The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[Until You Call Me 'Friend'... (4)]
Translated by: ME
「You probably know about the origins of this ducal house, right?」
「What I know might differ from what you've heard, but...」
I briefly recounted the origins of the 'Macnagan ducal house' as I knew them.
Most of it came from the first King's journal.
That is to say, it was the facts as seen from the 'Royal Family's side.'
I didn't know how the story, as seen from the ducal house's side, had been passed down.
After listening to my story, Elrod nodded once.
「I don't know who told you, but it's mostly the same as the story I know.」
「...I'm told it was Belkraine's first King.」
「Ah, I see. The younger brother.」
The slight hint of a teasing tone in his voice suggested that he, too, was aware of that first King's 'I love my big brother' tendency.
「Where did you hear that story? Is it passed down through generations in the ducal house...?」
「What's passed down through generations in our house is, at most, the location of the pitfall traps in the back garden.」
...What kind of thing is that to pass down?!
No, pitfall traps are dangerous, so telling people about them is probably correct... but that's not the point. First of all, why are there pitfall traps in the back garden? What are the pits for?
「The origins of this house are written in the journal of the man who became the first butler of the ducal house, under the title 'Memoirs.' ...A journal of the first Duke does exist, but...」
The first Duke's journal!
I wonder what that unconventional Duke wrote down.
「It's only full of things like shopping memos, 'To-Do List for This Month,' lists of potential names for his dog, that sort of thing.」
...First Duke!! In a way, it doesn't disappoint expectations, but!
「And for some reason, successive Dukes have tended to follow his example, carefully preserving meaningless memos and passing them down to posterity.」
...Just what *is* the Macnagan ducal house...?
「It's a house where eighty percent of the book titled 'The History of the Macnagan Ducal House' is composed of meaningless scribbles.」
I had no idea how to respond...
「Perhaps because the head of the house is like that, the successive butlers have been very meticulous in recording events. The man who served as the first butler wrote his 'Memoirs' with a flowing, elegant script and accuracy you wouldn't imagine from his background.」
「The butler's background...?」
A butler is the pinnacle of a house's servants. They oversee all the servants, assign work, and sometimes even act as the lord's proxy.
It's not a job just anyone can do.
It requires various abilities and a certain level of education.
「The first butler of this house was apparently the second son of a gardener for the Belkraine Marquess household.」
「The Marquess household's...」
According to Elrod's story, it went like this.
When the coup was carried out, the Marquess household apparently gave all its retainers and servants leave.
If it failed, they would be rebels. Naturally, there was no guarantee of their lives. Even if it succeeded, there was no predicting where or what kind of trouble might flare up.
They couldn't involve them in such a thing, it seemed.
For those with education and training in etiquette, like maids, valets, and butlers, they arranged for suitable new employment and provided a certain severance pay.
For the other manual laborers, who could barely read or write, they arranged new jobs if desired, and for those for whom that was difficult, they were given the choice to come along or not.
Apparently, over twenty people chose to follow their master, who was about to plunge into the turmoil of war.
The man who would later become the butler of the Macnagan ducal house was one of those twenty-plus individuals.
He was apparently a person with no education, completely ignorant of etiquette, and barely capable of simple reading, writing, or arithmetic.
He was a boy with nothing. Even after leaving the Marquess household, his future was uncertain.
So, he simply chose the option that offered a possibility of survival: "follow the master."
It wasn't out of loyalty or righteous indignation against corrupt politics. It was solely for his own self-preservation.
But as he traveled with the revolutionary army, he gradually changed.
Watching the backs of those leading them at the front, listening to the stories of people in similar circumstances around him, he came to realize that he had been taking advantage of his position as one who 'had nothing.'
「...'Taking advantage' of the position of 'having nothing'...」
He had no education, knew no etiquette, had a status barely above nothing. As he was still training under his father, he had no proper job either.
For someone who lacked so much, the word 'taking advantage' felt very distant.
