Chapter 65: A Rainy Day

It’s been raining since this morning. The temperature is low, making it feel chilly, and I don’t feel like going outside. I don’t even have an umbrella.

To the sensibilities of a modern Japanese person, having a rain umbrella is natural, but in my original world, there were no umbrellas during the Middle Ages. Apparently, they only became widespread in Europe after the 16th century.

The civilization level of this world is close to that of medieval Europe, and as expected, umbrellas do not exist. This is likely also because it doesn’t rain as much as it does in Japan, and when it does rain, it’s often a drizzle rather than a downpour.

My room is located in a sunny spot, but it is dim today. Perhaps I’ll light a candle and read a book. By the way, electric lights don’t exist in this world yet either. I took out a book on geography that I had the Levant Trading Company procure for me.

I sit on the sofa I made myself and turn the pages. I pour tea from the ceramic pot a maid brought me into a cup and sip it slowly. Reading while listening to the sound of the rain is also very calming.

The book contains information about foreign lands and customs. Today, I’ll read about the Vandall Empire. The Empire lies further north than the northern Duchy of the Albion Kingdom.

While there are no accurate maps in this world, I know the general location. The vast demonic region known as the Sea of Trees borders the Albion Kingdom to the south and the Vandall Empire to the north.

Since monsters appear there just as they do in the Kingdom, it seems that the Empire also emphasized swordsmanship and magic. However, it seems that recently, they have also begun to prioritize commerce and are strengthening their national power by focusing on internal affairs.

According to the book, the main staple foods in the cold Empire are rye, alongside wheat. And the main export product to the Albion Kingdom is listed as sugar. This is surprising, but there must be a plant in this world similar to the sugar beet from my original world.

Even though it’s early summer this year, the temperature hasn’t risen much. While it has a nice aspect in being comfortable, I recall Prince Luke was worried about frost damage. The Empire, being further north, might be having a difficult time.

Since it was noon, I walked toward the dining hall. Silver candlesticks are placed along the wide corridor, and candles are lit. Their shadows stretch everywhere, creating an atmosphere that is different from usual.

I remembered being scared as a child on such days, feeling like a monster might emerge from the shadows. Monsters, huh… Can I truly fulfill my role as the Savior?

My sister, Sophie, was already in the dining hall. Even the usually cheerful Sophie seemed to be lost in thought, perhaps due to the rain. Despite it being early summer, the temperature is low, making it feel somewhat chilly.

Perhaps sensing our mood, the head chef served us warm, out-of-season stew. Softly boiled meat and vegetables sat in a steaming bowl. As I ate the stew, I felt both my body and my mind begin to settle.

The rain continued to fall in the afternoon. Looking out the window, the sky was literally overcast. Will it be dull weather all day today?

I thought reading quietly in the morning wasn’t bad, but sitting still for too long makes me feel down. I decided to go to the music room to change my mood a bit.

I opened the room’s door and walked toward the piano in the center. I opened a sheet of music, sat on the chair, and faced the keyboard. Since no one else is around, perhaps I should play a song from my original world.

To match the rainy day, I chose a quiet, calm melody. I played a piano piece by the Japanese composer called “The Professor.” When I finished playing, I was surprised to hear clapping from behind me.

I had been so focused on the performance that I hadn’t noticed anyone entering. “Brother, that was a wonderful piece. It was delicate, yet somehow melancholic. I’ve never heard it before—what is the name of the song?” Uh oh, that’s bad. Sophie had heard me.

What should I do? Should I pretend the Elves taught it to me? No, the Elves have stringed instruments, but they don’t have a piano. “I was just improvising a melody that came to mind,” I stammered out an excuse.

“Oh, really? Perhaps you have the talent of a composer, Brother.” Ugh, my conscience is hurting. I apologized profusely in my heart. Sophie asked me to play it again, so I excused myself by saying I couldn’t play it the same way since it was improvised, and instead invited her to play together.

I brought a chair for Sophie, and my obedient sister sat next to me, and we began playing a duet. Oddly enough, I felt more energized playing together than I did playing alone. After we had played for a while, a rich violin sound joined the melody of the piano.

I turned around to see Mother smiling with her violin in her arms. “You two have become quite good. Let’s perform together. Come, Theo-chan, you too.”

Behind Mother stood Theo holding a lyre. Then, the four of us played together for a while. Before I knew it, my spirits had brightened.

When I mentioned it at breakfast the next day, Father grumbled, “Why didn’t you call me?” Well, Father always seems so busy that it didn’t occur to me to ask him. The work of a Margrave seems demanding.

Thinking that, I really don’t want to become the Lord too soon. But because of the World Tree and everything, I have to become the Lord of the undeveloped territory in the south as soon as possible.

Thinking of the Elves who have worked hard for the sake of the world, I feel I must also work hard. But honestly, sometimes it feels like a heavy burden, and I feel like running away.

I shouldn’t be like this. Am I still dragging the melancholic mood from yesterday? My thoughts are becoming negative. “Brother, what are you thinking about?” I looked over and saw Sophie looking worried.

I shouldn’t be making my sister worry. Besides, I’m not alone. My family is always on my side, and Theo and Oliver also support me.

“It’s nothing important,” I said, smiling at Sophie. Then, I suggested we choose a date soon to have a family ensemble, and everyone agreed.