In the current Florece Kingdom, Floria is gradually becoming a figure of the past.
Tentatively, the era when Floria was in the kingdom was when the children’s generation had just finished inheriting the headship of the family and were beginning to lead elegant lives. In some cases, the grandchildren’s generation was already in charge, so it was natural in a sense.
While this was partly due to the accumulation of years, it was also because Floria had become the queen of another country, and for reasons that initially led Floria to leave the kingdom, people of her generation did not talk much about her to the children’s generation.
There was no use dwelling on what had already passed, but for Floria and the generation slightly older than her, there was a common thought: if things hadn’t turned out in a way that forced Floria out of the country back then, things might have been different.
Even if Floria herself no longer cared about the past, this sentiment was deeply ingrained in the nobles of the Florece Kingdom, especially the women.
For these reasons, even Rossy, who had met her directly, couldn’t recall her name until it was spoken. It was therefore understandable that Fars, who belonged to a younger generation, didn’t know about Floria.
For this reason, Sherira tilted her head, seeing that Floria’s parents showed surprise when Sherira called Floria’s name.
“—Father?”
At her son’s voice, Rossy’s expression became one of realization.
Then, Rossy bowed his head to Floria and said, “I apologize for being unable to recall you, given how much time has passed.”
“No. There’s no need to worry about it. You probably didn’t expect to meet here,” Floria replied, shaking her head with an expression that indicated she wasn’t bothered.
Floria’s current position in the Florece Kingdom is somewhat delicate. This is due to her past, as mentioned earlier, but also because she later became the queen of another country. In terms of status, she ranks higher than anyone in the kingdom except the king. This remains unchanged even in her retirement. Incidentally, her former status as a princess of the kingdom also complicates her position.
Therefore, Fars found it strange that Rossy was behaving so deferentially towards Floria. This was not only true for Fars but for his siblings as well. When Rossy tried to explain about Floria to their children, Floria herself shook her head. The Duke, who fully understood the meaning of this gesture, nodded once towards Floria before speaking to his children.
“This person is an important acquaintance of your mother’s. Not only because she is an benefactor to you Fars and your siblings, but you also need to treat her properly as a guest.”
“Understood.”
Although they likely had more questions, Fars, for the time being, seemed satisfied and nodded. With Fars, the eldest of the siblings, satisfied, the other siblings readily agreed.
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After the greetings and the children’s departure, only Floria, Mia (and two wolves), the Duke and Duchess, and Sherira remained in the room. As they each took their seats in the prepared chairs, Sherira looked at Floria with a nostalgic expression.
“Still, you haven’t changed at all, Ria.”
“That’s because there are special circumstances involved,” Floria replied, casually revealing the secret to maintaining her youth. The Duke and Duchess exchanged a sharp intake of breath, careful not to be noticed. It was widely rumored that those permitted to stand beside an avatar not only had their races changed but also their very beings. It was no wonder they were surprised when she uttered words that were tantamount to openly admitting as much.
However, Sherira, to whom the remark was directed, narrowed her eyes and said with a laugh, “Is that so? I envy you… though perhaps not entirely.” To Sherira, who spoke so frankly, Floria nodded and replied, “That’s natural. I’ve only heard about it, but I understand that in this country too, my acquaintances are ascending to heaven one after another.”
“Oh dear. I’m still perfectly healthy, you know?” To Floria, who spoke a little sadly, Sherira responded with silent laughter.
Mia, sitting beside Floria and listening to their conversation, sensed a definite bond between her mother and Sherira. At the very least, Floria had never openly shared her true feelings to anyone except Kousuke and the women by his side. If she had to name others, it would be Floria’s parents, but Mia understood that their relationship was different from that with Kousuke and his group. Mia knew that Floria, born in this country, had very close friendships, but this was the first time she had witnessed such a close connection firsthand, so she watched them with surprise.Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess were also watching Sherira with surprise. Sherira, who was born a princess of the Florece Kingdom and married into the ducal family, was always at the center of social circles. The people to whom Sherira showed her true self were extremely limited. Her son, Rossy, was not among them.
Rossy was merely Sherira’s “son,” not her “friend.” As far as Rossy knew, with the exception of his late father, the former Duke, Sherira had only ever shown such a side to a select few. It was unsurprising that she was showing it to Floria. The Duchess felt much the same as Rossy.
Ignoring their reactions, Floria and Sherira chatted about old times. Mid-conversation, Sherira’s face brightened as if she had just remembered something. “Speaking of which, Ria.”
“Yes?”
“Knowing you, you’re still continuing with your dancing, aren’t you?” Sherira asked, her words seemingly out of the blue. Floria blinked in surprise. Sherira, who knew about the time Floria took dancing lessons with a teacher, wasn’t startled but didn’t understand why Sherira would bring it up at this particular moment.
Seeing Floria’s slight confusion, Sherira clapped her hands together as if she had a brilliant idea. “That’s right. Since this is such a good opportunity, would you dance for me one more time!”
“Eh!?” At the sudden request, Floria, uncharacteristically, let out a cry. But Sherira, unconcerned, nodded several times and said, “Come on, won’t you? I certainly want to see it, but I especially want my grandchildren to see it!” Seeing Sherira, who seemed to have regained some of her youth, say this, Floria offered a wry smile. She no longer believed her dancing was anything extraordinary, so she understood Sherira’s intentions perfectly. However, she also felt a desire to fulfill the “request” of Sherira, her dear friend who was like an older sister.
In the end, Floria found herself dancing in front of the ducal family, having been persuaded by Sherira’s “request.” I specifically came to this town to write this conversation between the two of them. I’m finally able to share it and feel relieved.
