Chapter 39: Lending It Out
ㅤIt wasn’t just me who was surprised to hear that my mother had suddenly come to visit. Danna-sama and all the mansion staff were as well.
ㅤHonestly, I couldn’t believe that the Witwish family, so strict about manners and etiquette, would visit without prior notice. Among the nobles of this country, it’s common practice to give advance notice if one plans to visit. Even if it’s at the last minute, it’s considered good manners to inform the other party before their arrival.
ㅤ
ㅤ’It’s not like they’re some kind of prince who would say “Surprise!”‘
ㅤ
ㅤEven Christina-sama gave me a heads-up, albeit just before. I feel like I’m being subjected to a surprise inspection by my mother.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Wh-what should I do!?”
ㅤ
ㅤDanna-sama was unusually flustered. Even though Danna-sama loves me very much, he seemed to understand that it wouldn’t be convenient for the Witwish family to know that I’m working as an adventurer.
ㅤ
ㅤ”What if they think you’re supporting the territory by being an adventurer because I’m incompetent!”
ㅤ”That won’t happen.”
ㅤ
ㅤStop with the strange misunderstandings already today! I can’t even deal with Danna-sama right now! The fact that his face is completely pale makes me understand the seriousness of his misunderstanding, and it’s scary.
ㅤ
ㅤ”F-for now, let’s buy some time……”
ㅤ”Understood.”
ㅤ
ㅤI’ll leave this to Victor. His personality, which is the epitome of seriousness, is definitely to my mother’s liking.
ㅤ
ㅤ’If I had been even a day late coming home…… No, if it had overlapped with my arrival time yesterday, it would have been a disaster!’
ㅤ
ㅤClose call!
ㅤ
ㅤ”What should I do!? I haven’t told them that Tempest is working hard as an adventurer, but……”
ㅤ
ㅤThe content of Danna-sama’s reply was that I was doing well. He was in Neville, but I had just recently come to see him, and we were getting along well……
ㅤ
ㅤ’Getting along well!?’
ㅤ
ㅤHe did it! Why is he saying such a thing without my permission!? Today’s favorability rating is a minus!
ㅤ
ㅤ”I-I thought it would put your parents at ease……”
ㅤ”It’s too late for that now! Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about the wedding day!?”
ㅤ
ㅤWell…… But certainly, a couple who are getting along relatively well would make a better impression on my mother than a broken, masked couple, right? My family is the type that says, “Fulfill your duties as a noble.” Even if my husband says, “Do as you please,” if I’m not fulfilling my duties as the lord’s wife, it’s a big deal! It’s definitely something that would be said to be outside the scope of “Do as you please!”
ㅤ
ㅤ’We are able to live a prosperous life thanks to the blood taxes of the people. We must do work that is commensurate with that.’
ㅤ
ㅤWhen I’m told that, as someone who used to sigh when looking at the tax portion of my pay stub in my previous life, I can only answer, “Yes……” That’s why it’s the worst possible thing if my activities as an adventurer are judged to be a selfish indulgence.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Ah! But then, Danna-sama’s convenient misunderstanding from earlier works in my favor!’
ㅤ
ㅤSince it can’t be helped that my adventurer identity is out in the open, if I claim that I’m working for the sake of the territory, my mother’s anger might subside somewhat…… probably…… If I assert that I’m contributing to the territory as an adventurer with the approval of the Blood family and Danna-sama, the Duke, I might get away with just a little scolding.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Were you on bad terms with your mother?”
ㅤ
ㅤDanna-sama seemed worried because I was frowning as I thought things over, and then my expression brightened as if I had an idea.
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ㅤ”No…… I just don’t want to be scolded……!”
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ㅤWhen I answered honestly,
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ㅤ”Pfft! Aha! Ahahaha!”
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ㅤHe started laughing hysterically. How rude!
ㅤ
ㅤ”No…… I’m sorry…… You’re just so cute……! So even Tempest has things she’s afraid of……!”
ㅤ
ㅤHe’s still clutching his stomach and laughing while looking at me with a frown.
