The summer heat that held everyone in a tight grip swept over the duchy and was luckily weakened by the cooling ocean breeze that managed to keep most of the residents on the main island sane. The first signs of autumn were already to be seen across the duchy. The trees began changing their colours and the sea too was changing to the new season.
Benedikt was looking forward to the changes in their duchy as the stifling heat made the training especially exhausting. Like every other day Koshaku Ichinobe and Benedikt were on the fields to go through the strategies with all the soldiers and sailors. The sun came down on them mercilessly, burning and relentlessly. As if the bright fireball wanted to prove once again that even the highest ranking noble on earth was entirely and hopelessly powerless against its sole existence. Considering the sun's position it was already around noon. He wouldn't be able to return to the estate for lunch with Yumiko.
The thought didn't sadden him in the slightest however, since Yumiko would now find her way to spend the meal with him regardless.
It was endearing to him that she made this effort for him and it gave him something to look forward to each day again. He knew that she was occupied with various tasks, including the entirety of their Kleingoldlinden estate and supporting Linda with the Hohengoldlinden estate as well. Despite that she made it part of her routine to make the preparations to see him for their shared lunch meals.
Benedikt was about to announce the lunch break as he heard cheerful chants from the soldiers lined up in front of him. He turned around and saw Yumiko approaching him led by Takane. Yumiko herself carried a basket. By now the soldiers were looking forward to his wife just as much as he was since she would also treat them all to something special back in the canteen for their lunch each time she would come over to bring the lunch for him and her brother.
In the beginning the loud cheers would embarrass her so much that she would turn all red, however she had gotten more used to it now and even waved back to the men with a shy smile.
"Alright men listen up!" Benedikt shouted with his strict tone, so loud that even the soldiers at the back would hear him. Everyone automatically straightened their back, focusing on him now.
"We made great progress today! You have deserved the lunch break now more than enough! Please enjoy and return here after recharging in the canteen!" Benedikt saluted them in a swift motion that was embedded deeply into his body.
The men saluted back to him. "Understood!" They shouted back in unison.
Without Benedikt giving them any other order they then proceeded to turn towards Yumiko and saluted her as well. "We are thankful for the generosity of Princess Yumiko!"
Yumiko turned to them in surprise and bowed down with a shy smile. Benedikt had to suppress his grin as he saw her red ears. "Please enjoy your lunch!" Yumiko tried to reply to them as loudly as possible, however her gentle voice wouldn't even reach the men in the third row.
"Soldiers, proceed to the canteen!" Benedikt looked through the rows and they saluted while then leaving the premise in an orderly manner.
Benedikt then quickly went to Yumiko and took the basket with one hand while taking her hand with his other to kiss its back. "Greetings to my dear wife."
"Was I interrupting you?" Yumiko smiled at him awkwardly.
"You could never." Benedikt smiled at her warmly.
"Dear sister, you should really wait for us back in the canteen instead of coming out here," Ichinobe approached them and pinched Yumiko's cheek gently. "You are distracting the soldiers."
Yumiko frowned displeased and pursed her lips.
"Not at all, the men must be glad that their Princess is so approachable." Benedikt squeezed her hand encouragingly.
"Maybe," Ichinobe looked at Yumiko and Benedikt saw a faint grin on his lips as his younger sister was still pouting at him. "Let us go, we shall recharge as well."
Yumiko's expression softened up as she heard his tone, knowing that he was simply teasing her.
As they ate their meal together Yumiko happily told them that Archduke Richard's condition had gotten better in the morning and he was no longer fighting the fever and cold shiver cycles.
The doctors were now observing his condition and carefully diagnosed that the medicine and the diligent care of Archduchess Ann-Sophie helped him greatly with this positive turn.
The fantastic news elevated everyone's mood greatly. The worry that had followed them like a heavy burden on their shoulders was now easened up.
Benedikt wanted to visit his father before the dinner to see for himself.
It has been a little over a month now since the Archduke had fallen ill. Today marked an important event; the official succession of Leopold as the reigning Archduke of Hohengoldlinden.
Thankfully their father had regained consciousness two weeks ago. Both the allemanian and yashimin doctors were certain that he had managed to overcome the disease.
However his overall condition didn't seem to recover back to how it was before. Archduke Richard remained severely weakened and bedridden. Due to that he had decided to push the succession ceremony forward.
It was in his prideful character that he wanted to officially hand over the responsibility of the duchy to his oldest son while he was still capable of doing that.
Although Leopold should have felt happy for his father having gained back his consciousness and the relief that was generally shared with everyone in the duchy, he also felt a sense of bitterness.
He didn't want to inherit the official title as the reigning Archduke due to these kinds of circumstances. At the same time it was still more preferable than having to execute the plan that they had to prepare for the worst outcome of his sickness.
