The budding spring at Kaldia Domain – 11


    It was by the time when the snow has melted and wild flowers has started to bud when udia’s brother, Nathanael, arrived at Kaldia.


    After some greetings, I escort him to the vige of the new citizens, which can also be seen from the current domain lord’s mansion we were in.


    After a while of walking on a suddenly vibrant street while being followed by curious gazes from the citizens,


    “…….Hmm, I see. So this is the vige that the people from Arts made. Still, I can’t believe that such splendid vige can be establish in just a few years….., it’s truly amazing”


    Nathanael stated as he looked back at the road we just passed with fascination.


    “Indeed, it’s one of the things Kaldiais proud of. Because despite of being unustomed to their new environment, everyone still did such a great job.”


    I nodded with a hint of embarrassment.


    In order to retain myposure, I put all efforts to ignore the fact that a girl whowasweeding the field on our side suddenly stood up and run elsewhere. Ugh…. I’m sure this will spread all over the vige now that I’ve been heard….


    “I heard that many of the excellent troops of Kaldia helped with the construction, is that true?”


    “Hm…. ah, yes. The army was included in most of the construction”


    Kaldia’s military was used in developing this vige in the first ce. After that, soldiers from the Shiru tribe also became part of the construction.


    Even now, the military would be the first one to move if there’s any expansion or rebuilding, or even cultivation and irrigation works within the domain. That’s the reason why the construction skills of Kaldia’s army are high.


    ……Most of the men who came from Arts belongs to the Shiru tribe. Since people such as theSellion farmers lives outside the Bandishia teau, they quickly received Dansel troops attacks. That’s why many men sacrificed themselves in order for the women and children to escape.


    This is one of the main reasons why the Shiru tribe remained as the usher for the new citizens, though it’s also partly because of their influence during the time where Arts still existed.


    “It’s a nice vige. Not because it has a great view but because its people are all in good shape”


    “……Thank you”


    I sincerely expressed my gratitude tohim who was smiling happily as he let out a praise.


    I really think that he is indeed a sincere and outstanding person. It’s not like I was doubting it, since he’s the person that udia look up too andpletely trust.


    Rather, It’s because he’s like that,that’s why I think so.


    I cannot predict what will happen to his awaiting duel with Oscar.


    Whether he will win, or not.


    All I can do is to watch and see for myself.


    I can’t help but feel nervous.


    “Now then, let’s proceed with the match”


    Back in the domain lord’s mansion, after the introduction of Oscar was over, bothof us swallowed the urge we’re feeling as Nathanael remove his topas he states those words.


    This feeling of exhaustion, it’spletely the same with udia. As expected of siblings.


    “……excuse me but, how about having lunch first? you still haven’t taken a rest from walking around the vige”


    “Ah, there’s no problem. Also, my movements will be dull if I eat so it’s better to finish some light work out first”


    Light…… Light? Did I not mention that it’s a duel?


    I clearly stated in the letter that it will be a “duel”.


    And of course, a duel is a serious match. It doesn’t just have a high risk of injury, there’s also a possibility of death involved.


    Above all that, udia’s engagement is at stake here. I can’t think of it as some light workout……


    While feeling uncertain, Nathanael nonchntlyughed at me.


    I currently have a confused expression on my face, as ifwanting to ask what’s so funny


    Beside him was udia who has the same expression. Upon this, mine and Oscar’s shoulders dropped as we gave in.


    “…………I understand. We shall finish that first then. I was thinking of using the courtyard as the ground , is that alright with you?


    “Yes, of course. It won’t take long so no need to worry.”


    I saw Oscar as he casually wrap around my back. The sword he was holding furiously shakes as he grips on it.


    Well, It does sound like he’s being looked down upon. It’s the same as saying “ Fighting with someone like you won’t take long”


    But probably, no, surely Nathanael didn’tmeanany harm. don’t feel like he’s looking down on him.


    ……I’m sure that Nathanael is also aware of their difference in strength since udia guaranteed his way of making prediction and it’s uracy


    Although I didn’t think that he was the kind of person that difference to his opponent, even though he doesn’tmean it


    Just what in the world is he thinking……?


    My stomach started to get heavy as I feel more and more nervous. When I was about to unconsciously wrap my hands around it


    …………I noticed udia who’s currently preparing her spear and gauntlet. The hands that were about to wrap to my stomach almost held my head instead.


    “……um, udia…… What are you doing?”


    “Hm? What do you mean?”


    “Uh……. Why are you picking up your weapon even though we’re about to begin their duel?”


    “…………？Why, you ask? Aren’t Oscar and I going to duel with my brother together?”


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    Wait a minute.


    What did she say?


    It’s my first time hearing that.


    Look. Oscar, who probably feels the same way as I do, lookspletely drained!


    Even though the duel is about to begin, what are you gonna do about this!?