35 — Chapter 35

Currently, I was inspecting the town of Sutrena with Lord Nazel.

This time, we weren’t in the center of the territory, but were touring the outskirts on the back of the blue wyvern. We had left the town where the fort and manor were located to head toward the towns and villages on the eastern side of the domain.

Below us, pastures for livestock and riding beasts stretched out as far as the eye could see. There were many people here who made their living through animal husbandry.

Since the forests inhabited by magical beasts lay just beyond these pastures, this area suffered frequent attacks. Traces of that destruction were visible here and there—broken houses and sections of collapsed fencing.

“It’s just green everywhere. Nothing but meadows and forests, Lord Nazel.”

“You’re right. It’s a rare sight in this country to see so much pastureland without any farm fields.”

Located in the southern part of the kingdom, Sutrena had a relatively warm climate; while crops struggled to grow, weeds flourished. Lord Nazel was currently in the process of developing a plant that could actually improve the soil itself.

Though, we were here today for a different purpose.

We visited a certain village that specialized in breeding Pegasi—heavenly horses used as riding beasts. Recently, the damage from magical beasts had increased, and incidents of the riding beasts being attacked were never-ending.

Since riding beasts were valuable, they were traded at high prices, but raising them required a significant amount of time and money. Because the village did business with the crown and other nobles, we couldn’t afford to let the damage increase any further. After all, they were a vital source of income for the territory.

“There, there. Thank you for carrying us. You’re such a good boy, aren’t you~?”

As the wyvern touched down on the ground, the villagers came out in droves to welcome us.

Even so… it was embarrassing to be caught in Lord Nazel’s arms every time I dismounted. I was getting used to it, and I felt like I should be able to get on and off normally by now.

Looking around, I saw rows upon rows of fences and stables. The fences for the Pegasi were made of wood and had ceilings to prevent them from flying away and escaping. However, there were several damaged spots. They had likely been broken by the magical beasts living in the forest.

As he looked at the fences, one of the villagers spoke up.

“In the past, we had a fellow who could use Weight Reduction magic. He managed to keep the fences repaired, but he grew old and passed away. Since then, no one has appeared who can use magic helpful for maintenance. This village is full of elderly folk, so we’re short-handed, and we don’t have the money to hire help.”

They were doing their best to make repairs, but since the fences themselves were aging, they were being broken as soon as they were fixed. They simply couldn’t keep up.

“So, My Lord, is it true that we might be able to get sturdier fences?”

“Yes. My wife and I will see to the repairs of the village fences today. The stables as well, of course.”

And so, it was time to get to work.

That said, because Lord Nazel was so capable, my job was relatively easy. Lord Nazel planted sturdy, improved plants around the fences, and I applied my Material Reinforcement magic to them.

That was all.

“Grow big and strong!”

The result was a fence with sparse leaves that allowed sunlight to filter through and provided good ventilation.

Following the same procedure, we reinforced the fences all over the place, and our work was finished by early afternoon. After that, it was a job for the magical beast extermination squad. Among those who had rushed over to handle the extermination, I could see Tony.

…It seemed he was actually doing his job properly today.

After spending several days touring various locations like that, we finally returned to the manor.

As soon as we stepped into the entrance hall, Kelly and the rest of the staff greeted us with smiles. The estate looked more beautiful every time I saw it.

“Lord Nazelbert, a letter has arrived for you from the Royal Capital.”

When Kelly handed over the envelope, Lord Nazel’s expression clouded over slightly.

“…This is from the Royal Family.”

After a small mutter, Lord Nazel took my hand and led me toward his office. Tilting my head in confusion, I followed him quietly.

The office had also been tidied up and was now functional.

Originally, it had been a storage room for a collection of mysterious nude statues.

Since every single statue was of the same person, Kelly and I had gossiped, “Could these perhaps be the previous lord?” When I consulted Lord Nazel about it, he banned me from entering the room until the statues were removed. He said, “It’s poison for Agnes’s eyes.”

They’ve all been sold now, so I’m relieved. Since they were gilded, they fetched quite a high price.

Lord Nazel quickly opened the envelope and skimmed the letter.

He remained silent, but his expression… seemed somewhat cold?

“Agnes, this concerns you as well, so I’ll tell you—though I do so most reluctantly.”

“Oh, yes?”

I wondered what it could be. When he prefaces things like that, it makes me scared to listen.

“An invitation to a garden party has come from the Second Prince. It’s a command for us to attend as a couple.”

“A party? If I may be so bold, is it even okay for them to invite us?”

In reality, he was innocent, but in the Royal Capital, Lord Nazel was treated as a criminal. By inviting such a man to a party, wouldn’t they incur the King’s displeasure?

But the host was the Second Prince… which meant, perhaps.

“Does this mean the Princess’s faction and the Second Prince’s faction have become firmly divided? Up until now, the Second Prince seemed indifferent to that sort of thing.”

If anything, my impression of him was that he stayed in the shadows because he didn’t want to get involved in power struggles.

I had attended his engagement party once before, and even there, he seemed to spend his time with a baron’s daughter who held very little influence.

Although people said the daughter of Duke Adamsgomes was the strongest candidate for his fiancée, the two of them didn’t seem particularly close.

The Ducal House might be keeping their distance from the Second Prince, possibly due to the Queen’s influence. Since the Queen dislikes children not of her own blood, she seemed to avoid bringing the Second Prince into her inner circle.

“I’m not sure if the Second Prince was egged on by someone or if he has other intentions… regardless, I can’t say for sure until I meet him. The location isn’t in the Royal Capital, but at the estate of an acquaintance of his.”

“Are you going to attend, Lord Nazel?”

“I can’t exactly ignore a summons from a Prince. You don’t have to force yourself, Agnes. There are people among the guests whom you likely wouldn’t want to see.”

“No. If you are going, Lord Nazel, I will go with you.”

If we went to the party and were made to feel unwelcome, the same would apply to Lord Nazel. I wouldn’t do something as cowardly as running away and leaving him alone.

“After all, I am your wife, Lord Nazel.”

When I smiled at him, Lord Nazel stood up and pulled me into a tight embrace from behind my chair.

…Hasn’t he been hugging me a lot lately?