Chapter 25: A Stupid Person

A Gentle Moonlit Night Fades into a Clear Morning Sky

A gentle moonlit night passed, giving way to a clear morning sky. Under the unusually bright sun, I smiled as always.

“You didn’t have to see me off personally, Lady. Thank you.”

“As the one who invited you, it’s my duty. Don’t worry about it.”

Viviana crossed her arms and spoke. I returned her kindness with a slight smile and a polite bow.

We stood at the front gate of the Merdellia duchy. The lavishly manicured garden adorned the surroundings like a living piece of art.

After finishing a luxurious breakfast, I had mentioned that I would return home, prompting Viviana to graciously come out and see me off.

“It was truly a precious memory. I can’t wait to brag about it when I get home!”

“…I see.”

For some reason, Viviana’s expression held a hint of unease. Despite following her advice from last night to refrain from any flirtation, I couldn’t discern what had disturbed her.

Well, it wasn’t something I felt like dwelling on.

“Then, I’ll take my leave, Lady. Let’s meet again when fate allows.”

Viviana frowned deeply. Was she displeased with my words? Before I could ponder it further, she crossed her arms and spoke in a curt voice.

“I’ll send a letter regarding the proposal you mentioned earlier. Be on the lookout.”

Ah, yes. I had suggested providing information that could benefit the Merdellia family in exchange for protection from Mardian’s growing aggression.

“Yes, I’ll be waiting.”

I smiled at Viviana, but her furrowed brow remained unchanged. Could she perhaps find even my smile insincere?

Contrary to my expectation, Viviana looked at me intently before mumbling quietly.

“Are you upset about yesterday?”

“Pardon?”

“…Never mind.”

Her response was brief and dismissive. Not wanting to press the matter, I gave her a polite farewell and stepped onto the carriage.

‘This carriage is almost as big as a room…’

The carriage provided by Viviana was much larger than an ordinary one. The emblem of the Merdellia family, two crossed swords, adorned the center, adding to its grandeur.

“Take care, Lady Merdellia.”

“…Take care.”

With a somewhat unsettled farewell from Viviana, I climbed into the carriage.

It was time to return home.

I longed to see my mother.

***

Finally, I arrived home.

Though not as splendid as the Merdellia Duchy, and even modest in comparison, the house warmly welcomed me, feeling utterly comfortable and cozy.

“You’re back!”

As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, I heard her familiar voice. The concern in her composed voice brought a natural smile to my lips.

“I’m home, Mother.”

With a bright smile, I hurried toward my mother. Despite telling her not to wait, she had been standing at the front gate again.

As I threw myself into her arms, she embraced me tightly. Burying my face in her ample bosom, I finally felt at home.

“Suddenly deciding to stay at the Merdellia Duchy for a night… Do you know how worried I was?”

“Hehe… I got close to the lady at the party. I’m sorry for worrying you, Mother.”

“You really are…”

Artasha looked at me with a complex expression for a while. Eventually, she let out a short sigh and gently patted my head. As I enjoyed her affectionate touch, the fatigue that had built up from the night before slowly dissipated.

“Mother, have you eaten?”

“I haven’t eaten yet. Let’s eat together.”

Artasha hesitated briefly. Although it was only for a moment, I could tell that she had already eaten. But perhaps she lied because she wanted to eat with me, even if she was full.

‘…Such a foolish person.’

But that’s why I like her.

Even if the love she has.

Isn’t directed towards ‘me.’

I can be satisfied with just this.

As I nuzzled into her Chest, feeling childish, I looked up with a big smile and met her blue eyes that resembled mine.

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

“A picnic? Right now?”

Mother’s eyes widened in surprise and trembled slightly. She seemed hesitant to answer, perhaps because something was bothering her.

“Are you busy today? We can go another time if you are.”

But Mother waved her hands vigorously and responded with a mature smile.

“No, it’s fine. I happen to be free today. Change into something comfortable and come out.”

Her hurried figure as she headed inside the mansion seemed a little different from her usual noble demeanor.

At a nearby garden in Blanc.

