9

A month had nearly passed since the princess’s arranged meeting.

A single letter arrived at the feet of Eld’s father, Edgar.

Hmm…

Edgar finished reading it, then stared at the letter on the table, rubbing the crease between his brows.

The sender was Eld—my own son.

What’d the letter from Eld say, huh?

"Mother"

Eld’s mother, Missy, set down a cup before Edgar and leaned over the letter spread across the table, Eld slung over her back.

Eld didn’t know how to respond—so he just handed the letter over to be read.

"Eld, you still can't write worth a damn."

Muttering something like that, Mishie went on reading the letter.

And in that cheerful grin, confusion slowly began to creep in. By the time he finished reading, Eld’s brows were knotted just like Edgar’s had been.

“Eld dear, still got that wild imagination of yours, huh?”

“No, not really… I don’t think so…”

He remembered Eld’s childhood—odd things he’d done, yes, but mostly grounded in reality. He’d always been the practical one, even as a kid.

Ever since he was small, he’d shown a gift for magic—finding Armunale, fixing it himself, driving back mercenaries single-handedly. Then, one day, he’d just thought, *Why not*—and negotiated with the knightly order, winning a recommendation to the academy all on his own.

Thinking back, he chuckled. *My own kid, doing something utterly ridiculous.*

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, just remembering how that kid acted… makes me think the letter’s not so far-fetched after all.”

“Ah, I see.”

The letter that had left the two of them utterly bewildered—well, it was just Eld’s report on his latest doings.

After making a splash in his first battle, he caught the King’s eye and was picked as Guard Knight to the Second Princess. At the same time, he started leading the Armunale unit.

He’d taken his personal Armunale and twisted it into something utterly grotesque—no longer even recognizable as a machine.

On his first mission outside the capital, he ran into enemy forces, fought them off, and then—on the Second Princess’s orders—wiped out enemy units along the border in one go.

He’d destroyed so many Armunales that you couldn’t count them on one hand. Even the enemy’s new weapons? Hundreds of them—gone.

He and his squad stormed a base that’d been seized, took it back with just two machines, and then made it back to the capital safe and sound. In the end, his actions were recognized. He was elevated to noble status, bought a house in the capital, and wrote it all down in the letter—page after page.

And he said he wanted me to come to the capital to have the wedding with Ange—already paid the merchants, arranged a carriage for me, apparently.

Now that I think about it, the merchant caravan arriving today had two more carriages than usual. That’s why the village was buzzing louder than normal.

“Lots of things I want to ask him, but the biggest one’s the wedding with Ange, that’s for sure.”

“Hmm, if a letter came to us, I bet the village head got one too.”

“Let’s go check at the village head’s place.”

“Yeah.”

They headed off with Emi in tow, toward the village head’s house.

The village head welcomed them right away, leading them into the sitting room.

“Both of you, just in time—perfect timing.”

“Did a letter come from my son to your place too?”

"Yeah, along with Ange’s. Seems like quite the mess, doesn’t it?"

"To be honest, I can’t tell what’s true and what’s not from my son’s letter alone."

"Ah, well, that’s to be expected."

The village chief chuckled, passing Ange’s letter to the two of them to read.

In the meantime, he double-checked Eld’s letter to his parents. Seeing both accounts matched up, he finally let it sink in—this was real.

"What in the world is he up to…?"

"He’s doing his duty as a knight, that’s what."

"Is he really? Reading his letter, he sounds like he’s doing whatever he pleases…"

"True, he’s having fun. And that’s not a bad thing—enjoying your work is a good thing. But more importantly, about marriage. I’ve received a letter from Eld, too—asking me to come to the capital."

It was a letter—normally, I’d have to go myself and tell Ange I wanted to marry her. But because of the princess’s house arrest, I can’t leave the capital. And with the whole village fussing over becoming nobility, if I wait any longer, we might not be able to have a proper wedding at all. So, I’m asking for your approval after the fact… I’m sorry about that.

“I’ve always supported Ange and Eld’s marriage, both as a person and as a wife. So, I’m thinking of accepting the invitation and coming to the capital. What about you two?”

“Thank you.”

“Since the village chief said it so kindly, we have nothing to add. Getting to marry Ange—what a blessing.”

“I never thought in a million years Ange would become a noble’s wife. You never know what’ll happen in this world, do you?”

“Really.”

And so it was decided—two families would journey from the border village to the capital city.

“Capital’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Mm. Emi-chan, this is the capital.”

“Still so big. You’d never see this from the village, not unless you left.”

Eld’s parents, who’d lived in the capital, and the mayor, who’d come to the capital before to train as a pilot, squinted at the sight after so long.

“This is the capital… Ange lives here, huh?”

Ange’s mother, seeing the capital for the first time, looked a little uneasy.

As for the children—Emi had her eyes wide at the massive wall, while Enge was fast asleep in her mother’s arms, breathing softly.

