Chapter 429: Side Story 23: Lithia Became A Lady (2/2)
Post rider work alongside pigeons to transmit information. Although it was not the fastest, it had a high probability for the information to be transmitted to remote areas as well.
In addition, pigeons only worked one way as in they always went back to the same place. However, post riders were more effective in searching for various destinations.
“Oh, a post rider? That’s unusual.”
When the post rider saw Lithia and Gloria, he slowed down and changed direction because he was already in town.
“Hmm? Is he coming this way?”
The horse clip-clopped toward the ladies. Upon looking more closely, a knight wearing a cloak with the crest of the royal family was riding it. A messenger knight.
“Is it a decree?”
The messenger knight jumped off the horse in front of Gloria and Lithia, and took out a letter from the bundle wrapped around his torso. It might not be a decree because there was no royal seal on it.
“Are you Baronet Lithia Fahlheit? Please read this immediately.”
“Y-yes.”
Even though it was quite unusual, Lithia was to confirm the content right then due to the urgency of the letter. The letter was written in black ink on a piece of fabric made of linen. It was the style of letter used between noblemen.
“Um, Klein Kingdom is granting Lord Jin Nidou Magi Craft Meister title …”
The letter indicated that Jin had been given the title Magi Craft Meister, and Lithia was appointed to deliver his certificate as proof of his title.
“… Is it okay for me to deliver it?”
Lithia was worried about her Baronet appearance. The messenger knight also handed her a short letter along with the certificate wrapped with a royal seal.
“Eh? … Lord Jin Nidou doesn’t like exaggeration, so it’s best for someone he knows and who has received assistance like me to deliver it?!”
“Then, my delivery is confirmed. Lady Lithia.”
With that said, the messenger knight jumped on the horse, reigned the horse to turn back, and went back in the direction he came.
“… So Jin is now a Magi Craft Meister, eh?”
Just from the sound of it, anyone would know it was a terrific title.
“I hope we can meet him. But what should we do if he’s not there?”
“Since our villages are neighbors, why don’t we ask Jin to get in touch when he comes back?”
“Oh, that’s right! I didn’t realize that.”
Lithia put the letter and the certificate in the storage compartment inside the golem horse’s torso. That was the most secure place. Only Lithia (and maybe Jin) could open it.
The next day arrived. It was a day-long journey, but if all went well, they would reach Toka Village as planned.
The two of them left the town of Sharuru early in the morning, just like the journey she had with Pasco in the past.
“We need to stick to a strict schedule today.”
Looking up at the sky, it appeared that day would be hot and sunny. Gloria grumbled.
“I agree. Let’s get as far as possible while it’s still cool in the morning.”
Like last time, they left early in the morning and had breakfast on the way. They finished eating lunch on horseback and managed to arrive at Toka Village before sunset.
“Phew, we’re finally here. Thanks to the longer daytime during this season.”
Gloria seemed tired, but Lithia did not look tired at all.
She had Jin to thank because the golem horse he created took into consideration of long-distance rides so that it would not be tiring for the rider.
Originally, Lithia thought it would be good for Gloria to ride the golem horse Pasco had borrowed. However, she only mentioned it casually and did not want to be pushy about it. In the end, the golem horse carried all their belongings instead.
“Oh, if it’s not the Lady’s company. Welcome to Toka Village. My name is Burak, the village mayor.”
“I’m Lithia Fahlheit.”
“I’m Gloria, her security detail.”
After exchanging a brief greeting, they went to the mayor’s house. During her last visit, she stayed at the soldiers’ dormitory. Now that she had become the Lady of this territory, the mayor himself welcomed her.
The two of them, who originally were not concerned about a meal, had a wonderful dinner.
“Currently, we’re preparing to start mining at the Inado mines in the near future.”
“Apparently so. We passed by the site on our way here.”
They started their conversation with small talk, and gradually advanced to discussions about the village.
“… Basically, I shall leave the managing of this village to you, mayor. I will act as a mediator and negotiator for this village when negotiating policies passed by the kingdom or the enactment of new policies.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Recently, our neighboring village, Kaina, has improved its reputation as a better place to live. Some of our people have begun to migrate there.”
“I see. That’s a problem. As the Lady of this territory, I’d like to improve the living condition in this village as well.”
“We would be grateful if you would do that.”
They continued the various discussions about current issues faced by the village until late at night. June 29th went by without anyone realizing it.
Lithia Fahlheit would officially be the Lady of that territory on July 1st.
Author’s note:
There are 29 days in the month of June, July, and August. The rest of the months have 30 days.