Chapter: 322
I started feeling tired even before unpacking all my things.
– There’s my lovely niece! Just arrived, huh? Your dear aunt is on her way!
Suddenly, the communication device blared to life, throwing out unsolicited chatter.
My heart sank at the thought that she might actually rush over right away. At least it was a preemptive notice rather than a surprise attack. Still, having a Duke suddenly showing up where the Academy students were gathered is a bit over the top. It’s a field trip meant for relaxation, not welcoming some high-and-mighty aristocrat!
If it had been any other Duke, I might’ve thought it was just a social call, but dealing with a wino like this is a whole other story.
– Give it to me!
– Huh? You want to see her too?
– Of course! So hurry up.
– Got it! Here you go!
Just as I was about to say we would go to her place, I caught a voice from beside the Wise Duke.
How amazing! The moment I saw the Wise Duke, I felt a weight lift off my chest. Truly, he’s the only one keeping things in check. That’s his power.
– Sounds like you’ve arrived safely. Any trouble on the way?
“None at all!”
Shoving the Wise Duke aside, my dear uncle greeted me with a soft smile.
Yeah, this is how it should be. When you contact a relative, you start with a greeting. The Wise Duke just sent a blunt one-sided notification. Can’t you at least learn from your husband?
– Your auntie here is eager to see her nephews, so I hope to see you today.
“Ah, yes. Understood.”
– And don’t worry, I won’t go to the hotel.
That was a downright comforting statement.
– Go sightseeing with Erich or something. If we’re meeting, we might as well make it somewhere nice.
Implying that if we slip away to somewhere not too crowded, she’s coming to find us there.
For sure, whether the Wise Duke shows up at the hotel or I go to her place, it’s bound to cause a ruckus. Meeting up in a third location will still bring some noise, but it’s definitely the quietest option.
– Oh, feel free to bring others along too.
His words made me chuckle. If my uncle wanted to meet someone other than us nephews, it’d be his future nieces-in-law for sure.
“Thank you for the consideration.”
Of course, I intended to bring others even without him saying it. At least if the Duke Marcilio is nearby, the Wise Duke might tone it down a bit.
When I told Erich that we were going to meet the Wise Duke, he turned into a lost patriot, but that was just a minor issue to me.
“Do you want to go, or should I have my aunt come?”
“I can’t ask my aunt to come over.”
Just that one line was enough to coax my little nephew into action. No matter how you cut it, Erich wouldn’t like his cheeks pinched in front of his classmates. Honestly, I wouldn’t like that either. If that happened in front of others, I’d want to bite my tongue off and die.
“Sarah, you should come too.”
“W-wait, me?”
I suggested this subtly to Sarah, who was looking worriedly at the fidgeting Erich.
My uncle asked for the future nieces-in-law, so I had just the excuse to take Sarah with me. Even though Erich and Sarah weren’t technically engaged or in any lovey-dovey relationship yet, that’s exactly why it was necessary to bring her along.
‘Gotta seize the upper hand whenever I can.’
Unfortunately, Sarah falls short in several areas compared to Count Horfelt. It’s due to her health and family standing, making it impossible to overcome through mere effort.
Therefore, I have to leverage Sarah’s strengths whenever possible. Unlike Count Horfelt, she can comfortably stick by Erich’s side.
“Those two will know your name. I’m sure they’d appreciate a visit from their cousin’s childhood friend!”
At that, Sarah’s eyes sparkled with hope. Unlike someone whose intelligence and intuition had dipped to amoeba levels, Sarah’s senses are perfectly normal. She must’ve quickly realized I made this suggestion with her interests in mind.
“Yes! I’ll get ready right away!”
Watching Sarah hurriedly search for her coat made me smile slightly.
I felt a bit bad for Count Horfelt, but what can I do? For Sarah to have a competitive edge against her imperial competitors, she needs to show her worth at every opportunity. Even if she loses, putting up a fight allows her to accept defeat gracefully.
“Are you really preparing already?”
As I observed her, the Duke Marcilio whispered softly. It seems it was quite obvious to others that I was explicitly taking care of things. I had no intention of hiding it in the first place.
But seriously, why doesn’t Erich notice any of this?
“I guess I have to help you out since your little sister worries too much.”
Holding back a sigh that almost slipped out, I answered somewhat adequately, though it was genuine.
If Erich’s sensitivities were in the pit, I didn’t need to pile on. It’d be an absolute disaster if Sarah, who just recovered her health, collapsed again. I wouldn’t know how to show my face around Mother and the head maid.
“That’s a good brother. Your sister will come to understand your heart one day.”
