Chapter 64

Everyone was relieved to see me return home safely. As for me, once I got home, I felt a wave of exhaustion and, after excusing myself to the three of them, I told them I would give a detailed explanation tomorrow. I took off the dust from my journey, had dinner, and went to bed immediately.

The next morning, after finishing breakfast with everyone, I explained what had happened in the capital. I hesitated about whether to tell them about Karel’s last moments, but since Diana said it was okay to share, I told them honestly.

"Is that... so?"

Diana had been listening with her head down, but when she looked up, she said this, her eyebrows furrowed as much as they could be.

"Karel-nii-san was kind to everyone until this incident happened. When we were young, he used to play with me a lot. He got along well with Father, Leon-nii-san, and of course, Marius-nii-san."

Diana spoke in a halting manner, and we listened silently.

"Who would have thought it would end up like this..."

Diana covered her face with her hands, and Rike and Sarmya comforted her. It seemed that the family had not been on bad terms originally. Whether it was just on the surface or if they had been harboring deep-seated issues, or if something triggered it suddenly, it was now impossible to know.

"I'm sorry for losing my composure."

After a while, Diana, who had calmed down, said.

"Don’t worry about it. If someone heard that their real brother died and remained calm, I wouldn’t want to be friends with them. Besides, no matter what they did before dying, once they’re dead, everyone is the same. When we get back, this matter will be kept secret, so take this time to mourn as much as you want."

"Thank you, Eizou-san."

Diana smiled, and I waved my hand to hide my embarrassment.

"Anyway, I’ll take Diana to the capital first thing tomorrow morning."

"Huh?"

Diana said in surprise. Well, since everything is settled, it’s only natural that this would happen.

"The commotion is over, and there’s supposed to be a banquet for the succession of the title. It’s impossible for Diana not to attend, right?"

"That’s true, but..."

"Besides, I’ll attend the banquet too."

That’s right. Marius said, “If the guests who came say, ‘Now that everything is settled, I’ll be off,’ it would be strange. The Marquis will also attend the banquet.” Given that, I couldn’t avoid attending. I’m supposed to attend the banquet while taking Diana there.

When I said this, Diana agreed.

"So, we’ll be apart for about 2-3 days, right?"

"That’s right. I’m sorry, Sarmya and Rike."

"No, it’s fine with me. But if you don’t come back soon, Sarmya might get upset."

"Hey, what are you saying, Rike!"

Rike said with a laugh, and Sarmya, with a (probably) red face, retorted. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, and the gathering came to an end.

Since we’re leaving tomorrow, today I’ll do my blacksmith work. It’s been a few days since I last worked in my forge, but since it’s only been a few days, there’s no decline in my skills. I was able to make the "high-end model" as usual. Rike and the others must have been working together these past few days, as they were efficiently making the "standard model." This might be the last time I see this scene.

After finishing the blacksmith work, I practiced with Diana. She has improved steadily, though not dramatically. At this rate, she might become a better swordsman than me in the future. It’s a shame I won’t be able to see it, but I hope she continues to work hard even after returning home.

Tonight’s dinner will be a bit more luxurious. After tomorrow, Sarmya and Rike won’t be able to see Diana. Sensing the atmosphere, or perhaps having become closer in my absence, the three of them were unusually cheerful and chatted while eating dinner.

The next morning, Diana and I finished our morning routine earlier than usual and were walking through the forest. I was carrying Diana’s luggage. Since it was a sudden escape, she didn’t have much, and with my strength, it was light. We were able to leave the forest much earlier than when we went to the city.

Not long after we left the forest, Camiro’s cart arrived. Camiro and a shop assistant were on the driver’s seat. Diana and I got into the back of the stopped cart.

"Hey."

"Hey. Diana-san, the ride might be a bit rough, so please bear with it."

"No, I’m imposing on you to take me. Besides, my brother was also taken care of. Thank you."

"No, no, we merchants are just greedy and will do anything for profit."

Camiro said modestly. When I saw this and grinned, Camiro, noticing, said,

"Eizou, remember this for later."

I shrugged and said, "Oh, scary, scary," as the cart started off amidst laughter.

The journey was uneventful, and we arrived at the capital. At the gate, there was a checkpoint when we entered, but thanks to the card Camiro showed, the inspection was just a quick glance. I asked Camiro what he showed.

"Oh, it’s a card for merchants who deal with the Aimur family. It’s quite convenient to have."

"Sure, it is."

So, Camiro has the backing of the Aimur family. He’ll probably continue to use this to his advantage in the future.

After about an hour, we passed through another gate (the card was very effective here) and arrived at the Aimur residence, one of the few places I know in this city.

The cart stopped, and I got out first. I offered my hand and said playfully,

"Please, Miss Diana."

She looked at me with a mix of exasperation and anger but took my hand firmly and got out.

Well, the rest is up to the people of this house. I handed Diana’s luggage, which was on the cart, to the servants who were welcoming her home. After a considerable period, they were happy to see her return. I handed the luggage to the servants and was led inside by another servant.

Inside, I was greeted by the same servants who had welcomed Diana. They were happy to see her return. I handed the luggage to the servants and was led inside by another servant.