Poor Noble Nord’s Adventure

18.2. Daily Life

Nord, who had commissioned the crafting of armor and the enhancement of his sword, was taking a leisurely stroll through the capital for the first time in a while. To avoid feeling “empty-handed,” he had borrowed a replacement sword.

However, the weapon, crafted by an apprentice, was unfortunately not something he could call well-made, even out of politeness.

Drawing it slightly from its scabbard, Nord immediately realized how dull it was. It might suffice for self-defense, but it wasn’t reassuring enough for fighting monsters.

For this reason, until his new equipment was ready, Nord had decided to avoid taking on major commissions, instead earning just enough for meals by working around the capital. In fact, he had just completed a minor task and collected the reward.

Since it was already late afternoon, taking on another task was out of the question—being caught outside the city walls at night was not an option. Luckily, he had earned extra rewards from successfully completing a fishing task at the port, leaving him with surplus funds even after paying for the new equipment.

(Hmm, this comb looks nice… It’d probably suit Lilia well.)

At that moment, Nord was browsing the goods in front of the shops lining the street. He didn’t intend to buy anything, so it was more of a casual window-shopping experience. Although he wanted to buy souvenirs for his younger siblings, his budget simply didn’t allow it.

Even so…

(…Someday, I’ll get them something nice.)

It had already been over six months since Nord became an adventurer. Seasons had passed, and winter was approaching.

During that time, Nord had been running full speed ahead. He worked tirelessly, spending no money on unnecessary things. What he did spend was only on equipment and consumables—investments essential for his work—while the rest went to support the family’s household.

In contrast, other adventurers his age indulged in colorful romances, good food, and leisure activities. Compared to them, Nord’s lifestyle was severe, disciplined, and utterly austere. But thanks to that strictness, he had started to feel more comfortable as an adventurer, even though he was still only on the verge of challenging the Crystal rank.

The Ferris family’s finances were still a mess, and since the Rock Wolf hunt, Nord had occasionally discussed money matters with Alec. However, they hadn’t accumulated new debt, and the family’s finances had even shifted slightly into the black.

If Nord could earn a promotion to the Crystal rank, his income would further increase, which would eventually help reduce the family’s debt.

(I need to increase Alec’s pay too… He’s been working hard for us.)

The head steward of a noble household—responsible for managing all the house’s affairs—requires broad knowledge and exceptional judgment. Though the nature of the job differs, it is a role only someone capable of running a business or managing a shop could handle.

Alec, who had served the Ferris family for many years, would normally be welcomed with much better treatment elsewhere. However, understanding the family’s financial difficulties, he had deliberately set his own salary at the minimum to ease the strain on the household budget. Despite the family’s inability to pay him properly, Alec remained loyal, refusing to seek work with another family.

And it wasn’t just Alec—the same went for the other servants. (Though one of the maids was also the head’s mistress, complicating things.)

With enough earnings from his adventuring, Nord could one day afford to give them the treatment they deserved.

There were also his younger siblings, wearing hand-me-down clothes unfit for children of a noble house. Especially Lilia, three years his junior and a young girl now at an age where she deserved to dress more beautifully.

Hair ornaments, new clothes, and delicious food.

As he strolled along the cobbled streets of the capital, watching the bustle of shopkeepers closing for the day, Nord imagined his family’s faces, one after another.

§

(…Time to head home, I guess.)

The sun had dipped low, and the streets of the capital were bathed in the warm hues of sunset.

Ordinary adventurers might now gather at the guild’s tavern for a drink—often spending their earnings recklessly. But Nord avoided such waste. Instead, he would head straight back to the Ferris estate, either maintaining his weapons in his room or playing with his siblings until dinner.

That day was no different—ignoring any temptation, he walked briskly toward home.

(…Hmm?)

On his way back, something unusual happened. Because he had spent time strolling through the city—a rare indulgence for him—he had taken a different route than usual, though he hadn’t spent even a single small copper coin. By chance, his path took him near the royal castle.

A river flowed through the capital, drawn from the outside. Naturally, it meandered through the city, with various facilities built along its course. Some of these places were popular with the citizens as recreational spots, and Nord happened to pass by one of them.

Although autumn was well underway, the place was known as a cooling refuge in the summer. And in the distance, Nord noticed a familiar figure in his line of sight.

“…Sister?”

Nord’s senses, sharpened by his training as an adventurer, were on par with scouts and archers when it came to detecting danger. And there, at the edge of his vision, was the unmistakable figure of his sister, Hanna.

Hanna, the second-born and eldest daughter of the Ferris family, currently worked as a maid for another noble house. Even now, she wore the crisp black-and-white uniform of a maid, exuding a neat and clean impression.

Encountering servants like maids or butlers on the streets of the capital wasn’t uncommon, given the many noble and merchant families residing there. So it wasn’t odd for Hanna to be out and about.

(…Hmm.)

It seemed she was talking to someone. However, the trees blocked Nord’s view, preventing him from seeing who it was.

Though he recognized her, the distance made it impossible to discern her expression. The breeze didn’t carry their voices to him either.

(Doesn’t seem like trouble…)

Even without bias, Hanna was a strikingly beautiful woman. Her golden, wavy hair cascaded down to her waist, and her graceful demeanor, rooted in the refined education of a noble daughter, made her a source of pride for Nord.

If she had been accosted by ruffians, Nord was prepared to make them regret their existence, even with his dull sword. But upon realizing she was simply chatting with an acquaintance, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued his way home.

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