Chapter 143
On Recovery Day, exactly one week after speaking with Richard-sama, I spent the morning preparing to visit the Daligard household. I was now riding in a carriage with Roger.
After last week's discussion, Richard-sama had contacted them immediately, and it seemed they had readily agreed to my visit, but I was a little worried because I didn't know what kind of people they were.
Since they had Stacey-sama attending the Royal Academy, I assumed they were good people, but... I was still pretty nervous.
"Roger, are we almost there?"
"It will take a little longer. ... Are you nervous?"
"Yeah, a little. Can you tell?"
"I can, but not enough for someone meeting you for the first time to notice."
"I see. That's good. I don't know what kind of people former Baron Daligard and his wife are, so I'm a little nervous."
"If you'd like, I can tell you what I know. Would you like me to?"
"Really? Tell me anything you know."
"Certainly. The Daligard household is famous for being an unorthodox noble family."
"An unorthodox family?"
That makes me even more nervous... An unorthodox family doesn't mean they have lots of people like Stacey-sama, does it? If so, I couldn't handle them.
"Yes. The Daligard household is known for not placing much importance on its noble house. They prioritize their family and personal happiness over the interests of the house."
"So... you mean they prioritize living happily over their interests as nobles?"
"I believe that's a fair interpretation."
That sounds like a family I'd get along with really well. Maybe that's why Stacey-sama grew up so freely. I think I've relaxed quite a bit.
"Then maybe they won't look down on me for being a commoner?"
"I can't say for certain, but since you're being introduced by the head of the household, I doubt they would."
Of course. Richard-sama wouldn't introduce me to a family like that.
"You're right. I feel a little less nervous now, thanks."
"I'm glad I could be of assistance."
While chatting with Roger, I was carried along in the carriage, and before long we arrived at the Daligard household.
The Daligard household was on the edge of the central district. The residence was small, but appeared neat and well-kept. There was a calm, reassuring atmosphere about it, somehow.
The carriage entered the grounds and soon came to a stop in front of the residence. At Roger's prompting, I got out and saw a kind-looking couple and Stacey-sama waiting for us.
"You must be Leon-kun. Welcome to the Daligard household. I am Pierre Daligard, the former Baron Daligard. Please feel free to call me Pierre."
"I'm Pierre's wife, Carolyn Daligard. Please call me Carolyn."
So these were Stacey-sama's grandparents. They smiled warmly at me and looked incredibly kind.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Leon. Pierre-sama, Carolyn-sama, I hope we can get along well."
After I returned their greetings, Stacey-sama came over to speak to me, her delight impossible to hide.
"Welcome to the Daligard household, Leon."
"Stacey-sama, I look forward to spending time with you today."
After exchanging greetings with everyone, I was shown into the reception room. From what I saw on the way, the interior of the residence was plain but warm, and I found it quite appealing. I'd grown used to the lavish ducal mansion, but there was something comforting about a smaller place.
The reception room had two sofas facing each other with a table between them. When everyone from the Daligard family sat on one, I sat alone on the other.
Once I sat down and tea was served, Pierre-sama spoke to me right away.
"You seem to have become good friends with Stacey at the Royal Academy. Stacey is a little different from other children, so I worried she might not make any friends. I'm glad she found such a wonderful friend in you."
Pierre-sama said it with a heartfelt smile.
Friends, huh...? I wasn't sure if Stacey-sama and I could really be called friends, but I knew it definitely wouldn't do to deny it here.
"No... I was glad to meet Stacey-sama as well."
"I'm glad to hear you say that. Stacey is a darling, isn't she? She's my pride and joy."
When he put it that way, she really was cute in appearance. She had a fluffy blond bob, golden eyes, and very attractive features.
But she's such an unusual girl that it completely overshadows her good looks, so she comes across as more mysterious than cute.
Of course, I couldn't say that out loud.
"I think she's very cute."
"Really!? That's wonderful, Stacey."
"I'm happy. But I have an even cuter friend. I'm sure the two of you will get along. Oh, right! I'll bring my friend here."
Stacey-sama said that and left the reception room without listening to anyone else. She really was a strange girl...
Pierre-sama gave a wry smile at her behavior, but soon turned his attention back to me and apologized.
"Leon-kun, Stacey didn't mean any harm. Can you forgive her?"
"There's nothing to forgive. I wasn't angry."
"That's good. She knows proper noble etiquette and is intelligent enough to get into the Royal Academy, but she's somehow out of step with other children."
"She certainly is..."
I didn't know how to respond, so I gave a vague answer. An awkward silence lingered for a little while, until Carolyn-sama broke it.
"I worry about that girl's future."
Carolyn-sama said this with a worried expression as she gazed at the door through which Stacey-sama had left.
"She's still a child, so we don't know what will happen."
"But if she were like other children, she'd soon be at the age when they start choosing fiancés. Of course, if Stacey isn't attached to being a noble, she doesn't have to marry. But even if she lives as a quasi-noble, I wonder whether she'll be able to hold down a job."
"She can attend the Royal Academy, so I don't think we need to worry. Still, it would be most reassuring if she married someone dependable."
"Yes..."
"Rather than a noble, a commoner who wouldn't struggle to make a living might be better. A merchant would have it just as hard as a noble, though..."
"Perhaps a soldier or an official employed by a noble..."
After they'd gotten that far, they both turned to look at me at once. What? Me? Could they be thinking of marrying Stacey-sama off to me!?
No, no, that's impossible! Please don't look at me like that!