Blackwood’s Summer (2)

Ethan and I continued our work in the office, enduring the sweltering summer heat.

Even though I took a bath first thing in the morning, it seemed meaningless as the unpleasant heat seeped back into my body as soon as midday arrived.

Why did a woman’s body make one more sensitive to heat than a man’s? It felt like the excess fat only served to increase discomfort.

Still, work had to be done, so today, as always, Ethan and I were processing the countless documents flying into the territory.

“Father… says he won’t be coming down to the Blackwood estate this summer vacation.”

“…Again? He left unusually early last winter vacation too. Must be busy with academy work these days.”

“According to the letter, it seems Princess Mezlen’s treatment for Magical Blood Cell Sclerosis has reached completion, and he wants to check the clinical trial results.”

“…I see. Father remains as dedicated as ever. I understand how precious Mother was to him, but still.”

It was almost obsessive how he remained fixated on finding a cure for his wife who had passed away over a decade ago. And Princess Mezlen, who cleverly exploited that vulnerability to keep Harold by her side, was impressive in her own twisted way.

As I skimmed through the weekly newspaper, unsurprisingly, today’s edition was filled with news about the Hero’s party.

「Hero Kyetmajosyegigot Bolt’s Party Breaks Through Demon King’s Army’s 3rd Defense Line」

「Countdown to Demon King Subjugation – Where Are the Four Heavenly Kings Now?」

「Hero Preparing for Final Battle」

…Lately, it’s been nothing but Hero news every week. At least I don’t need messengers to know he’s doing well.

The fact that no letters have arrived at Blackwood Manor suggests he has no intention of suddenly asking Ethan and me for help right before the final battle.

Well, if he has any conscience, he should handle the final boss on his own. After all we’ve done for him already.

The Defrin Kingdom forces that should have been depleted in the Noctis battle, the Aurelia Church crusaders who should have been sacrificed in the Vertus battle, the mercenary groups and dragon knight legions that should have lost over half their numbers in the Oberus and Tetato battles – all remain intact.

Just knowing how to utilize these properly means the final battle should be a cakewalk for him.

While moving through the Demon King’s castle to face the Demon King, they’d have to fight countless minor monsters, gradually draining their stamina and mana – one of the factors that made the final stretch challenging.

By preserving the original story’s main forces as much as possible, they could be used as reinforcements in this final event, making the last battle much easier.

In that sense, with forces so abundant they’re practically overflowing, the Hero’s party should be able to face the Demon King at full strength. Even without Ethan and me, there shouldn’t be any issues with the Demon King’s subjugation.

“More Hero news? It’s the same thing every week.”

“Today’s is slightly different. It says they’re about to begin the assault on the Demon King’s castle.”

“He’s been quite busy since graduation. Feels like just yesterday we were competing for top rank in the swordsmanship department.”

“Same here. I remember Agnes and I constantly swapping between first and second place in the magic department during our school days. I’m glad Agnes seems to be doing well in the Demon Realm too.”

“…Hmm, right.”

“……?”

Ethan turned his gaze toward me with a strange silence, as if my response had displeased him somehow.

What? Did I say something wrong without realizing it?

“So, no letters from the Hero or anything?”

“From the Hero? What kind of letters?”

“…With the battle against the Demon King approaching, if he’s preparing thoroughly, wouldn’t he naturally want to secure as much manpower as possible?”

“Well, maybe. But I heard they’re trying to minimize unnecessary personnel since the journey to the Demon Realm is perilous. The Aurelia Church’s holy knights are carrying supplies since communication is difficult in the Demon Realm.”

“…Right, the Aurelia Church’s holy knights are reliable forces. Seems they’re moving with proper preparation.”

“They’re also coordinating with the Defrin Kingdom army and the Bremen Mercenary Knights, so I’d say they’re as prepared as can be, wouldn’t you?”

“…Is that so. So they consider that sufficient.”

Did the heat get to him? His reactions today are oddly subtle.

It’s like he’s not getting the response he wants. He seems strangely restless. Not a common look for Ethan.

…Wait. Could the reason Ethan’s making that dissatisfied face right now be… no way.

“Don’t tell me you want to join the Demon King subjugation too, Ethan?”

“…Not particularly. But if the Hero requests help, I’d naturally respond.”

“…I see.”

“It’s… not to brag, but I’ve already fought one of the Demon King’s Four Heavenly Kings – the Evil Dragon.

Though I didn’t personally defeat Oberus, I was directly involved in eliminating his direct subordinates, the Undead Couple. From the Hero’s perspective, I should be considered viable combat strength. Just a thought I had.”

Ethan was openly advertising his qualifications to join the Hero’s party.

If he wanted to participate in the Demon King subjugation so badly, he should’ve said so to Kyetmajosyegigot. I don’t know why he’s listing his merits to me when the Hero isn’t even here.

Maybe Harold’s words about “achievements that others can’t ignore” are weighing on him. He did say that if he wanted to marry a baronet’s daughter with no backing, he’d need to prove himself worthy.

As the wedding approaches, Ethan’s having trouble hiding his anxiety about such matters.

“No need to rush, Ethan. There will be plenty of opportunities to prove your abilities beyond the Demon King subjugation.”

“…That may be true, but I didn’t expect to not even be considered. It’s a bit of a blow to my pride.”

“They’re probably being considerate. You’re busy managing Blackwood Territory in Father’s absence, and soon we’ll have wedding preparations too. Traveling from Blackwood to the Demon Realm would take nearly a month – not exactly a simple favor to ask.”

“…Right. Can’t be helped, I suppose.”

Though he tried to sound nonchalant, Ethan couldn’t completely hide his disappointment. Seeing him like this reminds me of his more childish side.

His anxious demeanor reminds me of myself about three years ago. With so many things to worry about before marriage, it’s understandable he’d act this way.

‘Maybe I should take him for a walk around the territory to lift his spirits.’

Though in this scorching heat, going outside might just leave us exhausted.

If we’re going out, it’d be better to do something fulfilling. Something that could satisfy Ethan’s current need for validation.

As I searched through the documents and petitions that had arrived at the mansion for something suitable, several with common themes caught my eye.

“Ethan, how about we go for a little outing around the territory to clear our minds?”

“…In this weather?”

“There’s some work that needs to be handled outside. Something only you can do right now in the territory.”

“…What is it?”

Though initially reluctant about going out, Ethan showed interest upon hearing it was something only he could do.

I showed him several documents from local administrators and petitions from territory residents.

“Disaster report regarding rockfall accidents in the Kilkenny Rocky Mountains in northern Blackwood Territory…”

“A large boulder rolled down and caused significant damage. Thankfully no casualties, but many petitions say the river’s original flow is almost completely blocked by the fallen rock.”

“…Hmm, is that so?”

“Apparently the boulder is too large for ordinary people to remove, and using magic scrolls to break it would be too costly. And I don’t think my magic would work either. Mana Blast isn’t the type of spell where you can control the power.”

“That’s true. With your magic, secondary and tertiary collapses would be inevitable.”

“Normally Father would handle it by cutting the boulder himself, but he’s absent now. You’re probably the only one in our territory who can precisely cut the rock and solve the problem.”

“…Sigh, can’t be helped. Guess I’ll go take care of it.”

Though he pretended it was a bother, Ethan couldn’t hide his pleasure at having something to do.