Chapter Fifty-Three: Turning Thirteen
Continuing to devote myself as the lord, I suddenly glanced outside and noticed that it had turned into a summer day.
Located in the hilly plains, the Rocha region is considerably hotter than the Nonette homeland, a mountainous country.
Being situated inland with breezy winds, it's not too hot that one would crave an air conditioner.
"Oh, wait, if it's summer, then that means my birthday has passed."
My birth falls around the end of spring and the beginning of summer – I don't have a precise calendar like in my past life, so it's categorized into these broad seasonal divisions.
Without a specific date and birthdays being celebrated when one reaches a certain age in this world, it's quite common to forget. People often end up mistaking their ages as they grow older.
Anyway, somehow I had turned thirteen. With knowledge from my previous life, I didn't feel joy at turning thirteen; instead, all that came to mind was a grumpy thought about getting older.
Lost in my thoughts, Princess Parvela, who was in the same room as a surveillance officer, smiled at me.
"Milimos-kun has turned thirteen. Congratulations."
"Yeah, uh-huh. It's a bit embarrassing to just now remember that the season of my birth has passed."
As I responded with an embarrassed smile, Parvela's smile seemed to transform into an even warmer, affectionate expression.
"I turned fourteen just the other day, you know. If it weren't for Famiris reminding me, I would have forgotten."
"So, that means Princess Parvela was born at the beginning of summer?"
"Yes, indeed. But since I was born in mild weather neither hot nor cold, people often say I have a vague personality."
I felt like she was hiding some unpleasant feelings behind her smile, a slight shadow that made me want to offer some encouragement.
"Having a personality that's easy to get along with is much better than being labeled as hot-tempered if born in the middle of summer or cold if born in the middle of winter, in my opinion."
"Being able to get along... Well, Milimos-kun, you're quite eloquent."
Parvela's mood improved significantly. It seemed my words had the desired effect.
Just as I was patting myself on the back, I heard Famiris clear her throat.
"Ahem! Prince Milimos, your work as a ruler has come to a halt. This is a crucial time for governance. Please focus."
"I understand. But the policies we've been implementing since spring are going well, and the regions where the economy was sluggish and security was deteriorating have been pacified by General Durba's forces. The administrative staff of the territory is working diligently under Famiris's watchful eye, so there aren't many problems."
So, there's hardly any paperwork left to do – in fact, it's almost finished.
I raised the completed documents and presented them as evidence, which led Famiris to narrow her eyes at me.
"Prince Milimos, you truly are impeccable. It makes those of us who admonish you seem foolish."
"I can't tell if you're amazed or irritated – pick one."
As I chuckled wryly, tea was placed on the table next to me.
The one serving was Hones, a new recruit brought from the Nonette country. Over the past hundred days since spring, she had taken on the role of my secretary.
"Senpai, if work is finished, what's your plan for later?"
"Doing surprise inspections around various places is a good idea, but it might also be nice to join the soldiers in some physical activity. Or maybe assisting in the training of the magic soldiers we're raising."
"Considering I've been doing mostly desk work, it's a good idea to occasionally engage in proper physical exercise."
"I do incorporate light exercise into my daily routine, but practical experience tends to fade away."
As I leaned into a more proactive mindset for exercise, Famiris predictably chimed in.
"Very well, then. Let me be your opponent, Prince Milimos! With your seriousness, you won't get injured even if you try using divine magic or spells!"
As per his statement, it seemed that Famiris and the others had already learned about my ability to use divine magic.
Given that the knightly country is a religious nation, I had worried that my capability to use divine magic would lead to some kind of judgment. However, that didn't happen.
On the contrary, Famiris was quite keen on honing my divine magic skills. While I appreciated the proposal, his relentless commitment to our training almost made me feel exhausted.
Princess Parvela was the only one who could stop Famiris, but when it came to combat training, she never interfered. In fact, she gladly gave her permission.
"I suppose you're right. Today's sunny and warm, perfect for a full workout. Famiris, go ahead and train Milimos-kun. And, like before, I'll join in and train alongside."
"Understood! Princess Parvela, shall you and I train together as before?"
"I'll train with Hones. Since we're about evenly matched, it's quite motivating for both of us!"
"Princess Parvela, let's do our best together!"
Hones and Parvela exchanged spirited words, showing their close relationship.
Without me realizing, these two had grown quite fond of each other. Occasionally, they would exchange glances with some kind of plan in mind – probably something that could only be shared in secret among close friends.
Well, they must be true friends to be able to have secret conversations like that.
Now, thanks to the flow of the conversation, I found myself agreeing to engage in physical training. As I tried to solidify my determination, someone entered the office.
"Prince Milimos, it's urgent, but a request for an audience has come in."
"An audience, from the Susharta Trading Company? Or perhaps a petition from the common folk?"
While audiences are usually scheduled in advance, the Susharta Trading Company often reports to me due to their responsibility for exporting artwork for the empire. Likewise, the citizens sometimes come urgently to submit their requests, trusting me as a "good ruler."
Apart from these two possibilities, I couldn't think of anyone who would request an urgent audience.
However, this time, it was someone else.
"An audience request from Solerina Analogi, a pregnant woman from the Spozart Kingdom, and her accompanying party."
The Spozart Kingdom is a desert nation, not adjacent to the Rocha region but situated relatively close.
And the name "Solerina" triggered a significant memory for me.
"Solerina-sama is here? And she's pregnant!?"
Surprised, I stood up, quickly left the office, and headed toward the audience chamber.