Chapter 44

Finally, Alber's perspective is back. It's been a while, Ponkotsu.

It's the usual birthday. Incidentally, until now, Father would often go on long-distance inspections or expeditions for work months in advance, and by the time Alber casually inquired about the schedule, it was highly likely that the plans had already fallen through.

Later, we would celebrate and give presents. The Duke was satisfied with that.

When Christina was alive, we celebrated properly on the day itself.

The table, covered with a white tablecloth, was lined with dishes.

The flowers arranged were Gypsophila and roses, chosen for their subtle fragrance so as not to interfere with the food.

Walnut bread and white bread, herbs, and potato salad; a terrine of beans, chicken, and cheese; duck roasted with orange sauce; consommé jelly; vichyssoise; tofu steak; petit gratin—various dishes that Latigia's kitchen prided themselves on. Most of them were modern revivals created at my request, crafted by the highly skilled chefs of Latigia with their ingenuity and dedication.

Father's favorite dishes were also laid out, but it seemed that many of my favorites were there as well.

It wasn't a formal course meal; the dishes were served by the staff.

"Father, happy birthday."

My voice was the trigger, and Kistaria and Mother Latigia also offered their congratulations.

In the Sandis Kingdom, alcohol is allowed from the age of 16, but this is non-alcoholic.

I wish I could drink with Father someday, but he is so busy that it's hard to find such time.

When I once said I wanted to celebrate my birthday on the day itself, Father, who was already busy, became even busier. Father, who had no interest in his own birthday, probably planned to work as usual. But he nodded readily to the request of his beloved hikikomori daughter.

Father is taking time out of his important schedule just for me. I want to make it a wonderful day.

Today, Father took time for his own birthday because I made a request.

Father is indifferent even to his own birthday.

Father is not just a pillar of Latigia, but of the entire Sandis Kingdom.

I'm determined to do my best to celebrate, even if I'm a bit of a klutz, but everyone around me is looking at me with a very amused expression. I don't understand.

Father is a Duke, the top of this mansion, and one of the top-ranking figures in the country. It's a chance to reward Father, who works hard for the country and a hikikomori.

"Thank you, I'm happy."

Yeah, Father's eyes only see me, as usual.

Mother Latigia next to me is already drinking wine without a care. Kistaria is—wine too!? I'm the only one with non-alcoholic!

When I look at Kistaria with a slightly dissatisfied face, she smiles awkwardly.

"At parties, I do indulge a little."

"I want to drink too!"

"No (way) (no)."

Why are they in sync here?! The House of Latigia?!

Am I a lightweight? I only drink a few drops of brandy in hot milk or almost alcohol-free honey wine... but I'm at the age where I should be a proper lady.

Unconvinced, I can't help but ask Father.

"Why? I'm not a child anymore."

"…There's no helping it, Sebas."

"Yes."

The face I make, twisted in frustration, is not something a young lady of my age should do. When Father says so, Sebas comes over smoothly.

He fills a polished wine glass with a pale mint-green liquid—wine? This? Isn't wine usually red or white? Oh, right, it's a different world.

"This is Green Serramico wine. A 43-year-old vintage, matured to a smooth and refreshing acidity. It has a sweet and light mouthfeel, making it easy for young women to enjoy. It's a brand from the Demitrias region."

Sorry, Sebas. I don't understand at all.

Green Serramico seems to be a type of grape. It's a rare variety that doesn't circulate much in the general market. Is it a minor variety? Is 43 years old impressive? But if Father asked for it and Sebas prepared it, it can't be bad.

Is it an eye-wateringly expensive price? It's scary, but if I back down now, I might never get to drink it. I gratefully accept it.

I tilt the glass cautiously, and a refreshing and sweet aroma spreads through my nose.

"Oh, it's delicious!"

...But it doesn't feel like alcohol at all. There's no unique bitterness or aroma...

It feels like I'm drinking some kind of juice.

The unexpected deliciousness makes me break into a smile, and Father smiles gently.

"Do you like it, Alber?"

"Yes, it's a very fine taste. It's delicious. I'm grateful, Father, Sebas."

"Is that so? Then perhaps I should have it prepared for the daily dinner."

"Oh, rather, it's better to have it occasionally. It feels special and even more delicious."

I think it's important to have a break from alcohol. Besides, I've heard that alcohol is high in calories and can lead to weight gain.

Father, who doesn't look his age, is slender and has no excess... If I eat at the same pace as Father, I might become plump in no time.

Despite not being interested in food, he eats everything that is served...

"Alber's cake is very delicious. I never thought my daughter would cook for me... I'm getting old. I'm happy."

