Compensation θ ~ I might be late for reincarnation, but since I was born as the talented eldest son of a prestigious noble, I might be on the winning side.

Chapter 40 - Carriage G O!



Together with the other children, we headed towards the Temple of the Occupational God by carriage. It was, of course, the first time for me to ride in a carriage with children my age.

“It’s a gorgeous carriage. Quite different from the one I rode the other day.”

“Yes. The recent visit to the temple was a private affair, so it was possible to discreetly prepare a carriage. However, this time, it’s an official event. Therefore, when traveling on the streets, it is necessary to show the order.”

“Order?”

“In this case, it can be referred to as priority. To avoid accidents that would be displeasing to each other, it is necessary to make one’s status clear and clear the way. Those in higher positions require such consideration to prevent accidents.”

In bustling streets where many people, carriages, and carts are coming and going, unfortunate accidents or collisions can occur. In such cases, the one who is penalized is invariably the one in a weaker social position. Since there is a caste system, this rule does not change.

However, this doesn’t mean that the strong can selfishly trample on the weak. Those in higher positions are required to take precaution to prevent accidents.

Therefore, in official events where it would be inconvenient for the procession to be disrupted, the social status is explicitly revealed. To let people know that an important person’s group is passing by and to avoid them.

In addition, to maintain the dignity of nobility and to reveal which noble family it is, the carriage specifically prepared for official events costs a considerable amount of money and technology.

The exterior of the carriage is adorned with glossy black paint and abundant silver decorations that emit a blue-white light. The four large wheels have spokes radiating in a striking lapis lazuli blue.

The shining large crest on the door represents the Kilyam Duke family, the “Nine-Headed Water Serpent.” A silver giant serpent with nine long heads, cradling the moon reflected on the lake. The embossed design exudes an intimidating aura.

In the high position of the driver’s seat in front of the cabin, there is a driver handling two armored horses. Two servants stand on the rear exterior seat.

The clothing of the driver and servants, the hammer cross decorating the driver’s seat, and the decorations of the armored horses are all unified in blue, black, and silver. Silver thread embroidery, fringes, and tassels embellish the sophisticated beauty, adding a luxurious impression.

The more numerous and extravagant these showy decorations are, the higher the social status they signify.

And here in Glassbridge, if you have the crest of the “Nine-Headed Water Serpent,” you are given top priority.

Although it’s a carriage with dignity and beauty, because of the large armored horses pulling it, it gives off an atmosphere as if the denizens of the underworld are riding it. It feels dangerous to approach.

On the other hand, in the passenger section, the spacious cabin for four adults is comfortable, and six children could easily fit. The seats are sofa-style, facing each other, with soft and cushioned upholstery.

So, why did it turn out like this?

The first passengers I heard about were Jasper and Jake of the Morris family. Jasper, a candidate for a close aide, is one thing, but why Jake? I was curious and asked for the reason.

Unexpectedly, the answer was for security.

Jake is only four years old, but he has grown well. And his hair color is deep navy blue. It’s so dense that in dim lighting, it might be mistaken for black.

In other words, among the children of relatives, he most closely resembles me in physique and hair color. Of course, with the current situation, there is a disclaimer.

It’s a precaution against kidnapping. Not to the extent of being a body double, but in case of an emergency, he could serve as a stand-in. In situations that may involve danger, Jake is expected to play a role.

However, Jake is still young and has a shy personality. It was judged that it would be better to gradually acclimate him by having him accompany me. Therefore, as a guardian, his brother Jasper came along.

“Is there a danger of being abducted?”

“We will do our best to protect you from such a fate, but it is always better to be cautious. Once the rite is completed, we will officially notify the royal family that Lord Lyon is the successor to the Kilyam Duke family. This is equivalent to announcing that Lord Lyon possesses a covenant suitable for the head of the family.”

The blessings of the spirits enrich the land and promise prosperity.

There are said to be individuals with such special abilities. If the person possessing these abilities is a helpless child, some individuals with unscrupulous thoughts might emerge, thinking that it’s okay to snatch them away.

If taken beyond the borders, in this world with limited communication means, no one can trace their whereabouts. Inevitably, they would end up confined somewhere for the rest of their lives.

I see. Even if my body becomes healthy, I won’t be able to leisurely stroll around the castle town. If I use magic, I might escape. However, the extent to which it works remains unknown until it’s actually tried.

So, the Morris brothers were decided to accompany me. I had a positive attitude, thinking that I would like to get along with them, but a halt was put on it from another direction.

“There is still space available, so how about taking other children with us?”

“There is a limit to the number of seats. Therefore, it is impossible for all the children.”

“Then, from the Casper family, let’s send Arlo and Elsie, who are close in age. What about your house?”

“Of course, from the Lloyd family, I will send Mira and Claire.”

“It’s a bit crowded, but…”

“Two from each family, get along. We cannot concede any further.”

The ones who spoke up were the remaining two of the three families. It seems difficult to refuse, as they emphasized the balance between relatives.

Causing a disturbance here would not be good. Moreover, the Kilyam family values lateral connections, so it was judged that it’s not bad for children of the same generation to deepen their ties. Thus, the decision was made.

The ages range from 4 to 12. While it would somehow work in terms of space, the problem was the arrangement.

Since I am confirmed to have top priority, I was made to sit in the center facing the direction of travel. Then, one person on each side of me. Four more were crammed in on the opposite side.

Well, it was chaotic from the beginning. It was undecided who would sit where.

“Jake, sit next to Lord Lyon.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll sit in front of Jake.”