「I wonder if he truly 'had nothing.' At the very least, it seems he had a 'healthy body' and a 'thinking mind.'」
That might indeed be true.
「But doesn't 'thinking' require a foundational education?」
I've heard there's a saying by a distant sage: 'Learning without thinking is labor lost; thinking without learning is perilous.' It's absolutely correct.
Those easily possessed by erroneous ideologies often have biases or deficiencies in the education that forms the basis of their thinking.
「What you say is true, but it's not that complicated. It was simply the most basic level of thought: 'I'm dissatisfied with the current situation,' but how can I change it...? It wasn't difficult talk about 'how to correct corrupt politics' or 'how to make the country's future better.'」
Elrod gave a small laugh and continued in a slightly amused voice.
「To put it more simply, it was just about things like 'how can I make tomorrow better than today?'」
Certainly, if you think about that on a 'national level,' a foundation for thought is necessary. And that foundation requires more than just basic education.
But if you think about it on a 'personal level,' reflecting on today's failures or resolving to do tomorrow what you didn't do today – that level of thinking is sufficient.
And what's needed for that isn't 'education.'
「He realized that he had been staring only at his own feet, thinking 'Nothing will change anyway,' 'It has nothing to do with me,' and had simply been standing frozen in place.」
Staring only at his feet, standing frozen...
Ah, I'm sure I'm the same right now.
「There were many 'have-nots' like him in the volunteer army participating in the revolution. But all the other 'have-nots' had thought for themselves, worried about the现状, and chosen to take up arms of their own accord. Although uneducated, he could at least write his own name. But apparently, there were many in the volunteer army who couldn't even do that.」
Nowadays, the national literacy rate is quite high.
But that's thanks to policies implemented since the current Belkraine dynasty was established.
Before that, the regime was almost as if saying, 'It's better if the masses are foolish.' ...Well, if those at the top are foolish, having clever subordinates would only cause problems.
「People who couldn't even write or read their own names. People who, when asked what five plus seven was, would start counting on their fingers. Even they were struggling desperately, thinking for their own sake, for the sake of what was precious to them. And the nobles and officers leading them were trying to respond to that 'earnestness.' ...What am *I* doing here?」
Among those who didn't hesitate to risk their lives for their mission, someone like him, who was only there thinking of self-preservation, would certainly be an anomaly. It wouldn't be strange if there were moves to ostracize him.
「Even though he 'had nothing,' he realized for the first time then that he had actually been in a privileged position. The Belkraine Marquess household was apparently not a house that mistreated its servants. Even he, who only helped with his father's work by imitation, was properly given three meals a day and had a clean bed. He was never whipped by his master nor unfairly scolded by the butler.」
That should be a given, but unfortunately, there are still nobles who treat their manual laborers that way.
If the servants spoke up, the administration could do something, but basically, such matters don't come to light, being treated as 'internal affairs of each house.'
And it was an era when 'human life' and 'human rights' were valued even less than they are now. Such stories must have been abundant.
「It wasn't that he 'had nothing.' He just 'didn't realize the fact that he had something.' His world until then had been complete within the narrow confines of the 'Belkraine Marquess household.' And what had protected that narrow paradise were his master and superiors. ...He realized that for the first time.」
'Didn't realize the fact that he had something.'
That might very well apply to me too.
Beyond the things I am consciously aware of 'having,' perhaps there is something else... more...
「What he 'had' was a trustworthy master and superiors, and the modest but sound life they provided. For him, these were things that were just too 'obvious,' too naturally there.」
So obvious, just there.
「Does any of that strike a chord with you?」
I couldn't help but let out a wry smile at Elrod, who laughed slightly as if teasing me.
「Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't.」
「That's vague. ...Well, fine.」
Laughing, Elrod let out a small sigh.
「Realizing he 'had various things' more than he thought, he thought desperately. What could *he* do within this group? Was there anything he could give to those who had even less than him?」
「To think about 'giving' something...」
I was somewhat surprised.
To me, the common people are universally the 'receivers,' and the providers are only us, the rulers.
