Departure
Translated by Raizu
The boring winter had passed and spring arrived.
I visited the church with my mother, Rushieno, and greeted Reverend Rinel.
[I see. It’ll be lonely here, but encounters and partings are a part of life.]
[Thank you for teaching my son.]
Reverend Rinel and my mother talked amiably. Apparently he’s actually her uncle.
In other words, he’s my great uncle.
Reverend Rinel was born from a concubine. He was put into a monastery to avoid succession troubles.
But he wasn’t discouraged, and actually worked hard on his sacred duties to get to his position now… I think it’s a good thing.
Of course, it goes without saying that Reverend Rinel had the support of his parents, the Dolleine, and Lioncoeur family.
Aristocratic societies and religious societies are strongly connected societies.
[Varian-sama, you should be able to work as a civil officer in any noble household right now. Not only being able to read and write, you’ll be an able officer who is also well versed in arithmetic and medicine]
[Thank you very much. I won’t forget Reverend Rinel’s teaching and will continue to work hard.]
Hearing my answer, Rushieno covered her face, muttering [ohh, Varian, that is admirable] while sobbing. …..I guess the Varian before I entered the picture was a really irredeemable brat.
[I will write you a letter, please teach me more.]
[Yes, by all means, let’s complete the collection of fables.]
Reverend Rinel and I nodded to each other.
The “Collection of Fables” is stories that recount the teachings of the nine virtues in the style of old tales.
For example:
[Northern Wind and Sun] tells about tolerance
Among others.
Of course, they’re arranged in Amoros’ style.
This is a project that was started to pass on the teachings of the Sacred Heaven to those who are illiterate.
The story that Rinel authored himself had also been added to the collection. It tells of “Faithfulness” and is actually quite adult-oriented.
The book that compiled these stories was later called the Rinel Fables, and became known as the sermon instruction manual of the Sacred Heaven Church.
Much later, it was re-evaluated as a fairy tale, and Rinel left his name in history as a “man of literacy”.
========
When I returned home with Rushieno, the mansion was somewhat noisy.
They’re preparing to depart.
My father, Rudolph, noticed me and stopped me, saying, [Varian, come here for a minute].
[Yes, father. I went to greet Reverend Rinel with Mother just now.]
[Umu. Varian, this one’s for you]
When I looked, there was Rolo.
He was kneeling on his knees with his head down.
[Father, by ‘for me’ you mean…?]
[It’s just as I said. I give him to you. Do with him as you please.]
Rudolph left after saying that, returning to supervise the squires.
[What should I say…?]
When I muttered vaguely, Rolo raised his head and stood up.
[Varian-sama… I, I mean, this slave has consulted with Giroude-san…]
[Young Master, Rolo wants to follow you.]
Giroude said from behind me.
[Rolo consulted me, so I asked Master to make him a slave to Young Master.]
Giroude muttered [you can’t make children with Rolo] while giving me a wink.
[Is that so… but then Rolo will be separated from his family… is that okay?]
When I asked Rolo, he nodded strongly.
[I believe my sister wants to follow Young master, but she’s a woman…so, that’s why, I’ll follow you… Young Master, in her stead.]
Rolo spoke to me in a formal tone, which was probably unfamiliar to him. It’s probably the common sense between master and servant.
[Young Master, I need to tell you this… but once we return to Lioncoeur, I might have to get married and inherit my family estate. When that happens, I will no longer be stationed to serve Young Master. In that situation, please rely on Rolo.]
Jiro scratched his chin and said, [It’s been fun], with a manly smile.
[I had fun too, my friend.]
When I grinned, Giroude frowned.
[…..don’t be like that, Young master. You’re going to make me cry…]
Giroude raised his voice and started crying.
The people of Amoros Kingdom are so full of emotion.
Crying, laughing, getting angry.
Giroude’s tears were nothing to be ashamed of.
The surrounding squires approached us, wondering what happened.
[Everyone! I was told by Young Master that I am his, Varian’s friend! Nothing could make me happier than this!]
Giroude laughed while crying.
The squires also seemed to celebrate the occasion as well.
The relationship between the master and squire of the Amoros Kingdom is not forced, but voluntary.
Of course, the squires obey the lord as citizens, but it is not their duty as squires to accompany their master.
Many follow their masters in search of fame and wealth.
A strong and popular lord will have many squires.
The lord gives his squires a place of honor… in other words, a battlefield, and gives them wealth according to their work.
It is not uncommon for masters and squires to develop personal friendships among them.
And it was also a mutual honor.
Although Giroude was a squire of Varian’s father, Rudolph, he was still pleased with his friendship with Varian.
Giroude put Varian on his shoulders and shouted, [We’re friends!].
The people of Lioncoeur are seclusive and stubborn.
However, once they’ve been won over, they’re warm-hearted and have a strong sense of duty.
The bond between the Lioncoeurs is extremely strong, and through Giroude, Varian gains the companionship of the Lioncoeur.
========
The morning of departure had finally arrived.
Several carriages with two horses were prepared, one of which was a luxurious one with walls and a roof for the lord’s family to ride.
Each type has four wheels.
Several slaves boarded…or rather, they were loaded to the other carriages along with their luggage. They were completely handled like baggage.
Rolo was also among them.
[Varian, it’s time to get in the carriage.]
My brother Robel called out to me.
Robel himself was riding on a horseback instead of the carriage.
[Brother…alright.]
My brother urged me to get into the carriage.
I wanted to bid my farewell to Rona, but she didn’t show up.
…..Well, if we see each other it might be harder to say goodbye…..
My mother, Rushieno, was already sitting when I cut off my regrets and got into the carriage.
[Varian, traveling by carriage might be tough. Bear with it, alright?]
Rushieno encouraged me as I apparently looked brooding.
…..it’s just a carriage, right? Is she talking about something similar to carsick?
I didn’t take Rushieno’s words seriously and laughed it off, saying [I’ll be fine].
Rudolph’s voice saying [Depart!] could be heard coming from outside the carriage.
Under Rudolph’s command, four carriages and nine cavalrymen, including himself, began to move.
There were several large dogs running side by side. They are said to be carriage dogs.
Their role is keeping wild dogs and the likes away from the carriage.
Horse-drawn carriages accompanied by dogs have such a long history that they can be seen in Egyptian murals.
Gatan
The carriage shook violently, and a large impact was transmitted.
Rushieno muttered, [Ah, God].
[Mother, I’m fine. Please let me know if you feel unwell.]
[Varian… don’t push yourself too hard.]
The carriage shook again.
Rushieno closed her eyes tightly.
The scenery outside the window moved along.
I, who became Varian, spent only 8 months in the mansion, but I feel a little lonely leaving it now.
When I looked out the window to see the mansion for the last time, I saw Rona waving her hand.
[See you soon! Rona!]
I felt like Rona laughed happily when I raised my voice.
The carriage rattled and shook as the speed increased.
We will now head east. Aiming for the land of Lioncoeur, at the far end of the east.
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