Chapter 45
Just like when I first arrived at Ransheen Fortress, I leap into Grandfather's chest, standing tall and imposing, clinging to his waist like a small child.
Grandfather pats my back lightly a few times as if soothing me, gently stroking my head as if handling something fragile. Taking advantage of the fact that no one but family is watching, I unabashedly seek his comfort.
"......I'll be off now."
"Ah, ......do your best."
After giving Grandfather one tight hug, I let go and jump into the arms of Uncle Ruget, who is waiting beside him with his hands slightly spread open, in the same way.
"Uncle Ruget, please take care of Grandfather."
"I know. Go on with peace of mind."
"Hey......"
What does that mean......? After exchanging a glance and laughing with Uncle Ruget at Grandfather, who glares at us, I wave my hand and climb into the carriage. Though the distance from the fortress to the military school is short, I'm using a carriage today because of the amount of luggage.
Perhaps because it's still early in the morning, there's no sign of people in the town, and the shops aren't open yet, making it very quiet.
The scenery visible from the carriage window looks incredibly lonely, and realizing that I already want to return to the fortress, I let out a wry smile.
As we enter an alley from the central square, I start to see children wearing uniforms here and there, and in front of the iron gate beyond that, a long line has already formed.
I heard from Grandfather, who is scheduled to attend, that security is stricter than usual for today's military school entrance ceremony since high-ranking military officials will be present.
The students show the staff standing in front of the iron gate the paper with their student number, which they received yesterday, and those who are confirmed are allowed to enter one by one...... but.
Due to it being much earlier than the scheduled time, there are no staff present yet, and around the gate, students carrying luggage and their parents have gathered, so naturally...... they are staring intently at the carriage I'm in.
I had instructed the coachman in advance to stop a little away from the gate, so it's not like what happened with Sil and Severi yesterday.
I tie my long hair into a single ponytail with a string I had, button up my shirt, and smooth out the wrinkles in my trousers.
The military school uniforms are made the same for all genders: a white shirt with a black vest on top, a jacket and trousers in a similar shade to the vest, and lace-up boots for footwear.
If the shirt weren't white, the entire outfit would be all black, and I thought that might be nice in its own way. Then, the lady at the clothing store told me that changing the color of the shirt freely is a trend at the military school.
Like the military itself, the military school has certain rules that must be followed, but beyond that, things are lenient, and there are no unreasonable school regulations.
While marveling at how trends differ depending on the place, I tried to return a booklet with illustrations of shirts that the clothing store clerk who delivered the uniforms had handed me, only for it to be snatched from the side by a maid who shook her head with a smile......
I had no issue with the white shirt, but I gave in to their smiles and words, ending up buying dozens of shirts in different colors.
Recalling that moment, I shudder, and just then, the door is knocked on, and the coachman calls out to me.
Resolving myself to become a spectacle, I step out of the carriage, tell the coachman unloading the luggage to wait here, and turn around with a wry smile under the intense gazes I feel on my back.