"Hehe, thank you."

Father, with a beauty that makes anti-aging women want to curse him for his ageless appearance.

Honestly, Father hasn't changed much since I was kidnapped... I tilt my head at such a comment from Father, who is so handsome. I love him, but it's a bit unsettling.

By the way, I also want permission to bake in the oven and use a knife.

Father said it was delicious, but my cooking skills are amateur...

"Father, next time, can I bake in the oven..."

"What if you get burned? I can't allow such a dangerous thing."

"...At least a peeler?"

"If even a thin layer of skin from Alber's fingertips falls, the heads of everyone in the kitchen will roll. Do you still want to use it?"

Defeated!

Mother Latigia and Kistaria are eating silently as usual.

Isn't this overprotective?! Has Father's overprotectiveness rubbed off on them?!

Is this it? Maybe it's faster to find cooking methods that don't involve knives.

"I want to make something even more delicious for Father..."

The words that slipped out made Father stop.

Hmm? Hmm, hmm? There's a reaction. Father, who was cutting down my compromises earlier, is now showing a clear hesitation.

When I look at Father, he frowns in confusion.

"Thanks to Alber, I feel I'm eating enough delicious things.

What do you intend to do by making my taste even more refined? I might never be able to leave the mansion."

"Oh, that would be wonderful! Father will always be with me!"

It's a very attractive offer for a father-complex.

Lately, I've been so busy that we can't even have tea together. When I return to the mansion, Father does show his face to me and tries to give me prior notice, but the opportunities to meet have decreased.

As someone who lacks Father, I welcome this wholeheartedly.

Smiling, I see Father looking at me with a melting gaze, despite his troubled expression.

The last time at the academy, I had a terrible experience. Father is really scary. Being by Father's side is so safe that I don't want to go out at all. I can handle the Latigia territory and the area around the mansion, but I absolutely don't want to go to other cities. But how long can I live off my parents' support as a hikikomori?

...Father seems to be welcoming, but if I rely on him, it might really be bad.

To begin with, Father is busy partly because of the Duchess's matter.

No one has told me what happened after that, or anything about the Duchess. Even Father just smiles and says, "Maybe someday."

Sebas, standing behind, has a blank expression, so something must be going on...

It's not the usual tired face, but a cold and empty expression that Father, Julius, and Kistaria sometimes show. What should I call it...

"By now, I should be of an age to marry..."

I end up being spoiled by Father. The atmosphere is so comfortable, and Father is so lenient with me.

When I let out another word, the air suddenly felt heavy.

To cover it up, I cut a piece of poached white meat and put it in my mouth. It's delicious, but the sauce is slightly bitter. The wonderful aroma of herbs and butter spreads, but it tastes a bit salty.

When I swallow, I realize something.

Everyone is staring at me.

Not just Father, Mother Latigia, and Kistaria, but Sebas, Julius, Anna, and the other maids and chefs who were serving are also looking at me.

Moreover, all of them have expressionless faces. It's super scary.

Yet, their eyes are staring at me like bottomless swamps.

"...Alberthina."

"Y-Yes."

Father is really scary.

This is the first time I've seen such a scary Father.

I feel like I'm about to become a hikikomori.

Already, my fighting spirit is lost. If I were a dog, my hind legs would be trembling, and my tail would be tucked between my legs. I'm ready to flee.

Father, who was smiling just now, no longer has that melting smile. A cold, frosty aura surrounds him. I instinctively check the nearby wine glass, but it's not frozen.

Father slowly folds his hands in front of his face and bows his head, pressing them to his forehead.

"…Who are you?"

After a long pause, Father spoke.

His usually sweet baritone voice, which always makes me weak in the knees, is now accompanied by a coldness that makes absolute zero seem mild.

Who are you? Did we have spare ribs or bone-in meat today?

Did we have horse meat dishes? I did ask the chef about today's menu, but I think the ingredients were quite standard.

I tilt my head, but Mother Latigia and Kistaria are looking at me with tense expressions.

"Oh, sorry. My dear Alberthina.

I'm not angry with you. I'm just curious.

I'm worried that my precious angel might be thinking of a man and wanting to marry into some family."

"Eh? Somewhere else? I don't want to."

The truth slips out.

Noble marriages are bound to be troublesome. If I were to marry, I would be bullied as a hikikomori who has been pampered in the Latigia family.

I've grown up in the safe and comfortable environment of the Latigia Duke's mansion. If I go elsewhere, I'll be useless and will end up feeling like a decorative lady. It's a roundabout way of committing suicide.

If I do something wrong, it could be used as