Ch.153Chapter 153: A Long, Long Day (4)

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Following the commotion in the office, I frantically followed my sister, who had taken the lead to dispel the awkwardness, and we arrived at the dining hall.

Despite being the busiest lunch hour, the place was unusually quiet compared to normal days.

Typically, this would be when numerous knights and soldiers gathered in groups to replenish their energy during their grueling daily routines.

But today, the usual boisterous atmosphere was nowhere to be found.

It made sense.

Yesterday, the Subjugation Festival against those wretched demonic beasts from beyond the mountains had just ended.

It was right after the wild celebration commemorating another year safely passed without major casualties.

Thinking back to my previous timeline, the fortress atmosphere after a Subjugation Festival was always relaxed—”lethargic” would be the perfect word to describe it.

That common sense still held true now that I had returned to the past.

In some ways, the mood was even more jubilant compared to what I had experienced before.

There wasn’t much to see, really.

Most of the soldiers and knights absent from the dining hall had been drinking heavily since yesterday afternoon when the emergency status was lifted.

Those without duties were likely in dreamland on their beds in the barracks or quarters.

Those in even worse shape were probably suffering from hangovers, unable to sleep properly and just guzzling water.

The few people present were those who had properly managed themselves to fulfill their assigned duties, whether they wanted to or not.

Indeed, looking carefully at the soldiers and knights having their meals on schedule, most were wearing badges indicating they were about to go on duty soon, confirming my assumption.

Perhaps that’s why none of yesterday’s excitement could be felt among the fortress members eating in the dining hall now.

“Some guys drank like they were trying to empty every bottle at the Adler Tavern, while others have to eat and immediately head to guard duty at the western entrance. It’s truly pitiful…”

“Hey, remember how we drank at the Adler Tavern this time last year? It makes sense that if someone got to rest last year, they should be on duty at this time this year.”

“Sigh, that’s true. But this year’s festival was much grander since the Subjugation ended without casualties like last year, and it’s disappointing not to enjoy it.”

“If no one died this year, maybe next year’s Subjugation will have no injuries at all, making the festival even grander.”

“Hmm… you’re right. Let’s finish eating and work hard to prepare for next year.”

That was the extent of their conversation—exchanging complaints and motivational talk in hushed voices.

The dining hall was quiet, extremely quiet.

Upon arriving, I firmly believed we would have a modest and peaceful lunch unlike usual.

But that certainty was shattered shortly after our entire party had taken their seats…

“…What did you say?”

“Hmm, that’s strange. My brother doesn’t have hearing problems.”

“No, I heard what you said clearly, but I don’t understand what it means.”

“Well, I don’t think I said anything that difficult to understand.”

“No, no, Sister!”

“Quiet. Maintaining decorum in public places is one of the manners I’ve taught you since childhood.”

“…What you just told me isn’t exactly something I can stay calm about.”

As my voice grew louder during this exchange with my sister, the peaceful atmosphere inevitably shattered.

I felt embarrassed at the thought that I, who had most wanted a quiet meal, had broken the tranquility of the dining hall.

But before embarrassment could fully set in, I couldn’t help feeling wronged.

I felt wronged, truly wronged.

How could anyone react normally after hearing such words?

I desperately wanted to shout “I’m innocent!” and confront my sister for making me react this way.

But since I had already unintentionally raised my voice and disrupted the quiet atmosphere, I immediately closed my mouth and checked the surrounding mood.

Fortunately, most of the few people in the dining hall showed little interest in our conversation and remained focused on their meals.

I was relieved to see there was little reaction despite the potentially scandalous topic that had echoed through the dining hall.

“Phew…”

I inwardly sighed with relief as I slowly calmed my momentarily heated emotions.

Still concerned, I extended my spiritual perception to check if anyone was paying attention to our conversation.

Surprisingly, no one seemed interested in what had just echoed through the previously quiet dining hall.

This was true even for the other two people who were very close to us but not part of the conversation.

Excel, sitting beside my sister, showed no interest in her words, only fixated on keeping his gaze on her.

The same could be said for Shizu, who sat next to me with sparkling eyes.

However, unlike Excel, who seemed to have no thoughts beyond staring blankly at my sister…

“…Is that true?!”

Shizu at least had the presence of mind to catch the meaning of my sister’s first words and show surprise.

This was an unusually emotional expression for someone who rarely showed her feelings except when alone with me.

Well, her surprise was understandable.

Where else would you find a noble heir who wouldn’t be shocked by such words, except for the fool sitting next to my sister?

What exactly did my sister say to the three of us at the table?

I’ll explain that now, so wait a moment.

First, after entering the dining hall.

We found seats for the four of us and went to get our food, placing various dishes on our trays. I was the last to sit down.

My throat felt strangely dry, so as soon as I sat down, I picked up the cup of water prepared in advance.

But just as I was about to take a sip, my sister, noticing I had taken my seat, said:

“Hmm, now that the most important person has arrived, I can finally begin.”

Then she pulled out a letter bearing the official seal of the head of House Ranos from her possession.

When I caught sight of the twin dragon seal on the envelope as it emerged, my eyebrows twitched involuntarily with tension.

“Upon either my beloved Iriana or Karl reading this letter…”

As my sister continued in an even tone, I optimistically assumed there couldn’t be anything too important in the letter and gulped down my water.

“…all matters regarding the next head of House Ranos will be reset to square one, and evaluations based on fairness will commence. -Joachim Ranos-.”

The shocking news hit me just as I had taken a mouthful of water.

“Pffft!! *cough!!* *cough!!*”

I choked on the water going down my throat.

“Are you okay?!”

Shizu, sitting beside me, patted my back in surprise, helping me quickly recover.

“…What did you say?”

Despite desperately suppressing my shock, a loud, questioning exclamation escaped my lips.

Do you understand now? I am innocent.

Isn’t it amazing that I contained myself to this extent after hearing such shocking news?

It seems the mental training I’ve prioritized alongside physical training since my regression is really paying off—

[…Bullshit.]

‘…Why the sudden comment?’

[I suddenly remembered that excessive self-praise looks very unseemly.]

‘….’

My already stinging back of the head feels even more painful now.

I scratched the inexplicably itchy back of my head with my left hand.

Though I hadn’t been hit, the vivid sensation of pain in the back of my head would likely take a long time to fade.

I had hoped to spend this first winter after my regression in a warm atmosphere with the precious people I had reconnected with.

But now, facing one of the most blindsiding situations I’ve experienced in either of my lives, I’m starting to think that might be difficult.

The season is winter.

At this time when I should be setting life goals for the new year ahead,

Instead, I’m already feeling the full impact of a situation where all my memories from before my regression have become utterly useless.