? In the end, Rita was saved, right?"
"I thought you could do something with your strength. But... if I told you the future couldn't be changed, you might have hesitated. So I kept it a secret. I... deceived you. I'm sorry..."
But her words didn't seem to carry anger.
When I looked up, Erna was staring straight at me.
"Apologizing is an insult to me, Al."
"...But... you were a Guard Knight..."
"True, it was a dream. I worked hard to achieve it. I was raised to believe that becoming a Guard Knight and protecting the empire and the royal family was the Amsberg Brave Duke Family's mission and responsibility. So, I was happy when I became a Guard Knight. I even aimed to become the captain of the Guard Knights, and everyone thought it was a given. But, this incident has made that dream distant. But it's okay."
It was a smile that seemed to genuinely not care.
But I know how hard Erna worked to become a Guard Knight, to live up to the Amsberg Brave Duke Family's name.
Despite all that effort, Erna is just smiling without getting angry.
I would have preferred if she had been angry.
"Again with that face. I told you, my vow is more important than my honor. So, don't worry. I won't abandon Al. I acted according to my vow. It's not your responsibility. I knew the risks and acted according to my own responsibility. Don't take my responsibility for yourself. Besides, I was useful, right?"
"Good. Then it's fine. Princess Krista and Rita are safe. I was useful. So, I've won. If I must say, I wish I could have rescued them more gracefully."
Erna smiled playfully and picked up her glass of wine.
"Stop looking so gloomy. Why are you here? If it's just to apologize, you're done. Let's celebrate. My small victory."
Erna smiled triumphantly and raised her glass.
Seeing this, I couldn't be so gloomy.
I shook off my doubts and regrets and raised my glass. Erna called it a victory. Many would call it sour grapes. But I know it's a real victory.
We had to celebrate. My sword had won.
"To Erna's small victory."
"Yes, to my small victory."
We clinked our glasses and toasted.
Erna sipped her wine quietly, but I drank mine in one go and poured another.
"You'll regret drinking like that."
"It's fine. It's a toast, so it's polite to drink heartily."
"You sound like an adventurer. I don't mind, though."
At that moment, my hand paused.
I felt the urge to confess everything, driven by guilt.
But I held back and swallowed it along with the wine.
Revealing the secret now would be pointless. It would only burden Erna with unnecessary secrets.
I would have to tell her someday, but not now.
I've caused her enough trouble. I can't keep leaning on her.
"Erna... I'll definitely make Leo the Emperor."
"What's with that sudden declaration?"
"Maybe I'm a bit drunk..."
"Hehe, you're not that weak, are you?"
"Sometimes I am... If Leo becomes Emperor, he'll surely change the ridiculous tradition of imperial succession. While it might be effective in grooming future Emperors, the bloodshed is absurd. I believe he'll find a better way."
I want to live freely, adventure freely, and die freely. That's my life plan.
That's why I'm pushing for Leo to become Emperor.
But as long as this absurd tradition continues, my life plan won't come to fruition.
Even if I survive and win, if I have children, they'll be caught in the imperial succession struggle.
I can accept being involved in the struggle, but it's different for Krista and the many royal children to be born.
Being dragged into a struggle they didn't seek is too unjust.
"Is that so? It's been this way for a long time. Producing good successors is the royal family's mission. If a foolish Emperor emerges, more blood will be shed in the imperial succession struggle than in the empire. And that blood will be the people's."
"I understand. It's selfish, I know. As a royal, I can't escape my duties. I know that's the price. But... if I accepted it, nothing would change. I believe many royals felt the same way. Yet, no one did anything. Hoping for a better future won't change anything."
"Then what if you became Emperor?"
"Don't be ridiculous... I think the tradition is both absurd and effective. If faced with a practical decision, I would probably choose to keep the tradition. That's why I'm making Leo the Emperor."
"What if Leo makes the same decision?"
"Leo won't. He's different from me. He looks for ideal and effective solutions rather than practical ones."
Hearing this, Erna laughed and raised her glass to me.
"Yes, I think so too. Leo has something that inspires hope. That's why many people support him."
"Feeling smug about your brother's praise?"
We quickly finished a bottle while chatting.
When we thought about getting more wine, Anna and Sebastian returned with a group of guests.
Krista and Rita, led by Anna, hugged Erna.
"Princess Krista and Rita... Why are you here?"
Lise-nee approached Erna.
Surprised by Lise-nee's presence, Erna hurriedly stood up.
"Princess Liselotte!? It's been so long!"
"Yes, it has. Don't be so formal. I came to thank you. For protecting Krista and her friend. I'm grateful. Thank you."
"Don't be modest. I hear you've also helped Al and Leo. No amount of thanks is enough."
"Big sister, I haven't caused that much trouble for Erna, you know."
Saying this, Leo arrived with a lot of wine and snacks in his hands.
He must have been made to carry them. Poor guy, being the main guest.
"Phew... Is this enough?"
"Both main guests have left... Father will be angry."
"Father has already retired, and it's Lise-nee's idea. I can't go against her."
"You were missing. A party should celebrate the heroes."
"For that reason... But how did you know I was here?"
I thought Leo had figured it out, but he shook his head and looked behind him.
There was Fine in a blue dress.
"Fine said you'd be with Erna. So, we came. Lise-nee also wanted to thank Erna, so it worked out."
"Yes. I thought you'd be with Erna, Al-sama."
I didn't expect anyone other than Sebastian to figure it out.
Even Leo didn't know, so she's impressive. She's definitely a match for Leo. Or maybe I was just obvious today.
Everyone found a place to sit.
Fine sat next to me, and Leo sat near Rita and Krista to take care of them.
Lise-nee sat next to Erna and started a deep conversation about swordsmanship, forgetting about the thanks.
"Nice to meet you, Amsberg Brave Duke's wife. I am Jürgen von Rheinfeld."
"Oh, nice to meet you. I've heard about you. Duke Rheinfeld, you seem to have a wide range of interests?"
"That's embarrassing. Actually, recently, we've discovered a high-quality mineral in our territory, perfect for making armor."
"How interesting. My husband is away, but I can listen on his behalf?"
Jürgen, who had casually joined, started a business discussion with Anna.
He's definitely suited for business. His opportunistic nature is a shame for a warrior.
"Al-sama... Did I intrude?"
"...No, I'm glad you came."
Maybe it was the wine, or maybe she was feeling lonely somewhere in her heart.
She looked very attractive.
So, I decided to say what came to mind.
"I couldn't say it at the party... That dress suits you very well. You look beautiful."
Fine blushed but smiled happily.
After that, we enjoyed a pleasant time.
I thought parties were boring, but that small party was very enjoyable.
Finally, a new beginning.