Ch.133Chapter 133 – A Place to Return To

After loading the items received from the Count into the carriage in the study, I waited briefly until evening came.

The Count summoned everyone.

It wasn’t the dining room we had been using, but the banquet hall.

The reason was obviously because Eve would be leaving tomorrow.

I heard that despite the suddenness, the banquet preparations proceeded smoothly since some arrangements had already been made.

“So this is what a noble’s banquet is like…”

Serra said, seeming a bit intimidated.

She was wearing a dress instead of her usual attire.

“A dress, huh?”

I’d heard they would alter and send it today, but I didn’t expect it to arrive before dinner.

“The dress shop worked hard to alter and send it quickly.”

“I see.”

Serra shrank back slightly, appearing somewhat embarrassed.

As I stared blankly at her, she looked up at me.

“Does it… look strange?”

“Not at all.”

Honestly, my first thought was how refreshing she looked.

Since Serra usually wore modest clothing, I’d never seen her in such an elegant dress before.

“Come to think of it, did you go shopping for clothes because of the banquet?”

“That might be it. Now that I think about it, the Countess did ask them to finish altering my dress before dinner if possible…”

There was a reason it arrived before dinner.

Somehow, I feel sorry for the dress shop staff.

Well, they probably deal with this kind of thing often, so it might be routine for them.

After saying that, Serra looked at me.

“What is it?”

“Hmm…”

She examined me from head to toe, then nodded.

“It suits you well.”

“Not as well as it suits you, I think.”

Feeling somewhat awkward, I forced a smile, and I could see Serra smiling back.

‘The wide field of vision makes me a bit nervous.’

Right now, my face was completely exposed.

I had actually considered wearing a mask to cover my face, but the maids who helped me dress strongly discouraged it.

I couldn’t exactly wear a helmet either, so I had given up on the idea.

Just then, Beatrice and Christina appeared behind Serra.

“Wow, you both look great!”

“It suits you quite well, Helmet.”

“I’m not wearing a helmet, you know.”

“Well, wearing a helmet with that formal attire would probably go down in history.”

Hearing that makes me want to wear a helmet now.

While I was thinking this, Beatrice and Christina arrived beside us.

They were also wearing dresses. Beatrice had her hair styled up, and Christina had tied her hair back neatly.

Since they both had long hair, they had arranged it that way.

“What’s wrong, Helmet?”

“Your updo makes you look like an old lady.”

“Want me to hit you?”

Beatrice said, raising her fist.

It was just a joke, of course.

Surprisingly, the updo suited her well.

The same went for Christina—though their hairstyles were different from usual, they didn’t look strange at all.

‘I guess if you have a pretty face, anything works.’

If your face is pretty, most things work out.

I felt like I’d just discovered a universal truth.

“Enough of this. Let’s go in.”

Beatrice stepped forward and opened the door energetically.

Inside, quite a few people were enjoying food and dancing—probably household staff gathered for the occasion.

“Since it’s a hastily arranged banquet, it seems to be a casual affair with mostly servants.”

“You can tell that?”

“Why wouldn’t I be able to?”

Beatrice asked in return.

Logically speaking, given the time constraints, it made sense that most attendees would be household staff.

As I looked at Beatrice, something occurred to me.

‘This girl knows suspiciously much about nobility.’

I’d heard her table manners were perfect too.

She seemed quite knowledgeable about noble etiquette and lifestyle.

‘I should question her about this later.’

I felt the need to investigate Beatrice’s true identity.

As I was thinking this and entered the hall, Eve approached me.

“Why are you so late?”

“Well, Serra’s dress arrived late, I heard.”

We had indeed arrived late to the party.

As Serra explained, her dress had arrived just in time, and the maids had immediately helped her put it on, which delayed us.

Beatrice had also said it was fine to be a little late since Eve was the main character and we were just supporting cast. She’d been outside smoking before going to change into her dress.

“…Still, it makes me sad that you kept me waiting.”

“I’m sorry.”

Some apologies need to be made without hesitation.

From Eve’s perspective, we were late without any notice.

Hearing my apology, Eve smiled brightly.

“As an apology, you’ll have to escort me.”

Eve extended her hand.

I reflexively took it.

Somehow, my mind went blank.

“…How am I supposed to walk?”

“Helmet’s malfunctioning.”

I could hear Beatrice lamenting behind me.

Serra approached with a smile.

“Just walk together nicely, don’t you think?”

What does she know to be saying such things?

I briefly wondered, but honestly, that was all I could think of too.

‘But she’s strangely calm.’

Until now, Serra had shown signs of displeasure whenever Eve and I were together.

I expected the same this time.

As I looked at her quizzically, Serra and Eve exchanged glances.

Then they spoke to each other in hushed voices, barely moving their lips.

“Next… me.”

“Promise… right.”

It seems some kind of deal had been made between them.

Perhaps an agreement not to interfere during each other’s turn?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t make out their conversation clearly.

