[The latter half is from a third-person perspective.]
The sunlight grew stronger, and the shadows cast on the ground deepened.
The cicadas had begun their noisy chorus, signaling the true arrival of summer.
At the academy in the royal capital, summer break had begun, and Eddie, my elder brother, had come home for the holidays.
Our whole family gathered at the mansion’s entrance to welcome the carriage carrying my brother.
“I’ve just returned.”
Having stepped down from the carriage, my brother first greeted our parents.
“Well done for making it back.”
“I’m relieved to see you looking so well.”
My brother seemed a bit more tanned, as if he had become even more gallant.
After a good round of conversation with our parents, he came over to stand before me and my little sister.
“I’m home, Will.”
“Welcome back, Eddie-niiue.”
“By the way, you’ve gotten much thinner—I hardly recognized you.”
“I slimmed down after I learned to use Body Enhancement Magic.”
“Oh, so you can use Body Enhancement Magic now? Will, your Production Skill truly is remarkable.”
“Eddie-oniisama, I missed you so much!”
Perhaps unable to wait any longer while my brother kept talking to me, Sophie leapt into his arms.
“Whoa!” my brother exclaimed, but he caught our little sister without any trouble.
“I’m home, Sophie.”
He’d always had good physical abilities, but he seemed even more robust than before.
That evening, the entire family gathered for dinner.
Usually, Father spent most of his time working in his study, and Mother was often busy receiving guests.
“It’s been a while since we’ve all had dinner together.”
“Yes, it’s lively—I’m so happy.”
“I’m happy too,” Sophie said, smiling.
“Eddie, you’ve kept up with your sword training, haven’t you?”
“Yes, Father. I was fortunate enough to win the rookie tournament.”
“My, that’s wonderful!”
“Brother, what is academy life like?”
“There are some troublesome things, but I’ve made friends, and it’s fascinating to hear stories from all over the kingdom’s territories.”
I was glad to hear that my brother was enjoying his time at the academy.
The conversation turned to the Fairchild Family’s territory, and I became the topic for a bit.
“I was surprised at how beautifully the Knight Order’s quarters had been renovated. I heard Will did the refurbishing?”
“Ha, you must have been surprised, Eddie. Will’s Production Skill is truly something.”
“Yes, he’s really been active. I was also surprised by the impressive new Workshop.”
“Ufufu, Will-chan’s talents are starting to bloom. After all, even a member of the Dwarf Clan became his apprentice.”
Mother seemed very pleased.
“Will-oniisama always looks like he’s having fun making things, but he doesn’t play with me much, so I’m not happy,” Sophie said, looking dissatisfied.
“Sophie, it’s about time you focused more seriously on your studies. You can’t just play all day.”
Chided by Mother, Sophie made a face as if she’d just realized her mistake.
Everyone laughed.
It was a joyous dinner, the whole family together for the first time in a while.
***
Later that night, in the Margrave’s residence, two people sat in the retainers’ lounge, sharing drinks.
“It’s been a while since I last drank with you.”
“Indeed. It’s not easy for either of us to find the time.”
The ones drinking were Smith, the steward, and Liam, the commander of the Knight Order.
“It’s good to see that Edward-sama is enjoying a smooth academy life.”
“Yes, and his victory in the rookie sword tournament was a cause for celebration.”
“Hahaha, it must be thanks to your training.”
“No, no, it’s all due to Edward-sama’s talent and hard work.”
“You’re too modest, if you ask me. Still, Edward-sama’s expression has really sharpened. It seems leaving home has made him grow, even in spirit.”
The two rejoiced in the growth of the Fairchild Family’s heir.
After another toast or two, they shifted the conversation.
“By the way, Edward-sama was surprised as well, but Northernford has changed a lot in a short time.”
“Exactly. The Knight Order’s quarters were renewed almost overnight. We even got a splendid bath, and the members’ morale has soared. And then there’s that Workshop.”
“That’s right. The passion of the young people drawn to William-sama is really something. They’ve already started making high-quality furniture and bags.”
“They’ve also begun refurbishing old buildings throughout the territory.”
“Indeed, William-sama’s Production Skill is truly exceptional. He himself is humble and claims he’s not noble-like, but he has tremendous potential.”
“Quite so. And Edward-sama is genuinely pleased about that.”
“Yes, and that’s what’s important. If the elder brother were mediocre, he might worry that his own succession to the title would become uncertain if his younger brother stood out. But Edward-sama has not shown even a trace of such concern. He’s a straightforward and good-natured young man.”
“Indeed. It’s surely a result of his parents’ upbringing. Besides, Edward-sama’s swordsmanship is extraordinary—he must be confident in himself.”
“True. Lately, he’s even learned to unleash slashing waves. In addition to his sword skills, I hear his grades are excellent. There’s talk he may become a student council officer in his second year.”
“A student council officer, is it? I’ve heard only the most exceptional children of the great nobles can attain that. The next generation of the Fairchild Family looks ever brighter.”
The two senior retainers, satisfied, raised their cups again.
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