Chapter 274 Dinner With Someone Who Knows My Childhood Usually Goes Like This
That night, the members who witnessed Rihito's awakening all gathered for dinner at the Grandchester Castle main residence.
Since Rihito had been asleep for 40 years, Sara was worried if he could eat normal food, but Rihito said, "Thanks to the fairies, I just slept a bit longer." It seems that Arata had completely stopped Rihito's time.
Marquis Grandchester and Jeffrey, who were at the knight headquarters, hurriedly invited Rihito to the Grandchester Castle main residence after learning that Paracelsus was alive and even on the castle grounds.
Fortunately, the royals had rented out the Grandchester family's villa in the capital under the pretext of socializing with young people from other families. While they wouldn't go too wild, some were rumored to bring in courtesans.
Sophia also received an invitation, but she politely declined and sent cider as an apology. It would probably be enough for the first toast.
Hearing that Rihito had just awakened from a long sleep, Marquis Grandchester prepared a room for him in the main residence, along with a bath and clothes, and welcomed him warmly.
However, when Marquis Grandchester saw Rihito get out of the carriage, he couldn't believe his eyes. He remembered that the last time he saw Paracelsus, he looked about the same age as his elderly father.
"It's been a while. Um... no, now it's Your Excellency Marquis Grandchester, right?"
"This is surprising. Mr. Paracelsus, you look much younger than when I last saw you."
"Ah, I'm sorry. If you prefer me to look older, I can change."
"Just as you are is fine. I'm used to my granddaughter's appearance."
"Your granddaughter seems to be causing quite a bit of trouble."
"That's true. She is definitely contributing to the territory, but at the same time, she gives me a terrible headache."
"I understand."
Rihito noticed that William, the current Marquis Grandchester in front of him, no longer had the same look of disgust as before. Rihito felt once again that so many years had passed.
The room prepared for him was quite a high-class guest room. It was a grade that didn't quite match a self-proclaimed alchemist of common birth, who had various issues in his background, even though he was somewhat well-known.
'Hmm... What on earth happened in the 40 years I was asleep?'
As Rihito soaked in the bathtub, having declined assistance, he pondered William's changes. In reality, it was because Sara had revealed his research results and that many fairies lived in the garden, but Rihito was still unaware of this.
After getting out of the bathtub and using magic to dry his body and hair, Rihito couldn't help but smile wryly at the gown that was laid out for him. It had a design that screamed "alchemist," and he could walk around the academy in it without feeling out of place. The fabric had a sheen to it, and it was adorned with luxurious embroidery.
Rihito also wore a gown while working, but usually, he preferred to throw on a simple design like a lab coat over his worn-out everyday clothes. He might be influenced by memories of his past life, but it was a strangely comforting style.
'Well, I guess it's not something to complain about. Formal attire is expected for a dinner party, after all.'
After changing clothes, a young servant guided Rihito to the dining room. The other members were already seated, and Rihito was the last one to arrive.
"I'm sorry for being late."
"No, you're right on time. Please, have a seat."
However, Rihito's gaze wandered a bit. There were more people than he had expected.
In the dining room today, the Grandchester family was all present. Marquis Grandchester, the Young Marquis and his wife, Robert and Rebecca, and unusually, Jeffrey was sitting at the table instead of being on guard.
Of course, all the children were there too, with Alicia and Amelia from Maiden's Tower attending. Unfortunately, Teresa was not at the castle. It seemed she was busy in the workshop, quietly making products that Sara had asked for.
"I'm surprised there are so many noble people here. I feel a bit out of place, like someone like me shouldn't be here."
"Mr. Paracelsus is quite the jokester. Aren't you the guest of honor today? We welcome your safe return."
When Robert expressed his welcome, Rihito shook his head.
"No, I'm just a self-proclaimed alchemist who abandoned my job for 40 years and has been living in laziness. It seems I'm treated like I've been fired, and I can't even enter the workplace at night. By the way, if it's not too much trouble, may I ask for everyone's names? I'm just an old man who is out of touch with the world."
"That's right. If you don't mind, please ask Lady Alicia and Lady Amelia as well."
"Understood."
"Of course, Your Excellency Marquis Grandchester."
Alicia and Amelia felt very uncomfortable at this dinner because they were commoners. They had originally planned to skip the dinner, but Sara insisted that they come, so they tried to act brave despite their nerves.
"Seated here are the eldest son, Young Marquis Edward, and his wife, Elizabeth. Their children are Adam, Chloe, and Christopher, in that order."
When their names were called, the Young Marquis family gave a slight bow to Rihito.
"And here is the second son, Robert, and his fiancée, Lady Rebecca. She is the second daughter of the Orson family. After their marriage, Robert will become Viscount Astley, and Sara will become their adopted daughter. I don't know if you've heard, but Sara is the daughter of the late third son, Arthur. Her mother has also passed away."
"I see. So, after the marriage, Sir Robert will leave Grandchester?"
Rihito spoke to Robert.
"I will visit the estate a few times, but I plan to leave that to the governor. I can't take Sara away from Maiden's Tower."
"Father, please don't worry about me. Enjoy your newlywed life with Mother. After the wedding, I will move to Maiden's Tower."
Sara quickly interjected. She wanted to avoid living with the troublesome newlywed couple, Robert and Rebecca, as much as possible.
