Chapter 47: A Lonely Girl and Overprotectiveness

“Ah, Kishtarial. Are you heading out?”

“Yes, just a quick inspection of the territory. It’s close to the estate, so I’ll be back by the afternoon.

While Father is away, I’ll act as head of the house for anything within reason.”

“My… that’s incredible, Kishtarial.”

Acting as the head of a ducal house while still a teenager.

It had already been two weeks since Father left to suppress the stampede.

The monsters were apparently still pouring out endlessly.

If it were a spring, that would be one thing—but monsters? That was terrifying.

Meanwhile, I remained the same shut-in NEET as always.

Compared to him, I felt utterly pitiful.

Since that academy incident, I had barely gone outside at all.

Not that I went out much to begin with, but now it had become even worse.

“It’s not that impressive. I’m really just observing the town from the carriage.

Latiche territory is very prosperous, so sometimes unsavory types sniffing out profit come around.

For those kinds of people, just seeing a carriage or knights bearing the Latiche crest is enough of a deterrent.”

“From the carriage… then I would like to come along as well!”

If it was Kishtarial’s carriage, of course it would be guarded.

And if Kishtarial himself was there, then surely nothing frightening would happen.

After all, this was Father’s domain.

Kishtarial blinked slightly in surprise at my request.

“Are you sure? It’s outside, and we’ll be in a carriage. You won’t be scared?”

“…I won’t lie and say I feel nothing. But you’re there, and I trust the guards.

And nothing could possibly happen in Father’s Latiche territory.”

He immediately worried for me, but I managed a smile in response.

Even his worried expression was beautiful.

Honestly, his face had become dangerously perfect over the years.

My inner, socially awkward self was practically dissolving under the sheer radiance.

I felt like prostrating myself in apology for being such a useless shut-in sister.

“…Alright,” he said with a small smile.

My little brother was kind as always.

How long would someone so perfect continue looking after a useless NEET like me…?

“Still, you’re too lightly dressed to go out like that. Let’s prepare properly.”

“Yes.”

As I touched the shawl on my shoulders and he turned toward Sebas, Kishtarial’s expression changed completely.

He was no longer the gentle younger brother.

He was the acting head of the house.

“Sebas, prepare a cloak for Albert—no, have her change entirely. Bring Anna as well.

Replace the guards—remove anyone with less than five years’ experience and switch to elites only.

Change the coachman to someone capable of combat.

And make sure everyone understands: if anything happens, they are to protect Albert before me without hesitation.”

…This escalated quickly!?

As I panicked, Kishtarial sighed and gently patted my head.

“If anything happens to you while Father is away, everyone here will lose their heads. Literally.

So this is only natural.

If we’re going, we should go fully prepared so you can enjoy yourself without worry.”

“I—I suppose you’re right…”

Wait, was that really normal!?

It felt excessive, but if Kishtarial said so…

And honestly, Father might really do something like that.

Anyone other than me was basically expendable to him.

…Yes, he would definitely do it.

Maybe I shouldn’t have asked so casually.

But before I could say anything, preparations were already underway.

Sebas had reorganized the guards, and Anna had been summoned.

Everyone moved efficiently while I stood there, completely useless.

…Right. I should at least change clothes.

I changed from a pale green dress into a deep crimson one.

The fabric was sturdier, blocking out the wind better.

In bright light it looked vivid red, but inside the carriage it would not be too flashy.

A frilled blouse-like chest with a ribbon tie, and a blue gemstone brooch.

I wore disguise earrings to alter my hair and eye color.

My hair was loosely braided and tied with a matching ribbon, adorned with pearl pins.

With bonnet and parasol ready, I was prepared to board—

When suddenly, Kishtarial lifted me up and carried me into the carriage.

…?

When had I apparently become a pet?

He held my waist firmly, letting me lean against him.

If I got too close, my makeup might stain his clothes.

As I squirmed slightly, he peered at me with concern.

“Did that hurt? I tried to be careful…”

“No, that’s not it… if I’m too close, my makeup will get on you…”

“That’s fine. We’re just observing from the carriage. We won’t be meeting anyone.”

Apologize to the maids doing the laundry!

Makeup isn’t that easy to wash off!

Still smiling, he gently pressed his forehead against mine.

But at Anna’s pointed cough, he stiffened and corrected his posture.

Human warmth really is comforting.

The gentle rocking of the carriage was making me sleepy.

I wanted to look outside, but…

“Sleepy? Go ahead and rest. Good night, Albert.”

His gentle voice carried me away.

I fell asleep almost instantly.

“She’s asleep,” Kishtarial murmured, pulling her closer so her head rested securely against him.

As always, her lack of caution was unbefitting of a noble lady.

But with Anna sitting across from them, watching sharply, nothing improper could happen.

Kishtarial had heard the story—this calm and composed maid had once nearly attacked a colleague with a weapon.

There was no doubt she was one of Albertina’s most extreme supporters.

Albertina had been visibly uneasy ever since Greil left.

Normally, she would never accompany inspections.

But today, she had insisted.