「The scale of what you're looking at is different.」
Elrod said, seeming to have precisely grasped the intent of my mutter, sounding slightly amused.
「What you probably think of giving to the people are policies to enrich their lives broadly, things that become 'public benefit.'」
「That would be right.」
That is the duty of a ruler.
「What he thought of 'giving' was much smaller, trivial things, really.」
Smaller...
「For example, sharing half his bread with a hungry child. Teaching a child who didn't know numbers how to read them. Teaching children with time on their hands games that didn't require tools.」
「Certainly, for that, much education isn't really needed.」
It's just a matter of those with spare time looking after those below them.
It might be small, but in group life, it's absolutely necessary.
「He diligently and earnestly applied himself daily to what he could do within his capabilities. Seeing this, the 'haves' around him, those who had more than him, began to look after him in turn. For example, teaching him reading and writing, or simple self-defense martial arts...」
「Ah... A good cycle.」
「Yes. A very good cycle, and a very 'obvious' thing.」
As Elrod said, it's probably an 'obvious' thing, but declaring it as 'obvious' is close to idealism.
Water only flows from high to low, but if those in the high places dam the flow, then it won't flow downstream at all.
And unfortunately, there are many who try by all means to dam the flow.
The haves give something to the have-nots, the receivers gain something based on that, and they in turn give it to other have-nots...
It's a very beautiful cycle, but not as easy as it sounds.
If it could be done, it would undoubtedly benefit everyone, but for those who only see what's right in front of them, that 'benefit' is hard to see.
「The things given to him, he shared with those below, and those below shared with those even lower... Tracing the source of that flow led back to his masters.」
「That's... well, I suppose so.」
The highest existence in that group would be the Belkraine Marquess household.
「Yes. It's a natural story. But... he hadn't even noticed that 'natural' fact until then.」
Ah, I see...
「...Just like me.」
The mutter escaped my lips unintentionally.
Just like me.
'Knowing' various things, but not 'understanding' them. Consequently, the world is narrow, and my视野 is narrow.
Even if each 'obvious' thing is lying right in front of me, my视野 is too narrow to see it. With a mind lacking understanding, I can't even recognize it as such.
Even if I hold 'something wonderful' in my hand, in my narrow world, I can't gain a tangible sense of it.
If 'he' came to notice these things through contact with numerous, diverse people, then perhaps the same is true for me?
By 'broadening my world,' will something new become visible to me too?
Elrod said nothing about my mutter, only giving a small laugh.
「Eventually, their group achieved their original purpose. That meant parting ways with the people they had lived with until then.」
It was a motley, assembled group.
From the Marquess who would later become King at the top, to nameless commoners like him at the bottom.
Once the goal was accomplished, each had to return to their respective places.
「Even if told to disperse, he had no particular place to go. He was, after all, only a gardener's apprentice for the Marquess household. There aren't many houses that would hire such a person.」
「Certainly, that's true.」
Most noble houses would already have their own resident gardeners.
「They couldn't very well hire someone with neither education nor status at the castle either.」
That's also true.
Even now, those working at the castle are all people who have passed strict selection and checks.
Everyone has proper status, and a certain level of education and etiquette is a given.
「The one who picked up these people with nowhere to go was the first Duke Macnagan, who had had the title of 'Duke' thrust upon him.」
「Thrust upon him...」
That might be accurate, but couldn't he phrase it a bit better?
「The first Duke always said that, apparently. That 'his younger brother forced it on him.'」
Well, no, I mean, it's true, but...
「He said that while laughing, apparently. Called him a 'hopeless fellow.'」
Elrod's tone was soft as he said this, and I could infer that the words 'hopeless fellow' were likely filled with much affection.
The Belkraine Marquess household consisted of just the two of them.
The previous Marquess and his wife had been captured by the royal family and died of illness in prison.
The young Marquess and his elder brother. Just those two stood at the forefront of a great undertaking like national reform.
Without mutual love and affection, they probably couldn't have accomplished it.
