I was with Mel and the others in the training hall of the main house when Garn informed me that my father had summoned me.
After telling Mel and the others who were there what had happened, I headed for the office where my father was, together with Garn, who had come to summon me, and his squire, Deanna.
When I arrived in front of the office, Garn uttered an awed voice.
'Master Rainer, I have brought Master Rid with me.'
As his words echoed, a voice from inside the office said: 'Yes, come in. Come in', was the immediate reply from his father.
Garn smiles at me as he opens the door after uttering, 'Excuse me, sir'.
"Thank you, Garun."
I thank him and enter the office, moving in front of my father, who is sitting at his desk.
'You wanted to see me, father?"
'Yes. The other day, I received a reply to the letter of invitation I sent to Renaloute. I thought I would show it to you.
The letter was sent to Renalute the other day and I wanted to show it to you.
'Thank you. May I examine the contents?"
"Yes, of course."
"......?"
As soon as I receive the letter, my father smiles at me, but I tilt my head back, unsure of his intentions.
Was there anything interesting in the letter of intent?
While thinking about this, I open the envelope, take out the letter inside and read through the contents.
'I would like to thank the Bardia territory for their consideration. As for Renalute, we were thinking of sending Farah to Bardia, so if you could come and pick her up, you would be most welcome. When you arrive, we would like to hold a 'Candlelight Ceremony' in Renalute for Farah Renalute and Rid Bardia, with only those concerned. The documents in the Magnolian Empire say that they are married, but we would like to take this opportunity to clarify the affiliation of the two families by holding a candlelit ceremony in Renalute as well. Therefore, as soon as we are ready, we would like to write to you again to inform you of the details and the date."
The content of the letter, in brief, was something like this, and I had seen the strong, expert handwriting before.
It probably belonged to King Elias, who would become my mountain father.
No, that's not the problem.
What does it mean that Fara and I, who are not even old enough yet, are to hold a wedding ceremony, in other words, a candlelit ceremony ......?
When I finished reading the letter and was puzzled, my father suddenly muttered:
'You seem surprised indeed. It's not a difficult matter. The letter is intended to show off the Bardia family's connections to the powerful families in the Renarte."
'...... Even so, isn't a 'candlelight ceremony' between children a bit too much?'
Even if the intention is understood, the sudden mention of a 'Candlelight Ceremony' does not catch up with the emotions.
I unintentionally made a quizzical expression.
'Hmm. But it is not as if there has never been a candle-lighting ceremony by a marriage of political intrigue at your age in the past history of the empire. Besides, there is the question of alliances. Either way, you have no choice but to accept. ......
After listening to my father's words, I put a dumbfounded expression on my face, put my hand on my forehead and involuntarily turned my head down to ponder.
I learned in a history lesson on the Magnolia Empire that the empire went through a period of constant civil wars due to territorial disputes hundreds of years ago.
During that period, it is true that political marriages were often arranged, even between young children.
The 'alliance problem' that my father mentioned is probably about the 'secret agreement that the Empire made with the Renarte as a vassal state'.
At the time of the meeting between me and Farah, there was a political faction within the Renalute that carried out various sabotage attempts.
The representative of that faction was an elderly dark elf called 'Norris Tamuska'.
However, he failed in his attempt to sabotage the marriage and lost his position.
After that, I heard that he and the faction officials were all decommissioned, but there may be some people who are still reluctantly smouldering.
This may be why he is trying to show off the relationship between the Renarte and the Bardia family.
In any case, I don't have the option of 'not accepting' the candlelight ceremony, as my father says.
As my wife, I am going to welcome Farah, so I should be more than happy to do so.
Having gathered my thoughts, I slowly looked up and nodded.
'I understand. But, yes. It's a good opportunity, so I'll do my best not to embarrass my bride.'
Father replies with a nod as he finishes listening to my words.
'That's the spirit. Then, as the Bardia family, we will also prepare a celebration when Princess Farah comes here. ...... Yes, that's right. Rid, you will take the lead in making the preparations. I am sure that Princess Farah will be pleased to know that you have made the arrangements."
Father showed a hint of thought in the middle of his speech, and then continued with a teasing smile.
I reply with an involuntary wry smile.
'Yes, I understand. 'I will do my best as a husband, as this will be a celebration to welcome my wife.'
'Yes. 'If you have any questions about the procedures in the Bardia family, ask Garun. If you have any questions about Renalute culture, you can turn to Capella. Then, I'm counting on you."
'Yes, Father.'
When Father replies with a nod, his expression relaxes and he seems a little happy.
After a while, he spun his words softly.
Also, the Bardia family will be 'married' only after you are officially able to 'inherit the title'. Please inform Princess Farah about that as well.'
"......‼ Yes, I understand. I'm sure Fara will be delighted."
As soon as I answer, I put on a big smile.
This time, the wedding ceremony will be held in Renalute, but I had a desire to have a 'wedding' with Farrah on some occasion.
It was for Fara's sake, but also for my parents, my mother and father, and my sister Mel.
