Chapter 6
The reason the Rotish Count family is trusted and highly valued by His Majesty the King is due to the achievements of my grandfather, who once served as the Marshal of the National Army.
There's a touching story about how he supported the young king who ascended the throne early and shared in his hardships, but according to my grandfather, it was just a rotten connection and 'That guy's a problem child.'
The only one who can call the man at the top of the country 'that guy' is my grandfather.
A few years ago, my grandfather retired from active duty and chose Ransheen Fortress as his place of seclusion, where he is said to be focusing on training the next generation.
It's vague because after my father came of age and was officially entrusted with the duties of a lord, my grandfather handed over the title and shut himself away in Ransheen Fortress.
He used to visit about once a year, but ever since he retired, even that hasn't happened.
Even so, I'm the only one who still exchanges letters with my grandfather, so I know he's doing well.
By the way, the next generation doesn't just refer to the military—it also includes the Rotish family's private soldiers.
Only a select few wealthy or military nobles have private soldiers. Since our family falls under the military noble category, of course we have them too—one-third are stationed in our territory, and the rest wait at Ransheen Fortress, ready to respond in case of emergency.
Normally, placing private soldiers in a National Army fortress would be seen as appropriating military resources, and punishment wouldn't be surprising—but since it's my grandfather, everyone keeps quiet.
It takes six days by carriage to reach Ransheen Fortress.
I took my time because I wanted to travel slowly and enjoy the long journey.
A count's daughter traveling for six days with a few guards and maids is almost unheard of. Rather than almost, it's absolutely unheard of. Only a family like ours would be allowed such a thing.
No one in this country would dare attack a carriage engraved with the crest of Fildé Rotish, Marshal of the Russell National Army. The fear of retaliation and the risk of making an enemy of the nation are too great.
Still, my father never allowed me to travel far, saying it was too dangerous, so I never had the chance to visit other towns like this.
The food is slightly different, and the goods sold and what people prefer also vary.
I'm glad I could win over my father's butler, who said that if I were to govern our territory one day, I should go out and broaden my horizons.
Besides, for what I'm about to do, relying on my grandfather—who even my father can't oppose—is the best option.
Even with family, he's not lenient and generally shows no mercy.
If I can convince such a grandfather and gain his approval, my future will surely be bright... probably.
To enter Ransheen Fortress, you must first verify your identity at the gate of the nearby town.
They ask in detail about your place of stay, duration, and plans, and this applies equally to nobles and commoners.
Since the town connects to Ransheen Fortress, which guards the border, even if you refuse or complain about disrespect, the military will just come and remove you.
In my case, since I intended to stay with my grandfather for a while, they confirmed with the fortress and then led me straight to the gate of Ransheen Fortress.
"Welcome."
As I stepped down from the carriage, a man stood firmly in front of the fortress—silver hair and red eyes, the same coloring as mine.
The skin visible beneath the rolled-up sleeve of his uniform was tanned and covered in muscles that screamed 'soldier.'
Smiling innocently, my grandfather said, '...Hm? What is it?' He's always training, so he looks younger than his age.
He's bigger than my father, who does paperwork, and seems to have aged in a healthy way.
"Celestia."
My grandfather, with arms wide open, bent the fingers of his right hand twice in a beckoning motion.
I understood what he meant, but trying to behave gracefully and elegantly like a noble lady, I stepped down from the carriage carefully—only to realize there was no point in keeping my smile reserved...
I frowned slightly in dismay, but my grandfather didn't care.
My guards gave me wry smiles, and the people standing behind my grandfather watched over me.
"Dearest Grandfather. I've missed you so much...!"
I dashed forward and leapt into my grandfather's broad chest.
Perhaps I no longer need lady-like education or manners.
After all, I have no intention of attending the academy in the Royal Capital.