Chapter 8

### Chapter 8 (8/218)

After saying my goodbyes, I returned to the mansion and had lunch.

Father suggested that I eat lunch first since it would take some time.

Indeed, this place is quite far from the capital.

It might take a few days of carriage travel to reach the Grand Duke's territory, which is not far from the capital.

"Is there anything you want to take with you?"

"…Clothes?"

When I left the orphanage, I didn't have anything, so I still don't have much to call my own.

"That's already taken care of."

So, there's nothing I need to take?

"Then I don't need to take anything else."

"Right. Everything you need is already prepared, so you just need to go."

Father, who had been looking at me with a gentle expression, extended his hand to me.

"Let's go now."

As I placed my small hand on his large one, Father started walking slowly, matching my pace.

For some reason, Father's slow gait seemed to be in a good mood.

"We'll depart from the backyard of the mansion."

Did you prepare a carriage in the backyard?

Excitement over the thought of leaving made my hand grip tightly.

"You'll be traveling with someone you know, so don't worry."

Perhaps thinking I was nervous, Father paused and gently stroked my head, his voice warm.

It was more like a mix of excitement and a little fear, but his comfort felt good, so I just laughed.

For such a kind father to be the antagonist, there must be some reason.

I nodded to myself in my thoughts.

While reflecting on the original story in my mind, I saw a familiar blue-haired figure.

"Huh?"

He also noticed us, and our gazes met.

While I was staring at his gentle smile, he had already approached us.

"Sir, this schedule was only possible because of me. Other mages wouldn't be able to do it, you know?"

"That's why you became my advisor."

The man, who had been talking to Father in a mysterious way, turned to me and knelt to my eye level.

"Finally, I can formally greet you, Miss. My name is Fern Ailish. I am the Grand Duke's advisor, though I may be lacking."

Surprised by his sudden kneeling and bow, I shuffled my feet.

I glanced at Father, but when our eyes met, he just stroked my head.

"Um, but, the floor is…"

Neither Father nor Fern seemed to have any intention of getting up, so I timidly spoke up.

Such formal treatment felt very awkward.

"Haha, indeed, you are considerate. But since I'm formally greeting you, it's necessary. Last time, I didn't even get to greet you properly."

Fern laughed heartily at my reaction.

How could I forget that time?

The person who was with Father when he first came to the orphanage to take me, with a charming smile.

"Um, last time at the orphanage…"

Feeling embarrassed, I averted my gaze and nodded, and Fern smiled and stood up.

"Yes. I was with the Grand Duke then. And today, I'm here to escort you. Shall we go?"

After dusting off his knees, Fern started walking, and I followed, looking ahead but unable to see the carriage we had arrived in.

"Why?"

"Um, there's no carriage for us to ride in…"

"Carriage?"

"Isn't it the same carriage we came in when we first arrived here?"

At my words, Father's expression became peculiar, and he smiled slightly.

"Oh, I forgot to explain that to you."

What explanation?

Father, who had picked me up easily while standing still, continued walking and explained.

"We're not going by carriage but through a teleportation spell."

"Teleportation spell?"

"Yes. It would take a month to reach the Grand Duke's territory by carriage."

A month. I had expected it to take only a few days, so I was stunned.

Father chuckled at my reaction.

"You didn't know it was that far, did you?"

"Yes… Meri said it was far, but I didn't realize it was that far…"

"It's understandable since you've never been there. Traveling by carriage is the norm."

I nodded, acknowledging the new information.

"But is it possible to travel such a long distance with magic?"

To travel a distance that takes a month by carriage with just one spell.

"Hmm, usually it's impossible."

"Then how…?"

"It's because I'm an exceptionally skilled mage."

At that moment, Fern, who had been walking quietly ahead, turned around and smiled.

Father nodded in agreement when I glanced at him.

"Ordinary mages can't perform such a long-distance teleportation spell, but with a little help, I can do it!"

Fern's cheerful boasting made me burst out laughing.

Now I understand why Fern is here.

"Close your eyes, as you might feel a bit dizzy."

Father, standing on a complex white magic circle, held me more securely.

"If you're scared, just hold on tight. We'll arrive soon."