The succession ceremony was held to be intimate, with almost no attendees from outside Hohengoldlinden. The planning would have pushed the date back for at least a month and their father wasn't willing to accommodate outsiders if it meant to delay the ceremony, since he wasn't in any state to welcome other royals.
The Kirishimas were also able to decide on their date of departure which would be in a few days.
So far, they had proven themselves as very valuable allies beyond the shallow motivations of economic and political benefits. Koshaku Kirishima Saigo along with his entire family had become an integral part of the Hohengoldlindens. During these difficult times they were an indescribable support for both their state affairs and personal well-being.
And it was now Leopold's obligation to maintain this relationship after their departure.
"Are you ready?" Linda approached him from behind wearing her ceremonial dress. They both wore the most elaborate attires befitting the new Archduke and Archduchess of the Hohengoldlinden duchy. The colours suited her fair skin and blonde hair.
Leopold nodded. "Of course."
He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Let us go."
Similar to their wedding they would be taken to the church on the mainland, where the priest, as the representative of the cleric and his father, as the embodiment of the worldly, would both announce him to be the new Archduke.
Despite the fact that the ceremony was supposed to be intimate and humble, the overall grand scale was still overwhelming. Thanks to the diligent hard work of all three Hohengoldlinden ladies and the generous support of Koshaku Kirishima Akiko the necessary arrangements for the formal hand-over was more than anyone would have anticipated given the short amount of time to plan and organise everything.
During the time Archduke Richard was unable to attend to his duties, it came almost natural to Leopold to take over accordingly. He was thankful to his father who had taught him early on what the obligations of a Hohengoldlinden Archduke were and who had strictly included him in most of the processes. All his life was dedicated for this moment and everything forward.
He would lead the Hohengoldlinden duchy to a continuously prosperous future.
The ceremony itself was pompous given the circumstances, still more than appropriate for the crowning of the new reigning Archduke.
His father looked well in the church, standing tall and proudly. His last moments as the Archduke after almost an entirety of his lifetime shall be strong and noble. This is what Erzherzog Richard von Hohengoldlinden shall be remembered as. And this is how Leopold has always seen him; A magnificent aristocrat, fair and benevolent towards his subjects while also expanding and cementing the strength and authority of their duchy in Allemania and the world.
Leopold wanted to follow in his footsteps, continuing on with his vision for their name Hohengoldlinden.
He saw his younger brother standing on the side next to their father. Benedikt looked at him with a huge grin on his face. The face of a brother whose chest was bloated with pride and joy directed towards him. Even in the brief glance they exchanged Leopold could see a single strand of his wavy hair sticking out, falling on his forehead in a perfect curl.
He knew that this sight might possibly seem inappropriate to others. Some might even assume that Benedikt's expression could be interpreted as something with other intentions. However, he knew for certain that his cheeky little brother bore his emotions openly, there were no hidden intentions or motifs. To him it was endearing and the most appropriate thing.
So far Benedikt had managed his new life as a husband better than anyone would have ever anticipated and from now on he would be even more involved in the administration of the main duchy. Benedikt was the best right hand man that Leopold could have wished for, although he had never wanted him to take this position. It fell naturally to him and they both worked well together.
The elaborate ceremony came to an end. The vows were spoken and the symbolic gestures that solidified the succession of Leopold were made.
From this moment on he was the reigning Archduke of the Hohengoldlinden duchy and the new head of the family. Along with his wife Linda, who was now the reigning Archduchess and lady of the Hohengoldlinden estate, they would strive for an even brighter future.
Today was the day the Kirishima family departed from Allemania and returned back to Yashima to attend to their own duties.
It was a gloomy day, the sky was filled with clouds but the sea was calm.
In order to make the journey back home successfully, they had to leave soon before the change of the season would affect the ocean currents making it more difficult.
Benedikt stood by their large ship, impressed by the detailed craftsmanship. Yumiko and her family would soon arrive at the pier as well. Similar to their arrival the employees of the Hohengoldlinden family were preparing for a grand farewell at the beach.
Benedikt oversaw the final preparations for his in-laws. Their luggage and all the supplies needed to complete the long journey were already loaded onto the large ships. The yashimian sailors routinely checked the final details.
Until now they had greatly enjoyed their company here in the duchy. The Kirishimas were kind and more than helpful. They had supported them greatly during the recent difficult times and Benedikt felt thankful.
He didn't know when they would see them again as the distance between Allemania and Yashima was far too great to do on a regular basis. Benedikt knew that this day was difficult for Yumiko. She had to wish her entire family farewell for an unknown period of time. It would symbolise the deeper meaning behind their marriage. She was handed over to the Hohengoldlinden family, more or less severing her connections to her own family. In a way she was left behind here in this foreign country.