I sincerely hope so.
Well, we made it outside, but I had no idea where to go. My uncle suggested we go sightseeing with Erich, but we can’t just visit actual tourist spots.
‘Just how much attention do we want to draw?’
We must meet secretly with the Duke and Duchess; how absurd would it be to plan a meeting at a tourist spot? Sure, if you want to hide a tree, you’d hide it in a forest, but this is crossing the line. It’d be too crowded, and who knows if we’d even get through!
Still, given my uncle’s insistence on meeting outside, there must be a decent location. With that mindset, I pulled out a map—
“Oh! Looks like there’ll be fewer people over here.”
“Wow.”
As soon as I looked where Irina pointed, I couldn’t help but exclaim in awe. No need to think it over any further; it was a perfect spot.
Yes, it’s technically part of a species protection zone, but thanks to continuous expansions, it’s long fallen to the status of an old village. Calling it a village feels generous, as it’s so deserted there’s hardly a tourist around—let alone a local resident. It’s a place outside the castle walls, easily reachable by carriage. A perfect distance, with minimal prying eyes. Just right.
“Shall we greet my aunt and then go directly to the protection zone? Since we’ve already taken the carriage, it’d be a shame to just turn back.”
“That’s true.”
I nodded at Erich’s reasonable suggestion. Plus, being a protection zone means it’s a place Duke Marcilio is curious about, so a quick look would be great for me.
With that, we wrapped up our discussions and I turned on the communication device. I should at least leave a message about where we’d be so my uncle doesn’t have trouble finding us.
*
As soon as I heard footsteps approaching from beyond the door, I quietly closed the book I was reading. This cadence was unmistakably my mother’s. If I had the book open and she walked in with a drink, I’d probably end my day feeling miserable.
“Lillie!”
Sure enough, moments later, my mother burst through the door.
Sheesh, I told her she needed to maintain some dignity as a Duchess! Even if she’s not a Duchess, it’s just common sense to knock or say something before entering someone’s room—
“Are you just looking at books again? Ahh, go outside and play for goodness’ sake!”
As soon as she entered, my mother wrapped her arms around me, proceeding to shower my face with kisses.
‘Is that alcohol I smell…?’
Every time she planted a kiss on my cheek or opened her mouth, I felt overwhelmed by the strong scent of alcohol. It’s odd; you wouldn’t get tipsy just from the smell, right?
Nevertheless, my mother’s incessant pecking escalated to a level where it felt like sucking my cheek. Sure, she does this every day, but if it keeps up today, it could be a problem. I have guests to attend to today!
‘I need to say it clearly.’
Strengthening my resolve, I looked at my mother. Today, I was meeting with the children of the Krasius family, who also happen to be relatives. One of those relatives happens to hold a current position as an Executive Manager.
Even being in a territory, I knew the Executive Manager’s name well. A prominent figure in politics, active and young—there’s no way I could be seen here like some child clinging to their mother, still getting kisses.
I can’t embarrass myself in front of a relative who’s a central figure in the empire.
Thus, I needed to articulate this. My mother’s actions are tarnishing the 300-year reputation of the Salón nobility, leaving countless vassals in confusion. Showing excessive affection towards me undermines my standing as the next head of the family.
‘You can do this.’
That’s right, it’s not cruel; it’s something I have to say for the sake of both my mother and our family.
So don’t hesitate, Liliana Salón. Even if it means incurring your mother’s wrath, it’s just for a moment—
“Lilly! You can’t leave mom’s arms!”
“Mom! That’s too tight!”
This time, she hugged me so tightly I could hardly breathe. In my desperation, I let slip the embarrassing word “mom” out loud.
And upon hearing that, my mother squeezed me even tighter.
‘Why!’
It’s incomprehensible! When the Young Lord says something silly, the Duchess should definitely scold him! I’m not a kid, I’m a dignified ten-year-old lady!
“Careful, or you’ll make Lilly faint!”
Even as I struggled with all my might to break free, my savior, Father, arrived just in time, freeing me from my mother’s tight hold.
As soon as I broke free, I rushed behind my father, using him as a human shield. No way my mother would ignore him and come after me!
“Delt, you only said to tell Lilly to get ready! What’s with the crying?”
“Oh, I’m not crying…”
Instinctively denying my father’s comment, I subtly wiped at the corners of my eyes, feeling the dampness there.
This is all because of my mother… A lady doesn’t show tears like this…
“Wahhhh—”
“Oh dear.”
The moment the tears spilled, my father gently stroked my head.
Oh, great. Now I’m even more upset.
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