TCHB 37

Chapter 37

Two days after having a dream I couldn’t remember, I was looking over the land documents for the first time in a while. But just from the documents, I couldn’t tell the current state of the land or its surroundings, so I decided to go see it myself. After a hundred years, it probably hadn’t changed that much.

It was a time too late for morning, too early for lunch. I got up from my chair and moved toward the wardrobe.

I should probably sneak out… If Header found out, she’d definitely scold me.

― Hehe. If you get caught, you’ll be in even more trouble, Shuri.

“That’s true…”

I grabbed my head and thought about which would get me in less trouble. Sadly, there was no scenario where I wouldn’t get scolded. Sobs.

“Miss?”

“Uh… yes?”

Startled by the sound of the door opening and Header’s voice, I froze. Obviously, it looked like I was hiding something, but I still clung to a thin, almost nonexistent hope.

Yes! Maybe I won’t get caught!

“Going out again?”

My fragile hope instantly shattered.

Why was Header so perceptive? In this situation, it was impossible not to notice, but she could have just let it slide!

There are things you shouldn’t say out loud—or even in your thoughts—but I muttered them quietly to myself anyway.

If Header had heard my thoughts, she would have surely scolded me: Who would let their master disappear without a word?

“Ugh… well, um, it just… turned out this way!”

There’s no retreat in my dictionary—only forward motion.

“It ‘turned out this way’? You went out last time too! I’m not saying you shouldn’t go out, but you haven’t been back long. Could you stay put for at least a month? Master and Mistress worry endlessly whenever you leave.”

My conscience pricked sharply.

Right, it was my fault for leaving only a letter and contacting them sporadically. But today I was going to check on an orphanage! I spent the whole day yesterday budgeting and calculating everything I needed!

It nearly killed me to plan and calculate like this after such a long time. I’d been living like a child for far too long…

I shook my head, thinking of my laziness from living like a NEET all this time.

Ugh, that’s harsh. How did I survive back then, anyway?

― Shu… Shuri…! Answer me, answer!

Huh? Gasp! Why does Header look like that?

Trembling, I rolled my eyes. I had just planned to go out for a bit, but I figured I should at least say something like “By His Majesty’s leave” or something.

“Header.”

But today I had to go out. Sorry, but I decided to push through with sheer force.

“Since when does the daughter of a count heed a servant girl’s words?”

The atmosphere turned cold. Header, who looked ready to explode, mentioned my status, and I lowered my head.

How many children of nobility would listen to the words of a maid or servant? I was unusual.

“…I have something very important to do. I’ll come back safely! So, can you trust me just a little more?”

Seeing Header’s expression soften, I pleaded sincerely.

I felt sorry for her, but if not today, when else would I have time? It was better to move quickly than waste more time.

The debutante season was approaching… I had to go through that tedious ordeal again. Ugh!

“You left a letter and went out without saying a word, but I’ll trust you this time. Just make sure you come back early today since it’s important, alright?”

Ugh, why bring that up again? It’s not like I’m doing that anymore.

Pouting, I stuck out my lips, and Header let out a clear laugh.

“But what’s the important thing?”

“It’s a secret! You’ll know when I get back, so don’t be too late.”

Curious, I accepted it and parted ways with Header. After leaving the room, I approached the carriage and told the driver to drop me off near one of my lands.

In case my parents asked about it later.

“Ah… but this document is from 100 years ago… I wonder if it’s still mine.”

Just as I was feeling uneasy, the carriage stopped.

This street was where I had come with Ventus. Walking here brought back memories.

Back then, I liked these small things. I had practically lived on the battlefield, so it made sense.

“…Kiel?”

“Shuri?”

Why are you here…?

He approached me with a pretty smile, and I stood there dumbfounded.

“Out on an errand? Where are you going?”

“Ah, um, to the land under the name Alena Klamback…”

Wait, why am I answering this so straightforwardly?

I realized I’d answered without thinking, because he asked so naturally.

“Oh, the land you reach if you turn there and go straight?”

“You know it?”

“It’s that Alena Klamback’s land. Who wouldn’t know it?”

I was speechless at his unexpected recognition. He acknowledged me. Back when I went to Ventus, he didn’t seem interested in the sacred sword at all.

“Did the Emperor happen to… confiscate it?”

This emperor was truly a jerk, likely to have taken it. From history books, the previous emperor was at least better, but this one was not.

Even though I had designed him, no, I didn’t make him the type to use such evil black magic! He was just greedy and foolish!