He too felt a sense of sentiment as he had built up a close relationship with his in-laws during the last few months. Ichinobe was a great help for the training of their soldiers and sailors. And the input of Koshaku Saigo on new strategies and ships was invaluable information.
Benedikt would miss their shared dinner meals and the leisure times in the lounge or the garden.
"Your Royal Highness, they are coming." Hagen approached him from behind and looked towards the path that led to the bright estate on top of the small hill.
"Very well," Benedikt nodded and headed towards the plastered area where their carriages would come to a halt.
His family arrived first, impressed by the things that Benedikt had arranged at the pier.
"In some aspects you are truly an overachiever." Leopold patted him on the back and smiled.
"This is the least they deserve." Benedikt helped their mother out of the carriage and she nodded in agreement. "You did well, I didn't expect any less from you." Archduchess Ann-Sophie looked at the beautifully decorated arrangements.
What the Archduchess Ann-Sophie saw in these elaborate preparations was the growth that her youngest had gone through since his marriage.
Her cheekily playful son had become a man, a proper husband to Yumiko and a reliable support to his brother. Both of her sons were now in the positions that she had envisioned for them ever since they were born. Archduke Richard and her could finally retire, their obligations were fulfilled.
Soon after they had settled the carriage with the Kirishima family came down from the estate as well.
Everyone got into position, this shall be the grand farewell that the in-laws from Yashima deserved.
The horses came to a stop and the doors were opened. It was Koshaku Kirishima Saigo who stepped out of the carriage first, followed by his son and his wife.
Benedikt then helped Yumiko out of the carriage and together they walked along the pier, approaching the large ship.
"How are you feeling?" Benedikt looked at Yumiko but couldn't quite tell how much her expression revealed. She looked as graceful and proper as always.
"I'm fine, don't worry," she nudged her head on his arm. "Thank you for your hard work."
Benedikt shook his head. "They are my parents-in-law too, it's just appropriate."
Since their decision on which day they wanted to leave the country, Benedikt had thoroughly included Yumiko in the arrangements and explained everything in great detail for her.
The evening prior they had walked along the pier here and he tried his best to describe the things that they had planned for.
That way she was assured that her family had the farewell that she wished for them while also being able to fully focus on them, instead of having to take in the information of her surroundings.
"It's wonderful," she spoke with a smile but Benedikt could make out the fine undertone that swung in her voice. Sadness.
It was inevitable and he had to allow her to grief any time she felt like it. Nonetheless, it didn't sit well with him knowing that she was sorrowful.
"It has been such a long time having you all here. It feels wrong sending you off today!" Archduke Richard patted Koshaku Saigo on his shoulder in a friendly way. His loud, cheerful voice echoed easily through the pier despite his weakened state.
Benedikt saw that his father's condition still hadn't returned to the way it was before his sickness, but he was giving his all to send off the Kirishimas pridefully in the same way he had welcomed them. They too should remember his father as the strong Archduke of the northernmost duchy of Allemania. The family to whom they had put their trust into with their only daughter. At least here within the borders of Hohengoldlinden shall their daughter be safe and loved.
"Indeed, it is a shame that our countries are so far away from each other." Koshaku Saigo nodded and smiled at Archduke Richard.
"If possible I would like to visit Yashima myself." They arrived at the end of the pier and Archduke Richard extended his hand towards the man with dark hair.
"Each and everyone of you is welcome any time, it would be an honour to welcome you in Yashima," Koshaku Saigo took the hand and they shook it enthusiastically.
It was obvious that they had established a close relationship with the Kirishimas from the eastern continent. One that easily surpassed the boundaries of the economic and political expectations.
An ally and an extension to their family.
"Koshaku Kirishima Saigo," Leopold stood next to their father and bowed down before the feudal lord. "Words are not enough to express the gratitude the Hohengoldlinden duchy feels towards you. The Kirishima family has exceeded every expectation far beyond imagination and for that we feel the greatest honour. I hope that we have been able to show you our appreciation in a way that is acceptable to you. Our gratitude shall prevail any distance between our two families."
Koshaku Saigo smiled at Leopold and bowed down as well, acknowledging him as equal. "Erzherzog Leopold von Hohengoldlinden, your hospitality was more than sufficient. It was and is still our honour to have been invited here, enjoying your careful and attentive reception." He then extended his hand.
Leopold straightened his back, returning the smile and grabbed the hand.
"The Kirishima family shall be looking forward to an even stronger bond to the Hohengoldlindens. May our relationship prosper brilliantly into a triumphant future."
"May our relationship prosper brilliantly," Leopold confirmed the impactful words of Koshaku Kirishima Saigo and they shook their hands.
