Now then, there were two things we had to take into account when deciding the date of the wedding.
The first was that there were still about three years left until Chris was formally recognized as an adult in noble society. However, as Marquis Holtz mentioned before, this tradition had largely become a formality, and in reality, it wasn't uncommon for nobles to get engaged or married once they reached the same age of adulthood as commoners.
The second was Serena's age, it wasn't exactly a pressing issue, but we couldn't ask her to wait three years, and I was supposed to wed them at the same time. From my perspective, her age doesn't seem like a big deal, but apparently, a noblewoman in her mid-twenties is considered to be more than just on the verge of being past the typical marrying age. Back on Earth, her age wouldn't be an issue… but that's irrelevant right now.
Anyway, after taking into consideration both sides' circumstances:
「The wedding date will likely be moved up. It probably won't wait until Christina officially comes of age.」
Earl Dareinwald declared solemnly. His statement was met with nods of agreement from Viscount Bushbaum, Baroness Erztberger, and Baron Schnorr, who seemed to have no objections.
There was a lot to prepare: coordinating with Marquis Holz House on the venue, informing the guests, and countless other details that could be listed without end. Still, it seemed that the wedding would take place in no more than a year.
As for my future plans, Earl Dareinwald wanted to talk to me after Viscount Bushbaum and the others had left.
「It's fine if you want to go to the Holy Vuelzarus Empire. However, make sure to maintain regular contact and return within a year at the latest.」
We moved from a room that felt like a conference room to a more relaxed parlor-like space. After the maid served what seemed like black tea, Earl Dareinwald said that to me while exuding gravitas from every pore of his body. Is this old man unable to make a statement without enveloping himself in some kind of noble aura?
「Understood. Um, is there anything else I should do…?」
I asked, feeling slightly intimidated by Earl Dareinwald's solemn demeanor. This old man's expression and aura are too intimidating, honestly, I don't like dealing with him.
「No, there isn't. You might be a viscount of the Empire, but in the end, it's an honorary title. While we do respect your position as an imperial noble, it doesn't make you a true noble in the conventional sense. Forcing someone who wasn't born a noble to go through all the formalities and preparations of nobility benefits neither party. For better or worse, you are just a figurehead—your role is to be the chain that binds House Dareinwald, Marquis Holtz House, and Viscount Willrose House together. Leave the preparations to us.」
Having said this much, Earl Dareinwald paused, seemingly lost in thought.
「However, there's no need to rush your journey, is there? Stay for a while. It might be less troublesome in the long run if you at least make an appearance in front of the influential people of the domain.」
「Aye aye, sir.」
It's true that there's no need to hurry. Staying in the Dareinwald territory for a week or so wouldn't be a bad idea.
☆★☆
「Or so I thought.」
「Haha…」
「When are you going to learn… of course this was going to happen.」
Three days later, I was sprawled out on the sofa, feeling like my soul was about to leave my body. That old man packed my schedule with minute-by-minute appointments from morning till night. The agenda was filled with inspections around the domain and visits and meals where I would greet the local influential people, but it felt more like I was the one being greeted everywhere I went. Sure, you could say I was going around to visit them since me and Chris were the ones moving between places, but each place we visited treated us like honored guests, rolling out the red carpet, so to speak. Hence, it was more like being greeted everywhere we went.
The people we were visiting included the stewards who managed various regions of Dareinwald territory—most of whom were subordinates of the three vassals I met the other day—and the heads of large business firms operating within the territory. The former group consisted of individuals who held titles like barons, baronets, and knights, making them either low-ranked nobles or semi-nobles, while the latter were prominent commoners.
Well, the Grakkan Empire was very much a society dominated by nobility, or rather, it was authoritarian, feudal, and hierarchical. So, even if we were the ones visiting, since Chris, the future countess, was with me, we were given the full VIP treatment.
However, when you're cramming multiple visits into a single day from morning till night with a schedule packed down to the minute, it's exhausting. Even being on the receiving end of hospitality was tiring. They told me to be myself, but when you're treated like a guest of honor, waited on hand and foot, it wears you out.
「I found it enjoyable, we were able to see various places.」
「Kugi, you're a real trooper…」
「We don't have your endurance.」
The only ones among us who weren't completely drained were Kugi, Dr. Shouko, and Neve. As for why Dr. Shouko and Neve were still full of energy, it was simply because they hadn't been participating in all these greetings under the pretext of attending to Neve's treatment and health!
「Well, today's the last day with such a packed schedule. From tomorrow, we should be able to take it a bit eas—」
My words were cut off by the sudden bang of the door flying open.
「Hiro-sama! I've come to visit!」
「Gwah!?」
「Whoa!?」
「Hey, wait!」
Chris burst in like a bullet, as if she had been liberated from everything, and flew straight into my chest. Naturally, I took the full brunt of her momentum, suffering significant damage, the excessive energy flipped the sofa over, taking Mimi and Elma, who were sitting with me, along for the ride.
As a result, the three of us ended up in a heap on the overturned sofa, sprawled out on our backs—a complete mess. It hurt. A lot.
「That hurts…」
「I-I'm sorry…」
Chris's voice came from a little distance away, likely because she had tumbled and rolled after her dramatic entrance.
「Chris… are you still not able to control your body enhancements?」
「Sometimes I lose control… Even though my grandfather has been teaching me some swordsmanship, I don't usually have many opportunities to exercise… I'm really sorry.」
Chris's voice was downcast, apologizing in response to Elma's clearly annoyed tone. Alright, I guess I should get up now. It hurts like hell, though.