Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 106

The Hogbeck Territory (1) – Another Companion

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Translator & Editor: Nisarah

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At first, I was pretty worried about what would happen in our journey since the two eccentrics, Drew and the twin came with us.

But well, fortunately, the journey was pretty peaceful. It was partly because Drew was preoccupied with her new ‘toy’ the pike and the groove, so she didn’t interact much with the twin.

The twins, on the other hand, seem to ‘recognize’ Drew as a fellow eccentric so they have been cautiously circling Drew like a wild animal asserting their territory.

Anyway, the journey to Wickharlt’s home with an unusual combination of people was rather peaceful, but…

“Lapilia-sama, why did you come with us?”

“What? You don’t like me being here?”

“No, but, well, you told me why you didn’t like going home before, but it’s the new year. Shouldn’t you at least go home on the new year?”

Lapilia-sama told me before that the second she went home, she would be flooded with marriage proposals from her relatives, so she didn’t go home often. Frein also didn’t return this new year for the same reason, but he just avoided times like new year when his relatives would gather. He would usually still go home at other times.

“I’ve already met my close family.”

Lapilia-sama told me that she usually took a year-end vacation earlier than anyone else and went home secretly. Apparently, she did that every year. Sometimes she took a year-end vacation earlier like this year, sometimes she took it later all for the sake of avoiding her annoying relatives and as a result, a fierce psychological battle between her and her relatives ensued every year.

“I’m not here for a vacation. I’m here for work. I’m your escort and also, I’m going to an inspection near Wickharlt’s home.”

“Escort? Why do we need an escort?”

“Roa, if the twins run amok, can you stop them?”

“I…No.”

Ah, I see. Then, I was glad Lapilia-sama was here.

Although Wickharlt and Frein were here, they and the twin belong to different Divisions so even if the twins did something, they would have some reservations about the twin.

On the other hand, that ogre–I mean, Lapilia-sama didn’t care about something like that.

“Did you just think of something rude?” Lapilia-sama skilfully kicked my leg while on horseback.

In the end, the people who went to Wickharlt’s home were me, Frein, Yuimei, Drew, and Lapilia.

We used the road along the coast. The Zettan Plain would be covered with snow by now but because this area was close to the southernmost part of the continent, there was barely snow here.

But the sea breeze was cold, so everyone was ‘armed’ with thick clothes. 

We went at a leisurely pace. After several days of enjoying the ever-changing scenery, I suddenly felt a sense of deja vu and observed the area more closely.

“This area seems familiar…”

“Wickharlt, is your home located near the Howarth Ranch?” Frein asked.

Ah, right, Howarth Ranch. I passed this area when we went there.

“You’ve been to Howarth Ranch before?”

“Yeah, or rather, we got Roa’s horse from there.”

“I see. Thank you very much, then.”

“Why are you thanking us?”

“Howarth Ranch is within my Hogbeck territory, after all.”

It’s a small world.  

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“Wickharlt! Welcome home!”

After we arrived, Wickharlt was immediately greeted by his parents’ hug.

His parents must be anxious. Sure, they have received an explanation about Wickharlt’s situation over a letter, but whose parents wouldn’t be anxious after hearing your son was demoted, transferred, and then involved in a fierce war?

We warmly watched their reunion. Even the twins were quiet at this time.

“Dad. Mom. Let’s take our guests inside first. It’s cold.”

“Oh yes, that’s right. Pardon me. Please come inside. Please make yourself at home.”

“Will do.”

“I’m home!”

Yuimei, that wasn’t how you were supposed to react, alright!?

Drew, on the other hand, looked as if her mind was somewhere else. This must be what I looked like every time I lost in my thoughts and ended up being scolded by Rufa. Riding a horse while being like that was certainly dangerous. Let’s be careful next time.

“It is a great house.”

“Are you Lapilia-sama? Thank you for your compliment, but its size is nothing compared to the mansion of a great noble such as yourself.”

“There’s no such a thing. Bigger house doesn’t necessarily mean better. The garden looks well-maintained and beautiful. It’s a pity that it’s currently winter. Madam, did you maintain the garden by yourself?”

“Yes, I did maintain the garden. How about I invite you at a later time when the weather has warmed?”

“My, I would be delighted to receive such an invitation.”

Oh, look at Lapilia-sama having a proper noble-like conversation with Wickharlt’s mother. So she could act like a noble too. On the other hand, Frein was having a pleasant conversation with Wickharlt’s father.

“Come on, everyone, let’s go inside!”

Wickharlt’s words prompted us to enter the mansion.

Inside the mansion, we were greeted by the sight of two women chatting in front of the fireplace.

“Opa! You’re here!”

“Wickharlt-sama, welcome home. I don’t want to disturb your precious reunion with your parents so I was waiting for you here.”

The woman called Opa said that gracefully. Wickharlt took her hand, and she slowly stood up. After that, she bowed to us. Her long, silky hair flowed down her cheeks.

“Roa-dono, everyone, allow me to introduce you to her. This is my fiancée, Opa.”

Fiancée…I never knew Wickharlt had a fiancée. Seriously, he should share more about himself with us.

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