WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator: Abood

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◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 39: Post-Vacation

"—Therefore, I expect everyone to remember that Friedrich is now heir to House Hosenfeld. That said, within military matters, I have no intention of treating him as anything more than a knight. He remains a junior officer attached to regimental HQ - one who has distinguished himself in battle, yes, but a junior officer nonetheless. Treat him accordingly."

On the first day of training following the Ferdinand Regiment's return from leave, Matthias stood before the assembled troops with Friedrich at his side and made this declaration.

The regiment's knights and soldiers responded with nods, applause, and overall favorable reactions to Friedrich's adoption.

As Matthias' address concluded, the gathered knights and soldiers dispersed to begin their training. When Friedrich stepped down from the platform, Yurika immediately moved to his side.

Then approaching them came Cavalry Vice-Commander Oliver Falke.

"Congratulations, Friedrich. Or should I add an honorific now?"

"You know better than to ask. Just treat me as always," 

Friedrich replied with a wry smile, prompting Oliver to laugh and clap him familiarly on the shoulder.

Having survived life-and-death battles together, the two had grown far closer than before the recent campaign, their bond now truly that of comrades-in-arms.

"Still..."

"Did you expect more resistance from everyone?"

Friedrich raised an eyebrow slightly, nodding at having his thoughts read so accurately. It reminded him of a similar exchange back when he'd first joined the regiment.

"Truth be told, many of us suspected this would happen ever since His Lordship brought you here. Yarg thought so, Noela agreed too," 

Oliver continued as they walked across the training grounds.

"And you must have known as well? If we could see it coming, someone as sharp as you certainly would have."

"...It might sound presumptuous, but yes - I did suspect His Lordship was training me to be more than just another knight. At some point, it became obvious."

Matthias' guidance had clearly exceeded ordinary officer training for a retainer. Friedrich had sensed it since last winter, when their personal training sessions intensified.

Then came the audience with Crown Princess Claudia Edelstein, an honor Matthias would never arrange for some ordinary new retainer. Nor would the princess show such interest in a mere newcomer to House Hosenfeld's retinue.

Friedrich had naturally deduced he was being groomed as heir. Though naturally, he'd never voiced the assumption himself.

"Well, I thought it would take several more years at least, never expected it to happen this soon. But you saved the detachment and defeated an enemy force three times your size. Combined with last year's bandit suppression, that's more than enough proof of your capabilities for us. Nearly every one of us now sees you as the real deal."

Oliver then turned fully to face Friedrich.

"We'll be counting on you from now on, Knight Friedrich Hosenfeld."

"...I'll do my best not to disappoint those expectations."

Friedrich responded with a smile that hovered between genuine and wry.

To be expected of was to risk being deemed unworthy as the hero's successor should he fail.

He reaffirmed his role - to keep meeting their expectations until those expectations became trust.

"We've had this kind of conversation before, haven't we?"

"Yeah, back when you'd just joined. Though the stakes are considerably higher now."

So it wasn't just his imagination. Friedrich nodded at Oliver's words.

・・・・・・

"How was your first training day as my adopted heir?"

"I received congratulations from everyone. Knowing they now have expectations of me as your successor has made me more determined than ever."

On their way back from military headquarters, Friedrich walked alongside Matthias as they talked. Behind them followed their respective attendants, Gregor and Yurika.

"That's good to hear. Maintain that attitude going forward... By the way, Friedrich."

Matthias turned his head slightly toward Friedrich as they walked.

"With today's announcement to the Ferdinand Regiment, word of my adoption will spread quickly. Naturally, the kingdom's nobility will take notice. Which brings me to this. I intend to give you your formal introduction to aristocratic society."

"Formal introduction... to aristocratic society..."

An uneasy premonition crept over Friedrich as he murmured the words.

"Indeed. You're aware of His Highness Prince Konrad, eldest son of His Majesty King Sigismund and younger brother to Her Highness Princess Claudia?"

"Yes, I'm familiar with him."

Friedrich nodded, recalling the information about Sigismund's second child, Prince Konrad Edelstein, four years younger than Princess Claudia.

"It's been decided that His Highness Prince Konrad will formally become engaged to Lady Lieselotte, daughter of Duke Ernst Bachstein. A betrothal banquet will be held next month to celebrate."

The Bachstein ducal house ruled over the northwestern territories of the Edelstein Kingdom. Originally founded by the second son of Waltrude, the kingdom's founding queen, they had maintained blood ties with the royal family for generations.

There was even precedent of a Bachstein being adopted into the royal line - when the king and queen lacked an heir, the king's niece from the ducal house was adopted and became crown princess. Incidentally, that crown princess was named Hildegard. After ascending the throne, she personally led forces against the hostile Kingdom of Novakia, securing victory and favorable peace terms - a feat that earned her namesake regiment its title.

The duchy's territory was second only to the royal domain in size, strategically positioned to defend both the northernmost corridor along the western border and the frontier with the Kingdom of Novakia. Its vast plains made it an agricultural hub, serving as the breadbasket that fed the more urbanized royal lands.

The last royal-ducal marriage had occurred during King Sigismund's grandfather's generation. With blood ties needing renewal, Prince Konrad's impending marriage to Lieselotte, the duke's only daughter, had been treated as virtually certain in noble circles, though never officially confirmed until now.

Friedrich had learned these details after becoming Matthias' heir.

"At the banquet, heads of noble houses and their representatives from across the kingdom will gather at the royal castle. Naturally, I'll attend. And I intend to bring you as my heir... Oh, must you make that face again?"

Matthias sighed wryly upon seeing Friedrich's unconscious frown, lips pressed into a thin line. Friedrich hurriedly schooled his features as he was caught.

"Does the idea displease you?"

"...If given the choice, I'd decline. But as heir to House Hosenfeld, I understand this too is an unavoidable duty."

A stiff smile surfaced on Friedrich's face as he replied.

"I'm not telling you to conform to noble society. Many military-oriented court nobles disdain such social entanglements to begin with. But making appearances and exchanging basic courtesies would be wise. These are people you'll inevitably have to deal with eventually."

You will succeed me one day, after all. Matthias left the words unspoken, yet they hung clearly between them.

"Understood. I'll strive not to disgrace the Hosenfeld name as your heir."

"The event is still over a month away. With time to prepare, I've no doubts about your readiness."

Their conversation continued as they walked home, the fading daylight stretching their shadows across the cobbled path.

Footnotes: 

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