“I want to be next to you.”

“Morris, sit next to Lord Lyon.”

“What about that other empty seat next to Lord Lyon? Can I sit there?”

“No, Claire! You can’t sit there!”

“Why not?”

“Because, Because you used to sit next to me!”

“I don’t remember something from so long ago!”

“Eh! But no, absolutely not.”

“I hate Arlo, he’s saying mean things!”

“Hate me? Claire is the one being mean!”

Casper’s Arlo and Lloyd’s Claire were quarreling. Even though they’re both seven years old, what kind of conversation is this?

“Three years ago, Claire and Arlo were so close. Since you brought it up this far, why not let her sit next to you?”

“Well, then, who will sit next to Lord Lyon?”

“That is… in this case, since I’m the eldest, I suppose?”

“Miss Mira, that’s cheating!”

Claire’s sister Mira, acting like an adviser, couldn’t completely control the little ones. The remaining Elsie was sitting quietly without getting involved.

“Good boy, Jake. Come, sit there.”

It seems the Morris family resolved their issue. Jake sat on my left, and Jasper sat directly in front of him. Since the door was on the right side of the direction of travel, the two seats at the back were considered filled.

“Come on, decide your seats quickly, or we’ll get scolded. All the girls are on this side. Arlo will sit next to Lord Lyon. That settles it.”

Finally, Mira took charge, and the seats were filled at last.

On the opposite side, from the back, in order: Jasper, Elsie, Claire, Mira. On this side, in order: Jake, me, Arlo.

Reluctantly, Arlo, who sat on my right, shrank back when the wind blew as the door closed.

“Eh, what was that just now…”

With a puzzled expression, Arlo said that and glanced around.

“Arlo, what’s wrong?”

“I feel a strange sensation, even now.”

“Do you? I don’t feel anything strange.”

I see. Arlo had a peculiar reaction when we first met, and now he noticed the presence of Faein, the wind spirit. Jasper probably noticed it too. The girls didn’t react at all.

The door closed, and the carriage set off. The accompanying adults and other children gradually got on the carriage and headed to the temple.

From the previous conversation, it seemed that Arlo and the Lloyd sisters had already met before. They mentioned three years ago, so Arlo and Claire should have been four years old at the time.

Is this what they call puppy love?

“Since we’re riding in the same carriage, let’s make Lord Lyon get to know us well.”

“Us? Does Arlo like Claire?”

Elsie, who tilted her head in a cute way, suddenly dropped a bomb. Despite being a year younger than Arlo, she showed no fear.

“W-why?”

“Because I likes being next to Claire than Lord Lyon.”

“Well… yeah.”

Arlo affirmed in a small voice with a red face. It seems like a new story is beginning with him as the protagonist.

“Then, is Claire going to marry into the Casper family?”

“Who knows? How about Lord Lyon as a marriage partner?”

“Eh! Do you not like it?”

“It’s not like that. But… it depends on Lord Lyon?”

Me? It’s too early for that. I don’t know what the adults are thinking, but it’s still too early, wayyyy to early.

“Is Lord Lyon a quiet person? He hasn’t spoken at all.”

Not that I don’t want to speak.

“Maybe because he’s still small?”

Oof! Elsie, you’re being merciless all of a sudden. Hey, Elsie, you do know that I’m older than you, right?

“He’s only seven, so he’ll probably grow up from now on.”

That’s right, that’s right. The growth period is just beginning.

“Is that so? Mother said that you can’t get fat from Southern cuisine. She also said she’ll introduce Northern cuisine.”

“Speaking of Northern cuisine, how about Gegento? It’s a famous dish, but isn’t it too simple to give to Lord Lyon?”

“Gegento is mellow and delicious. But if you add ‘jiyo,’ Ges- Egis- Mazine it might taste better.”

What is a jiyo?

“When it comes to Northern cuisine, Yakta- Tarsna- Chubos’s paw steak is also delicious.”

Even Jasper unexpectedly joined the conversation.

What are you trying to feed me? With such resoundingly odd names, I can’t even guess what kind of food or ingredient they are.

Northern cuisine is terrifying.

I still haven’t caught up with my learning. The Glass region is wide from north to south, so the climate and cultural aspects are likely to be diverse.

I will rule that in the future.

Various proposals for marriage driven by different intentions will surely be presented.

Half of my genes come from my mother, who has nothing to do with the Glass region. Originally, I could have been treated as an outsider. However, the spirit pattern said to be possessed by powerful heads of the Kilyam family, including the first-generation Lord Lucas, appeared, and my personal value skyrocketed.

On the other hand, my parents are still in the shadows.

The adults of the branch families attend the important ceremony called the [Rite of Manifestation] with their families as a matter of course. However, my parents do not participate, and no one objects to that. In other words, their absence is considered acceptable.

It looks like my parents’ marriage was not desired.

In this region where cousin marriages are common, my father brought in a bride from the remote Spinning Count family, and my mother, who never came to see her sickly eldest son.

There’s also the siblings I have never met. It’s too complicated.

In my previous life, I grew up in an ordinary family. There were parents, a grandmother, a sister, and a younger sister, and even without confirming it again, I had a life filled with unconditional love.

Looking back now, I realize how blessed I was. Memories of being unconditionally loved. Thanks to that, I feel like I can stay calm even in the current situation.

Lyon, who is far from family interaction, let alone affection.

Will it be like this forever?

It’s something I can’t do anything about, but the unchanging situation is incredibly frustrating.


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