She rarely made requests at all, and preferred staying indoors.

For someone so deeply attached to her father, it was only natural she sought comfort in following Kishtarial.

And Kishtarial was not cold enough to refuse that pleading gaze.

He knew he was no different.

He, too, was deeply attached.

And hopelessly tangled in his first love.

Albertina was simply too adorable.

Everyone in the Latiche household—family and servants alike—felt the same.

Even the captain of the guards, who had been off duty, had shown up armed with his personal weapon the moment he heard Albertina would be riding in the carriage.

Other guards had hurriedly cleaned themselves up as well.

The reason was simple.

Albertina almost never went outside.

And guarding her—

The treasured princess of the Latiche household—

Was considered a reward assignment.

She was gentle, fragile, and completely removed from danger.

Protecting her was less like work and more like… a blessing.

She feared men, so the knights could usually only admire her from a distance.

Normally, Julius would be at her side, keeping everyone else away.

But today, he was not here.

And so the guards were more motivated than ever.

Especially after what had happened with Prince Lucas.

They were determined to protect their lady.

(…This isn’t a bad trend.)

Albertina could not use offensive magic.

If anything happened, she could only defend.

And she had always been kept far from danger.

This was not her world.

Better to let the guards do their job.

Preventing danger before it even arose—that was Kishtarial’s role.

Not yet at Greil’s level, but with Sebas’s support, he could manage.

Since her appearance had become known at the academy, proposals had flooded in.

Some were arrogantly phrased—

As if her beauty and lineage alone made everything else irrelevant.

All of them had been rejected.

Thoroughly.

The sound of distant bells echoed.

They were nearing their destination.

Kishtarial hesitated—should he wake her?

Her peaceful sleeping face, framed by long lashes, was too precious to disturb.

But just then, her eyes fluttered open.

“…Mm. Thank you, Kishtarial. I fell asleep completely.”

“It’s fine. Are you cold?”

“No, I’m quite comfortable. I must have been heavy… I’m sorry.”

“I’m not that weak.”

“…That’s true. You’ve grown into an adult, after all.”

Her eyes softened with nostalgia.

There was a trace of sadness there.

Kishtarial could never be the ‘little brother’ she wished for.

From the moment they met, his feelings had only grown stronger.

Unable to suppress them.

To distract himself, he gestured outside.

“We’re in town now. See? It’s much more developed, isn’t it?

Thanks to your investment in road paving and water systems, it’s become much cleaner.”

“My, it’s so lively…”

“Where there’s work, people gather.

And since this place is new and clean, many are moving here.

It’s a hub of innovation—land prices in the noble district there are even higher than the capital’s prime areas.”

“That much…?”

“The old district has also started undergoing redevelopment.

Since things are going well financially right now, we’re reorganizing the area.

Places that are properly maintained are simply easier for people to live in.”

The townscape visible through the carriage window was newly built, even within the rapidly developing Latiche territory of recent years.

It wasn’t constructed haphazardly—it had been planned carefully, so everything was neatly arranged.

Albertina had unusually insisted that she disliked filth, so workers had been hired to focus on regular cleaning.

And somehow, when the streets became clean, crime decreased as well.

The townspeople noticed the carriage bearing the ducal crest and waved cheerfully.

Children in particular waved so energetically they nearly tripped over themselves.

From that alone, one could understand the strong influence of the Latiche ducal house.

One small girl stumbled and nearly fell backward, only to be quickly caught by what seemed to be her older brother.

That carelessness reminded Kishtarial of Albertina, and he returned the wave with a fond smile.

Though he had meant to wave at the child, a piercing chorus of shrieks erupted instead.

From young women to older ladies, they let out birdlike cries at the sight of Kishtarial’s smile.

Startled, Albertina trembled slightly and clung to his arm.

Something soft and rather full pressed against him, but he chose to ignore it.

To acknowledge it would be defeat.

It seemed Albertina had become visible from the window as well.

Several people froze upon seeing the breathtakingly beautiful girl for the first time.

Then, moments later, they erupted into excited commotion.

“Um, Kishtarial… isn’t this bad?”

“Well, Albert rarely appears in public.

But among the people, she’s known as a saint—someone who actively works for their well-being far more than I do.

A savior of the common folk who invested her personal wealth into roads extending even to the capital and neighboring territories.”

“What is that supposed to mean!?”

“That’s how the people of Latiche evaluate you.”

“I only had the roads improved because I didn’t want my backside to hurt…”

“Yes, that’s true.

But normally such work is funded through taxes collected from the territory.

You used your personal funds—compensation from the royal family and profits from your ventures.

And quite a substantial amount, too.

Most nobles complain about roads but delay improvements as long as possible to avoid spending their own money.”

“Our understanding differs far too much…”

Albertina fidgeted in confusion.

Though nobles were meant to uphold noblesse oblige, many focused instead on filling their own pockets.

Some even viewed commoners as livestock that multiplied on their own.

Even Greil, the duke, maintained a certain standard but would not invest excessively unless it prevented rebellion.

