Chapter 6

Fortunately, Mr. Camille and Ms. Emma—Ms. Emma the teacher—were relatively sympathetic to my situation.

"Miss Karen, could you tell me what you wish for?"

"To leave Kirsten and the country."

"Is that your true desire?"

"Yes, it is my sincere wish. When I was expelled from Kirsten two years ago, I had only a vague idea, but as I lived alone, I made up my mind."

"…Why did you obediently get married this time without doing so?"

In extreme terms, Mr. Camille wanted to say that she could have just left home. It's a topic that a noble lady shouldn't speak about, but the old man deliberately asked. His expression didn't seem to be mocking; rather, it seemed he was trying to figure out how to deal with me. Therefore, I responded with my true feelings. …Actually, what this person said was somewhat on point.

"Because of the debt."

"Debt, you mean?"

"For the fourteen years of upbringing, even if it was just a formality. Also, despite the conflicts, my grandparents and siblings seemed to care about me. When I left Kirsten, they gave me a considerable amount of money, which allowed me to attend school without any inconvenience."

Therefore, I thought it would be good to repay them in some way. Even if it was an unreasonable request, if I ignored it and left... even if I could leave Kirsten alone, my sister might have been disgraced. That's why I didn't choose to abandon everything and run away.

Perhaps because I answered without hesitation, Mr. Camille exhaled and massaged his temples.

"…Raising a child is also a parent's duty. You don't have to feel so burdened… No, this isn't something I should comment on."

"Also, even if I started working immediately… I have little experience. There wouldn't be many places that would hire me."

"Yes, that's true. Even if you left the country and went to the other side of the mountains… the great nation of Latvia has poor relations with our country. You wouldn't find a decent job there. If there's any possibility, it would be in the Empire, but…"

The country we live in, to state its name, is called Falcrum, a tongue-twisting name. It is rich in resources and land, and is relatively prosperous. However, because of this, it is in a difficult position, being targeted by the great nation of Latvia and the powerful Empire. For the past thirty years, there has been active exchange with the Empire, and the economy has been sustained by the gold and silver left by merchants, travelers, and mercenaries traveling between the two countries.

"I don't know much about the Empire. I hear that there are frequent succession disputes and the situation is unstable."

"…It would be reckless for a young woman to live alone."

If she continued to work in the country, even if she worked in a place unrelated to the nobility, rumors would follow once the other side tried to get involved.

Mr. Camille stroked his chin, seemingly reconsidering my situation, and looked as if he was trying to endure a headache.

"I planned to work after graduating from school. I thought that if I gained some experience, it would be fine to leave the country."

"There's also the matter of your sister's marriage. …Regarding your use of Mrs. Subrova's name, there doesn't seem to be any reaction. Your sister must be very lenient with you."

Indeed. This time, she didn't even send a letter, but my sister is not the type to sit quietly when she's angry. She would even come to scold me by carriage.

"Mrs. Subrova seemed to genuinely want to restore your honor, but it seems we were out of sync."

"Ahaha…"

For two years, we couldn't communicate properly…

The sweets Mrs. Henrik brought were buttery, sweet pastries with plenty of jam, especially the red fruit jam, which was piled on top.

"Oh, they look delicious. …Thank you."

"Mrs. Henrik's pastries are popular with everyone. Usually, she only puts a little jam, but this time she went all out."

"What do you mean? I just brought them out because they were about to go bad."

Ms. Emma looked meaningfully at Mrs. Henrik, who pretended to be oblivious and prepared more tea. The sweets, which were sweet to prevent spoilage, went well with the slightly astringent tea. It was nice to have such a treat once in a while.

"Delicious."

Ms. Emma smiled at my spontaneous comment, and Mrs. Henrik looked somewhat proud.

Sweets are expensive because they are considered luxury items, so it's hard to buy them often. Even if they are a bit too sweet, it's been a long time since I've had something sweet, so it's delicious.

At this point, everyone started to enjoy the tea. Surprisingly, Mr. Camille, who is a sweet tooth, finished the sweet pastries in no time, which was quite a surprise. During this time, we also had a conversation, and to my surprise, they were very kind to me. They started discussing my future, and both seemed to have already accepted me.

"Um, I know this might sound strange, but I am aware that I am quite a burden..."

"But you can't stay at the Kirsten estate, can you?"

Especially Ms. Emma, who seemed to be considering how to deal with the people in the territory. She asked Mr. Camille how to behave in front of everyone.

"That's true, but... um, we only talked a little..."

"Yes, but I think I can tell if you are in trouble or not."

"She's already married, after all... Emma."

"Sure, sure. I don't mind not being the official wife, so it's fine as it is."

...Eh, both of them accepted the situation so quickly?

Especially Ms. Emma, who I thought would object to me being the official wife for any reason. They reached a conclusion as they talked.

"Let's think about what Miss Karen wants to do, but for now, let's keep things as they are because of the people around us."

"Yes, I'll do the groundwork with everyone. However, some people might be overly critical for a while. Please bear with it and let me know if anything happens."