One month since they’d received the letter. And now they’d arrived in the capital, riding with the merchants.

Six people in total—Eld’s parents and younger sister, and Ange’s parents’ younger brother. Ange’s family still had her great-grandfather alive, but he’d politely declined the long journey by carriage, saying it would be too much for him.

“Mr. Edgar, I’ll show you to the mansion.”

“Sorry about that.”

We rode in the merchant’s carriage straight into the capital.

Compared to when Edgar and the others had last been in the city, the change was striking.

The streets were paved with smooth stone, and the houses lining them looked fresh and new.

As we neared the noble district, familiar grand estates appeared—just like the ones I remembered from years ago. Seeing one of them might be Eld’s home made me feel odd, somehow.

“What’s Eld’s family house like, do you think?”

“Even if they’re nobles, they’re newly made, and the title doesn’t pass down. So probably not too fancy.”

But still, they’ve gotta keep up appearances, don’t they?

I wonder if they get along with the neighbors?

We mutter our thoughts as we move forward, and soon the house we’re looking for comes into view.

The roof’s painted blue, and the walls—pure white, freshly painted—catch the eye.

The garden’s still small, trees just sprouting, flowers barely showing. But the neatness tells you they’re planning to grow things slowly, little by little.

Smaller than the other manor houses, yes—but still five times bigger than a commoner’s home.

“This is Eld’s place?”

“Looks like a pain to clean.”

“Milishe, isn’t that the servants’ job?”

“Servants… get along with the neighbors, I wonder?”

“Louis, maybe you should trust Ange a bit more?”

The carriage rolls straight through the gate, winds through the garden, and stops in front of the manor house.

The maid, waiting right on cue, swings open the carriage door.

“Welcome, welcome.”

“Ah—yeah. Thank you.”

Even though we’d lived in the capital, Edgar and I were still just common folk.

We’d never been treated so politely by a servant before—so naturally, we ended up replying in stiff, formal speech.

Hearing the maid announce our arrival, me and Ange bolt through the house.

And when we push open the door, there’s Dad—stiff as a board, jaw clenched tight, face twitching.

Behind him, Mom’s smiling her usual bright smile, and the village headman’s got that gentle, kind look on his face. And just behind him, peeking out shyly—Ange’s mother.

The little brothers are tucked under Mom’s arms, eyes darting around, wide as saucers. Probably never seen a mansion before. Not like anything you’d see in the village—definitely not.

"Father, Mother, you're here!"

"Thank you so much for coming, Papa!"

Ange burst with joy and launched herself at the mayor.

The mayor caught her, startled but smiling, ruffling her hair.

"Sorry for the sudden invite. We’ve been swamped, you know."

"Nah, I got the gist from your letter. Still can’t believe it—Eld, a noble?"

"Well, it’s only for one generation. No need to sweat it. Now, come on in."

I said, shoving at Ange, who was still tugging at my sleeve, and we guided our family inside the manor.

Normally, this kind of thing would be the servants’ job. But right now, only six people work at my estate. Compared to the size of the place? Barely enough hands to keep the dust off the floor.

Thanks to that, we’re able to greet you in person like this—well, let’s count it a lucky break this time. Still, if we don’t get servants sorted out soon, the estate won’t last much longer…

Thinking that, I guided my parents to the sitting room and asked the maid to prepare tea.

Once everyone was seated, I took the lead.

“First, Village Chief—apologies for the bold request.”

I’d have liked to play the part of the noble who swoops in and says, “Give me your daughter,” if I could. But I can’t leave the capital. And just last week, I’d barely finished the award ceremony—then, the very next day, marriage proposals started pouring in.

At least they’re all minor nobles, easy enough to turn down. Still, if one had come from the upper ranks, I might’ve had to call on Batis or Leon right away.

I’d had enough of carrying that risk around, so we decided to push forward with the wedding—no more delays.

“Not at all, not at all—we were told everything clearly, and we were in favor from the start.”

“Eld, take good care of Ange.”

“Father, Mother, thank you so much!”

The mayor and Ange’s mother accepted our marriage without hesitation. Well, it was practically a done deal since forever, but I’d still been sweating a little, so I finally let out a breath I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding.

Then I gave a quick rundown of what comes next.

“The wedding’s next week. We’re keeping it small—just family and close friends. We’ll use the noble chapel nearby, so please stay at our house until then. We’ll make sure you’re treated like royalty.”

“I understand. But is it really okay? Your letter said you’d become a Guard Knight now. Won’t the Second Princess be attending, then?”

Well, yeah—normal people’d think that. A Guard Knight’s the royal family’s sword and shield. If someone that important’s getting married, naturally the royal family’s gotta show up too.

But Your Highness, you can’t leave the room right now…

“It’s fine. I’ve already gotten permission from the royal household. The Princess was thoughtful enough to worry about how hard it’d be for you, since your parents are commoners.”

