Chapter 283 – Circumstances of the Baronial Family

“Ashley, may I have a moment?”

I called out to Ashley as I headed toward the cabin with Elliot.

“What is it?”

“I need to talk about the Barony of Silun.”

When Elliot said this, Ashley nodded with a serious expression.

“Elliot-san is a bit worried. About whether there might be some disturbance related to the family succession when he returns. That’s why I thought it necessary to discuss this now.”

“Indeed… that’s true. Until now, I thought such matters were unrelated to the Silun baronial family.”

If we were to discuss the matter of the Barony of Silun’s lord from a detached perspective, many would likely welcome Elliot becoming the lord. He is the legitimate firstborn son and rightful heir. It would be perfectly natural for him to become the lord.

However, we must also consider that Ashley and the Barony of Silun have some unique aspects. It seems that after treating an injured adventurer near the labyrinth entrance some time ago, her popularity among adventurers has increased… and they appear quite favorable toward the Silun baronial family.

Word spread from Termwills, and the adventurers coming to the Barony of Silun seem quite cooperative, likely due to their favorable impression of Ashley.

The forest near the Barony of Silun is somewhat challenging with a fair number of monsters. The continued cooperation of adventurers is essential there, and it aligns well with the Barony of Silun’s policies.

From the perspective of rebuilding the Marquisate of Broderick, Verdgar would likely want to support the stability of the Barony of Silun as well.

First, I should hear Ashley’s thoughts. We decided to continue our discussion on the deck with all three of us.

“I believe my return will cause some ripples in the Barony of Silun. However, if we discuss it and unify our intentions, there won’t be any wavering later on, and the retainers probably won’t say anything reckless. That’s precisely why I want to clearly hear Ashley’s thoughts.”

Wavering… Indeed, if voices saying Elliot would be more suitable spread, they would likely reach Ashley’s ears too.

If Ashley lacked confidence or resolve at that time, such voices might grow louder. The same would apply if Elliot became the lord. The adventurers in the territory would voice their desire for Ashley to remain as lord. If that happened, those who would try to champion Ashley might appear… perhaps.

There’s no guarantee that my engagement to her… wouldn’t appear attractive to such people. While some might argue she should yield the family headship to Elliot because she’s engaged… others could view it as advantageous for the barony since I’m a direct vassal of the king. Those aspects would be evaluated and interpreted differently depending on one’s position.

Well… I won’t let anyone try to use Ashley because of her engagement to me, though.

“I… was deeply depressed after Father and Mother passed away and Elliot-oniisama didn’t return. I was afraid of the outside world.”

Ashley closed her eyes at Elliot’s words and placed a hand over her heart.

“Lady Lisa encouraged me, I met Theodore-sama… and then I saw many things and met many people. Lady Marie’s thorough way of maintaining resolve, Lady Claudia-sama’s way of living… Seeing those things, I wanted to be a lord who could stand shoulder to shoulder with those people. I don’t intend to bend that way of living now. I wouldn’t be able to face them anymore.”

Ashley looked directly into Elliot’s eyes as she said this.

She was born a noble and became the lord. Even if the circumstances weren’t what she wished for… after hearing Mother’s story, she’s striving to become worthy of being a lord. That’s why I want to affirm the path Ashley is trying to walk and offer my support as well.

“…I understand.”

Elliot smiled with a relieved expression.

“I’m sure I’m still lacking in many ways now… and probably causing worry for Elliot-oniisama and everyone in the Barony of Silun. But please, will you believe in me?”

“Of course. For me, confirming Ashley’s feelings about being the lord was all I needed. I was worried that because I’m an inadequate brother, I might have imposed a burden on you.”

“Not at all. Now, being able to remain as lord is also my support. I’m happy that you’ve returned too.”

Ashley smiled.

“Thank you, Ashley.”

…Yeah. Ashley and Elliot should be fine now. Even though they’re siblings, they’ve been separated for a long time, so having a proper discussion and ensuring mutual understanding is important. This way, they won’t harbor distrust later on.

“Based on our current discussion, let’s also consult with His Majesty Melvin.”

Now that I’ve confirmed both their thoughts, I can offer my support too. Since this concerns the lordship, I’d like to hear King Melvin’s opinion as well.

While Elliot’s position within Verdgar still has some uncertainties… with his level of ability, he’ll likely be welcomed with generous treatment from Verdgar.

“Thank you, Theodore-sama.”

“Mm. Well then, shall we return to the cabin and relax for a bit?”

“That sounds good. I’m just starting to get the hang of the card game.”

Elliot smiled as he said this.

We caught sight of Princess Stephania’s territory around dusk that day. Perfect timing. We’ll probably stay in Princess Stephania’s territory today and then head south tomorrow after stopping by the Moon Temple and such.

I also made a promise to create a hidden room in Princess Stephania’s castle. I should probably do that tonight.

Princess Stephania’s territory, like the Marquisate of Fobrester, is a port town facing the sea. Her castle sits on a small hill a short distance from the town. Apparently, it was originally an expanded fortress, giving it quite a formidable impression.

“If we approach directly with the airship, it might cause confusion, so I’ll go ahead on a wyvern to explain.”

Princess Stephania will ride one of the wyverns to inform her territory’s retainers.

“Then I’ll escort you.”

“Fufu. Thank you. Mm. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s faces when they see the airship.”

Princess Stephania seems to be in quite high spirits. She’s a troublesome person in a different way than Rosemary.

“We’ll also let them know we’re here, so it’ll be a double surprise, I suppose.”

…That would be Princess Adriana. Somehow, these two seem like partners in mischief… but I won’t delve deeper.

With stirrups and saddle attached to the wyvern, Princess Stephania takes off from the deck. I also mount Lindwurm and fly alongside her.

We fly over the sea, and as we approach near the port, we see wyverns taking off from the castle and heading toward us.

“This is—Your Highness Stephania…!”

The knights riding the wyverns immediately salute upon recognizing Princess Stephania.

“Good work on your duties. That flying ship belongs to Silvatoria. His Majesty Eberhart and Her Highness Adriana are also aboard. Please welcome them properly without any discourtesy.”

“Y-yes, ma’am!”

The knights’ eyes widen for a moment, but they quickly return the salute and begin to turn their wyverns. However, Princess Stephania stops one of the knights.

“Could you please tell the people gathered at the port that there’s nothing to worry about?”

“Understood.”

The addressed knight spurs his wyvern and heads straight toward the people gathered at the port.

We fly behind the knight heading toward the castle and land in the spacious grounds within the castle premises.

“Your Highness…!”

An elderly knight in full armor comes running up with a panicked expression.

“I’m back, Georg.”

Princess Stephania smiles toward the elderly knight—Georg.

“You’ve returned? Welcome back. It appears a flying ship is heading this way… were you aboard it, Your Highness?”

“Yes. It’s a Silvatorian ship. His Majesty Eberhart and Her Highness Adriana will be arriving shortly. Though it’s sudden, please make thorough preparations to welcome them.”

“What did you say…?”

Georg’s expression changes dramatically. Even if the ship itself poses no threat, having distinguished guests aboard means he can’t let his guard down in a different sense.

“In that case… this armor is unnecessary. I shall go change. You there! You heard! Make preparations for the welcome immediately!”

Georg gives instructions while heading back into the castle.

Princess Stephania seemed satisfied, having seen the reaction she expected.