TL: For those mathematically challenged, Lyles technically the ninth generation. The first section (First Generation on the ToC) is about Lyle figuring out what he wants to do in life.

Former Fiance Novem

I turn my eyes to the girl sitting across from me on the cart.

As I glanced at her, I saw her look at me too. Our eyes met, and both of us turned away.

Hahaha, ah, such innocence.

The middle aged peddler laughed as he looked over at us.

Her name wasNovem Forxuz.

Her hair was done in a side ponytail, and it suited her long light-brown hair quite well. Ill bet theres some provisions for travel inside of her leather, rectangular bag.

Perhaps she chose something easy to move in, but she wasnt in a dress, as I usually saw her.

She was wearing thick-soled boots, and she looks like a taller older sister of her usual self. Her reserved expression showed signs of tension for the first time today.

I ask in a voice low enough so that the peddler wouldnt be able to make it out.

How did you know? Also, trying to follow me; are you sane?

Am I a bother?

The girl giving a troubled expression was from a Barons house.

Naturally, with me being of Count Status, the arranged marriage wouldnt work out status-wise. But the Forxuz House was one that had served the Walt House for many generations.

The marriage for the girl that held that title, when proposed to my parents, was accepted when I was thirteen because it was a pain for them to deal with.

Ordinarily, its the house of higher status that brings up such talks, or at the very least, they study the house that proposed it.

Wrong. I was kicked out, you know. Following someone like me is something only a fool would do.

Following someone who lost everything will be of no profit to either her, or the Forxuz House.

For a proper noble, the best interest of ones house should be ones priority. There are those who arent normal like that, but those ones are the minority.

And I couldnt think of Novem as one of that minority.

Since our ages were close, we often saw one another.

I also have some memories of us playing together.

But from the point where my parents started neglecting me, I dont remember us ever talking much. Its because to earn my parents praise, I desperately immersed myself in nothing but training and studies.

Yes, it is a bother. And here I thought I would be living a lone and free lifestyle from here on.

If I say something harsh to her, she may turn back. Thinking that, I voiced something that wasnt on my mind.

Novem was never a romantic dreaming girl, and even if you compare her to the Walt Familys precepts, she was definitely a passing bridal candidate.

I deeply apologize. But I have decided to marry Lyle-sama.

To the girl giving a smile, I delivered some crucial information.

I have no such will. Ill become an adventurer, and live a willful life being waited on by women. Being driven away by my family actually makes me feel relieved.

The worst sermon. With this, Novem should be tired of me.

As I thought that, I looked down. I didnt want to see Novems scornful face, but as I decided that wouldnt advance the conversation, I looked up at her again.

Dont worry, its something I arbitrarily decided for myself. Even if we dont marry, please allow me to serve by your side.

I put my face in my hands.

What about House Forxus? Youll make your parents sad.

As I brought up her own home, Novem offered a response full of self-confidence.

Dont worry about that part. Im the second daughter, and my brother is the one succeeding the house. I even have an elder and younger sister, so my parents sent me off saying that it would somehow work out if I alone was freed of obligations.

(The hells wrong with you, Mother and Father Forxuz!?)

My head was starting to hurt.

Even if you call her a side-liner, Novems still got decent looks. To add onto that, she was strictly disciplined, and quite refined. Even if she doesnt say anything, Ill bet there were marriage proposals to her.

Its possible she could have even gotten married off to a Viscounts family.

Having finally gotten the happiness she wanted, its a waste if she were to render it futile for my sake.

Simply because I had known her from my childhood, I wanted her to be happy. But the individuals own will was quite rigid.

(Come to think of it, she had those stubborn parts back when she was small too.)

Just do whatever you want.

AS I turned my face away, Novem put her hand to her mouth, and smiled.

Then Ill do just that.

As if he had heard our voices, the merchant spoke up.

It sure is nice to be young. That alone is a fortune, you know.

It sounds like he heard all that quite clearly.

My face turns red from embarrassment. But at that time, I heard a voice.

Oy, oy, youre quite loved, aint ya, kid.

I heard a voice with a teasing tone. I looked around.

On top of the cart, there was only me and Novem. The Peddler was holding the reigns upfront. Around our wagon, there were similar travelers and merchants out searching for work, but they werent at a distance where a voice would reach.

Novem, did you hear anything? A voice that seemed to be trying to tease?

On my question, she shook her head.

I-I apologize I didnt hear it.

As she apologetically lowers her head to me, I tell her not to mind it, as I survey the area once more.

The voice sounded male, and it was quite a firm one at that. But while I can see some males here and there, theres not at a distance where it would be that clear.

