Bertha Bart was receiving an unexpected visit from Yuma.
While she was sometimes summoned to the Herring family, it was rare for the main wife of the main family residence to personally visit the mansion of a branch family.
When it did happen, it was always when she brought some trouble.
Internally, Bertha was tense, wondering what impossible task she would be burdened with as she ushered Yuma into her room and offered her a seat on the sofa.
“I’ll prepare some tea right away.”
“Never mind the tea, just sit down. I came today because I have something to talk to you about.”
“What might that be?”
Bertha swallowed audibly.
“Well, it’s… I wanted to ask for your help, or rather, to tell you something important.”
Though tense, Bertha tilted her head. Yuma, as usual, should have said what was on her mind, but today she seemed a little off. Her beating around the bush was unlike her, and her peeking at Bertha’s reaction felt strange.
“Um, has something happened to Laurentz-sama?”
For better or worse, Yuma’s top priority was her only son, so Bertha could guess. She grew anxious, wondering if something had happened to her beloved master.
“No, nothing has happened to Laurentz… or has it?”
“Her Lad? What do you mean by that?”
“Calm down. There’s no problem with Laurentz. However, the environment surrounding him has changed, hasn’t it? He’s been worrying about that.”
“…I see. He was recommended as a Court Mage, so things can’t be the same as before, can they?”
“That’s right. As you probably know, marriage proposals are already endless.”
“I see,” Bertha thought she understood what Yuma was worried about. She knew Yuma lamented that there was no suitable person to become her son’s wife. Even before he was recommended as a Court Mage, Yuma had complained about her inability to find someone who met her standards for a bride.
“Even after his recommendation as a Court Mage, have no suitable candidates appeared?”
“It’s not that there’s no one at all. But I don’t know if they’re truly right for Laurentz. I know a few people from their childhood, but others I’m meeting for the first time. I’m worried if they can support him in the position of a Court Mage.”
“Does Yuma-sama believe Laurentz will become a Court Mage?”
“Of course. As a parent, my true desire is for him to reject a dangerous position. But, as you know, Bertha, he loved magic since he was little and dreamt of becoming a great Magician.”
“…Yes.”
“So, even if I tell him to stop because it’s dangerous, he won’t listen. Besides, I can’t ruin his future just because it’s dangerous. Parents are troublesome, aren’t they? No matter which way it turns, the worries never end.”
Like Yuma, Bertha was also concerned about Laurentz.
Recently, her master had been seriously injured, a memory still fresh. Even if he had his reasons for fighting, she didn’t want him to be reckless.
Becoming a Court Mage would increase the dangers. As the highest magical position granted by the country, wars awaited him in times of national crisis. There was no war at present, but who knew when relations with neighboring countries might change?
“I will continue to worry about him. But that’s not enough. As a parent, I want to do everything I can for him.”
“I’m sure Laurentz-sama will be pleased with Yuma-sama’s care.”
“Thank you. In my opinion, what Laurentz needs now is a wife who will support him. And a woman whom he can love with all his heart.”
“That’s right. If there’s someone who can support Laurentz-sama, I would be relieved.”
Bertha’s heart ached. Even though she knew it was a love that could not be, she harbored jealousy towards her beloved master’s yet-unseen wife, knowing she was unworthy.
She had only ever looked at him since childhood. At first, she was his guardian, appointed by Yuma and Kendrick, but now she simply stood by his side as a retainer. In contrast, Laurentz treated them as family.
She thought that would be enough. No, she had convinced herself it was enough. However, upon hearing about her master’s marriage prospects, she couldn’t remain calm. She had thought it was far in the future, but before she could sort out her emotions, her master was already moving forward.
She felt left behind. Even if she couldn’t be his wife, she wanted to be by his side. If only she had had time to neatly put away her feelings, her emotions, and her unrequited love.
“I’m glad we agree. Then, Laurentz is in your hands now. Bertha.”
