Published at 31st of January 2021 12:53:28 PM
Chapter 86
Chapter 86 – Katharina’s Father
The outskirts of the city of Nazioni
Even there, the stone-made streets, stores, and houses were no different from the rest of the city .
The carefully and firmly built stone-made homes were unlike those wooden-made ones with cracks found in Siena .
Despite that, was it due to the lack of conservation? Somehow, their surrounding gave off a lonesome feeling .
The moment Eiji confirmed a house in front of him, Dante spoke .
– This one here is Katharina’s house .
– Thank you, Dante . I think I’ve mentioned it before, but, don’t tell Katharina about my arrival here .
– Got it . I don’t go back on my words, so I promise .
Dante’s manner of speaking was curt, but nevertheless, he made a deliberate promise and guided Eiji while being careful not to grab any attention from the public .
There was no way for Dante to be inconsiderate to toward others’ needs .
I’ll expect the same from you when we return – Leaving those words behind, Dante walked away . Once he left, Eiji knocked on the door of the house .
After a while of silence, the door slightly opened .
The inside of the house was dim, which felt as though its atmosphere reflected the image of the house’s owner .
A man with an unshaved face stood in the doorframe .
His eyes were dull with no signs of life, and his cheeks became skinny from exhaustion .
Despite Katharina being an ingenious person, is this how her father looks like?
Eiji received a deep shock inside his heart without realizing it .
Get hold of yourself, Eiji . You’ve come here to carry out an urgent talk . – Eiji thought so as he
braced himself and strived to make a smiling expression, to the best of his ability .
– … . Yes?
– Are you by any chance, Katharinsan’s father?
– Yes . Did something happen to my daughter?
– There’s something important I need to discuss with you regarding her future . May I enter inside?
– … . Please come in .
The man seemed to hesitate in inviting Eiji, but, he opened the door as if being prepared .
Following that, Eiji noticed one of the man’s arms bending in a false way .
His arm was most likely fractured without receiving a proper treatment .
The front of his elbow was twisted from its original place as well, which emitted a strong sense of discomfort from looking at it .
Was the man’s leg also in bad shape? He was dragging along one of his legs and swaying with his body while limping .
Eiji didn’t know what was the reason of the man’s injury .
However, what he could think of the best was a war .
That’s because an after-war injury would continue to remain like this .
Or could it be that the man sustained his injury from a work accident? Or perhaps, from falling from high places?
Even if his fractures were to recover t, the man would still be forced to live somehow .
No matter how much of a burden his injury was, he would have to carry on his daily life .
Naturally, each person has their own circumstances .
And everyone suffers, more or less, in an unnoticeable way .
Nonetheless, this man’s life is indeed a struggle by itself – Eiji thought .
– Please take your seat . With my condition like this, I cannot offer you much of a warm reception, but… .
– No, you don’t have to mind about that .
– Then, what kind of a talk do you wish to have? Somehow, it appears to be related to my daughter, still…
– Before that, allow me to introduce myself . My name is Eiji and I come from the village of Siena . Right now, Katharina is working at my blacksmith workshop as an apprentice .
– O, Oh .
The man seemed to be flustered at Eiji showing his manners .
Good grief – that person responded while shaking his head lightly from side to side .
And then, adjusting his sitting posture, he displayed his good behavior .
– I apologize for losing some of my composure . My name is Stephan . So is it true that my daughter has been in your care at your place? Has she been causing you any trouble?
– No, she has been working with much diligence and has helped me a lot in everyday tasks .
– You mean it…? It makes me feel at ease . Is that girl currently in the city?
– No, she remained in the village due to her own circumstances . I’ve come to discuss with you on that matter .
– She won’t be coming back… . ? Please tell me more about it .
Stephan nodded in agreement while putting an agonized face as he listened to Eiji’s story .
Eiji told him about Katharina receiving Nazioni’s order and becoming his adopted child, as well as marrying Eiji .