I wish you’d let me hear your conversation too.

Then Eve pulled me along.

“Will you escort me?”

Eve asked with a smile.

“Of course, my lady.”

Somehow caught up in the atmosphere, I responded that way, which seemed to surprise Eve a little.

So we walked forward with a slightly awkward feeling.

With our group following behind, we arrived before the Count and Countess on the platform.

“Sorry we’re late.”

“It’s alright. We were aware of the circumstances.”

They must have known about the delay with Serra’s dress.

The Count invited us to dine, and we sat down to begin our meal.

“After visiting the holy land, where do you plan to go?”

“I have some places in mind.”

After the holy land, we planned to visit Serra’s grandmother’s hometown.

Eve answered without hesitation, and the Count nodded.

“I see.”

After saying that, the Count spoke quietly.

“Even if you go, be careful around Florence and the Kingdom for a while.”

Eve’s eyes narrowed slightly.

With the existing troubles with the demon race, she would naturally be sensitive to any potential new sources of conflict.

Just as she was about to speak—

“Has something happened?”

Beatrice was asking seriously.

Seeing her, the Count nodded lightly.

“Judging by your manner of speech and accent, I thought you might be from Florence or the Kingdom, and it seems I was right.”

“Yes.”

Come to think of it, Princess Liriel had once pointed out that Beatrice seemed to be from Florence or the Kingdom.

I don’t think I ever asked about the truth of that afterward.

“First of all, nothing has been confirmed yet.”

The Count spoke quietly.

“But merchants and nobles from there have told me that the atmosphere has become quite unstable lately.”

“Then…”

“Unfortunately, I don’t know more than that, but…”

The Count looked at Beatrice briefly and continued quietly.

“Judging by the increased trade in weapons through this area and the significant decrease in mana stone exports over the past few months, I feel that something major might happen soon.”

Eve nodded at the Count’s words.

Her expression darkened.

“…It sounds very unsettling.”

“You understand because you run a merchant guild too.”

“Florence and the Kingdom are mana stone exporters. So mana stone trade volumes are decreasing while weapon imports are increasing…”

At Eve’s words, Beatrice’s face grew even darker.

I gently took Eve’s hand, which startled her slightly as she looked at me.

“Kei?”

I gestured toward Beatrice with just my face.

Fortunately, Eve seemed to understand.

“This doesn’t seem like appropriate dinner conversation, Father.”

“You’re right. I apologize.”

The Count nodded, apparently having noticed as well.

However, Beatrice was still sighing lightly.

‘Is she worried about her homeland?’

Normally, sighing at such an occasion would be considered impolite, but she seemed to have done so unconsciously.

The Count graciously overlooked it and tried to change the subject by addressing Beatrice.

“It will be alright. Things will work out.”

“…Thank you for your consideration.”

Beatrice seemed lost in thought for a moment.

Seeing this, Eve nodded.

“Still, as Father suggested, I’ll be careful during our travels.”

“Please do.”

The Count nodded at Eve’s words.

Then he bowed his head slightly in silence.

After glancing at Eve, he soon spoke again.

“Are you really leaving tomorrow?”

When the Count quietly asked, Eve nodded.

“Yes.”

“Even if you try to distance yourself, the fact that you’re a member of the Count’s family won’t change.”

“But I can choose my future path.”

Eve said with a smile.

“I am Eve Lavencha, moving forward with my friends.”

“I see.”

Had he given up trying to persuade her?

The Count nodded.

“Let me tell you in advance. Officially, from tomorrow, you are the head of the Lavencha merchant guild and disowned from our family.”

“Yes.”

“…I’m sure you’ll handle things wisely, but please avoid resolving matters by invoking our family name.”

The content was cold.

But the Count’s face looked dark and troubled.

There must be some story behind this.

Eve nodded as if she already knew.

“I understand.”

For a moment, the Count’s family and Eve exchanged glances.

Then, after a while, the Count looked at me.

“Please continue to take care of our daughter.”

“I will.”

I answered without hesitation.

The Count quietly nodded.

“Let’s eat now. The food will get cold.”

At the Count’s words, everyone began eating.

“Master, this is delicious!”

“Kei, you should try this.”

As I watched Christina enjoying her food and Serra trying to feed me something, I glanced slightly at Eve.

Eve was eating and laughing with her family.

+

The banquet ended, and morning inevitably arrived.

It was unusual for the Count’s mansion gates to be busy so early in the morning.

Unless it involved a particularly important person, most guests would leave with just their own entourage, or only some household members would see them off.

Therefore, it was extremely rare for the entire family to bid farewell to a guest.

In front of the large carriage, Eve and her family faced each other.

As if waiting for someone to speak first, as if unable to speak first themselves, they just watched each other.

“Eve.”

When I quietly called her name, Eve nodded slightly.

She stepped forward and bowed to the Count.

“I was able to stay comfortably thanks to the Count’s family’s hospitality.”

