Chapter 60: Lecture on Territorial Management and Noble Marriage Circumstances in the Kingdom
Today, Father continued his lecture on territorial management.
“Will, last time we talked about increasing the work available to the territory’s people. Today, let’s discuss the system for supporting women and children.”
“Yes, please do.”
“We teach women who want to work skills like sewing and embroidery. Recently, we’ve also been teaching them how to make the Soap you developed.”
Oh, is it like vocational training in my original world? In this world, there are hardly any full-time housewives; women also work.
“Children who have lost their parents due to illness or injury are protected in an Orphanage.”
This world has many dangers. The Fairchild House focuses on maintaining public order in the town and on the Highway, but there are instances of Bandits and attacks by Beasts. The number of people who die from illness is also much higher than in my original world.
“In other territories, some children from Orphanages are put to work, but here, we teach them reading, writing, and arithmetic for their future. For children who struggle with academics, we arrange for craftsmen to come and teach them skills so they can learn a trade.”
The fact that Father provides orphans with education and opportunities to be taught by craftsmen is evidence that he cherishes the people. I want to emulate such governance.
“It seems Will also visits the Orphanage occasionally.”
“Yes. I take Wood and ask them what kind of Toy they want, then make it for them right there.”
“Mmm, I’ve heard from the Orphanage director that the children are very happy.”
We took a break during the lecture and drank Black Tea.
“Do you also talk to Brother about territorial management?”
“Yes, I talk to him sometimes. Since Eddie won’t be operating the territory until after I retire, it will be fine for him to learn alongside me after he finishes school.”
“I see. Brother can learn at a relaxed pace. Is that why you are teaching me like this, since I will be acquiring new territory and governing it immediately?”
“Well, that’s part of it. But even after you become independent, don’t hesitate to consult me when you run into trouble. We are still family.”
Father smiled gently. He really is a good father. I truly feel fortunate to have been born into this family.
“Speaking of which, what are your thoughts on Brother‘s marriage partner?”
“Let’s see. Since we are a Marquis House, normally we would look among the daughters of Earldoms or Viscounties.”
It seems nobles often marry someone from a house of the same rank or slightly lower. If a bride comes from a higher-ranked house, the receiving family has to be more cautious, and if the woman has high pride, the marriage might not work out.
“However, anyone Eddie thinks is good will be fine. I hear he is close with the daughter of the southern Grand Duke House at the Academy‘s Student Council. A Grand Duke House is a special family, close to the Royal Family, so the difference in status is more like two ranks, not just one, and Eddie seems concerned about causing us trouble, but I think there’s a possibility if both parties wish it.”
Indeed, a Grand Duke House feels exceptional. It’s typical of my kind Brother to worry about his parents’ burden.
“How far apart in rank can a marriage possibly be?”
“Well, usually up to two ranks. Sometimes it can be three. Princesses of the Royal Family often marry foreign royalty or into the northern or southern Grand Duke Houses, but there have been cases of Princesses marrying into an Earldom when many Princesses were born.”
I see. Many Princesses… that reminds me of Ienari Tokugawa, whom I heard about in my past life.
“Will is provisionally set to be a Baron, but if you become an Earl by achieving more, there might be a possibility.”
“Father, I’m not even thinking about that!”
It would be too presumptuous to take a Princess as my wife. Father‘s jokes are sometimes frightening.
“Ha ha ha. You should marry a woman you genuinely like, Will. It might be far in the future, but noble marriages can be decided early.”
I don’t think I’m at the age to be thinking about marriage yet, but it seems noble marriages can be decided when the children are young.
“Judging by your behavior at the party, Will, you don’t seem very good at talking to girls. The only girl you talk to freely is probably Letty-chan next door. Speaking of which, Tommy and I once discussed that since the two of you get along well, marriage might be possible in the future.”
Eh! I’m surprised such a discussion happened.
“I thought there was no possibility of me marrying Letty, an Count‘s daughter, since I am the second son of the Marquis House.”
“The Cardiff Earldom, like us, is eccentric and doesn’t consider Political Marriage. They aren’t thinking about marrying their daughter off to the heir of a High Noble.”
I didn’t know that.
“Letty is a precious childhood friend I can speak to honestly, but she feels more like a sister, so I never thought of her that way.”
“It seems Letty-chan feels the same way.”
Wow, Mother, when did you show up?
“It’s awful that you two are having such a fun conversation without Mother!”
No, I don’t think this is a particularly fun conversation.
“Letty-chan is beautiful, so she is popular, but she pays no mind to boys and seems to be focusing on Sword Training recently. She apparently says that while Will-chan is someone she can speak honestly with and trust, he’s like a younger brother.”
“Letty says that? Even though we are the same age! My birthday is earlier!”
When I groaned in frustration, both my parents gave wry smiles.
