Chapter 17

"Can you not go back to your parents' house?"

Joshua-sama looked surprised at my blank expression.

"Hasn't it been over a year since you last saw your family? Don't you want to see them?"

Ah, it's spring.

It's normal to celebrate with family during spring.

Even when I was a songstress, many people would take a few days off after the spring festival to return home. I did the same for the first few years, but in recent years, I've been too busy to do so.

There are also many tea parties for the nobility before and after the spring festival, so the temple staff is thin. Many people come to the temple for blessings during spring, so I often help with that.

But even so, the atmosphere at home was always a bit awkward when I returned.

Looking back now, I was probably in the way.

After the holiday, when family members who usually aren't around come back, they all have their own plans and can't spend time with you. My mother said it apologetically, but the other family members treated me like a rare animal from a distance.

"Thank you for your concern. I haven't taken a vacation during this period before, so my family probably won't mind."

"If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to meet your family once? From now on, you'll be busy with the tour as a shrine maiden, and it will be harder to take a vacation."

"My parents' house is quite far from the capital."

"That's fine. It would be a good change of pace for you."

Joshua-sama paused slightly and looked at me with a concerned expression.

"...Your maid mentioned that you might be feeling lonely for your hometown."

Ah, that's because I shed tears in front of Belsamum yesterday.

"I'm sorry to have caused you concern. I've been distant from my family since I joined the temple, so I'm really fine."

"Why...? Ah, no... I..."

That's right, it's not right to pry into such personal matters, Joshua-sama.

I'm just a temporary priestess, after all. You're still young, aren't you?

"But if I can take a vacation, I would be grateful."

"What is it? I want to fulfill your wish."

That's quite generous of you.

I'm surprised by the contrast from before yesterday.

"I want to go to Gaine Port. I have a friend's wedding next month."

"Gaine Port...?"

Of course, he can't just say 'yes' right away.

Gaine Port is in a foreign country, a port town in a neighboring country about five days away.

Romelia-sama's wedding is there.

I was invited yesterday, but I declined, thinking it was impossible. But if I can go, I would be happy.

To travel abroad, you need a document to vouch for your identity and permission from the border region.

While my identity is clear, I am affiliated with the temple, and I have a temple to take care of.

I never thought I would be able to travel, especially to Romelia-sama's wedding, who is the enemy of Alicia-sama, Joshua-sama's lover.

If I were to be questioned about my friend, it could lead to misunderstandings, so I intended to back out.

Joshua-sama stared at my face, deep in thought.

"Alright, you can go."

"Really?!"

Yay!

"But, I'll assign guards. At least three, and a maid."

What?

If I do that, Romelia-sama will find out.

"No, no, that's not necessary. Um..."

"You are an important priestess of this country, and a young woman. Even three is a small number, but I understand you don't want to make a big deal out of visiting a friend."

"But, I can't afford to pay for so many guards."

Given my position, I should hire guards, as Joshua-sama pointed out. But for a personal trip, the cost would be high. At least one guard would be manageable.

Joshua-sama sighed.

What? That's a sigh of exasperation.

Let me repeat, priests are poor.

"The travel expenses will be covered by the Carving Region. You are a priestess of the Etua Temple, after all."

You'll cover it? This sudden change is scary. It's too convenient.

"But, I'm going as a private individual. I'll hire the guards myself."

I don't want to be questioned about Romelia-sama. It would ruin the wedding.

"...The head of the Gaine Port Trade Guild is marrying a former songstress from our country's nobility."

Joshua-sama's deep, resonant voice echoed.

My hand froze as I reached for my cup. I looked at Joshua-sama cautiously, and our eyes met.

He squinted and smiled.

Wow, he's surprisingly devious! But this face is incredibly handsome. To make such an expression at a time like this, he knows how good he looks! It's infuriating!

"Do you want to go to the wedding, Arietti-dono? But it's not in our country. I need to ensure your safe return. I can't compromise on the guards. Is that clear?"

There's nothing I can do but nod.

I saw an unexpected side of Joshua-sama, whom I thought was just a young man.