CH ss - 59

[Noelia: Engagement]

※Noelia’s POV

Linus-shishou…… I’m really sorry, despite being your disciple, I was not able to save you…

Even if you took me as a disciple only because my mother was your personal disciple, I will never forget your teachings for the rest of my life.

I will make it my mission to further study the magic knowledge you have taught me and pass it on to the next generation of mages, and I will devote myself to the spread of magic.

For a few days after Grandmother had me stay in my room, it has been my daily routine to talk to the late Linus-shishou.

My master, Linus-shishou, the number one magic researcher of the present age, has passed away.

And the collections and treatises in the Magic Research Institute, which was the kingdoms’ center of magic research, all has been taken away by Vigo; the valuable magic knowledge there now has been scattered and ultimately lost.

Then, there’s also the matter of ‘Superhuman Project’, which Gile said to be a project to overthrow the kingdom led by Linus-shishou; and I was told that opposition to magic research from the nobles of prime minister’s faction is getting stronger.

“Noelia-sama, Cassandra-sama has come to visit you.”

Suzana, who is waiting in the corner of the room, announces Grandmother’s visit to me, who is having a silent talk with the late Linus-shishou.

“Grandmother?” (Noelia)

“Are you still sobbing and saying your repentance to Linus as usual?” (Cassandra)

Grandmother have already opened the door and entered the room.

“I am not sobbing or anything. I am just resolving myself to inherit master’s will and do my best so that the light of magic research is not gone.” (Noelia)

“Oya, is that so. That’s good, then. I am thinking of having you explain the situation to Crown Prince Rodrick with Lloyd, you see. Just preparing for the audience already took me all my strength, you know.” (Cassandra)

Grandmother, who was usually so cheerful it didn’t suit her old age, have a pale, tired face, most likely due to the daily inquiries from other nobles and the fact that she has been exerting herself making all kinds of necessary arrangements.

“I apologize. I should have been the one working hard instead of Grandmother, but……” (Noelia)

“You are one of the people involved, so it can’t be helped. Well, everything’s mostly, already in order. Crown Prince Rodrick has also promised to listen our side of the story.” (Cassandra)

As expected, of Grandmother…

Even if he has a good relation with Father, Crown Prince Rodrick has been having busy days as someone who will become the next king; to think she could get an audience with him in just a few days.

Come to think of it, Henestrosas’ Witch— is what the nobles call her.

I am impressed with Grandmother’s capability to quickly get an audience with the next king.

“I understand. At the audience, I will explain the situation to Crown Prince Redrick by Father’s side.” (Noelia)

Although Father, who is rushing to the royal capital, has been informed about the situation to some extent, it is clear that Crown Prince Rodrick will have various questions for him.

At that time, I have to devote myself to helping him so that he doesn’t get stuck for answer.

If the audience between Father and Crown Prince Rodrick ends in a bad note, the responsibility would fall not only on my family but also on Frick-sama.

I must prevent that by all means……

Perhaps my determination is conveyed to Grandmother, as her wrinkled face loosen into a smile and she sits on the sofa.

“Well, let’s give the talk about the audience a rest here. The main reason for my visit today is to talk about Frick-dono.” (Cassandra)

“About Frick-sama!?” (Noelia)

I wonder if she wants to talk about his relationship with Alfine-sama who has changed her appearance…

Could it be that Grandmother is worried about his past, which I don’t know well, and has deemed him unsuitable as a grandson-in-law?

The anxiety that arose in my chest prevents me from looking directly at Grandmother’s eyes, making me avert my eyes away.

“Yeah, I received a lot of inquiries from the noble families who have learned about Frick-dono’s existence due to the incident this time, asking if he’s your fiancée, see. It’s troublesome to explain, so I said— Yes, he’s my granddaughter’s fiancée.” (Cassandra)

W-w-w-w-w-wha!? What did you say!?

Even if Grandmother, the matriarch, approve it, Father still hasn’t given his——

No, don’t we have to have Frick-sama be adopted by a suitable noble family first before marrying into our family!?

“Nh!?” (Noelia)

I let out a silent scream at the thoughts that abruptly popped up in my mind.

“None of the noble sons seem to have the backbone to be the son-in-law of the hero, after all. I can’t just stand and watch my granddaughter growing too old to get married. So, I have no choice but to ask Frick-dono to take you.” (Cassandra)

“Grandmother, please don’t go proceed with such an idea without the involved parties’ consent.” (Noelia)

The matter of King Frederick, his relationship with Alfine-sama, and the loss of his foster parents, Danton-sama and Philia-sama, must be wearing Frick-sama down.

If he were to find out that he is engaged with me without his consent at such time……

Anxiety makes my heart beats faster.

“Noelia, do you want to let Frick-dono die? A mere adventurer and Frontier Count’s son-in-law candidate. You know which one is easier to protect from political power, don’t you?” (Cassandra)

Grandmother’s words are correct.

It is overwhelmingly easier to protect someone who may succeed the frontier count family than an outstanding, yet commoner adventurer.

But this would be just to our convenience……

“However… what would Frick-sama say to this?” (Noelia

“Looks like my granddaughter is too ignorant of love. Even if Frick-dono has reunited with his childhood friend Alfine, by continuing to use the name Frick, he already showed that he has no intention of returning to the past, so to speak. In other words, he has decided to live on as Frick, the magic swordsman, as he had declared in front of you. So, he should have no problem with the engagement.” (Cassandra)

“Auu…” (Noelia)

Grandmother holds my hands as I’m getting dizzy about the talk of the engagement.

“Noelia, you just have to put your faith in Frick-dono. You can see by how he responded to Al-dono’s matter that he is a sincere person. Just put faith in his sincerity and wait, everything will be fine.” (Cassandra)

Hearing Grandmother’s words, the murky feelings that was born in my chest due to the reunion of Frick-sama and Al-sama clear up.

I just have to put faith in Frick-sama and support him.

Although it was the result of various things overlapping, to think I forgot about such a simple thing.

After squeezing Grandmother’s hands back, I raise my averted eyes.

“Grandmother’s advice. It has permeated into my heart. I’m fine now. I will conduct myself so as not to embarrass the Henestrosa’s name.” (Noelia)

“You’ve strengthened your resolve at last. That’s a good expression. Ah, also, I recommend you to make friends with Al-dono. You’ll be able to depend on her in various ways, then.” (Cassandra)

“Eh!?” (Noelia)

Having said that, Grandmother leaves the room while cackling.

“Al-sama and I, becoming friends!?” (Noelia)

At the mysterious words left by Grandmother, my mind is thrown into disorder again.

Grandma’s being a shipper, I likey.