The coordination would be difficult. Even though it was customary for the main family to have discretion over the knighthoods of the branch families, the level of resentment toward Novak-san, who could be given a title despite having no magical powers, would be intense.
Those who would like to keep him as an ally should be dealt with more carefully than those who would become enemies to be crushed. It would be dragged out until later if it was mishandled in the face of jealousy and criticism. I understand the need to take good care of this area. When I was a member of the workforce in my previous life, it was really difficult to deal with a bigwig who would bend over backwards just to get a word in with someone in a certain order.
“I would be pleased to be of help to my big brother. Please leave that role to me.”
Ekaterina said with great enthusiasm, but Alexei looked reluctant.
“But…there are many magical beasts in Yurinova territory. There are also bandits and other outlaws in the mountains along the way. It would be too dangerous to let you, a weak woman, travel alone.”
No, I was not weak. I may not be strong, but I inherited the personality of my previous life and have become very bold, and when people say that I was weak, I feel a sense of discomfort causing me to do a lot of work.
I would never be able to say that, though!
“Your Excellency, all we have to do is follow the road to the mountain temple. You know that there are very few dangerous magical beasts in the area.”
“If the Young Lady, the beloved lady of the Order, wishes to visit the temple, the Order will accompany her and protect her, and she will not be alone.”
Novak and Rozen said.
This was rare; I had never seen big brother being criticized by all the members of his entourage.
I also saw my big brother who looked away and pretended not to hear me. Normally, I’d wonder, “Are you really eighteen?”
Ekaterina walked over to Alexei and took her brother’s hand.
“Big brother, I would like to go there. I would like to see and understand with my own eyes, as a daughter of Yurinova, the land where my family rules, so that I can be of service to big brother.”
“Your Excellency, now that your schedule has changed, we have no choice but to ask the Young Lady to visit the Mountain Temple. You know that it would be unbecoming to the gods if she were not in a position close to you.”
“…I know.”
Alexei pouts after receiving a barrage of blows from his sister and Novak. Then he squeezes Ekaterina’s hand back.
“I’m sorry, it’s just selfish behavior on my part. To think that once you leave the castle, we will no longer exchange greetings in the morning… No, even if we never speak, even if I never see you, I always think of you when I wake up in the morning. I know that you are in the same castle. It warms my heart to think of you. That’s why it pains me to know that you are not going to be present here. I wish that you would always be by my side, you know.”
“Big brother…”
Yes, I understood, I won’t be going anywhere–
“If she is so important to you, young master, please consider the significance of asking her to attend in your place.”
Not letting Alexei’s lamentation go unchecked, Novak insisted.
“If the Young Lady can perform her delegation to the Mountain Temple, we can say that she has received the approval of the gods as the second in line to His Excellency. And, while she was introduced to the main crowd at last night’s feast, many people in the land are unaware that you have a sister, so please take advantage of this opportunity to make the Young Lady’s presence known.”
