Chapter 17, The Day Of Becoming The Lord Of A Castle And The Two’s Vow

Translator: Lizz

 

It was the day the Mayor had promised.

 

The slope inside the outer walls of the fortress… It was probably a square for gathering the people, and the residents had gathered there.

 

The Mayor had made an announcement to all the residents.

 

The Ducal House finally sent a Lord, and the Lord promised to repair the city. However, a meeting with all the residents was necessary first. Everyone had to attend without exception – no representatives or proxies would be allowed. Regardless of age, everyone needed to be present, or the repairs might not happen… This warning was subtly included to ensure attendance.

 

Some residents were reluctant, but the thought of being blamed if the promise was broken and repairs were not done because of their absence made them comply.

 

In this city, there was no escape. To be ‘ostracized’ meant ‘death’.

 

Everyone gathered promptly.

 

After a while, accompanied by the Mayor, Sylvia appeared. Edward and Gina followed behind her.

 

Everyone whispered, ‘That little girl is…?’, but the Mayor cleared his throat and introduced Sylvia.

 

“Listen carefully, everyone! This is Lady Sylvia Hughes, the daughter of the Ducal House and the new Lord of Forte Fortress Town! Lady Sylvia has something to say to all the residents!”

 

Everyone looked at Sylvia at once.

 

Gina and Edward too.

 

Gina looked on worriedly, unable to hide her anxious feelings, while Edward maintained a poker face but couldn’t help watching Sylvia instead of observing the surroundings.

 

Sylvia raised her staff without an expression.

 

“I am Sylvia Hughes. <I am the owner of this fortress, and I am the Lord of this town – [Dominant]!>”

 

Sylvia struck the ground with her staff.

 

The sound was quiet, but it certainly and gently resonated, spreading like ripples across the square and throughout the entire city.

 

For a moment, Sylvia wavered, and Gina and Edward instantly rushed to her side. However, using her staff for support, Sylvia stood firm and held Gina and Edward back.

 

– And then.

 

A cheer erupted.

 

That cheer was proof that they had accepted her favorably.

 

“Now that everyone has accepted me, we can proceed with the repairs. Thank you.”

 

Sylvia’s voice was much quieter than the cheer, but it reached every resident.

 

– That was proof that the magic had succeeded.

 

Seeing Sylvia, whose complexion had turned rosy and who looked lively, ‘She must have been chronically lacking in magical power’.

 

She had always seemed listless; she probably had indeed felt listless.

 

Edward thought that, honestly, her magic as a Lord might be superior to the current Head of the Ducal House. In fact, for a Commander of the Magic Knights, her ‘Magic that allows communication from a distance’ would be extremely useful.

 

That was why.

 

To ensure that Sylvia’s parents didn’t realize her excellence and eliminate her, they must develop this fortress town and make it impregnable.

 

“…This is bad. My blood is boiling.”

 

Edward suppressed his urge to grin.

 

He didn’t realize he had this kind of personality.

 

…But when he thought about venerating Sylvia as his master, strengthening the town she had taken control of as her right-hand man, and eliminating her enemies, his heart surged with excitement like never before.

 

“Lady Sylvia.”

 

Edward called out and knelt on one knee before Sylvia.

 

“I am the one who will become your shield and sword. And from now on, I will do my utmost to help develop this town of yours. So, no matter what happens, may I serve by your side for life?”

 

Sylvia blinked in surprise and then asked.

 

“Will you stay by my side forever?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Forever?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Sylvia thought for a moment and then extended her hand.

 

When Edward took her hand, Sylvia spoke.

 

“<Make the promise between Edward and me valid – [Contract]>.”

 

So that was how it was, Edward thought, but he accepted it obediently.

 

They made a contract. Although there were no penalties, it was bound by magic.

 

This bound not only Edward but also Sylvia.

 

Whether Edward was falsely accused like when he was serving the third prince, or whether it was Sylvia who was falsely accused, they could no longer part ways.

 

At that moment, Gina squatted down next to Edward.

 

“Sir Edward, it’s unfair to go ahead without me, isn’t it? …Lady Sylvia, I will also stay by your side forever. I will serve you for life, okay?”

 

Edward looked at Gina in surprise as she said this.

 

“…Eh. Is this okay? I’ve been through a lot and I’m not thinking about marriage, but Gina is still young… Or rather, you’re just a girl. In the future–”

 

“I might get married, but that’s a different matter! Even if I get married, I have no intention of leaving her side!”

 

“What if your husband says ‘Let’s move to another land’?”

 

“Of course, my husband will have to compromise. I serve the Lord of the castle, don’t I? No matter who I marry, it’s only natural for my husband to compromise.”

 

Gina said this firmly. Edward couldn’t help but think she was cool.

 

Indeed, it was not something to think about when there was no partner yet, and once the contract was made, the partner would have no choice but to compromise.

 

Sylvia took Gina’s hand without even confirming it and chanted the contract spell.

 

“Huh? You confirmed it with me multiple times beforehand.”

 

Edward muttered, and Gina and Sylvia looked at each other and laughed.