Chapter 6: Alice

 --At last, you've arrived.

 As I entered the town surrounded by solid walls, I could hear the murmur of people. The town, the seat of the Barsch Frontier Count's territory, was bustling with activity. Just looking out the window, my heart was filled with excitement. From now on, this will be my home town.

 I slowly patted my hip and buttocks, which ached from the ride. Then the black haze disappears and I feel light. Thanks to this mysterious power, I was able to complete my long journey without any weakness.

 A river flowed around the castle where the count of the frontier lived, and a bridge made of stone had to be crossed to get to the inside of the castle. The carriage stopped with a clank at the main gate of the castle, which is located in a sturdy fortress, and a step ladder was prepared on the other side of the door.

 Checking to make sure my clothes were in order, I waited for the doors to open. Through the window I see the magnificent castle, its spires towering. The thought of the Count of Baruch's presence here makes my heart skip a beat.

 With a click, the lock is released and the door opens. I inhale the fresh, cool air and at the same time take a step forward.

 But ...

What?

 I see a house that is apparently broken down. The place we arrived at and were guided to was not the castle where His Excellency the Count of the Frontier lived, but a separate house in a remote location.

 When we got off the carriage, there was no one around us.

 The cozy house in front of us was covered in dust, as if it had never been used.

The window is still torn and the door is off its hinges.Inside the unlit mansion, it was so dark that it could have been haunted.

 When the luggage on the carriage was brought to the entrance, I was left alone with Shena, who had accompanied me as a maid of honor. Apparently, there were no maids assigned to the mansion.

Shena... is this really my new home?"

 The first thing that comes to mind is that the two of them are alone in the house. As the two of us stood alone looking at the house, a man who appeared to be a servant approached us from the garden.

I asked him, "Are you the prospective bride of the lord of the house?

What do you mean by 'prospective wives'?　This is the Viscountess Belka, and you know something about a house like this,...?

What do you mean? ... I just show prospective wives around when they arrive.

 The servant enters the mansion and walks up the stairs with his luggage. The dark inside of the mansion makes you feel more comfortable, and you can see where things are.

Shena, I'll be fine. There might be a mistake, but let's just go to my room.

I understand,... Miss, I'll make sure to check it out later, so make sure you're careful.

Don't worry, there were many houses of this size in the estate.

 The actual "I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to do with it, but I'm sure I'll be able to do with it. I was worried about whether I was really going to live here or not. But I decided that even if it was a mistake, I had been shown the way and entered the mansion with Shena.

 But the condition of the house was far worse than I had imagined, and even though it was spring, the drafts were making me feel cold as if it were winter.

'Hey, Shena,... I wonder if I'm really going to marry His Excellency the Count of Baruch Frontier.

'Yes,... I'd like to think this is some kind of mistake.

 But this treatment was not a mistake at all. I was stunned in the house, and was greeted by the first steward, named Daymond, who said, "It is a pleasure to meet you.

It is my pleasure to meet you. I am ...--!"

 Mr. Daymond froze as soon as he saw my face. I thought he was going to mutter, "No way,... such a lovely person,...," but he immediately straightened his collar and bowed.

'I am sorry, sir, to receive you in such a mansion. This was also ordered by my master, Master Ludvik, ... who also wanted me to experience the frontier ...."

Mr. Daymond, if this is about me, don't worry. I'm sure this house will be a lot more comfortable once it's cleaned up!

 I'm sure that if you are looking for something to do with me, you'll be fine. But he doesn't seem to be suspicious of the fact that I am not his sister.

 --I was afraid of what I would have done if he had told me that she was not my sister Amife. ...

 I am not so similar to my sister, even though we have the same father. We are similar in that our breasts are a bit bigger, but still smaller than my sister's.

 But she was still recognized as the first steward, so I guess it's okay for me too. Anyway, it seemed that all I needed was to be Viscountess Belka.

 Relieved, I unpacked my belongings and was about to put them away when he told me about the wedding.

It will be a simple one, but the ceremony will take place after ten days. If there is anything you need, please let me know.

'Well, you're having the ceremony so soon. ...

 I can't hide my surprise, but now that I've come this far, I'm determined to be prepared. Clenching his fists tightly, Mr. Daymond's cheeks relaxed in relief as he replied, "I understand.

I would like to meet and greet His Excellency, but I wonder where he is.

 Mr. Daymond immediately raised his eyebrows and looked a little puzzled.

I will check with Mr. Ludwig about the greeting and call you later. Please wait a moment.

... I see."

 I was surprised that he didn't greet her before the wedding. I can't hide my surprise and I can't believe my ears.But he replied smilingly, "Well then, I am looking forward to working with you.

I am very happy to meet you then. I and everyone else is looking forward to seeing your skills, Alicia.

 He bowed politely again and asked me for my help, but I wondered what he meant by "skill.

 I spent the days leading up to the wedding without having to answer that question or meet Ludwig.

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