Whats more, I had the impression that the voice had come from somewhere much closer.

(A hallucination? Am I still tired? Come to think of it, Ive ben finding it hard to get over fatigue lately. Is it because my wounds arent fully recovered?)

I recall that it seemed vaguely familiar as I look up. As I traced the roof of cloth the peddler had put up with my eyes, I shut them.

As long as Im the only one who heard it, then it may just be that Ive been mentally pressed.

Are you alright, Lyle-sama?

As Novem sounded worried, I opened my mouth. As I was about to tell her I was fine, I heard another voice from close-by.

I could hear it quite crisply, but Novem didnt appear bothered by it.

For him to have someone like that at his age I cant be anything but jealous.

You sure went through a lot, father.

From a sitting position, I raised myself, and looked around. Novem looked shocked.

Whats wrong, Lyle-sama!?

But the surroundings hadnt changed in the slightest.

Its nothing.

As I said that, I thought.

Hmm? Am I really that tired? I guess Ill sleep for now.

After arriving at the rest town, we consulted with the peddler, and got him to agree to let us accompany him tomorrow as well.

Perhaps it was a seasonal occurrence, but the town was quite lively.

After confirming the peddlers departure time, me and Novem went off inn-hunting.

But there, a problem emerged.

Theres only one room? Two are impossible?

After the inns owner confirmed the fact, he immediately told us it was impossible.

There are too many people this time of year, so we cant be putting a single person to a room. Im sorry, but if youre acquaintances, can you both put up with sharing a room?

I turn to Novem.

She had chosen to follow me, but being in the same lodging as her was something I wanted to avoid.

As I was taught as such, I was bewildered on how to deal with the man.

But Novem simply told him it didnt matter either way, and paid for it. She handed him some copper coins in exchange for the key.

O-oy

Before I could ask her if that was alright, the inns owner spoke.

The room is on the far side of the second floor. The room number is on the paper attached to the key. Oh, right, breakfast and hot waters free, but we dont do dinners, so you should probably find somewhere to eat before you leave your luggage.

I didnt understand what he meant by before you leave your luggage.

(If theres a key, then wouldnt it be better to just leave it? Im a separate matter, but Novems carrying a travelling bag.)

She was carrying some heavy baggage, but I thanked the owner anyways.

Thank you. What should we do about the key?

Youve already paid me, and Im not going to play oblivious about it later. Ill hold onto it, so take this note with you. If you give it to whoevers here, theyll hand over the key.

I had some questions as to why we needed to carry out this exchange, but Novem dragged me out.

We exited the inn, and got to looking for food at a nearby place that I couldnt whether it was a bar or restaurant.

There were many people on the roads, and it really was a noisy town

Wait a second, isnt this kid really too wet behind the ears? Hes way too oblivious to how this world works.

Its because hes a Count! Its because Lyles going to be a Count in the future!

Well, its true that hes been rich from the moment he was born. Hes a tried and true pampered brat.

Within the clamor of the crown, I heard a clear voice again. It definitely sounded close, and my name was even brought up.

Are you alright, Lyle-sama? Your complexion is a little pale.

I-Im fine!

My impatient voice came out quite loud. It sounds like Novem didnt hear anything. The voices started coming again.

And wait a god damn moment go take the girls bags already. Youre pretty much empty-handed, kid. You truly are inconsiderate.

Count, was it? I guess the child of something like that turns out like this. Hes on the side thats used to getting taken care of.

What did you say?

I heard it again. And its coming from really close to me. Whats more, each and every voice is different. There are multiple of them.

Lyle-sama?

In order to not trouble Novem, who looked worried, I opted to ignore them. But it really is wrong for the girl to be carrying along a heavy bag while I dont have anything.

Y-yeah Novem, isnt that heavy? Ill carry it.

Saying that, I took her bag. While she insisted that she would carry it, I took it slightly forcefully as we entered the restaurant.

But then they came again.

He shouldve taken her hand, and escorted her.

When we entered the place, I heard a voice like that. An image of me offering my hand to her flashed across my mind for an instant.

(No, wait, were already in the store giving her my hand now holds no meaning.)

As I was lost in thought with my hand extended, I was left in a flustered state in front of her.

As if she sensed that, Novem took my hand.

Lyle-sama, that seat looks open, so can I trust you to guide me there?

Ah, eh y-yeah.

As I escorted her the short distance, Novem offered a final thanks.

Much appreciated, Lyle-sama. Um ah, excuse me.

Saying that, Novem went and called over the waiter to order without hesitation. She asked what was recommended from the menu, and ordered two portions.

