215: Purpose and the Music Festival
The next morning, Avril was set to depart for the territory estate along with everyone else.
Since their master would be leaving the mansion, the servants who weren’t accompanying them and weren’t involved in maintaining the estate were given paid leave.
With the preparations all finished and the train boarded, Avril stared out the train window. Despite the beautiful scenery flowing past, she could only worry about what lay ahead. Her present emotions were starkly different from the excited ones she had the last time she visited the Lanchester duchy.
“Just what will happen from here on…? I’m worried.”
Dylan smiled calmly as if to reassure them. “The disease is only spreading in the 24th Ward/District. Everyone is departing early on the off-chance travel to and from their domains becomes impossible. You don’t have to take this that seriously.”
Avril and Samuel exchanged glances. That was certainly true. Strictly speaking, they weren’t traveling to the duchy to escape the disease.
After a moment’s thought, Avril asked, “In regards to this matter, those of the Lanchester duchy must be concerned about the situation in the royal capital. Would it be possible to hold an event to help them forget about it?”
“Of course, it’s possible, but… what event exactly?”
“I haven’t thought of anything specific yet, but I thought that if our sudden return to the territory was due to something other than the epidemic, the people of Myrtle might feel more at ease.”
“That’s certainly a good idea. I’ll try to think of something as well.”
What frightened everyone most was the anxiety spreading among the people. The duke and the duchess were returning from the royal capital where an epidemic was beginning to spread. Even if there was a guarantee that the disease would not enter the territory, fear from panic would follow.
Many would fear that distribution would stall, that nothing would reach their town, and that they’d be left isolated.
An event that will put everyone at ease… What would be best?
Despite having made the suggestion, Avril couldn’t think of anything concrete. Holding something like a festival would be ideal, but the festival praying for a bountiful summer catch in Myrtle—the largest town in the Duchy of Lancester—had just recently ended.
The harvest festival, a celebration giving thanks for autumn’s bounty, was still some time away. Furthermore, merely tinkering with an already existing event wouldn’t align with her intention. As she pondered, Samuel, who’d been listening intently to their conversation with wide eyes, gingerly raised his hand.
“May I offer my opinion?”
“Of course.”
With Dylan giving permission with a gentle tone Samuel made a swift suggestion.
“Since it’s autumn, how about holding a music festival?”
“…!”
Avril’s eyes lit up at the proposal fitting of the fifth son of a musical family.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea! Agreed, agreed! Right, Lord Dylan?”
Dylan also nodded, as if thinking, That was also an option.
“That sounds good. It fits the season, and as long as we can secure instruments and performers, large preparations won’t be necessary. Of course, this is just to avoid burdening Avril. However, if you want to make it grand, you’re free to do as you like. We could even turn it into a charity event, gather donations, and deliver them to the royal capital.”
“Thank you very much! If it has been decided, I shall begin with the preparations right away!”
Samuel held his violin case as he sat across from Avril. Pleased that his suggestion had been accepted without a second thought, he stroked it.
“I was born into a musical family. Allow me to help you with anything.”
“Thank you, Samuel.”
And so, the purpose of their sudden visit to the territory was decided. Avril would be holding a music festival with everyone.
The tense atmosphere they boarded the train with gradually calmed. Avril, who was at the center of it all, also felt a sense of relief.
…With that, only one last issue remains concerning me with entering the territory…!
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