Chapter 60

This is the fourth chapter.

After that, Tanya helped me get ready, and I set off for the capital again, taking only the minimum number of people with me for mobility.

On the way, I recalled the excommunication incident from the past.

At that time, Dean helped me.

...Not just then, but many times.

But now, Dean is not by my side.

With all this commotion, I wonder if he is safe...

The question I had been trying not to think about rises up inside me.

There is no way for me to know if he is safe.

That is why I am even more worried... my chest hurts.

But reality drives me on, pushing that worry deep into my heart and trying not to think about it.

When the doubt occasionally pops up and I feel overwhelmed by anxiety, I always grip this pocket watch.

...If it were allowed, I would want to rush out and search for him.

But I can't. I can't do that.

All I can do... is wait for him.

If I had acted, I would never have forgiven myself.

I gripped the pocket watch, as if to shake off my anxiety.

When I arrived at the capital, I was taken aback by how much it had changed.

Was the capital this desolate...?

Lyle and Dida were on guard.

They seemed to feel much more danger here than on the journey, and their tension was heightened.

We proceeded in that state and arrived at the mansion.

I exhaled, seeing the familiar faces, and went to Father first.

"It's been a while, Father. You seem to be in better health than before, which is a great relief."

"...It's been a while, Iris. Thanks to Melris and everyone, I'm... managing."

He smiled, but it was somewhat weak.

He had definitely lost weight compared to before.

Even sitting seemed to be a struggle.

The improvement in his complexion was a relief.

"Mother, it's been a while too."

"Yes... You seem to be doing well."

"No, not really..."

I blushed deeply at Mother's kind words.

"...Iris. I've heard the story."

But the words that followed from Father immediately changed my mindset.

"I'm sorry, Father. My existence has been a burden to the family..."

"What are you saying? ...I have not the slightest regret about giving you the position of acting lord. Besides, even if you hadn't been in charge, the Marleya Dukedom would have been a hindrance to the Armenia Dukedom. They would have tried to exclude us in some form or another."

"That's right, Iris. Stop talking as if you're not needed. You are important to us and to the people of the territory."

"Father, Mother..."

"Go ahead and do as you please. We... no, the people of the territory, will believe in your decisions."

"Thank you."

My eyes welled up.

Why do they always know exactly what I need to hear... Father and Mother always give me the words I need.

"I regret not being able to act alongside you, now that you are moving."

I shook my head at Father's apologetic murmur.

"It's fine, Father. Your words are enough for me."

The conversation with Father and Mother filled my heart with warmth.

They believe in me absolutely... and affirm me.

How reassuring that is.

"Please take care of your health, Father. I will take a short rest, so I will take my leave now."

With that, I returned to my room.

At that moment, Tanya came in.

"Excuse me, Miss."

"Did it go well?"

"Moneda has cooperated, so the investigation is already underway. Furthermore, with the cooperation of Master and the Anderson Dukedom, we have made progress."

"Good. Then, I can feel a bit more secure in case of an emergency. Tanya, were you able to make contact with a man named Mylo?"

She nodded silently in response to my question.

"Then, will he... respond to Queen Elria's summons?"

"He was evasive, but he said, 'He's not the type to make a mistake in the crucial moment.'"

"I see..."

Her words gave me a sense of relief, similar to the one I feel when Dean is by my side.

"It must be my imagination..."

I gently placed my hand on my chest. Under my clothes, the pocket watch hung as usual.

"Is something wrong, Miss?"

"No, nothing. As for the people I need to negotiate with, I will move on that. Tanya, I will entrust the task of delivering the other letters to you."

"I understand. I will bring the best results to you, Miss."

"Yes... Thank you, Tanya."