~Side ???~
Around the time Ryoma was pondering his future...
"Is that the end of today's schedule?"
"Yes, my lord. Well done today."
"Shall you have your meal? Or perhaps a bath first?"
"...What do you think, Elise? I’ll leave it to you."
"I... would like to take my time in the bath. Let’s eat first."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
The maid bowed and exited the luxurious room, which was appointed with opulent yet tastefully subdued furnishings. Once she was gone, the Duke and his wife, Reinhardt and Elise, let out a heavy sigh in unison.
They were exhausted from the relentless cycle of daily work and the constant stream of visitors.
"Honestly... it’s like this every year, but I do wish things could be handled a bit more efficiently."
"Truly... it would be so much easier if it were only those coming to pay their respects."
Even though they understood that this was their duty, they were still only human. Fatigue was fatigue, regardless of the necessity. Since they were alone, they made no effort to hide their weariness as they stared at the mountain of documents piled high on the desk.
"These petitions. How much of this do you think is actually true?"
"I wonder... for our sake, I’d hope at least seventy percent of it is."
"It’s a headache, truly..."
Every single paper was a petition from an associate noble—mostly requests for loans.
"I suspect at least this one is suspicious."
"Which one? ...Ah, this. He likely just wants the gold to keep up appearances."
"I’ve lost count of how many times he’s requested aid. For someone so short on funds, his spending habits are remarkably extravagant."
For the nobility, the upcoming period was the vital Social Season. They would spend night after night hosting parties to maintain connections and deepen friendships. To ensure they didn't lose face, they poured massive sums of money into their preparations.
The financial burden was by no means light. It wasn't uncommon for houses to live in a state of frugality equal to or even greater than that of commoners outside of the Social Season. Every few years, a house would inevitably go bankrupt after mismanaging its funds in a desperate rush to climb the social ladder.
And now, with the year-end Social Season looming, an increasing number of nobles were secretly applying for loans from those with stable finances.
"I’d like to reject this one outright... but..."
Reinhardt reserved his judgment. There were reasons they couldn't simply cut everyone off.
"The others mostly cite defense costs or monster damage as their justification."
"They’ve found themselves a very convenient excuse..."
If a territory had truly suffered from monster attacks and the cost of protecting the people had surged, there was room for consideration. Particularly if a noble serving under their house was forced to rely on debt, the matter had to be handled with extreme delicacy.
Handled poorly, it could spawn a variety of toxic rumors among the peerage. It might even become a source of future resentment or a seed for deteriorating relationships. Although the Ducal House possessed power befitting its status, there was no profit in causing unnecessary friction.
Adding to the complexity was the fact that for the past several years, a trend of increasing monster numbers and activity had been confirmed throughout the kingdom. Therefore, they couldn't simply dismiss every petition as a mere excuse; they had to gather intelligence and judge each case with care.
"That reminds me, Ryoma-kun will be arriving soon."
"What brought that up so suddenly?"
"Monster activity started ramping up about three years ago, didn't it? It just occurred to me that’s roughly when he said he moved into the forest."
"Now that you mention it, that might be the case. ...Poor child, to think he was able to leave his hometown under such conditions."
"Indeed. It seems he intends to return to that Magic Beast Nest to see how things are, but I wonder if he’ll be all right. Or perhaps it doesn't matter since it was a Magic Beast Nest to begin with?"
"Based on the reports, he seems to be doing quite well in the city. I don’t think he needs to go out of his way to do something so dangerous, but..."
"I don't want him doing anything dangerous either, but his life is his to decide. He’s a boy, and he certainly seems to have the strength to back up his choices."
"I know that. But I’m still worried. Besides, it’s been so lonely now that Elia has gone off to school."
Reinhardt gave a wry smile at his wife's admission.
"It will be fine. Ryoma-kun is reliable, and he has people to support him. Besides, Elia managed to make some wonderful friends thanks to his influence."
"...You're right. Those children won't be little forever... But that doesn't change how I feel! If Father were here, I’d almost want to ask him to go and check on things for us."
Reinhardt’s expression paled at that suggestion.
"Please, don't. I beg you, don't you disappear as well. The work will grind to a halt... Honestly, it would be much easier if Father had at least left Sebas here, but he insisted on taking him along."
"Fufu. 'Since Elia has gone to school, you shouldn't need any more help.' That’s what he said, wasn't it? He flew off in the blink of an eye; I was quite surprised."
"He made a clean getaway, the old man..."
Casual conversation about their family gradually softened the heavy atmosphere. At that moment, the maid returned.
"The meal is prepared."
"Understood. We'll be there shortly."
"...Did something happen? You both look much better than you did a moment ago."
"We were just having a trivial chat and managed to relax a bit."
"That’s right... We'll be hosting a guest who is coming to pay his respects soon. Please prepare a Guest Room."
"Understood."
"And the preparations for that other matter as well. It will be difficult since several things are overlapping, but I appreciate the help."
"Rest assured, my lord. We shall handle it with the utmost care. We also view it as an important event for a colleague, after all."
Satisfied by the maid's firm response, the couple began to walk toward the Dining Hall... when another maid intercepted them. She held a single letter in her hand.
"...What is that?"
"It seems to have arrived just now, Master."
"From whom?"
Reinhardt checked the sender on the envelope. His face instantly soured.
"Another addition."
"...I'm really starting to feel like going to visit Elia."
"Please, bear with it. For now, let’s just eat."
Having sent off their daughter—their source of comfort—and their father and head butler—their primary assets—the two were left alone with the work.
Their hardships would likely continue for some time.