Chapter 25

The serene night bathed in soft moonlight passed, and a clear sky arrived. Under the unusually bright sun today, I wore my usual smile.

“You didn’t have to escort me personally, Princess… Thank you.”

“It’s only natural since I brought you here. Don’t worry about it.”

Viviana crossed her arms. I smiled at her kindness and bowed my head in gratitude.

This was the main gate of the Merdelia Mansion. The beautifully maintained garden decorated the surroundings like a living work of art.

After finishing a luxurious breakfast and saying I would return home, Viviana personally came out to see me off.

“It was truly a precious memory. I’m going to brag about it all when I get home!”

“…Sure.”

For some reason, Viviana’s expression seemed a bit uneasy. I hadn’t flattered her even once, as she advised last night, so I couldn’t tell what had upset her.

Well, I didn’t really care to find out.

“Then I’ll head in, Princess. I hope we meet again someday.”

Viviana furrowed one eyebrow. Perhaps she didn’t like my words. As I wondered at her unexpected expression, she crossed her arms and spoke in a curt tone.

“About the proposal you made earlier, I’ll send a letter soon. Wait for it.”

“Ah.”

I had suggested providing information that could help the Merdelia Ducal Family in exchange for her protection from Mardian. It was a proposal to curb Mardian’s increasingly aggressive behavior.

“Yes. I’ll be waiting.”

I smiled as I spoke to Viviana, but her furrowed brow showed no sign of easing. Could even my smile seem insincere to her now?

But contrary to my expectations, Viviana looked at me intently and muttered softly.

“Are you upset about what happened yesterday?”

“Huh?”

“…Never mind.”

Viviana’s response was lukewarm. But I didn’t feel like pressing further, so I simply gave her a polite bow and climbed the steps of the carriage.

‘This carriage is as big as a house…’

The carriage provided by Viviana was several times larger than an ordinary one. In the center, the emblem of the Merdelia Ducal Family—two crossed swords—added to its grandeur.

“Then, farewell, Princess Merdelia.”

“…Farewell.”

With Viviana’s somewhat uneasy farewell, I boarded the carriage.

Now it was time to return home.

I couldn’t wait to see Mother.

—

Finally, I arrived home.

I opened the carriage door.

Though not as grand as the Merdelia Mansion, the modest yet cozy mansion welcomed me warmly.

“Tina!”

As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, I heard her familiar voice. Her composed tone carried a hint of worry, and a smile naturally spread across my face.

“I’m home, Mother.”

With a bright smile, I hurried over to her. I told her she didn’t have to wait, but… she must have been standing at the gate for who knows how long.

As I rushed into her embrace, she naturally hugged me tightly. My face buried in her ample chest, I finally felt like I was home.

“You suddenly said you’d stay overnight at the Merdelia Ducal Family… Do you know how worried I was?”

“Hehe… I happened to become friends with the Princess at the banquet. I’m sorry for making you worry, Mother.”

“You really…”

Artasha looked at me with a complicated expression for a while. Finally, she let out a short sigh and gently stroked my head. Enjoying her affectionate touch, the fatigue from last night slowly melted away.

“Mother, have you eaten?”

“Meals… not yet. Let’s eat together.”

Artasha hesitated for a brief moment. Though it was just a fleeting hesitation, I could tell she had already eaten. But she lied because she wanted to eat with me, even if she wasn’t hungry.

‘…Such a silly person.’

But that’s why I love her.

Even if the love she holds isn’t directed at ‘me.’

I can be satisfied with this.

I nuzzled my face into her chest, indulging in her affection for a while, then looked up at her blue eyes, so similar to mine, with a bright smile.

“If it’s okay with you, Mother… shall we go on that picnic we talked about before?”

“P-picnic? Now?”

Mother’s eyes widened in surprise. She seemed hesitant, as if something was on her mind, and couldn’t give an immediate answer.

“Ah… are you busy today? Then we can go another time.”

But at my words, Mother vigorously shook her head, a mature smile spreading across her lips as she quickly replied.

“No, no. I happen to be free today, so it’s perfect. Go change into something comfortable.”

Mother hurried into the mansion, her usual dignified demeanor slightly altered.

—

A garden near the Blanchard estate.