As Stephan listened carefully to his talk, his expression turned gradually stiff .
– Is that so… . ? It may be because she wants to protect me .
– Protect, you?
– Yes . I cannot move properly with this body of mine . For that reason, my daughter has decided to receive the ruler’s protection and have him exempt me from taxes .
When someone is impaired and unable to work, it’s necessary for that person to receive care .
It appeared that some sort of reparation was needed for that person to survive in a rough world .
Even in the present Japan, there probably aren’t many organizations that can provide its people with public assistance .
Certainly, it was a rough topic .
– So this is why she aspired to become my disciple, right?
– It is most likely as you say .
– Then, Stephan-san, what’s your opinion about that?
At his question, Stephan remained silent for a while .
Just what’s the matter… . . ? – Eiji wondered
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Stephan’s eyes were slowly sinking inside .
They were gloomy and reminiscent of a deep sea where no light could reach its bottom .
– Stating one’s opinion, I, have no such grand privilege . Whenever that girl makes a decision, I can only accept it .
– No way… . Why are you saying such thing?
– That’s because I’m someone who’s lived in my daughter’s shadow . Are you telling me that a person who can’t take care of himself, like me, is in position of expressing my own view? Eiji-san, you are a big-hearted person . If, there is something that makes my daughter struggle with, would you please assist her? I beg you .
Eiji felt at a loss for words as Stephan deeply bowed down in his direction .
Judging from his point of view, it was quite an unusual scenery that unfolded before his eyes .
Why does a parent, like Stephan, overlooks his own child being used for political purposes?
– I do understand your viewpoint, Stephan-san .
– Were we able to reach an understanding?
– Yes . That’s why, it cannot be helped . I will just convey to you what I think .
– What could it be?
– I’m already a married person . What’s more, I don’t intend to enter into another marriage with Katharinsan . Therefore, I am here today to refuse the ruler .
– R, Really… . . ? However, will he let your decision pass unnoticed?
– It’s not about whether it will pass or not . I will have him agree .
His statement was filled with spirit .
That’s right . Eiji couldn’t let the ruler do as he please, if not, Eiji himself would be fed up with being exploited .
– You seem to be unusually strong-willed… . . Otherwise, you would not be able to deny the ruler’s order .
– If possible, I want to ask you, Stephan-san, for any advice in dealing with Katharinsan . Still, that too looks to be a hard task .
– …… . I don’t think I will be of any help .
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If only this body was perfectly healthy . – Eiji had the feeling as if Stephan wanted to mutter something of that accord .
– Understood . I will give it some thoughts so that nothing bad occurs to her .
– Forgive me for being insistent, but that girl is truly a good child who cares for her father . Please help her by any mean .
– She is also my disciple, you see . I won’t neglect my responsibility after taking care of her .
– Thank you very much .
Being deeply bowed down at, Eiji could no longer find a response .
To be honest, Eiji wanted to have Stephan cooperate with him and convince Katharina not to enter into the marriage . Nevertheless, that wish didn’t look like it will come to fruition .
So as not to become any more of a burden to Stephan, Eiji decided to leave that place .
As soon as he announced his intention, Stephan guided him to the exit while having hard times with moving by himself .
And then, the door closed down slowly .
I wonder, what is it?
Eiji felt a bit empty inside of him .
That’s because the reality was quite different from what he had expected as a response from Stephan .
He believed Stephan would do whatever it would take to save his daughter .
Later, Eiji thought about having them move to Siena and looking after the both of them .
But, he didn’t obtain the result he desired .
I guess it can’t be helped . – Eiji, who thought so while just about to leave, suddenly heard a small voice from behind the door .
– Katharina, I’m sorry… . I’m sorry… . ! I failed you as a father . Please forgive me… . !
A subdued voice mixed with slight weeping leaked through the door .
Eiji turned around and left the spot as if pretending not to hear .
As he clenched his fist, Eiji swore inside his heart he would do anything in his power .