She pointed to some things, and asked whether they were fine with me, and I merely affirmed without any idea of what I was going to be served. There, I heard the voices again.

Hey, isnt this guy a bit of a wimp?

Its because hes oblivious about the world. Well, he does have some unreliable spots too.

Here, its fine because the girls being considerate, but a normal oned dump him, right?

As my evaluation was steadily dropping, I thought to myself.

(Just what is it with this situation!?)

Night.

After returning to the inn, I accepted the hot water the owner had prepared for us.

Apparently, I was to wipe my body with the hot water in the bucket.

Theres no bath?

Novem answered my question.

Even in this rest town, there are some places that offer it based on price, but its standard to simply wipe down your body with hot water. Even in inns with baths, there are few with public ones for guests to use freely.

Really? I heard in town that there were some private rooms with baths, though

Novem had a troubled face as she dipped the towel in the bucket, and wrung it out. She had me take off my clothes, and started wiping me down.

Inns that have private baths are ridiculously expensive. Theyre at a level where they charge silver coins per night.

I have some silver, though. Novem, are you sure youre alright without a bath?

As I said that, she cautioned me.

Thats no good, Lyle-sama! From now on, money is going to be scarce. If you dont economize when you have the chance, itll run out before you know it.

R-really?

As she scolded me, she finished washing my back, and moved to my hair. After lifting the bucket over my head, Novem gently poured it over me.

I heard a fed-up voice.

Oy, spoiled brat, when your bodys clean, leave the room at once.

Eh?

Whats wrong, Lyle-sama?

I heard a threatening voice, so I started looking around at once. As my hair was wet, water flew around.

Its no good, this kid he doesnt notice it at all.

I dont think theres too much of a problem, though.

I reassured a worried Novem that nothing was wrongas I waited for my hair to be washed, and put on my clothes after.

I wanted to change them, but I was unable to replace anything but my undergarments.

Then Ill be using it next, alright? Umm

She seemed to want to say something.

Y-yeah. Ill be leaving then. Im just outside the door if you need me (Why do I have to get out?)

I deeply apologize.

Saying that, I left the room, and found a chair in the corridor. As I sat on the creaking wood, I didnt hear anyone talking to me.

Is it really a hallucination? And wait, todays already

As I was sitting, my eyelids began to feel heavy. Like that, I closed my eyes. Perhaps because my body had been cleaned, I felt relieved.

Wake up, ya bastard!

I heard an angry voice, and when I opened my eyes, I was in a different place than before.

Eh, w what?

Whats more, there were people around me. A large, circular table extended before me, and seven other individuals were seated around it

Each of them held a different shape, and they were all faces I had some recollection of. Where did I see them? As I thought that, I noticed a man wearing beast skins as a vest.

His arms were thick like a log, and his hair was unkempt. Around him were men that seemed to be of better upbringing. All of them ranged from their late twenties to early thirties in appearance.

I turned my attention to the savage tribesman-like man before me.

Hmm? Could it be that voice was

Thats right, that was us.

Among them, there was a man I had a clear recollection of. Unlike in my memory, he was quite young. However, his atmosphere hadnt changed.

Lyle!

Eh? G-grandfather!

There, was the youthened form of my grandfather. His spine was straighter, and his body was much more firm than I remembered.

Youve grown this big Im happy for you, Lyle.

His atmosphere was still that of a welcoming grandparent. The other individuals lined up seemed resentful, or uninterested, or just fed up.

As they looked at me, it seems they each had their own evaluations.

My grandfather spoke up.

Do you guys have any complaints to voice against my grandson!?

The one to return an answer was the savage-styled man.

Of course I do! Whats with this frail pansy!? Theres no way in hell my bloodline would produce a man as wimpy as this!

B-bloodline!?

I couldnt grasp the situation. And since my grandfathers here, couldnt this be a dream? As I thought that, a different one let out their voice.

No, isnt it fine like this? And wait, More importantly, theres something Id like to ask. Um~ Lyle, was it? Im your great grandfather.

Eh?

The red haired, and slightly wild-looking man had a tidy appearance. But his clothing was slightly worn down.

I remembered the portraits inside my own home. Those picture of each preceding generation of family heads were stuck up around the manor. A few of them gave off quite a different impression, but most of them were reminiscent of them.

The irritated savage spoke up.

You sure are slow on the uptake! Li~sten~ here~. Were yo goddamn ancestors!

Sitting next to him, a man in hunter-esque clothing softly mumbled.

You may not want to accept it, but this ones the provincial nobleman, the founder of the Walt House. Ah, you dont really have to respect him or anything.

Wha?

Ill bet that Im currently making a quite a pathetic face right now.