Chapter 54

The aftermath of the Nini kidnapping proceeded smoothly.

Daleria, ostensibly suffering from an illness, was placed under house arrest in a detached palace.

The Daulz family, who were behind her, also seemed to be preparing to fulfill the conditions imposed by the royal family.

(Now I can breathe a sigh of relief. Next...)

“Lady Cordelia, it’s almost time.”

“Thank you. I’m on my way.”

Accompanied by her maid, she headed for the entrance of the house.

Femina would soon be visiting.

Since there was no longer a need to harass Cordelia, Femina had informed her of the visit in advance.

(But why is Her Highness coming?)

In the end, Cordelia had separated Femina from her mother.

She still vividly remembered Femina’s sobbing on that day.

It was only natural to be hated, and perhaps Femina had come today to voice her resentment.

Cordelia steeled herself and stopped in front of the entrance door.

When the house maid opened the door, there stood—

“...Her Highness Femina, what is that box...?”

On either side of Femina, the maids were holding large boxes in both hands.

The boxes, decorated with pink and white wrapping paper, looked very familiar.

(Does she intend to push a harassment gift on me this time...?)

Cordelia braced herself, but—

“I’m sorry.”

Femina bowed deeply before her.

Even as Cordelia stood there in shock, Femina did not raise her head.

“Her Highness, what’s the matter?”

“I’m apologizing.”

“...For the harassment and the Nini kidnapping?”

Femina nodded deeply, still bowed.

“Regarding that incident, you’ve already apologized to me that day.”

“...That wasn’t enough. Because of me, both you and Nini suffered terribly.”

So this is an apology gift, she said.

At Femina’s signal, the maids carrying the boxes approached.

“Take it, Cordelia. It’s a selection of my favorite sweets.”

“Did Her Highness choose these herself?”

“My brother said that when giving gifts, one should choose both the items and the packaging as carefully as possible.”

Indeed, that sounded like something Leonhardt would teach.

(...So, the pink and white, cute-looking packaging of the harassment boxes was chosen by Her Highness herself...)

To prevent the contents from being revealed as frogs until the box was opened.

She had chosen packaging that she would like to receive and had it delivered.

(...That’s a bit... misguided, isn’t it? ...It seems a bit off...)

Recalling the numerous, elaborately cute-looking harassment boxes, Cordelia felt a sense of helplessness.

With a wry smile, she spoke to Femina.

“Her Highness, thank you. ...But is it alright for me to accept it? Do you not hate me?”

“Why would I?”

Femina looked completely at ease in response to Cordelia’s question.

“It’s sad that I can’t see my mother as easily now... But it’s my mother’s fault. She tried to drive you out but failed. The result is what it is, so I don’t think it’s right to hate you. I don’t fully understand, but that’s how politics work, right?”

Femina spoke about her separation from her mother as if stating a simple fact, with a tone that suggested a certain level of resignation, as if she had accepted the outcome of a political defeat.

(She’s so mature... Even though she’s still young, she’s been educated as a member of the royal family, I suppose. Lady Daleria also had a resigned air about her, so perhaps they are similar... )

Cordelia was slightly impressed, but—

(No, that’s not right. It’s not something that can be so easily accepted.)

Noticing the somewhat precarious and forced air about Femina, she reconsidered.

Even if she understood intellectually that Daleria was at fault, emotionally it would be hard to accept.

(It must be painful and difficult, but... If she’s trying to hide it and act normally...)

She wouldn’t be seeking cheap comfort or sympathy.

All Cordelia could do was accept the gift that Femina had hidden her weakness behind.

“...Her Highness, you’re very admirable. I would like to gratefully accept your gift...”

“But?”

“As an apology, the quantity is too much, and I feel I’m receiving too much. To balance it, I should prepare a return gift.”

“I don’t need one.”

“Please, accept it. How about petting Nini as a return gift?”

“Nini?”

Femina’s expression brightened, but then stiffened.

“No. Because of me, Nini was kidnapped. She must hate me.”

“It’s alright. Nini is a smart cat and knows you didn’t mean any harm. ——Nini, come here.”

“Meow?”

As soon as she was called, Nini trotted over.

She didn’t seem scared of Femina and was rubbing against her feet.

“See, there’s no problem. Why don’t you have some tea and pet Nini? It would help me save money on a return gift, and I’d be very grateful.”

“...Fine, I guess.”

While saying this, Femina was happily petting Nini.

Despite her complex feelings towards Cordelia, she genuinely found Nini cute.

As she drank tea and petted Nini, her expression softened.

(Good. It seems to have cheered her up.)

Cordelia smiled as she watched Femina play with Nini, recalling the conversation she had with Daleria that day.

“Cordelia, there’s something I want to say.”

“What is it?”

“Femina talked a lot about her visit to your house for the harassment.”

“...Is that so?”

Cordelia, unsure of how to respond, saw Daleria smile softly.

“She talked enthusiastically about the harassment, the conversation she had with you, and how cute the cats were.”

“Enthusiastically...”

“She seemed happy that you paid attention to her. As a royal, she doesn’t often have people who can easily play with her.”

Daleria smiled bitterly, showing a softer, maternal side.

“This might not benefit you, but... If you have the chance, would you consider being a conversation partner for Femina?”

“...If Her Highness wishes it.”

“Hehe, what a pleasant answer.”

As she answered, seeing Daleria’s caring expression for her daughter, Cordelia felt a moment of dazzlement and blinked.