"Ah, yes. That's fine, but..."

"...Then I need to write to her family. Waitley, come with me and think about it."

"Understood."

Mr. Camille stood up, and the butler followed. Ms. Emma also left early, saying she had work to do. Left with the words, "Take your time," I finished the remaining sweets and tea and looked up at the ceiling after a moment of silence.

"………Huh?"

...Wasn't I supposed to bow my head and ask them to take me in to the Conrath territory with a serious face?

Someone placed a hand on my shoulder. It was Mrs. Henrik, who seemed to see through my confusion and said with a straight, insightful expression:

"Those two, individually, are not so quick, but together they make decisions surprisingly fast."

"But, isn't it because they've been together for so long...?"

"Emma loves Mr. Camille, but she doesn't want to be the official wife."

This was stated with a terrifying speed and certainty. I was so surprised that I couldn't speak, and when I came to my senses, Mrs. Henrik cleared her throat to cover it up.

"…She must have been relieved to know that Mr. Camille's heart would not shift to her. Besides, both Emma and Mr. Camille are the type to help those in trouble. You can consider yourself under our protection."

"That's very kind, but... even so, the 'madam' title..."

"There are also the eyes of the outside world. We'll keep things as they are for a while."

Mrs. Henrik's attitude seemed to soften a bit. ...I'm not in a situation that needs sympathy.

"…Ah, the sweets were delicious. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

After that, Mrs. Henrik said something, but the persuasion? ended more quickly than I imagined, and I felt a sudden sense of relief. If I spaced out, it would already be the next day. Nico, who came to greet me, had a bright smile as if a weight had been lifted from his chest.

"Mrs. Henrik, did you tell Nico?"

"No. He's a good boy, but he has a loose mouth. So, I only told him that you and Emma wouldn't fight."

I see. Nico was apparently afraid that a female battle would break out between me and Emma.

"However, as I got your permission yesterday, I told Mr. Sven about the situation."

"That might be inevitable. He thought his parents would take me."

I don't actually remember the content of the 'permission' from yesterday. I thought I said something like that, but if I said it honestly, I might get scolded, so I agreed with a straight face.

...It felt like I was being disciplined by a bad daughter by Mrs. Henrik.

"I heard you were treated badly by Mrs. Henrik, but she is originally a kind and just child. She might come to apologize."

Indeed, Mrs. Henrik's prediction came true. Sven came early and bowed his head as soon as we met. Sven, with red-rimmed eyes, added, "I'm sorry."

"I criticized you without knowing the situation. I'm really sorry, I'm sorry."

"Um... I was also rude."

"It's because I lashed out. …I heard from my mother."

"Ah, yeah, yeah. That's how it is, so please be kind to me."

Sven, whose eyes weren't slanted, was a gentle and friendly boy with long hair down to his shoulders, giving the impression of a smart young master. He seemed to be genuinely repentant, and I felt a bit embarrassed. I wasn't affected, and I could understand his feelings, so I wasn't angry.

Mr. Camille acted quickly and sent a letter to the capital, which is about six days away by horse. However, he then said:

"Miss Karen, when you calm down a bit, go and see your sister."

"My sister?"

"It's better to apologize for using her name. In my opinion, Mrs. Subrova would be the best guardian for you."

"Can't my brother or grandfather do it?"

"From what you've told me, they might be on your side emotionally... but Kirsten is a branch family. If the main family puts pressure on you, it would be difficult to refuse. In contrast, your sister has the Subrova family name."

Even within the Kirsten family, she has separate power and, in some cases, more influence than the main family. It was judged that she would have more freedom.

"I will do my best to protect you, but it's also a good idea to build connections elsewhere."

"I understand. When things settle down, I will go to the capital."

"Yes. If you don't mind, take Sven with you."

"Sure, we'll go sightseeing together."

The conversation felt more like that of a teacher and student than a married couple. In fact, Ms. Emma's way of dealing with me had changed slightly. When I told her I had lived in the city and that it was fine to talk normally, her tone became more casual, and she started giving me books on pharmacology through Nico and Mrs. Henrik. When I studied and understood the message, she patted my head like a child. Basically, she is a good-natured aunt. I am still called 'madam,' but my conversations with Mr. Camille are not like those of a married couple, and his relationship with his concubine is also good. After ten days, the servants, who sensed something was going on, started to soften their attitudes.

"Is Grandfather coming soon? ...Ah, then I'll go to the capital."

Predicting the arrival of an angry grandfather, Mr. Camille prepared me to meet my sister. There was a possibility that I would be forcibly taken back, so I asked to deliver a letter to my grandfather.

"Leave the troublesome matters to the adults and have fun as a child."

I received a large allowance, which was too much for a child, and set off for the capital with Sven, Nico, Mrs. Henrik as a chaperone, and a guard. I didn't expect to be able to return home so soon, so it felt a bit complicated.

I was thinking about how to apologize to my sister, Gerda, while the carriage swayed. I thought it would be difficult to make an appointment with her, so I had sent a message in advance by fast horse, but I didn't expect it to become such a troublesome situation.