The graceful feudal then proceeded to turn towards Benedikt.
The blonde prince gently signalled Yumiko on her arm and guided them to her father.
"Koshaku Kirishima Saigo," Benedikt too bowed down in front of him. He had let go of Yumiko and gave a properly deep bow.
"Raise your head, Prinz Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden." His deep voice sounded calm.
Benedikt remained a brief moment in his position before coming back up, confidently looking into the dark brown eyes of his father-in-law.
"You have proven yourself to be more than worthy of my daughter. I want to formally express my gratitude towards you and request of you to take care of Yumiko in my stead from this point onwards." Koshaku Saigo bowed down deeply in front of Benedikt and he saw that his entire family and all their employees followed him.
Benedikt felt flustered about the sudden gesture. "Oh, please Koshaku Kirishima Saigo. Please raise your head." From the corner of his eyes he could see that Yumiko too was bowing down.
"Koshaku Kirishima Saigo." Benedikt now spoke with a more forceful tone. The man before him raised his head.
"It is me who has to express his gratitude for your trust. Having the honour of marrying your daughter has brought an immeasurable amount of joy into my life that my lifetime alone would never suffice to deliver my feelings. I ask of you to not waste a thought of worry as I will ensure Yumiko's well-being for as long as my humble existence persists."
Benedikt took Yumiko's hand, making her raise her head. He smiled at her fondly and squeezed her hand three times.
She returned his smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I am truly thankful to you, as the head of the Kirishima family and as her father." Koshaku Saigo smiled at Benedikt, fully assured that his words were nothing but the truth.
"I am leaving her in your care, Benedikt." He patted him on the shoulder, a very casual and friendly gesture uncommon in Yashima.
Benedikt nodded with a bright grin. "Worry not."
"Yumiko." Her father now turned towards her, his eyes sentimental and yet steadfast. Benedikt stretched out Yumiko's hand and her father took the gesture with a polite nod.
She bowed down before him.
"My dearest daughter," he took both of her hands. "Seeing you off now was something I have always wished for and at the same time something that I have always dreaded. You fill me with pride and I am lucky to have such a beautiful and elegant daughter. Your heart is strong and so is your mind. Although you are now the Princess of an allemanian duchy, you will always remain to be my most brilliant daughter."
Silent tears streamed down her cheeks as she listened to him speak.
"Do not ever forget that whatever happens, I will always be proud of you. You have brought so much dignity to our family, live your life here with pride and grace."
She nodded trying to keep her composure. "I shall forever be grateful to be born into the Kirishima family, under your generous care and love. I shall never forget the blood that runs within me for as long as I live." She took a step back and Benedikt knew what she was about to do. So he followed her along and together they both slowly went down on their knees, one leg after another before putting their hands above their heads to completely bow down before Koshaku Kirishima Saigo and her other family members beside him.
Benedikt knew that this gesture was the only thing befitting the grand farewell of a man of his position. It was the epitome of respect and gratefulness.
They both remained in that position until her father patted them both on their shoulder.
"Stand before me with the pride that you have rightfully earned."
Benedikt looked up and saw the expressions of the Kirishima family.
Yumiko's mother silently cried, letting the tears stream down her face. Benedikt saw that Ichinobe tried hard to maintain his indifferent, cool expression, however his brown eyes betrayed him. It was visibly clear that he felt just as much, if not more sorrow, for leaving his only beloved sister in the hands of a foreign country.
Koshaku Saigo's expression had hardened, he was now the lord of one of the most influential feudal families of Yashima in front of them. It was the same man who had stepped foot on this island just a few months ago. Strong and almost intimidating. The embodiment of authority and control.
"Prinz Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden." He locked eyes with Benedikt, his voice a deep echo through the pier. He turned towards Yumiko who stood beside him. "Prinzessin Yumiko von Hohengoldlinden."
She looked up at her father, a saddened yet determined expression on her face.
"I, Kirishima Saigo, the head of the Kirishima family and Koshaku of the Empire of Yashima, am guaranteeing my support and unwavering blessings for your future. Both for you and the Hohengoldlinden duchy of the Empire of Allemania. We shall depart with unfaltering fortitude and together strive for a bright future for both of our families."
Benedikt smiled at him, determined and confident. The lord had spoken, the final words of the formal farewell were said.
"For a bright future for both of our families!" Benedikt replied and tried to put all of his own resolution into his voice.
"For a bright future for both of our families." Yumiko's voice was surprisingly loud and firmly delivered her determination to fulfil her father's words. Her tears had stopped and she finally smiled.
Although their hearts were burdened by the sadness and grief, they all felt encouraged and the resolve guided them to continue on.