I think it is also meaningful to hold the wedding ceremony in the presence of all the members of the Bardia family.
The wedding is also an opportunity to show the people who brought us up that we have grown up.
Eventually, Father clears his throat and changes the subject, as if to hide his embarrassment.
'That's all I have to say about the letter of intent. By the way, Rid. I heard you were training in martial arts with Mel."
Mel? I think Mel has a talent for swordsmanship, as if to say that she is her father's daughter. I am sure that if she continues to train like this, she will be able to become like 'Asuna', the Renalute's swordsman.'
Perhaps the answer was unexpected, but the father's face was drawn and an indescribable expression appeared on his face.
'I am pleased that Mel had talent,...... but like Lenalute's 'Asuna'?
'Isn't it good, Father? 'Even with her talent, Mel won't be pursuing that level of strength, so I'm sure she'll settle for self-defence.'
When I train with Mel, I don't get the impression that she is pursuing the same kind of strength as Asuna.
Perhaps she was just interested in seeing me do it.
After a while, Mel's training fever may cool down and settle down.
Father shakes his head slightly as if shaking off some bad feeling while putting his hand to his forehead.
Eventually, he nodded quietly.
'Uh-huh. No, I think so. We'll see how it goes for a while.'
'......?'
I tilted my head in puzzlement, despite my father's concern.
◇
Afterwards, after a short chat with Father, I left the office with a smile on my face.
I then decided to go straight away to the office in the accommodation.
This was to make preparations to receive Farah, as instructed by my father.
I was surprised to notice that Deanna was looking a little gloomy at that moment and asked her worriedly:
'Deanna, what's wrong? You look so gloomy .......'
"No. ...... Capella and Ellen's marriage. 'No, I was just thinking about it when I heard that Master Rid is also getting married. There is nothing to worry about."
She says there is nothing to worry about, but her face remains gloomy.
I think about what I should do, and then continue talking.
'Oh, really? But let me know when Diana and Rubens have their wedding, and I'll help you.'
'Thank you, Master Rid .......'
Deanna's usual dignified cheerfulness returns, perhaps because she said 'I'll help you'.
I was relieved to see her like that, patting down my chest.
Later, when I had a chance to meet Rubens, I said to him: 'How long are you making Deanna wait? I'll get angry too.
But Rubens didn't seem to understand the meaning of my words and looked like a pigeon that had been hit by a peashooter.
"'Well, what do you mean, ......?'
Rubens tilts his head in puzzlement as he answers me.
Needless to say, I let out a big sigh when I looked at him like that.
I was with Mel and the others in the training hall of the main house when Garn informed me that my father had summoned me.
After telling Mel and the others who were there what had happened, I headed for the office where my father was, together with Garn, who had come to summon me, and his squire, Deanna.
When I arrived in front of the office, Garn uttered an awed voice.
'Master Rainer, I have brought Master Rid with me.'
As his words echoed, a voice from inside the office said: 'Yes, come in. Come in', was the immediate reply from his father.
Garn smiles at me as he opens the door after uttering, 'Excuse me, sir'.
"Thank you, Garun."
I thank him and enter the office, moving in front of my father, who is sitting at his desk.
'You wanted to see me, father?"
'Yes. The other day, I received a reply to the letter of invitation I sent to Renaloute. I thought I would show it to you.
The letter was sent to Renalute the other day and I wanted to show it to you.
'Thank you. May I examine the contents?"
"Yes, of course."
"......?"
As soon as I receive the letter, my father smiles at me, but I tilt my head back, unsure of his intentions.
Was there anything interesting in the letter of intent?
While thinking about this, I open the envelope, take out the letter inside and read through the contents.
'I would like to thank the Bardia territory for their consideration. As for Renalute, we were thinking of sending Farah to Bardia, so if you could come and pick her up, you would be most welcome. When you arrive, we would like to hold a 'Candlelight Ceremony' in Renalute for Farah Renalute and Rid Bardia, with only those concerned. The documents in the Magnolian Empire say that they are married, but we would like to take this opportunity to clarify the affiliation of the two families by holding a candlelit ceremony in Renalute as well. Therefore, as soon as we are ready, we would like to write to you again to inform you of the details and the date."
The content of the letter, in brief, was something like this, and I had seen the strong, expert handwriting before.
It probably belonged to King Elias, who would become my mountain father.
No, that's not the problem.
What does it mean that Fara and I, who are not even old enough yet, are to hold a wedding ceremony, in other words, a candlelit ceremony ......?
When I finished reading the letter and was puzzled, my father suddenly muttered:
'You seem surprised indeed. It's not a difficult matter. The letter is intended to show off the Bardia family's connections to the powerful families in the Renarte."
'...... Even so, isn't a 'candlelight ceremony' between children a bit too much?'
Even if the intention is understood, the sudden mention of a 'Candlelight Ceremony' does not catch up with the emotions.
I unintentionally made a quizzical expression.
'Hmm. But it is not as if there has never been a candle-lighting ceremony by a marriage of political intrigue at your age in the past history of the empire. Besides, there is the question of alliances. Either way, you have no choice but to accept. ......
