Knock, knock.
“Young lady, I have brought Lord Deles.” “Come in.”
So fast!
Our voices overlapped.
Inside… it’s spacious, fitting for Nina’s room.
(Nastasia entered and stood with her back to the door. I guess she’s still on guard duty for now.)
Nina was also busy writing on various documents.
There were no maids or anyone else around; she was completely alone. I should be able to talk to her.
“I’m back. Um, Nina’s father, so that’s the kind of person he is.”
“When you only consider protecting the Duke’s position and prospering, or rather, strengthening the Mishuron Family, that’s how he becomes. The main wife and concubines follow suit. Grandpa Take must dislike him. However, I can understand his role.”
…Did I need to ask about that too?
“Well then, I’ll process these first.”
I arranged the souvenirs I brought on the beautiful table.
First, the special Monaka from Shucco on the Movermas Continent.
Come to think of it, something like this happened between otherworldly beings before.
Haitou: “Is it okay to have this name?”
Iwamoto: “What? That joke appeared in that game’s inspiration, before it was used by Co-ro-co-ro or Bo-nbon.”
So, it should be fine.
I don’t know the details of why it’s fine, as it’s an otherworldly matter.
The butler opened the box to check. Ah, he’s eating it. Is he tasting it? Or is he testing for poison?
“It’s a sweet confection.”
“It feels like I’ll have to brush my teeth more than usual, but is it okay, Nina?”
“It’s fine. The recipient can do as they please. A gift is just a formality; it’s enough.”
I was a little worried that three types x five boxes might be too few, but is it okay?
Next were the Great Heavenly Tree’s Fruits and Komomo assortments, with four and twelve pieces inside.
Apparently, they initially considered using Angel Race feathers as filler, but decided against it.
(We can get plenty of those at my place too.)
They can also make those pillows and futons for free, but
they’re currently adjusting shipments to create a premium feel.
Since they sold so expensively at the Auction, it’s not something to just churn out.
“Hmm, this is quite delicious.”
I can’t say that we mainly use them as feed for Summons and Tim Monsters.
Of course, they also appear on our dining table normally.
The butler, after finishing one by one, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, looking very pleased.
(And the last one is…)
These are otherworldly sweets that Iwamoto and the others can order from their subspace residences.
They bought them through what’s called WEB mail order, giving a lot of Magic Stones for them. They’re called ‘Macarons that are delicious and okay,’ with 40 pieces inside, and they’re colorful.
“This is new. There are sweets like this too.”
“I heard a rumor that Nina ate three boxes of these at once.”
“From whom?” “It’s just a rumor.” “From whom?” “Who was it?” “It was Nataira, who left a kiss mark on Deles’ entire body that wouldn’t disappear for twenty days.”
Aren’t those bite marks?
“…I see. Thank you for the good souvenirs.”
The butler put them into the Item Bag.
“So, Deles.” “Ah, yes. Is it about the main topic?”
“Do you notice anything strange about this room?” “Ah, it’s Nina’s room, isn’t it?”
“It is my room, certainly, but do you not feel anything odd?” “Um, aside from it being big and spacious?”
Hmm, now that you mention it, it does feel a bit off…
“There are various things displayed here, are these from your Knights days? Ah, and these are from your school days?”
“Yes, but you probably wouldn’t know. …The room is too clean because it’s well-maintained, right?”
“Yes, but Nastasia, do you notice anything?” “Yes, although it’s cleanly maintained, there are marks on the floor from large boxes and such being placed there for a long time.” “That’s it.”
Now that you mention it.
“Ah, you mean this place…”
“Ever since I was entrusted to the Knights, this place has been a storage room.”
“That’s terrible.” “It was in a rush after it was decided I would marry as Count Palatine. Honestly…”
In this large Duke Family’s residence, there must be plenty of storage rooms and warehouses.
This must have been deliberate, to rush things with pressure…
“For now, what I and Nina’s father discussed…”
“Understood. I’m in the middle of Ailee’s paperwork, but I’m listening with my ears.”
“And the butler?” “He can stay, but…” “…I’ll go tell the maids to bring some black tea.”
The butler said that and left.
I wonder if he did that to consider my feelings.
“First, regarding what I requested from Nina’s father…”
I explained that I requested her to attend each wedding ceremony properly, apologize sincerely for what happened previously to Nina, and maintain at least minimal contact after marriage.
“…Hmm. Regarding the ceremony, it’s only natural. She will undoubtedly conduct herself perfectly.”
“She’s a Duke, after all.” “As for the apology, frankly, it’s too late for me, and I have no desire for it.”
“Then, should we forgo it?” “No, if it will satisfy Deles, it’s better to do it.”
For my sake, huh…
Hmm, from my perspective, it’s for Nina’s sake, but
allowing Nina to do what she’s doing for my sake.
(It’s an important closing chapter, at least for me.)
The document I glimpsed had something about waiving inheritance rights from the Mishuron Family.
I suppose such things need to be written down in a Duke Family. Come to think of it,
the original promise between Nina and I was that Nina would handle all the troublesome procedures. Well, this current one is for Nina personally, though.
“Regarding interaction with the Mishuron Family after marriage, if necessary, it will be through the Avakane Family or the Empire. For state affairs or as adventurers, you can simply tell the Ailee Kingdom. As for myself, it’s more like relationships between siblings.”
“Please cherish those.” “…Also, there’s someone you can cherish or not, and not meet them. Shall I go see her?”
Nina stopped writing and finally looked directly at me, or rather, at my eye level.
“Um, who might that be?”
“My… birth mother.” “Ah.”
I need to meet her this time.
