The Future of the Tryon family
Lord Doyle had probably sensed it himself to some extent.
The population decline in Curtis Village—or rather, it’s an issue spreading across the entire Abbott region.
That’s why Lord Doyle had been traveling around so much, trying to see the territory he inherited from the previous lord with his own eyes.
I think that shows an admirable mindset as a lord—doing everything he can to protect his land.
—But now, an unexpected misfortune has struck him.
His strong sense of justice became his downfall, and in trying to help a girl who was being pursued, he injured his leg. It wasn’t a fracture, but he would need to rest for a while.
"The main event’s still ahead, but things are already looking grim..."
On the way back, I couldn’t help but worry.
Only one week remains until the ball.
The pain should lessen a bit by then, but I doubt he’ll be in perfect condition.
If only we had a full month... but it’s too late to say that now. We’ll just have to prepare as best we can and face it.
Before heading to the mansion to report, I stopped by Curtis Village's station.
But I was quickly surrounded by villagers.
"J-Justin, how is Lord Doyle’s injury!?"
"Will he still be able to attend the ball?"
"I was thinking of sending him a get-well gift or something..."
It seems word of Lord Doyle’s injury had already spread throughout the village.
Guess the speed of information in a small village like this is something else—though now’s not the time to be weirdly impressed by that.
"Please, calm down!"
While trying to settle the flood of concerned villagers, I told them what I knew.
That said, it wasn’t much different from what they’d already heard. All I could really confirm was that Lord Doyle was indeed injured.
"I’ll be stopping by the mansion after I swing by the station."
"Got it. Please let Lord Doyle know that we’re all worried about him, as representatives of Curtis Village."
"Of course."
Having received that message from Chief Ganun, I figured I should at least inform Elina of the situation and returned to the station.
"Welcome back, Senior."
"Yeah.—But I’ve got to head out again right away."
"To the mansion, by any chance?"
"What, you’ve heard the rumors too, Elina?"
"That’s part of it… but there’s something else that’s been bothering me—"
"I’ll take it from here."
"Whoa!?"
A voice other than Elina’s suddenly spoke up, and I reflexively jumped back.
"Th-That voice just now..."
"My apologies for startling you."
As the voice continued, I turned around, realizing it had come from the window of the station—
And there perched a small bird, spreading green wings.
It was small enough to sit on a hand, and it politely bowed its head.
"Forgive my delayed introduction. As of yesterday, I have been newly appointed as Vice-Commander Bellows’ familiar. My name is Peter."
That was how it introduced itself.
What do you think about this chapter?
