This marks the beginning of Part 13, Chapter 9.
However, instead of a full chapter, this may be a shorter interlude, so please understand that the chapter has changed.
Floria and Mia, who had teleported to the Royal Capital of the Florece Kingdom, immediately headed to the mansion where Alec and his family lived.
Alec and his wife resided in a high-class residential area where major merchants of the Royal Capital lived. Therefore, as expected, there were gatekeepers standing in front of the gate, and they looked at the two who suddenly visited with suspicious expressions.
“Who are you?”
Looking at the gatekeeper who stared at her without hesitation, Floria tilted her head.
“Oh? Hasn’t the message arrived here? I thought I contacted you this morning saying I was heading this way…”
From the Amamiya Tower Management Layer, communication with Alec’s mansion is possible using a communicator. She had contacted them in advance using it, but it seemed the gatekeepers had not received the message.
Seeing the gatekeeper’s demeanor, Floria contemplated what to do, but before she could give up and turn back, the situation changed. The mansion door, located not far from the gate, opened, and one of the stewards rushed towards the gate in a flustered manner. Upon reaching Floria and Mia, the steward hurriedly bowed his head.
“I apologize. It seems there was an issue with the communication!”
“Ah, no. It’s fine. So, may we enter?”
“Of course, Young Lady.”
When the steward addressed Floria as “Young Lady,” the gatekeeper, who had been watching their exchange with a puzzled face, showed a surprised expression. It was natural for him to be surprised, as it was strange for someone who could afford to live in such a magnificent mansion to be walking without a carriage or even an apparent guard.
The steward signaled something to the gatekeeper, who then hurriedly opened the gate. Floria and Mia entered the premises with dignity and proceeded into the mansion, guided by the steward. There, the oldest steward, who had been serving Alec’s family for a long time, was waiting with a bow.
“Oh, you’re still working hard,” Floria said with a smile. The steward beamed, his eyes narrowing with pleasure.
“I’ve handed over most of my duties to the younger ones. Now I’m just keeping your husband company.”
“That’s good. My father’s least favorite thing is idleness,” Floria replied with a laugh at the steward’s lighthearted remark.
After exchanging brief greetings with Floria, the steward also bowed properly to Mia.
“It has been a long time since we last met.”
“Yes. It’s good to see you well too.”
When Alec was the Prime Minister of Razek Amamiya, this steward managed all aspects of Alec’s household. Naturally, he had known Mia since birth.
After finishing their greetings with the nostalgic steward, Floria and Mia were led to the living room. There, Alec and Sonya were waiting.
“Welcome, Floria, Mia.”
“Indeed. We were surprised when we received your message.”
Alec and Sonya, who could be described as elderly, still appeared vigorous and were standing to greet them.
Floria approached them first and bowed her head.
“It has been a long time. Father, Mother.”
“It has been a long time. Grandfather, Grandmother.”
“Let’s drop the formal greetings and have a relaxed chat for the first time in a while. You have time, don’t you?” Alec invited them to sit, his eyes narrowed. Floria nodded, as she had intended to stay at Alec’s mansion today, so they had plenty of time to talk.
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“Ah, I see. A trip within the Kingdom.” Alec nodded in understanding after hearing Floria’s story.
“Well, isn’t that fine once in a while? No major incidents will likely occur,” Alec said, casting a meaningful gaze. Floria and Mia responded with wry smiles.
“Father, if you say things like that, it’s said to be a ‘flag’.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?” Alec tilted his head at Floria’s remark, which he didn’t understand.
Floria explained exactly what Kousuke had told her long ago.
“And so, they say that when preparations are made for something unrelated before a troublesome situation arises, it’s called ‘raising a flag’.”
“….I see.” Alec nodded with a look of understanding after hearing Floria’s explanation, which was almost right but subtly off. Since no one was there to correct her, it was accepted as fact. However, even if Kousuke were present, it’s unlikely he could explain its true meaning.
Alec, who had been listening to Floria and him with a wry smile, turned his gaze to Mia and said, “While Floria is one thing, I feel Mia is also prone to getting caught up in things, not unlike her.”
“Th-that’s not true… I think.” Mia replied, showing a slightly uncertain expression. Floria gave a bitter smile and said, “This is the part where you should clearly deny it, you know? Though, I suppose it’s understandable that you lack confidence.”
Mia, or rather, Kousuke’s children, although not to the same extent as Kousuke, had been involved in various troubles since childhood. Considering that, it was understandable why people would say something might happen on this trip. By the way, Mia thought that her mother was not any less likely to be involved, but she did not voice this at the moment.
Unaware of Mia’s thoughts, Alec finally turned his gaze to the beings at the feet of the two.
“So? Are those two wolves a gift from Kousuke-dono?”
“Rather than a gift, they are more like guards,” Floria said, stroking the back of the wolf at her feet. Of course, they were Kousuke’s familiars, having evolved to the highest species category except for Nana. Incidentally, the wolf at Mia’s feet was of the same species. All this indicated how overprotective Kousuke was.
Alec, not understanding that, but knowing of Nana’s existence, understood that they were not ordinary wolves.
“I see. In that case, make sure to complete their familiar registration as soon as possible.”
“Ah, we’ll register them at the branch tomorrow.” Hearing Floria’s reply, Alec nodded, saying it was a good idea.
After that, they engaged in light conversation with Sonya joining in, and naturally, Kousuke came up in the discussion.
And so, Floria and Mia’s journey begins. As this is their first attempt, we await your reactions with anticipation and a touch of anxiety. m(__)m
