Chapter 109: The Final Farewell
In the radiant morning sun, we were elegantly having breakfast.
“Onii-sama, would you like another piece of bread?”
“Thank you, Ria.”
“Ria-san, may I have some as well?”
“Yes, Sister-in-law.”
Cornelia, who had an outburst the day Cassandra arrived, is now smiling and conversing with Cassandra.
I had been worried, but Cassandra and Cornelia’s relationship is also good. Now, she even calls Cassandra “Sister-in-law.”
There’s still some ambiguity in Lily and Cassandra’s relationship, but Lily also calls Cassandra “Sister-in-law,” so I guess she acknowledges Cassandra to some extent?
Of course, my relationship with Cassandra is also good. Although we had a bit of trouble in our nightlife, Cassandra always respects me and is considerate. I want to repay Cassandra in some way too.
However, Cassandra’s arrival has made me realize various things. That the Baumgarten Mansion in the royal capital is too small and shabby for a Count. That we haven’t acquired the etiquette and education befitting a Count, and so on.
Among them, the biggest thing was probably learning Cornelia’s feelings.
Cornelia remembered the promise we made when we were young, that she would marry me. That itself makes me happy, and frankly, I was relieved.
I was afraid that Cornelia would get married and leave home.
I feel a special bond with Cornelia. I didn’t want to be separated from Cornelia.
But, if I marry Cornelia, I can always be by her side.
Does this mean I love Cornelia as a woman? Or is it just ugly possessiveness? I still don’t know right now.
“By the way, Dee?”
“What is it, Dora?”
“I would like to return to my work at the royal palace soon, if you would permit me?”
“At the royal palace?”
Cassandra was a maid serving Princess Claudia, wasn’t she? And a head maid-like position, overseeing the other maid-sans.
Cassandra hasn’t been to the royal palace since she came to the Baumgarten household.
I heard that noblewomen quit their jobs when they get married, but I wonder if Cassandra doesn’t want to quit?
“Do you want to continue?”
“Yes. If possible, I would like your permission.”
“Alright. It’s fine, give Princess Claudia my regards.”
“Thank you very much, Dee.”
Cassandra smiled, looking truly happy. She must be happy to see Princess Claudia. There’s a definite bond of trust just between Cassandra and Princess Claudia.
That’s right. I should ask Cassandra about that.
“Dora, about Ria’s and Lily’s etiquette, do you think it would be good for them to learn at the royal palace?”
“The royal palace? The royal palace is for those who have already mastered a certain level of etiquette, so…”
“I see…”
Cassandra shook her head, looking troubled.
“In that case, shall I oversee Ria-san’s and Lily-san’s etiquette training?”
“But, wouldn’t that be a lot of trouble for you, Dora?”
“It’s quite alright. Besides, you’ll be heading to the Baumgarten Territory soon, won’t you? We can do it then.”
“I see. Alright. I’m counting on you.”
“Yes.”
So, Cassandra will look after Cornelia’s and Lily’s etiquette, but what about me? I also don’t know how to conduct myself in a manner befitting a Count.
“If possible, could you also look after my deportment? I’m anxious about it too.”
“Yes, I don’t mind at all.”
Cassandra narrowed her eyes as if looking at something dazzling. Just that beautiful smile made me feel like I could do anything.
Thinking about it again, Cassandra really is beautiful. People might wonder what a thirteen-year-old is saying, but I feel an adult composure and allure from Cassandra. There’s the drawback that when I look at Cassandra, I sometimes recall her disheveled on the bed and blush, but if possible, I’d want to keep looking at her forever. That’s how much I think about it.
◇
That day, I was summoned by Princess Claudia as usual.
The preparations for going to the Baumgarten Territory were finally coming together, and this would probably be our last farewell.
“By the way, Dee?”
“Yes, what is it, Princess Claudia?”
Princess Claudia was looking at me with an expression different from usual, as if trying to suppress laughter.
What is it?
“I heard from Dora. You’re quite insatiable, aren’t you?”
“In…satiable…?”
I couldn’t help but ask again at words I never expected to hear from a Princess’s mouth.
“To put it plainly, would it be ‘a man fond of carnal pleasures’? It seems you seek Dora many times a day?”
“!!”
Huh!? Hey, hey, Cassandra-san!? What have you been telling the Princess!?
When I instinctively looked towards Cassandra, she was bashfully hiding half her face with a tray. Her face was bright red.
If you’re embarrassed, then don’t say it!?
Why would you expose a married couple’s secrets…?
“No, um, that’s… Well, ahaha…”
“There’s also the saying ‘heroes are fond of sensual pleasures,’ so there’s no need to be shy, is there?”
Damn it! Princess Claudia is definitely enjoying this! I’ve never seen her smiling so broadly and cheerfully before!
Moreover, the maid-sans nearby must have heard too, as they were looking at me with slightly flushed faces. Among them were even my classmates. Why on earth do I have to have my married life exposed to my female classmates!
“Um, Princess Claudia? About this topic…”
“Oh, why? Isn’t it good that the Count’s household is secure and prosperous?”
“Guh…”
This girl…!
“But you’re right. Dee must be feeling quite uncomfortable like this, so let’s change the subject.”
“Thank you very much…”
If you understood, then please don’t bring it up in the first place…
“I heard from Dora…”
“!!”
Just the way she started that sentence made my body jolt. Princess Claudia was looking at me with a mischievous smile.
“Fufu. Dee, it seems you’ll be returning to your territory for its development?”
“Yes, Princess Claudia. I will be away from the royal capital for a while, so I will not be able to pay my respects to Your Highness.”
“Ah, in that case, it’s alright.”
“Eh?”
“Let’s see. I’ll keep it a secret from Dee for now.”
Saying that, Princess Claudia looked at my face with amusement and smiled.