Chapter 32
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Chapter 32
"...!"
"This is the scenario His Majesty desires... So then, a question."
Margaret's startled eyes met the Inspector's gaze.
He posed the question with a smile tinged with anticipation.
"A traitor who harbors the son of a traitor—how does such a person survive in this scenario?"
The answer that smile—bordering on madness—sought was already predetermined.
* * *
The Festival had drawn within mere days.
Unlike the other Shops bustling with Festival preparations during the summer season, our Bakery's door bore a clear "Closed" sign.
Once each season, Curtis Rohan visits the Neighboring Village to meet his friend Max.
I'd heard that Max was someone who looked after Father greatly when Mother passed and he struggled.
'Though I've never actually met him.'
Or rather, it's more accurate to say I don't remember him.
I was far too young at the time to have any memories.
So once, I asked if I could go along...
The road is treacherous and difficult, he keeps a bear (?) at his place and it's dangerous, if the leader of our Village goes, who will protect the town... and so forth.
With every conceivable excuse, he left me behind.
'Well, Father probably wants to escape childcare duties occasionally and just play with his friend.'
I, a precocious nine-year-old who understood, at least somewhat, the heart of a single father worn down by parenting, graciously accepted this much.
'But why! Of all times! Does he have to go now?'
During one of the few peak seasons in a year!
When I should be raking in money!
However...
[My friend's father's cousin's wife has passed away, and I feel I must pay my respects. Since he was there for me during difficult times, I should go and offer my condolences.]
...That's hardly a stranger's concern, is it?
I thought, but Father had already finished his preparations before I could protest.
'At least he promised to return by the Festival's final day.'
It was somewhat disappointing to miss the opportunity to boost sales, but if I could spend the Festival's final night with Father, that would be enough.
"Princess, Father will be back soon."
Father, having brought me to the General Store, made eye contact and began his nagging.
"Don't skip meals just because it's bothersome, and wash your hands first when you come back from playing. Don't forget to brush your teeth before bed."
I matched his nagging with my own, placing both hands on my hips.
"And you—don't drink too much, don't cause trouble, and stay far away from scary-looking men. Understood?"
Once before, Father had returned home with a small scratch on his face.
He claimed it was from being scratched by a branch while drunk...
'But what if he got caught up in some ruffians' brawl?'
In my past life, I had neither children nor proper parents, so I wouldn't know.
But perhaps this anxious feeling is what it's like to leave a child by the water's edge?
Every time Father stepped outside, I couldn't help but feel uneasy.
My father let out an exasperated chuckle at my worried nagging.
"Really now. Who's the daughter and who's the father?"
"Well? Answer me."
"Yes, miss. I'll be careful and not cause any trouble. I'll be on my best behavior while you're away."
"Ugh."
Father pinched my soft cheeks as a final farewell, then turned to Lauren with an apologetic expression for the burden he was placing on her.
"I'm sorry for imposing on you during such a busy time, Lauren."
"Oh, don't mention it. That's what neighbors do—we help each other out. Don't worry and have a safe trip."
"Then, if you don't mind, I'm counting on you again."
After exchanging final farewells with Lauren, Father waved to us and gradually disappeared from view.
Though he stumbled over a stone and nearly lost his footing as he looked back.
'Sigh. I hope nothing goes wrong.'
He can't fight, and he's clumsy about most things, but... at least his body is sturdy, right?
I waved back at Father with worry filling my eyes.
Until his figure completely vanished from sight.
It was just as I lowered my hand.
A low humming sound drifted toward me.
I felt something resonating in my direction and froze.
'It's that same aura I've been sensing lately.'
And in the direction where I felt that aura, the Western Forest lay exactly as I'd expected.
'Why do I keep feeling this way?'
It was Lauren who pulled me back to reality as I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to shake off the sensation.
"Vivian, isn't today the day you're going to the Villa?"
"Oh... yes. But there's still some time left. I can help you organize things!"
"Oh, you don't need to. Peter and I can manage just fine between the two of us."
"But it'll go faster with three people, and besides, I have nothing else to do anyway."
"Goodness, daughters really are better than sons. Peter! Why aren't you getting up?"
While Lauren went upstairs to wake Peter, I began organizing the items in the General Store.
So I wouldn't feel the Forest's call pulling at me.
* * *
"So, you're staying at the General Store for a while?"
That day, Rachel furrowed his delicate brows as he heard about my temporary lodging arrangements.
'Why did our Princess suddenly seem displeased?'
She seemed fine just moments ago when we were talking about the Festival.
As I tilted my head in confusion, Rachel asked again with an anxious tone.
"So, that means he'll be staying with you the whole time?"
"That person?"
"That guy you saw at the General Store last time."
"Oh, Peter?"
The moment his name left my lips, a chill seemed to flicker across Rachel's blue eyes.
I chewed on the cookie I'd been eating, crunching it thoughtfully, and answered without fully understanding why.
"I suppose so? The General Store is Peter's home, after all."
"That won't do."
Rachel's unexpected objection made me blink in surprise.
"Huh? Why?"
"That is..."
Rachel's lips moved silently for a moment, as if he hadn't thought the reason through, before he finally added his explanation with a slight delay.
"...Boys and girls shouldn't sleep in the same place once they're over eight years old."
"But we're not sleeping together? Peter will sleep in his room, and I'll sleep in the guest room."
"Still not acceptable. Not with him."
Puzzled by Rachel's strong opposition, I recalled a memory from when I'd visited the General Store, and a mischievous smile crossed my face.
"I see! You're jealous that I might become closer to Peter?"
Rachel flinched, confirming my suspicion.
'He's so adorable when he's like this.'
The way emotions Rachel usually kept hidden would inadvertently slip through his composed facade.
I couldn't suppress the grin spreading across my face as I teased him.
"Don't worry, Rachel. You're still my favorite. Hehe."
Rachel went rigid at my words.
His blue eyes trembled faintly behind slowly blinking eyelids, then he averted his gaze.
After a moment, as if remembering something, he returned to the main topic.
"Why don't you stay here instead?"
"Here? The Villa?"
"Yes. There are plenty of guest rooms here."
...Now that he mentioned it, that made sense.
No need to travel back and forth by carriage, relatively safer, and most importantly, my friend would be here.
It was truly the optimal environment for leaving a child in someone's care.
"Hmm, perhaps?"
As I considered it positively, a faint smile seemed to flicker across Rachel's lips.
* * *
That evening, I returned to the General Store and told Lauren I wanted to stay at the Duke's Mansion.
At first, she was uncomfortable, saying it felt like I was dumping my responsibilities on the Duke's household.
But when the Butler who accompanied me added his persuasion, she finally agreed to send me to the Duke's Mansion.
Thus, I came to stay at the Villa of the Duke's Mansion while my father was away.
However...
Rachel, who had just finished a chess game, stood up when he saw me yawning repeatedly.
"I'll head to my room now."
I tilted my head at that.
"Huh? Aren't you sleeping here?"
"This is your room."
"Can't we sleep together? When you visit a friend's place, you usually sleep together, don't you?"
"Sharing a bed before marriage violates propriety―"
"Marriage?"
Why was he suddenly bringing up marriage?
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org