"Let's begin."

Fern, holding a large blue gem, closed his eyes and started muttering incomprehensible words.

Then, a bright white light burst from the symbols on the ground.

'There's no choice but to close my eyes!'

I tightly closed my eyes and buried my face in Father's chest.

***

"Erita."

While I was hugging Father like a mouse in a hole, I cautiously lifted my head at the sound of my name.

Looking up, I saw Father's smiling face.

"We've arrived."

"It must have been surprising. It's your first time experiencing a teleportation spell."

Feeling embarrassed by Fern's comment, I quickly looked around and was amazed by the scene before me.

The mansion was so large that it couldn't be compared to where we had just left. It was like a work of art.

Is this what a castle looks like in my imagination?

Stepping away from Father, I quietly surveyed the surroundings. In the distance, the main gate was visible.

'It must take a while to get to the main gate.'

I turned to look at the mansion again.

Although the lack of people made it feel a bit desolate, the massive building was elegant and ancient, like a castle from ancient times.

I felt an indescribable emotion.

Surprise, awkwardness, … and anxiety.

Can I really live in such a place?

The thought that hit me made me bite my lip.

Until now, I could be happy with the love Father gave me, but … can I really be happy here?

The anxiety I thought I had overcome seemed to resurface.

"This is the Grand Duke's territory, where you will be living from now on."

The place where the past Erita lived and where I will live from now on.

"Thank you for coming back."

Despite Father's words, I couldn't feel pure joy.

The guilt that had been lingering in my heart resurfaced.

The guilt of taking over the real Erita's body. This thought kept popping up since I arrived here.

Although not as intense as before, it was enough to dampen my excitement.

…No. I should just be happy now.

I have the family I've always wanted and am receiving love. So, I should just be happy.

Pushing away the negative thoughts, I forced a smile and took Father's hand, starting to walk.

I didn't want to be disliked by anyone here and resolved to live confidently.

***

'…What is this?'

Despite my resolve, I felt deflated as I entered the mansion.

More than the grand interior that matched the large exterior, the dozens of eyes watching me made me feel intimidated.

"Welcome, Master."

Fortunately, the butler who greeted Father was someone I knew, but the people lined up behind him numbered at least twenty.

The curious gazes of the people were not filled with malice, but I was still scared.

I subtly moved behind Father's leg, feeling like crying.

"Everyone, return to your duties. The child is uncomfortable."

Father, who seemed to understand my feelings, ordered the people to disperse.

I finally stepped out from behind Father, though hesitantly.

People were still glancing at me, but the distance was a comfort.

"Nice to see you again, Miss."

"Yes! I saw you this morning, but you came here first!"

"It wouldn't do for the servant to arrive after the master. Meri also came to tidy up your room."

Seeing the familiar face and the kind smile of the butler, I felt a bit more relaxed.

"Is everything ready?"

"Yes, you can go in now."

Father nodded at the butler's answer and turned to me.

"Erita, your room is ready. Would you like to see it first?"

Curious about the space where I would be living, I nodded.

The room we arrived at was closed with an intricately carved door.

"Go in. It's the room you used to use. If you don't like it, there are many other rooms, so feel free to say so."

Father stepped aside to let me open the door myself.

Placing my hand on the doorknob and turning it, the heavy-looking large door opened more easily than expected.

Stepping cautiously into the room, I saw a spacious but cozy interior.

The room, decorated warmly, felt soft and comfortable, as if it had been cleaned daily for seven years.

A wave of emotion washed over me, perhaps felt by Erita's body.

"Child, what's wrong? Don't you like the room?"

Seeing me biting my lip without a word, Father asked anxiously.

"If you don't like it, there are other rooms. You don't have to use this one."

Reassured by Father's comforting words, I shook my head and smiled brightly.

"No, it's just that I'm a bit surprised… I like it here. I want to use this room."

"That's a relief, but if you change your mind, let me know anytime. Understand?"

"Yes! I will."

Nodding vigorously, I saw Father relax and smile.

Knock knock

At that moment, a slightly urgent knock came from outside the door.

"Father, it's Eilren."

Erita's only brother, Eilren Krobatz.