Well, it’s all just a formality, really.

“I see. Please thank Her Highness for me.”

“I’ll do that.”

So, a quick round of greetings to Ange’s parents—done with that—

“Anyway, you must be tired from getting here today. I’ve had rooms prepared for each of you. Go rest up. Ange’ll be spending time with her family tonight, right?”

“Yeah.”

So tonight, just family—no outsiders. Plenty to talk about, I’m sure.

I parted ways with Ange and escorted her parents to their room.

Next door to Ange’s room, but big—big enough, if it were back home, to fit a whole house in.

“Dad and Mom can use this room.”

“Yeah.”

“Quite spacious, isn’t it? Emi-chan, look—plush bed!”

“Ooooh!”

Emi-chan, tucked into the bed by Mom, bounced on the mattress, all giddy with delight.

Funny, I remember feeling the same when I first slept on something soft. Back in the countryside, we just piled a few blankets on a wooden frame.

“I’ll arrange a servant with a room of their own—ask them if you need anything. Gotta go back to guarding the Princess tomorrow, so I’ll need to check in once a day or so.”

“Wait—so the Princess is the Second Princess, the one under house arrest?”

“Yeah. She’s cooped up in her room, but I’m still on her guard detail.”

Gotta show my face once a day, at least.

“Guess I’ll be showing around the capital during my free time—”

and then I remembered Dad and the others were from the capital.

So, does he have a family home there? Grandparents, maybe? Age-wise, it’s not impossible.

“Wait—were you actually from the capital? You going back to your old place or anything?”

“Nah. Sold the place before I left.”

“Huh? Then what about family?”

“None. Both my parents died out hunting, and my mom was an orphan to begin with.”

“Really!? I had no idea!”

I never knew her mom was an orphan!

“Yeah, that’s right. I used to work the front desk. Orphanages don’t have much coin, so you gotta earn your own pocket money. That’s how I met your dad.”

“Then I’ll just show you around.”

“Yeah. Saw it from the carriage on the way here—changed a lot since I last saw it.”

“Can’t wait to wander through it.”

"Then I'll just peek in on Ange for a bit."

"Ah."

I left the room, heading toward the next one.

On the other side of the door, I could hear lively laughter—and Ange’s bright voice, full of energy.

I knocked, and Ange popped her head out.

"How’s it going over there?"

"No issues at all. Everyone’s really happy."

"Good. I think I’ll take a stroll through the capital tomorrow or the day after—what about you?"

"Hmm… Mom might be a little hesitant about that. She’s not used to crowds, seems like."

She’d lived in the countryside, where meeting a few people a day was the norm. So, a hundred people all walking down the street at once? No wonder she’d be scared.

Better to get her used to it first, then she’ll enjoy the capital more.

"Then let’s push it back a bit. Or, hell, we could do it after the wedding, if you’d prefer."

"Yeah, but will we even have the time? Things’re starting to shift on the front lines, aren’t they?"

It’d been over a month since the mass-production prototype went haywire. The physical simulators—Senseboards—had been unshackled, and production had already kicked off for units already in the assembly line. Pilots were being recruited too.

Basically, soldiers who’d gone through the academy got first dibs, and regular troops could jump in after a few weeks of training and pass a test.

"Still, even if things change, I don’t reckon it’ll hit us straight away. The king’s been eyeing us pretty closely, that’s for sure."

"Can’t blame him. We’ve been racking up wins, after all."

"Anyway, I don’t see anything drastic happening in the next couple of weeks. Should be fine."

Got it. I’ll keep an eye on Mama then. Though… Enje’s been acting up, so that’s worrying too. Part of me wants to tie her down, honestly.

“Has she really started walking around lately?”

Yeah, I’ve been hearing her loud, cheerful voice and the thump-thump of little feet pacing around the room ever since a bit ago. That big room’s got soft tatami mats—must be a dream for running around.

“Yeah. She’s got so much energy, she’ll scream if you try to pick her up.”

“Huh. Unusual.”

I figured kids usually like being held, all snuggly and such.

“Mama and the others just laughed it off. Probably all that pent-up energy from the carriage ride, they said.”

“Makes sense. So she’ll probably keep running around for a while.”

“Good thing the room’s so spacious.”

“Then that side’s probably fine.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Just about to head back to my room when one of the servants called out to me.

“Lord Eld, what time should we set for dinner? Also, I was told to ask if any of our guests have ingredients they can’t eat.”

“Ah, how about the usual time. I don’t think there’s anything they can’t handle, but there are two little ones, so please remind them to be careful.”

“Understood.”

The servant bowed once and turned away.

“Then I’ll head back to my room. See you at dinner.”

“Yeah. Later, then.”

I brushed a quick kiss on Ange’s forehead, then made my way back to my parents’ room.