Nobleman: Halkeginia

(23) Mobilize!

The next day, the two inside Alexnader's room are stirred awake from shoutings and heavy footsteps. "H-huh?"

"No time! Master has returned, and we must prepare the house!" One after another, the servants began to dashnig in and out, carrying cleaning tools and equipments with them.

Siesta get up from the bed, while Alex pull himself up from the ground, both sharing a concerend and worreid look: Louise's fate (partially) depends on the decision of the Duke de La Vaillere

Alas, neither he nor Siesta would not be presented at the room, and while Alexnader nercously wait for the outcome, Siesta was once again called out for works. Alexander was left in the room, checking his weapons if they have to bust out of the premises.

—

A knocking on the door interrupted Alexander's cleaning on the Berthier barrel. Behind the door would appears to be the second sister, Cattleya. "May I borrow some of your time?" "Of course, please come in." Alexander looked around to found a crate for him to sit on, while gesturing towards the bed.

"May I know your name?" "Alexander... Alexnader Grant." "What a unique name... where did you hailed from, might I ask? I can see that you are not of Halkeginia origin, or rather... different from us?"

Alex shot up a suprised gaze. "My, it appears that my assumption was correct. I was said to have a sharp instinct." "Impressive." "But, that is not of importance... I must thank you for the assistance you provided to Louise. I assume you had helped, or even guided her to gain the acknowledgement of Her Majesty, no?"

"Indeed. I was summoned as her familiar, thought I has hope to return where I belong, I cannot help but worry about Louise. I happened to look after her in times." "Yes. And for that, I have to tell you something— our father does not wishes for Louise to participate in war. I worried the pressing of marriage would be her last straw for her hiding from the family."

A sigh escaped Alexnader's lips. "It is what I assume the worse would happen..." "Perhaps. Not soon after her fiance was breanded as a traitor, she was immediately asked to marry someone— all this happened while Louise in a young age..." Alexnader show sympathy towards Louise, while agreeing with Cattleya's words.

"You do not wish for little Louise to be married, do you?" "The urgency, yes. And I fear that she has yet to be recovered from the Viscount yet..." "So... what would you do if I trust Louise to your hand?"

"Well..." Alexnader nervously scratched his neck. "I would be suprised to be considered such, besides, the definition of noble and magic here..." "Magic is trivial for climbing the ranks of nobility, Mister Alexnader." "Is that so? Well then, my assumption, or what my place implies, would be dedications towards the individual sitting at the big chair in the capital."

"That, would be partially correct." A soft smile can be seen on her face. "The kings in the past granted fiefs and castles upon our ancestors' sacrifices for the protection of the princess, his daughters— something that is not easily achieved by simply magic."

"..." Alexander retrieved his carbine leaning against the wall. "What would you want me to do, miss?"

"She should be at the backyard of the castle, hiding herself in the boat at the pond from the unhappiness. Please: Take her out of the castle. The maid would you should be waiting you two on a carriage."

He fixed the tip of his cap. "Why, miss, may I ask?" "...I do not appreciate war, or even hate it. Nor would I wish for Louise's participation. But if she has made her decision to answer the calls for help, so be it— we are not the ones suitable to make decisions like these."