However, with the success of businesses inspired by Albertina’s ideas and the abundance of funds, combined with her earnest wish, Latiche’s infrastructure had become far superior to surrounding areas.

Large investments in commerce and public works stimulated the economy further.

Albertina herself had little attachment to money, yet it flowed toward her regardless.

Whenever she expressed a desire to create something, it didn’t just stir the economy—it caused something closer to a massive cyclone.

Thanks to Julius, Sebas, and the backing of the duke, that chaos was kept under control.

“But the people don’t know any of that.

Transportation has improved, and more people are traveling.

Just as you intended, their backsides don’t hurt anymore.

It’s a mutual benefit.”

“…That makes me feel a little guilty.”

“If we stop the carriage, we’ll be surrounded.

So we’ll just observe from here.”

Kishtarial watched her blink in surprise, finding her childlike reaction endearing.

Her current aqua-blue eyes were created by magic, but her true eyes held the most special color in the kingdom.

If her identity were revealed, the royal family—already weakened—would want her desperately.

She would be the perfect puppet.

Her appearance alone carried royal authority, and her resemblance to a deceased beauty added to her appeal.

Her first impression was overwhelmingly powerful—fragile, lovely, and stirring protective instincts.

Even the king himself had reportedly softened instantly upon seeing her.

And if Albertina were secured, even controlling the mighty Duke of Latiche might not be impossible.

Her popularity among the people was also immense, despite her unintentional governance.

Yet there was one thing she had never been told—

She was strictly forbidden from approaching the Duke of Fortuna’s house.

The two great ducal houses, Latiche and Fortuna, were on poor terms due to past conflicts.

Since Christina’s death, ties had all but been severed.

Kishtarial glanced at Albertina, who was gazing out the window with quiet excitement.

Anna watched her with a gentle smile.

(Albert really does resemble her mother…)

Her features, hair, and eyes—all mirrored Christina’s portrait.

At least, Christina had never been described as ruthless like Greil.

(And yet I, just an adopted son, am disliked for resembling him…)

At formal gatherings, Fortuna nobles had hinted pointedly about Albertina’s absence.

Their smiles never reached their eyes.

Their resentment toward Greil had only deepened with time.

Whether they would dote on Albertina or despise her for her bloodline remained uncertain.

Either way, their interest would be troublesome.

(Regardless… if they trouble her, I won’t let it go.)

Albertina trusted Kishtarial more than distant relatives.

As someone she relied on—and as a man—he could not back down.

Unaware of his thoughts, Albertina’s eyes sparkled at the shops and stalls lining the road.

“Albert, don’t get too excited or you’ll get a fever.”

He drew the curtain, blocking her view.

She turned back with a dissatisfied expression.

Though slender, Albertina had quite the appetite.

She might start asking for food otherwise.

“But it smelled so good…”

“When we return, the chef will have lunch ready.

Today’s your favorite—cheese risotto.

You said you wanted rice dishes, didn’t you?”

Albertina hesitated for a moment.

Then, as if weighing the options, she decisively chose the risotto.

Rice was not common here, but she had grown fond of it.

If she wasn’t hungry, even delicious food would lose its appeal.

And her appetite was not large.

She seemed to have given up on buying food.

Still, she leaned against Kishtarial with a slight pout.

Seeing this, he realized she would soon fall asleep again.

Anna quickly draped a blanket and shawl over her.

A truly capable maid.

Albertina soon fell asleep once more.

Even after they returned, she remained deeply asleep.

As Kishtarial carried her inside, Julius—who had returned—slightly furrowed his brow.

“Kishtarial-sama, my apologies for troubling you.

Allow me to carry the young lady.

Please, go change first.”

“It’s fine. I’ll take her to her room.”

At that moment, sparks seemed to fly between them—

Or so one maid would later claim.

“It is not appropriate for the young master to do such a thing.”

“I want to do it. That’s reason enough.”

Though both wore smiles and spoke calmly, the atmosphere was unmistakably tense.

Anna’s expression remained blank, though irritation seeped through.

To her, even this contest of pride was a waste of time.

“The young lady will catch cold.

If you wish to quarrel, do so elsewhere.

Shall I call Sebas?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Their voices overlapped in unison.

Anna’s gaze grew even colder.

But their raised voices caused Albertina to stir.

She opened her eyes slightly.

Anna approached immediately.

“Good morning, my lady. We’ll carry you to your room now.”

“…Mm.”

She was half-asleep, nodding faintly.

The three of them felt an odd warmth at the sight.

The freezing tension melted instantly.

“Who would you like to carry you?”

“Father.”

An immediate answer. Reality was cruel.

“The duke is currently away. Who else?”

“…Call Sebas. The red rabbit book… and the squirrel one…”

She was clearly still half-asleep—and regressing.

Both Kishtarial and Julius had been completely ignored.

Anna’s eyes softened.

That picture book was one of Albertina’s favorites.

Later, when Albertina fully woke during Sebas’s reading, she blushed deeply and apologized.

Sebas simply smiled and bowed.

“This Sebas is honored to be needed by you, my lady.”