「'Since he's hopeless, let this be a 'home' where I can welcome him back with laughter when he comes crying.' ...That's what he said, apparently.」
「A home...」
「He said the royal castle was too cold and heavy to be called a 'home.' ...Is the castle a place you can call 'home'?」
Asked this, I found myself at a loss for words.
In stories, 'home' is often depicted as a symbol of warmth. And for the vast majority of people, it probably is exactly that.
The place I could call 'home' is certainly nowhere else but there.
In reality, my parents and siblings are in the castle.
But if asked whether I call that place 'home'... I have no answer.
「If you call the place you live, where your family is, by that name, then for me, my 'home' is undoubtedly the royal castle.」
However, just as in Elrod's words earlier, it's probably too cold and heavy to be called a home.
It's not a place for those who fail in their duties, and those duties directly impact the nation's future. It's a place permitted only to those who know this and work for it.
It's far from peaceful warmth.
「They had burdened him with a load too heavy for one person's shoulders – the nation. While they were convinced he could handle it, the Duke apparently felt some guilt and remorse.」
「He did...?」
I was genuinely surprised.
Elrod laughed merrily at my reaction.
「It seems so. The memoirs of the gardener's son who became butler even write that the Duke was always concerned about his younger brother.」
Still in a cheerful tone, Elrod looked at me and smiled mischievously.
「Now then, let's change the subject a little... Do you know at what age the first King of the Belkraine Royal Family passed away?」
Most people probably learn that in history, don't they?
「...Forty-three, I believe.」
Even for that time, it was a young age to die.
And based on that, the current king's reign is determined.
The year the king turns forty-three, or the year the crown prince turns seven after the king abdicates and the successor is appointed – whichever comes later, the abdication takes place.
I will probably become king the year my son or daughter is born and turns seven.
The 'king at forty-three' is based on the first King's age at death.
He is said to have died from overwork.
Because of this, this rule was created to free the king from the demanding duties of 'Kingship.'
It also serves to forcibly remove foolish kings who try to cling to the throne.
Furthermore, revisions to the Royal Household Law can only be made with the unanimous approval of parliament.
「As you said, the first King is *said to have* passed away at the young age of forty-three.」
...Huh?
That's a rather ominous turn of phrase.
Actually, all the records in the castle archives say that. They are all official documents. The doctor's diagnosis should also remain.
「In reality, he did seem to have health problems due to overwork and mental fatigue. But it was nothing life-threatening.」
「............Huh?」
What is he saying?
「It was a much more lenient era back then.」
Laughing cheerfully, Elrod winked mischievously.
「Even if they're official documents, you shouldn't place complete trust in them.」
「...Huh?」
What is he talking about?
「The first King, who fell ill at forty-three, apparently said from his sickbed: 'Couldn't we pretend I died here?'」
「......Whaaat!?」
A strange sound escaped me.
Elrod laughed uproariously, looking utterly delighted at my reaction.
「The first King had single-handedly performed his duties as king solemnly until then. Apparently, he turned to his brother for the first time in over a decade. 'Couldn't we pretend that King Oscar Belkraine died here?' he said.」
...I'm speechless...
What kind of ridiculous story is that...?
And if he made such a request, the first Duke would probably...
As I surely made a terribly foolish face, Elrod laughed just as merrily.
「Faking the King's death. Such a fun plan, of course he'd go along with it! The first Duke was apparently *very* enthusiastic about cooperating!」
I bet he was!
「They pulled strings in every department of the castle, used every means necessary, and it was decided that 'Oscar Belkraine, First King of the Belkraine Royal Family' had passed away at forty-three.」
...Now, 'it was decided' is putting it lightly...
「Well, it would be difficult to pull off nowadays. Faking a death... is hard, but we could probably make you 'missing and presumed dead for a few months.'」
「...No, that's quite alright.」
Please don't say such terrifying things so casually...
What *is* this Macnagan ducal house...? Why are they looked down upon by other houses...? I don't know any other house this frightening...