After listening to my father's words, I put a dumbfounded expression on my face, put my hand on my forehead and involuntarily turned my head down to ponder.
I learned in a history lesson on the Magnolia Empire that the empire went through a period of constant civil wars due to territorial disputes hundreds of years ago.
During that period, it is true that political marriages were often arranged, even between young children.
The 'alliance problem' that my father mentioned is probably about the 'secret agreement that the Empire made with the Renarte as a vassal state'.
At the time of the meeting between me and Farah, there was a political faction within the Renalute that carried out various sabotage attempts.
The representative of that faction was an elderly dark elf called 'Norris Tamuska'.
However, he failed in his attempt to sabotage the marriage and lost his position.
After that, I heard that he and the faction officials were all decommissioned, but there may be some people who are still reluctantly smouldering.
This may be why he is trying to show off the relationship between the Renarte and the Bardia family.
In any case, I don't have the option of 'not accepting' the candlelight ceremony, as my father says.
As my wife, I am going to welcome Farah, so I should be more than happy to do so.
Having gathered my thoughts, I slowly looked up and nodded.
'I understand. But, yes. It's a good opportunity, so I'll do my best not to embarrass my bride.'
Father replies with a nod as he finishes listening to my words.
'That's the spirit. Then, as the Bardia family, we will also prepare a celebration when Princess Farah comes here. ...... Yes, that's right. Rid, you will take the lead in making the preparations. I am sure that Princess Farah will be pleased to know that you have made the arrangements."
Father showed a hint of thought in the middle of his speech, and then continued with a teasing smile.
I reply with an involuntary wry smile.
'Yes, I understand. 'I will do my best as a husband, as this will be a celebration to welcome my wife.'
'Yes. 'If you have any questions about the procedures in the Bardia family, ask Garun. If you have any questions about Renalute culture, you can turn to Capella. Then, I'm counting on you."
'Yes, Father.'
When Father replies with a nod, his expression relaxes and he seems a little happy.
After a while, he spun his words softly.
Also, the Bardia family will be 'married' only after you are officially able to 'inherit the title'. Please inform Princess Farah about that as well.'
"......‼ Yes, I understand. I'm sure Fara will be delighted."
As soon as I answer, I put on a big smile.
This time, the wedding ceremony will be held in Renalute, but I had a desire to have a 'wedding' with Farrah on some occasion.
It was for Fara's sake, but also for my parents, my mother and father, and my sister Mel.
I think it is also meaningful to hold the wedding ceremony in the presence of all the members of the Bardia family.
The wedding is also an opportunity to show the people who brought us up that we have grown up.
Eventually, Father clears his throat and changes the subject, as if to hide his embarrassment.
'That's all I have to say about the letter of intent. By the way, Rid. I heard you were training in martial arts with Mel."
Mel? I think Mel has a talent for swordsmanship, as if to say that she is her father's daughter. I am sure that if she continues to train like this, she will be able to become like 'Asuna', the Renalute's swordsman.'
Perhaps the answer was unexpected, but the father's face was drawn and an indescribable expression appeared on his face.
'I am pleased that Mel had talent,...... but like Lenalute's 'Asuna'?
'Isn't it good, Father? 'Even with her talent, Mel won't be pursuing that level of strength, so I'm sure she'll settle for self-defence.'
When I train with Mel, I don't get the impression that she is pursuing the same kind of strength as Asuna.
Perhaps she was just interested in seeing me do it.
After a while, Mel's training fever may cool down and settle down.
Father shakes his head slightly as if shaking off some bad feeling while putting his hand to his forehead.
Eventually, he nodded quietly.
'Uh-huh. No, I think so. We'll see how it goes for a while.'
'......?'
I tilted my head in puzzlement, despite my father's concern.
◇
Afterwards, after a short chat with Father, I left the office with a smile on my face.
I then decided to go straight away to the office in the accommodation.
This was to make preparations to receive Farah, as instructed by my father.
I was surprised to notice that Deanna was looking a little gloomy at that moment and asked her worriedly:
'Deanna, what's wrong? You look so gloomy .......'
"No. ...... Capella and Ellen's marriage. 'No, I was just thinking about it when I heard that Master Rid is also getting married. There is nothing to worry about."
She says there is nothing to worry about, but her face remains gloomy.
I think about what I should do, and then continue talking.
'Oh, really? But let me know when Diana and Rubens have their wedding, and I'll help you.'
'Thank you, Master Rid .......'
Deanna's usual dignified cheerfulness returns, perhaps because she said 'I'll help you'.
I was relieved to see her like that, patting down my chest.
Later, when I had a chance to meet Rubens, I said to him: 'How long are you making Deanna wait? I'll get angry too.
But Rubens didn't seem to understand the meaning of my words and looked like a pigeon that had been hit by a peashooter.
"'Well, what do you mean, ......?'
Rubens tilts his head in puzzlement as he answers me.
Needless to say, I let out a big sigh when I looked at him like that.