The lush garden, filled with a variety of flowers, was perfect for enjoying a picnic. The fresh scent of flowers filled the air, and the flowers shone brightly in the sunlight. Under the shade of the trees, green grapes and lilacs cast a shadow over us.

“Say ‘ah,’ Mother.”

Reluctantly, Mother opened her tightly closed lips. As I put a fork with a piece of pie in her mouth, she chewed it with her white cheeks.

I handed the fork to Mother and opened my mouth. She looked at me blankly for a moment, then smiled and put a piece of pie in my mouth.

The cool breeze, the fragrant smell of grass, the sweet food, and the person who loves me the most in the world. Picnicking with Mother was always a satisfying time.

“Tina, I have some good news.”

“Good news?”

Curious, I tilted my head, and Mother cleared her throat a few times before continuing with a proud look.

“Yesterday, we finally paid off the debt to the Mirorian Viscount family. There are still a few families we owe money to, but it seems we’ve extinguished the most urgent fire.”

“What?! Really?”

“Yes. I think we’ll be able to pay off all the family’s debts within about five years.”

Surprised by the unexpected good news, I blinked blankly. I had once seen the amount owed to the Mirorian Viscount family. I remembered it was quite a significant amount.

He was truly an amazing person.

Despite being left with nothing but debt from a declining family, she was paying it off on her own. I, an ordinary person, couldn’t dare to evaluate her ability to accomplish something as difficult as making money from scratch.

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

My mother’s hand on my cheek was cold, but the warmth in her heart was boundless. I lowered my head, feeling a tickling sensation in my heart.

Tina, you’re really foolish.

With a mother like this.

And all you do is run away.

If Artasha was my real mother, if real me was Artasha’s child instead of Tina…

“Tina?”

I looked up at the sound of my mother’s worried voice. She appeared calm on the outside, but her eyes, warmer than anyone else’s, looked at me. I hugged her silently.

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

Selling all the jewels received from the noble ladies would surely help a lot, but it would take about five years to sell them without any trouble. Of course, there are illegal ways, but it would be difficult to get even half the price that way.

“What are you talking about, 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 side someday. I hope you find something you want to do by then.”

I blinked blankly at the unexpected words. Without realizing it, I instinctively held onto my mother’s waist tightly. I looked up at her with a slightly sinking feeling.

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

“Tina, you need to live your own life. The world is vast. I’m sure there’s something you’ll enjoy doing.”

My mother hesitated, chewing her lip for a moment, then closed her eyes tightly and continued.

“You should also think about marriage. Someday, you might find a husband who will make your life happy.”

“…Marriage?”

Marriage.

I’ve never thought about it.

And it’s a word I don’t plan on thinking about in the future.

“It might still be early, but you’re reaching the age of marriage.”

“No, I won’t get married. I’m going to live with you forever, so why are you saying that?”

Perhaps because my emotions were shaken by the word ‘marriage,’ my voice came out sharper than usual. But even at my sharp tone, my mother only gently stroked my hair.

“Tina, I’m not forcing you to get married. I have no intention of tying you down with marriage.”

“Then why say that…”

“It’s a very happy thing to be able to share life with someone you love. If you ever find someone you love, I hope you’ll make a choice that makes you happy.”

“Then I’ll marry you.”

At my unhesitating answer, my mother blinked blankly this time. I clung tightly to her, looking up at her with eyes full of tears.

“As long as I’m by your side, that’s enough. So I’ll marry you…?”

“Well, that’s… But…”

My mother’s eyes trembled as if an earthquake had struck. Her earlobes seemed slightly flushed. She avoided my gaze and murmured softly.

“…But Tina, marriage between close relatives is strictly prohibited by the temple’s rules. There’s nothing I can do about that.”

An unsatisfactory answer. I thought she would scold me, saying it was wrong, but she seemed to be seriously considering my words.

“…Pff.”

Seeing my mother’s mumbled reaction, the gloomy mood disappeared instantly, and a sudden laugh escaped my lips.

“Ahaha!”

Really.

Someone who can’t even take a joke properly.

That’s why I like her.