「It's the place that aimed to be the 'home' for his younger brother who became king. How could they fail to protect or hide even one king?」
I don't think there's any way...
「The first Duke first amassed wealth, so he could be relied upon whenever his brother needed him. He set aside funds beyond what was needed to run the territory, ready to contribute to the national treasury at any time. He gathered soldiers and trained them to fight together if needed. He gathered people specialized in various abilities to be prepared for any situation. And he told the people of his territory:」
Elrod took a breath and said in a very quiet voice.
「'If you are satisfied with your current life, then direct all your gratitude to the King who allowed me to remain here.'」
To the King...
「'And if the King or the country ever seeks our help, welcome them gladly. If you consider me 'family,' then treat the King in the same way.'」
「'Family'...」
The people of the territory, with their lord?
But, yes.
The various scenes I witnessed at the festival the other day.
The attitude of the people towards Elrod was indeed familiar, just like 'family.' They called out to each other when they met, exchanged banter, and some even scolded him.
That relationship, that dynamic, had been passed down from the first generation...
「The Macnagan duchy is a prosperous land, isn't it?」
「Ah, yes...」
I nodded, somewhat flustered by the sudden change of topic.
Elrod smiled very gently at me.
「Even now, we haven't neglected our preparations, so we can lend our strength whenever you need us.」
That means...
The wealth that is among the greatest in the nation, the outstanding industries of this land, the agricultural products of unmatched quality...
All for us, the Royal Family, and the country we rule...?
「You people of the Belkraine Royal Family, both past and present, are, well, exasperatingly earnest.」
「...I see no reason for exasperation.」
It's better than being frivolous.
「And precisely because you're more capable than the nobles around here, there are many stubborn individuals who don't know how to rely on others.」
That's none of your business.
What is this, anyway? Am I being praised or insulted? Which is it?
「You try too hard to always be the 'ideal leader' that your surroundings demand.」
It shouldn't be a bad thing, but for some reason, it stings a little.
「You don't need to be on guard 'here,' Carl.」
Hearing him say something so gentle so suddenly, I didn't know how to react.
Ah, perhaps.
This is how an orphan who never knew 'family' feels when taken in by a kind-hearted couple.
A feeling that's ticklish, makes you want to cry, feels embarrassing.
A feeling of being bewildered by a suddenly given place to belong.
But it's not an unpleasant feeling. It's just warm, and that makes you anxious about whether you really deserve to be there...
「The Macnagan duchy wishes to be a 'home' for you. If you have a hard time out there, you can run away here. If you're in trouble, you can rely on us. We wish to be 'family' for you.」
「'Family,' huh...」
「Well, I don't know what you think. From my perspective, you seem like a troublesome younger brother.」
「Haha... You and I are supposed to be the same age.」
I was desperately holding back tears that threatened to fall for some reason.
I didn't even understand why I felt like crying.
Really, I'm no different from a child. No wonder Elrod calls me 'little brother.'
「About what I just said... it's something we're allowed to talk about if we judge it's okay to assist the Royal Family.」
「You'll lend a hand?」
Elrod gave a small laugh at my words.
「I don't mind. What would you like me to do? Your Highness the Crown Prince.」
「Carl.」
As I corrected the form of address, Elrod laughed cheerfully.
「What an unambitious Prince you are, Carl!」
Listening to Elrod's merry laughter, I felt like crying again for some reason, but I decided to keep that feeling from Elrod.
Knowing him, he'd probably just tease me and laugh heartily.
I was also told that one reason this ducal house abstains from all social activities is that the successive Dukes have been too close to the Royal Family.
...I can only agree.
As an aside, my father and the current Duke are apparently on terms that could be called 'childhood friends.' It seems they still exchange letters occasionally. I wish I had been told beforehand, but judging from Elrod's earlier story, that was impossible.
First, I had to be recognized by them, or there was no point.
And if I were to interact with them as 'family,' then indeed, it's more convenient for the ducal house members not to appear in public.
Every situation has its 'backstory,' I see.
That was also something I learned on that same day.
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