It’s understandable to question how he became emperor, but first, all his siblings had died early from illness, war, or other reasons.

And he was quite skilled with a sword. The perfect example of “if your head’s dumb, use your body.”

“I was going to, but…”

“Was going to?”

“The residents, the children, and grandchildren of those rescued by Alena Klamback opposed it. They even suggested raising money to build a statue.”

Cough, cough!

A statue? Why is everyone like this? They sound like zealots!

Kiel, at a loss for what to do, awkwardly fumbled.

“Are you alright, Shuri? Should we stop by a cafe for some water?”

“Ah… I’m fine now.”

I waved my hand dismissively, but his worried gaze didn’t leave me. His clear blue eyes, like a transparent sea framed by long dark lashes, were filled with affection.

Was this all part of some grand plan to give me heart problems? But his previous actions didn’t match that… I was at a loss.

“Shuri?”

Why am I puzzled now when I never used to be? I fumed internally, but he just looked innocent.

“…It’s nothing. Kiel, tell me more about what you said earlier. The emperor wouldn’t give in just because the residents opposed it.”

If anything, given his cruel and foolish nature, he’d rather kill than yield. I tried not to think about him as I asked, and he seemed to recall carefully.

“Ah. The decisive factor was the dragon.”

“The dragon?”

Ventus?

“The dragon we saw last time warned anyone who tried to covet Alena Klamback’s land: ‘Whether emperor or not, they will be punished.’ And indeed, misfortune befell anyone who touched it.”

…Ventus, what have you been doing for a hundred years?

I was grateful it protected my land, but for a dragon to intervene directly… their end would not be pleasant.

“The Richard family also got involved.”

“Huh?”

Surprised, I turned to look at him. His gaze stayed fixed on me.

It was strange. He was treating me differently than before. Even at Vermance’s garden, he acted normally with others but treated me specially.

My face felt uncomfortably warm.

“Shuri? You alright?”

Keep a proper distance! You’re dangerous to my heart!

When he suddenly leaned in, forehead to forehead, I quickly stepped back. My heart raced twice as fast as normal.

“This is strange…”

― Huh! What’s going on? Could it be that Shuri noticed?

“Probably angina. Should I go to the hospital?”

― No way.

Strange… I’m usually very healthy. Maybe it’s all the desserts I’ve been eating lately…?

I was so out of it that I didn’t even consider desserts had nothing to do with angina.

“Shuri?”

“Yes, yes?”

“You’re really okay?”

“Ah, yes! I’m fine. By the way, Kiel, what brings you here?”

I changed the subject. He blinked and went along with it, pretending not to notice.

“There’s a famous dessert shop here.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I came to buy something for you, Shuri. And I ran into you.”

I tried to hide my blushing face, but my pride got the better of me, and I straightened up stubbornly. I had planned a small revenge, but it backfired.

Frustrating! Unfair!

“Couldn’t your servants buy it for you?”

I snapped, annoyed. Even so, he didn’t stop smiling.

“It’s more meaningful to buy it myself since it’s for you, Shuri.”

Kiel brushed my hair behind my ear with a smile.

I had no defense against him. I could only stare, entranced, until he said my name again.

“Shuri?”

“…!”

This isn’t right! How can he say something so embarrassing with a beautiful smile?

I pulled my hand back from his and stepped back.

Focus. Don’t be captivated!

“…No, Prince Richard. And you don’t have to give me dessert.”

I drew a clear line again. His good looks made it hard to ignore him.

“Did I do something wrong again…? Why do you call me like that, Shuri?”

Why does seeing his sulky face feel so bright…? Even as the heroine’s older brother, isn’t this buff too strong?

There was no escape, no way to ignore him. Yet I didn’t want to give up my small revenge. I was trapped.

“Prince Richard hasn’t done anything wrong. And I said I’d give you a chance, not that I wouldn’t draw a line.”

A bit of sophistry, but I didn’t want to correct it. Emotions brought by change can have overwhelming effects.

Living like this, unaware of everything, is fine. I already carry too much; I couldn’t endure more change.

“Yes. Shuri is right.”

Suddenly he changed his attitude but didn’t ask why. He just smiled and fanned me with his hand.

“Why?”

“It felt hot.”

“I’m not hot.”

He cupped my cheeks and moved with me toward my land, holding the documents. Kiel followed.

…Maybe it was a little warm.

I thought spring had passed and summer was coming, but it still felt like spring.