Her tone was stiff and businesslike.

It was clear she was deliberately suppressing her emotions.

“…I hope you’ll use our Lavencha merchant guild again in the future.”

At Eve’s words, identifying herself by the name she had chosen after leaving home—the head of the Lavencha merchant guild—the expressions of the Count’s family turned sad.

However, the Count quickly composed himself and stepped forward.

“They say farewells are for future reunions, Guild Master.”

“Yes.”

“The Count’s house will always be open to you.”

The Count spoke as if trying to match Eve’s tone.

And after a moment, the Count quietly added:

“…This is your home, so come back anytime.”

The Count deliberately added those words.

“I’ll see you all in good health next time.”

Eve said quietly.

Though the words came easily, it seemed impossible to simply cut off family bonds.

Sadness appeared on Eve’s face as well.

“…Father. Mother. Brother. Abelia. May you all stay healthy.”

Eve bid farewell to each person individually before turning away.

She sat down next to me on the driver’s seat.

“Let’s go, Kei.”

Without saying anything more, I started the carriage.

As we were passing halfway through the gate—

“Until we meet again!”

Suddenly, the Count shouted loudly.

Eve turned her head toward the Count with an expression that was hard to tell whether she was crying or smiling.

She waved her hand, and I could see them waving back even from a distance.

Only after the Count’s main gate was no longer visible did Eve lower her hand.

“…Is it hard?”

“Yes.”

After saying that, Eve leaned her face against my shoulder.

“…Really. We were so awkward after I ran away. Where did all that atmosphere go?”

From the beginning, Eve hadn’t left home with ill feelings.

In a way, they just needed time to understand each other, and Eve’s inexperience had caused the awkward period.

“Did you change your mind?”

“No, that’s not it.”

Eve looked at me with a smile.

“I am Eve Lavencha.”

“Right.”

Eve said this while pressing herself closer to me.

“…If we get the chance, let’s come visit again.”

“That would be a bit embarrassing for me.”

“What does it matter?”

The embarrassment would be Eve’s, not mine.

But more importantly…

“We’re family after all.”

Though she had left her house and declared she wouldn’t return to her family…

I felt that the Count’s family would always create a place for Eve to return to and welcome her.

That’s what family is for.

Eve quietly smiled, and the carriage continued moving forward.

+

“So, she’s finally gone.”

“Yes.”

The Count quietly answered the Countess’s words.

Then he spoke with determination.

“From this moment on, Eve is just the head of the Lavencha merchant guild, with no connection to our family.”

“Darling.”

“It has to be this way.”

This was the path Eve had chosen.

The Count wanted to respect his daughter’s will.

Above all…

“It’s also to ensure that our family always has a place for her to return to.”

The Count said, narrowing his eyes.

Seeing his wife’s lack of understanding, he smiled.

“…I’m not truly disowning her, so please don’t look so sad.”

“Then why such…”

Just as the Countess was about to continue, a soldier came running from the recently closed main gate.

“Count, a visitor has suddenly arrived.”

“It must be the Emiris Order.”

The Count said, narrowing his eyes.

The soldier nodded at his words.

“They say they’ve come to request assistance in arresting someone designated as a heretic in the capital recently, but…”

“Bring them in for now.”

The Count spoke coldly.

In that moment, the warm father who had been with his daughter was gone.

Cain spoke up.

“Father?”

“They’re after that man called Kei.”

The Count said, as if he already knew.

Then he spoke quietly, with controlled anger.

“Let me make this clear. We will absolutely not cooperate with the Emiris Order.”

“Even though they’re the continent’s largest religious order?”

“They don’t have the authority to force nobles anyway.”

The Count answered coldly.

“And.”

“And?”

“…At this point, with the Lavencha guild master—who has close ties to our family—involved, they are essentially our enemies.”

“Understood.”

Hearing the Count’s firm resolve, Cain’s face also hardened.

Though they would no longer openly call her family…

The Count had essentially declared the Order an enemy of the Metis County.

The Count quietly looked at his wife and spoke.

“For now, I want to make it appear that they’ve been the ones to commit rudeness.”

“I should prepare some hot tea, then.”

“Please do.”

It’s not like they’ll properly drink the tea anyway.

No need to worry about the temperature.

“Since they’ve come without an appointment, they must be quite rude people.”

“That’s right, Abelia.”

The visitor was likely of noble birth.

But if they were visiting the Count without an appointment, they were probably someone arrogantly wielding the Order’s influence.

It would be easy to provoke them into committing some rudeness.

“Let’s buy some time first.”

Though it probably wouldn’t escalate to armed conflict, the Count was prepared even for that if necessary.

As his instructions were given, his retainers and family began to move busily, and the Count quietly looked up at the sky.

‘…I entrust my daughter to you, Kei.’

The Count was determined to buy time and protect this place, creating a home for Kei and Eve to return to after they successfully completed their mission.