Chapter 6
"Honestly, what is he thinking!? Has Father gone senile!?"
The scene was the Rodel territory in southern Rudek, and the man who had shouted was Zambard-Rodel, the current head of the Rodel family.
The reason was the letter in his hands. The sender was his father, Zackhart-Rodel.
His father had handed the Rodel family headship over to Zambard early on and was now devoting himself to his duties as commander of the Third Knight Order, serving as Gadeland's guardian deity.
Zambard had never expected Father to retire simply because he had relinquished the family headship, but even so, the fact that he remained an active knight commander had gone beyond impressing him as a son; he was now mildly exasperated.
When he was young, Zambard had admired his father and even aspired to join the Knight Order. But having someone so exceptional right beside him was not always a good thing.
Zambard soon realized that he could never become Zackhart and chose to pursue life as a noble rather than a knight.
Fortunately, the territory was being managed well. He had also been blessed with an heir capable of taking over. His son was steadily learning how to govern the territory, and though perhaps it was too soon to say, he could hand it over at any time without worry.
Amid all this, a letter suddenly arrived.
――I will adopt a child. Make the arrangements.――
He wondered what this was about, but after reading the letter in detail, he was even more surprised. Apparently, the person his father was considering adopting was a young girl. Adopt a girl younger than his own grandchild? What on earth was he thinking?
That thought escaped his lips.
His voice echoed through his empty study. Zambard cleared his throat, then turned his attention to the rest of the letter.
He now understood the circumstances surrounding the girl named Rufa. She had been brought from the southern continent to an unfamiliar land, then rescued by the Tenth Knight Order after being attacked by bandits. She had led a remarkably difficult life despite her young age.
Even so, he could not imagine that his father had simply been moved by sympathy.
The letter explicitly stated that even if Rufa were adopted, she would have no claim on the Rodel succession. Father seemed to be considering her only as someone under his protection.
"However..."
No matter how many times he thought it over, Zambard could not understand his father's intentions at all. This girl had no connection whatsoever to their family. What was he really thinking?
The letter said that Father had not yet told Rufa. At least he had done Zambard the courtesy of showing consideration for his position as head of the family.
"Hmm..."
He still did not fully understand, but there was nothing in the proposal serious enough to warrant opposition.
Since Father was so insistent, there had to be something special about the girl. Perhaps this could count as filial piety...
After thinking it over a little longer, Zambard wrote Zackhart a reply granting his approval.
Several days later, a reply arrived saying, "I have obtained Rufa's consent to the adoption as well."
〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜
"Father, my aunt is coming today, isn't she?"
Zambard's son, Dekuriad, said cheerfully. Though he called her his aunt, she was a girl about five years his junior, so naturally he was intensely curious. To Zambard, she would be a little sister who was younger than his own son. It was a very strange feeling.
Father had informed him that he would be bringing Rufa home for a visit, and today was the appointed day.
"I'm looking forward to it too."
His daughter, Livya, also seemed restless. She had an aunt so close to her own age; hopefully, they would get along.
"It seems they will be arriving soon."
A servant came to inform them, and when Zambard looked out from the manor's balcony, he saw a horse approaching at a run. He had assumed they would arrive by carriage, but Father was actually bringing her on horseback.
"Dear, prepare to welcome them."
Still somewhat surprised, Zambard followed his wife's urging and left the manor to greet them.
The enormous horse, more than capable of bearing his father's massive frame, had drawn almost within reach. Zambard had seen it countless times, but it still had an overwhelming presence.
"Thank you for coming to welcome me! Have you all been well?"
With a booming voice, Zackhart brought the horse to a stop in front of Zambard and the others.
The girl perched in front of Zackhart exchanged a few words with him, then took his offered hand and hopped down from the horse.
As she did, her long blue hair, sparkling in the light, lifted gently and danced in silky waves.
"She's like a doll..."
Livya let out a breathless sigh. Her beauty was so fantastical that everyone present was struck by it in exactly the same way.
As Zambard and the others stood gazing at her in a daze, Rufa scampered over to them.
"You're all from the Rodel family, aren't you? My name is Rufa! It's a pleasure to meet you all!"
With a carefree smile, Rufa bowed her head, and Zambard and the others could not help feeling their hearts soften.
No wonder Father had taken a liking to her.
Though all they had exchanged was a single greeting, Zambard felt strangely convinced and found himself ready to accept this new little sister.