"Since you're going to be my daughter, why won't you live in the same house? That would be too lonely, right? Plus, it seems like it will take time to hand over the work at Grandchester."
"I want to avoid bothering the newlyweds, and anyway, it's busier there, so it's easier at Maiden's Tower. It's safe since it's protected by golems."
"Miss Sara wants her in-laws to get along, right?"
"Of course. I also want to see my cute little siblings."
"I see. So right now, Miss Sara is the youngest in Grandchester?"
"That's right. I want to be called 'big sister' by my cute little siblings."
"Haha, kids are definitely cute. Before I go to sleep, Alicia's father was younger than Miss Sara. By the way, I also have memories of His Excellency Marquis Grandchester when he was a child over there, you know?"
'Ah, this is the flow of "embarrassing childhood stories" that gets shared at family gatherings!'
"He was a very energetic young master and loved playing the knight who rescues the captive princess."
"Ah, please spare me from that part."
"But the big sister who had to play the princess every time was also very energetic, and she would hit him with a stick, saying, 'You're too slow to rescue me!' and often cried."
"Grandfather... did you get made to cry by your big sister?"
"That's just a story from when I was really little!"
"That's true. I think the last time was the day before he entered the academy when he was showing off his uniform and got hit with a wooden sword by his big sister for being cheeky. He was bleeding from his head and got a serious lecture from the then-Marquis' wife for getting his uniform dirty."
"Grandfather?"
"Well, it was his sister who was being scolded. His Excellency the Marquis was actually worried if she would be okay entering the knight school."
"Um... may I ask how old grandfather was when he entered?"
"He was 13."
"How old was his sister at that time?"
"She was 14 since they are a year apart."
'So, in other words, even at Scott's age, he lost to her big sister?'
"I still find it strange that my sister got married. She hasn't been well lately and didn't come to this hunting tournament. She married into the Count Harrington family, and now her son has inherited the title of Count."
"I see."
'Huh? Count Harrington? I feel like I've heard that name somewhere...'
Then, Sedrick, who had disappeared, whispered in my ear.
"He's the Count famous for wine. You met him at the opening ceremony."
Sara remembered the Count who eagerly enjoyed the cider and Elma brandy.
"Oh, the one famous for wine."
"That's right. Count Harrington is his nephew."
It seems that the noble family famous for wine is related to them.
"Then, Sara's sword skills might be similar to his."
Scott said happily, and Blaze nodded beside him. However, Jeffrey, who was watching, had a troubled expression on his face.
"Well... that person swings a greatsword. It's almost unbelievable how easily she handles it, stronger than a clumsy knight. I cried a few times during training because of her. Compared to her, Sara's sword feels elegant and feminine. Not only is she incredibly suited for physical enhancement, but her courage is also extraordinary. I don't think anyone else but that lady could chop off a bandit's head with a greatsword while attacking her own carriage. If it were Sara, she would probably capture them without killing."
"I've heard that story many times, but I still can't believe it. When I meet Lady Elena at social events, she is such an elegant noblewoman."
When Elizabeth spoke with curiosity, Marquis Grandchester replied with a wry smile.
"My sister hardly ever takes off her gloves in public. After all, both her hands are rough, like those of someone who wields a sword."
'Wait, it sounds like there's some crazy relative of mine!?'
"I want to have a match with her just once!"
When Scott said this innocently, Jeffrey made a bitter face.
"With your current skills, that's probably impossible. You'd just get knocked away by her greatsword."
"Is she really that strong?"
"She is. If you underestimate her just because she's a noblewoman, you'll regret it."
'Ah, I guess Sir Jeffrey must have had a painful experience in the past.'
"Grandfather, could it be that Lady Elena wanted to enroll in the academy and become a knight? Is that why she got upset when you bragged about your uniform...?"
"That's right. Mother pointed it out, and my sister cried because of it."
"Even back then, there were women suffering from walls they couldn't overcome because they were female, huh?"
Rebecca, Alicia, and Amelia looked pained at Sara's words. They were the ones directly involved.
"Grandfather, Sir Jeffrey, I have a request,"
"What is it?"
"Please open the doors of the Grandchester Knights to women as well."
"There must be other talented women like Elena who cannot become knights. If anyone says that women cannot handle swords, I am willing to fight them myself."
However, Marquis Grandchester easily rejected this request.
"I absolutely cannot allow that."
"Why not?"
"A knight cannot be made just by sword skills. Once it comes to battle, it becomes a fight for life. I cannot take women to such a place."
"If it's about courage, I believe it's a matter of individual differences, not gender. There are delicate men too, aren't there?"
"That's not the issue. In situations where death is close, a knight's reason is not that strong. Some will easily throw away chivalry and resort to plunder, and I cannot guarantee that they won't turn their fangs on the women on their side."
"I see. So, what you are worried about is that kind of thing. I can understand that."
"I say this myself, but I feel like an 8-year-old girl shouldn't be understanding such things."
"Indeed, I can't fully grasp it. However, if you are concerned about such matters, why not first create a unit of women that does not go to the battlefield? I think it would be perfect for protecting noble ladies."
"Hmm."
"What I want to request is to improve the situation where women cannot even reach the entrance just because they are women."
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