The lush garden, filled with various flowers, was perfect for a picnic. The fresh scent of flowers filled the air, and the blossoms shone brightly under the sunlight. Under the shade of the trees, green grapes and lilacs intertwined, blocking the sun.

“Ah~ say ‘ah,’ Mother.”

At my request, Mother reluctantly opened her tightly closed lips. I placed a forkful of pie into her mouth, and she chewed it with her white cheeks puffing before swallowing.

I handed the fork back to her and opened my mouth. Mother stared at me blankly for a moment, then chuckled and placed a piece of pie into my mouth.

The cool breeze, the fragrant grass, the sweet food, and the person who loved me most in the world. Picnics with Mother were always satisfying.

“Tina, I have some good news.”

“Good news?”

I tilted my head in confusion, and after a few fake coughs, Mother continued with a proud look.

“Yesterday, I finally paid off all the debts to the Mirovian Baronet Family. There are still a few families we owe, but the most urgent ones are taken care of.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. I think we can pay off all the family debts within about five years.”

I blinked in surprise at the unexpected good news. I remembered seeing the amount owed to the Mirovian Baronet Family before. It was definitely not a small sum.

She truly was an amazing person.

From a declining family, burdened with debt, she alone was paying it off through her own efforts. It was as difficult as making money out of thin air, and as an ordinary person, I couldn’t even begin to evaluate her abilities.

“So, Tina, I hope you don’t worry about the debts. I want you to grow up bright, doing what you want to do.”

Mother’s hand on my cheek was cold, but the warmth in her heart was endless. My heart tickled, and I fidgeted with my lips, bowing my head.

Tina, you’re so foolish.

With a mother like this.

How could you even think of running away?

If Artasha were my mother, Tina, if I were Artasha’s child instead of you…

“Tina?”

At Mother’s worried voice, I looked up. Though her expression seemed calm, her warm gaze was directed at me. Without a word, I hugged her.

“You’ve worked so hard… I’m sorry I couldn’t help.”

If I sold all the jewels I received from the young ladies, it would surely be a big help, but it would take about five years to sell them without any issues. Of course, there were illegal ways, but… I’d probably get less than half their value.

“Don’t say that, Tina. Just your existence is a great strength to me.”

“But…”

“Tina, what do you want to do in the future?”

“The future?”

“You’ll have to leave my embrace someday, won’t you? I hope you find something you want to do by then.”

I blinked in surprise at the unexpected question. Instinctively, I tightly hugged her waist. Feeling slightly down, I looked up at her.

“Where would I go? I’ll live with you forever, Mother.”

“Tina, you have to live your own life. The world is vast. There must be something you’ll enjoy doing.”

Mother hesitated for a moment, her lips fidgeting, then closed her eyes tightly and continued.

“You should also think about marriage. Someday, a groom who will make your life happy might appear.”

“…Marriage?”

Marriage.

I’ve never thought about it.

And I never will.

“You’re still young, but you’re reaching the age for marriage.”

“No, I won’t get married. I’ll live with you forever, so why are you saying this?”

Perhaps my rationality was shaken by the word ‘marriage,’ as my voice came out sharper than usual. But despite my sensitive tone, Mother only gently stroked my head.

“Tina, I’m not forcing you to marry. I would never bind you to marriage.”

“Then why are you saying this…?”

“Sharing your life with someone you love is a very happy thing. If you ever find someone you love, I hope you make a choice that will make you happy.”

“Then I’ll marry you, Mother.”

At my immediate response, Mother blinked in surprise this time. I clung to her, looking up at her with teary eyes.

“I just want to be by your side. So if I marry you, that’s fine, right…?”

“Th-that’s, but…”

Mother’s eyes shook as if an earthquake had struck. Her ears seemed to turn slightly red. She averted her gaze from me and muttered softly.

“…But Tina, incest is strictly forbidden by the temple. There’s nothing I can do about that.”

“…”

An unexpected answer. I thought she would scold me for being wrong, but for some reason, Mother was seriously considering my words.

“…Pfft.”

At Mother’s serious muttering, my earlier gloom disappeared, and a sudden laugh burst out.

“Ahaha!”

Really.

Such a silly person who can’t even take a joke.

That’s why I love her.