Chapter 81

I decided to order room service because I wanted to have a conversation that I didn’t want anyone else to hear during dinner.

Kohaku is looking at the menu with Anna, who has recently learned to read and is eager to order by herself.

"Since I can't seem to open it, could you read the contents of this envelope for me, Mr. Fred? Would it be okay to ask you?"

"Huh, me? Isn't Anna fine for this?"

I handed the envelope I received through the viscount to Mr. Fred, but he looked a bit surprised.

Of course, I will read it myself eventually, and I want Anna to know the contents too. But I need to hear it from a calm third party first, to prepare myself mentally before reading it.

"Yes, I think neither Anna nor I can read it calmly."

"But, reading a letter addressed to Reina first is a bit... inappropriate, isn't it?"

"It's not a personal letter from family; it's a message that came through the country's communication magic device, transcribed into text. I don't think it's that private..."

Mr. Fred's confusion is understandable.

It is awkward, isn't it? I should ask Anna... No, I should try to read it myself, I need to muster the courage...

"Umm... So, if it's okay, I'll open and read it. Is that alright?"

"Yes, please."

Even though I had made up my mind, I quickly entrusted it to Mr. Fred because he agreed to help. I'm so weak-willed.

Well, if there's anything I can do to help Mr. Fred in the future, I'll be proactive. I entrusted the envelope to Mr. Fred, making a mental note to myself. Since it might take a while, we decided to have dinner first and then read the letter.

"Alright, I'll go ahead..."

Mr. Fred took the paper knife Anna offered and extracted the contents. As he read each sheet of the letter, his expression grew increasingly serious.

Kohaku, sensing the tension, sat quietly and watched Mr. Fred finish reading with us.

I didn't have the courage to read it myself, but watching him made me anxious.

"How was it?"

After finishing the last sheet and refolding it as it was in the envelope, Mr. Fred closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

I could see him choosing his words carefully, trying to find a way to convey the message without upsetting me.

"Well, to summarize... it was all just excuses."

"Huh..."

"First, there are no words of concern or apology for Reina, which is extremely frustrating. But that's just my opinion."

He tried to smile to reassure me but covered his face with his palm, saying, "I can't do it," in a small voice. Then, with a worried expression, he asked quietly,

"Is it okay if I tell you what was written?"

"Yes, please."

Although Mr. Fred seemed angry about the content, he tried to convey the facts without mixing in his emotions or opinions.

He didn't read it verbatim but softened the language and gave me the space to process it properly.

If I had read it myself, I would have probably become emotional and cried, making a mess of things. Thanks to Mr. Fred, I was able to think clearly.

When I actually read the letter later, I didn't lose my composure.

It was still a shock, but it was much better than the worst-case scenarios I had imagined. I didn't cry in front of Kohaku, and I managed to accept it rationally.

"I... want to talk to my family when they come."

"Reina, you don't have to—"

Anna, who had been listening to the summary, seemed even angrier than I was.

When I was at home, she always encouraged me when I felt weak and wanted praise from my family. Thanks to Anna, I kept going. She was there to see and support me, and now she's angry on my behalf.

But thinking back, I'm also grateful that she didn't give up on me, even when I was wallowing in self-pity and complaining all the time. I can never thank her enough.

"No, Anna, it's not that I have to meet them. I need to meet them."

"Need...?"

"Of course, I don't plan to return. I want to apologize for running away and causing trouble, and then tell them I'm not coming back. That's why I need to meet them."

I will apologize for leaving without a word. I had many responsibilities, but I left everything to them, saying, "Please compensate from my personal assets."

The book I planned to publish under the name Annette J was left unpublished because I disappeared after handing over the manuscript. The magic device I was developing was still in the production phase. I was supposed to perform at this year's music festival and had unfinished paintings to complete.

I also disappeared from the theater where I was studying acting incognito. It was during the break between performances, and the next role hadn't been cast yet, so at least that was a relief.

I definitely want to apologize to everyone I caused trouble for.

But I also have a bit of a mean streak.

Since there were no words of concern from my family, I don't have to say, "I'm sorry for worrying you"—no, I definitely don't want to say it.

"Since the viscount is here, I can talk more calmly than I would alone. Although he seems unreliable, if he can protect me, it will be a bonus. If not, I'll leave the city."

It's also difficult to sever ties with the nobility first. I want to show that "the contract states you should protect me, but you haven't," to terminate it.

I want to be in a favorable position for the artificial magic stone business, which the viscount will buy from me.

"Besides, I have things I want to say to my family."

When I said this, Kohaku, Anna, and Mr. Fred all smiled, albeit modestly. They seemed to agree that I wasn't meeting them reluctantly but because I needed to.

"I see. If Reina has decided this, I agree. It's a positive reason."

"Reina, of course, I will be there too! I want to let them know how hard you've been working."

Having such reliable allies is why I can think about talking to my family without being pessimistic.

"Kohaku will make sure to speak up if anything happens. Reina, don't just endure it."

"Thanks. I'll try my best to speak up too."

I smiled wryly, declaring this, even though Kohaku was worried about me.