When we visited, the sun was already setting, so we quickly entered the main building. Since we planned to stay for a few days, exploring the estate could wait until tomorrow.
Leo and Baron Grace seemed to have something to discuss separately from us. When Leo turned to look at us while following Baron Grace, his expression suggested it wasn’t just a casual chat. Knowing the Grace family’s reputation from the original story, they were probably going to train together.
Plus, Baron Grace’s martial prowess is among the top in the game. He wouldn’t go easy on his own son either.
…I understand why Leo looked like that. If I had come home during vacation only to face tougher training than at the academy, I’d probably wear a similar expression.
At the same time, I felt a bit gloomy. Wouldn’t I have to meet Emperor Arthur III when I returned to the imperial palace?
Actually, even if Leo didn’t undergo special training, being around us was a different story. The academy was mixed-gender, so that was unavoidable, but in noble society… it’s difficult for a man to earn good impressions among women when he’s surrounded by them.
If a really macho-type guy was surrounded by girls throwing themselves at him, that would be something to brag about, but if a beautiful boy like Leo was mingling and laughing with girls… um.
I couldn’t help feeling sorry for Leo. While Alice and I were around, he’d have to show that side to different people repeatedly.
“When I heard that ‘sister’ you always mention is the Crown Princess, I honestly had some doubts about Claire’s memory,” said the Baroness smoothly while elegantly sipping her tea.
I briefly considered not putting sugar in my tea, seeing as she didn’t, but it felt like I’d leave tea behind if I did, so I reluctantly added just one sugar cube.
Thankfully, the atmosphere didn’t seem to focus on such actions.
“…”
Not knowing how to respond to the Baroness, I took a sip of my tea to stall for time and replied, “I think it’s completely understandable.”
“Sister.”
At my words, Claire replied sadly, then quickly shut her mouth. She stole a glance at the Baroness.
The Baron and Baroness wouldn’t have discriminated against Claire just because she wasn’t of their blood. It was more likely they were concerned about me being called “sister.”
While the Baron and Baroness were relatively progressive, they were still nobles. And for nobles, referring to someone as “sister” in a non-blood-related context was quite inappropriate.
Especially since the other person was a Crown Princess.
Ironically, since the Grace family didn’t show discrimination towards non-blood-related individuals, they likely viewed me as a definite member of the royal family.
“It’s alright,” I spoke up before the Baroness could say anything.
“We lived relying on each other in our childhood.”
Claire’s face grew a bit red at my words. Alice looked between me and Claire, her eyes filled with interest.
Alice had never asked me about my past before. We hadn’t promised to avoid talking about it, but it was sort of an unspoken rule. Not just for me, but for the other Emperor’s children as well.
That was also why, in the original story, Alice didn’t know about Claire’s past.
But now, with someone in front of me who openly knew about it, it was only natural for curiosity to arise.
That said, I didn’t pry.
“Is that so…?” The Baroness said, eyeing me closely.
She must have been a little cautious, as it would reflect on her daughter’s memory being correct, especially if the Crown Princess confirmed it.
“Claire and I are from the same orphanage. I’m also the one who brought Claire here.”
“And you took care of the other children too, right?”
“…That’s right.”
While I didn’t sense blame in her voice, actually saying that in front of them made me feel a bit embarrassed. In a sense, I had kind of dumped the kids onto them, knowing the Grace family’s nature.
Besides, initially, I planned to entrust Claire along with the others.
I often imagined how my life might have been if I had entrusted them there. Would I have grown up like Claire, squabbling with Leo over who called whom brother or sister? Or would I have grown up as the oldest?
Well, I didn’t have sword skills, so I may not have been adopted by the Grace family. In reality, Claire was the only one among the children who was adopted.
Still, I would have taken the academy entrance exam; perhaps I would have been placed in a different class.
If that were the case, Alice and I wouldn’t have had an equal relationship; I might have looked up to Alice instead.
Each choice completely alters the future.
“There’s no need to worry too much,” the Baroness said, smiling warmly at me, as if my expression and reaction reassured her.
“The children all grew up splendidly. Some have already started working as retainers for our family.”
“Is that so?”
Well…
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how they remembered me. While it seemed like Claire had strong memories, for the other children…
Truthfully, their faces and names were a bit hazy.
I diligently revisited the game’s contents. I copied notes repeatedly onto paper to avoid forgetting and visited places that served as game backgrounds within the capital.
But I didn’t make such efforts for other memories. Simply living felt overwhelming back then.
At least they hadn’t turned out badly, which was a relief.
“Actually,” the Baroness said, placing her teacup down with a slightly heavy tone, “I didn’t disclose the Crown Princess’s identity to those children. It’s a sensitive subject in many ways.”
“Thank you.”
I spoke frankly.
It wouldn’t matter if the fact that I wasn’t of their blood circulated, but it was better for the truth of my identity to stay hidden. The fewer people who knew, the better.
On that note, Claire calling me sister could also be risky, but… well, Claire was treated like an oddball even among the nobles.
Moreover, the noble kids all thought something shady was going on behind me, so nobody really wanted to get close. So, I didn’t mind too much, even if her calling me sister was unique.
“But if the Crown Princess wishes, I can arrange for you to meet the other children as well.”
“…”
I looked over at Alice and Claire.
Alice seemed a bit interested. Since Claire was among the kids I cared for, she probably wanted to see how the others were doing.
And as for Claire, she looked like she was expecting something.
Although she was adopted by the Grace family, she must have been close to those kids previously. While I had only briefly interacted with them, Claire must have spent her childhood with them. In a way, they would be childhood friends.
So, I was a little intrigued.
Those kids might not recognize me, but I was curious about Claire’s relationships with them.
Since the Grace family had a laid-back atmosphere with their retainers, maybe Claire wouldn’t hesitate to speak to them.
And above all else, I was curious about how significant my past actions were.
But…
“However, it’s getting late.”
Although I hadn’t had dinner yet, that meant it was about time to do so.
For commoners, their sleeping hours could be counted on one hand, but nobles were different. The Grace family wouldn’t treat their retainers like commoners working in a factory.
Still, wandering around the family at this hour felt a bit off. Plus, with a Crown Princess around, people would have to come and greet us.
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
But the Baroness spoke confidently.
“There are children learning within this mansion as well. Since they planned to learn in the afternoon today, it shouldn’t be a big deal for you to visit.”
At the Baroness’s words, both Alice and Claire turned to look at me simultaneously.
“…I understand. In that case, I will gladly rely on your kindness.”
In the end, that’s how I responded.
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