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ㅤ”I hate being scolded. Especially when I know I’m in the wrong……”
ㅤ
ㅤThat’s right. When I’m told that what I’m doing wrong is wrong, there’s nothing I can do but apologize. Then I become unable to move. It feels like I’m getting a taste of my own medicine after living my life so aggressively. On top of that, my mother is the type to crush you with sound logic. Since I’m aware of the fact that I’m doing as I please, I get scared by the prediction of the future.
ㅤ
ㅤ”What are you talking about? You haven’t done anything wrong. It all started with me saying you could do as you please.”
ㅤ”That won’t work with my mother……”
ㅤ”But I find you being an adventurer so endearing…… I’ll tell her that properly.”
ㅤ
ㅤWow! He says that without a hint of embarrassment! Well, I’m the one being talked about, but the reason why my heart isn’t particularly aflutter is because Danna-sama has a smug look on his face as if he’s saying, “Look how cool I am!”
ㅤ
ㅤ’He’s thinking, “That’s it! Now she’ll fall for me!”‘
ㅤ
ㅤThat’s your problem! But still, it’s a grateful offer.
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ㅤ”Thank you. It’s reassuring to have Danna-sama on my side.”
ㅤ”I-is that so? Yeah! I’m always on Tempest’s side!”
ㅤ
ㅤHe’s wagging his tail happily at my response. This is more to my liking. A straightforward reaction is best, rather than resorting to clumsy schemes.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Come on, Mother! Scold me if you’re going to scold me! I’ve got the Duke of Blood on my side!’
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◇◇◇
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ㅤ”Tempest, you’re an adventurer, aren’t you?”
ㅤ
ㅤIn the reception room I was led to, after my mother finished apologizing for her sudden visit, Danna-sama, who wanted to raise his favorability rating with my mother, said,
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ㅤ’You, Tempest’s parents, are like family to me! Please feel free to come visit anytime!’
ㅤ
ㅤAfter hearing his humble and flattering response, my mother turned her gaze to me with gleaming eyes and asked a question she already knew the answer to.
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ㅤ”Yes.”
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ㅤI’ll start by observing the situation, as I don’t know what she’ll do. I won’t say anything unnecessary. How many times have I added fuel to the fire by saying one word too many? I’m nervous, but it’s still within my expectations. I can handle this.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Then, you understand what I want to say.”
ㅤ”Yes. Regarding that……”
ㅤ”Don’t scold Tempest! It was my fault in the first place! Scold me!!”
ㅤ
ㅤI was planning to choose my words carefully and have a calm conversation, but he cut in! Stop it! Don’t come out yet!!!
ㅤI’m already starting to regret thinking that Danna-sama was on my side. He must have gone through countless negotiations as a lord, so why does he sometimes go off the rails like this!?
ㅤ
ㅤ”What did you just say……?”
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ㅤMy mother’s brow twitched.
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ㅤ”Why should I scold you?”
ㅤ”Huh?”
ㅤ
ㅤThat heartless voice isn’t mine. It’s Danna-sama’s. Well, I had the same reaction as Danna-sama. I understand that he unconsciously sensed the pressure from my mother.
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ㅤ’Oh dear……’
ㅤ
ㅤThat’s what happens when you cut in during a conversation.
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ㅤ”Wendel-sama, would you mind allowing me to speak with my daughter?”
ㅤ”O-of course…… I apologize……”
ㅤ
ㅤDanna-sama readily backed down when he was told not to interrupt the conversation. If I said, “You committed a breach of etiquette too, Mother!”, I would be scolded for bringing up a matter that had already been settled, so of course I kept quiet.
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ㅤAnd so, my mother turned to face me once again. She’s waiting for me to speak.
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ㅤ’It’s okay, it’s okay…… I have a prepared answer, even if it’s hastily put together……’
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ㅤI took a deep breath without being noticed and slowly exhaled.
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ㅤ”I am working as an adventurer, but I always keep in mind what will benefit this territory. I’ve defeated dangerous wyverns, gathered valuable materials, and even prevented the collapse of Neville. It’s certain that the peace that has been maintained is thanks to my efforts.”
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ㅤIt’s like a job interview. I feel like I’m wearing a recruitment suit.
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ㅤ”Then, how does the matter of Christina-sama’s escort benefit the territory?”
ㅤ”!!?”
ㅤ
ㅤHuh? Huh!!?
ㅤ
ㅤ”Uh, well, you see…… that is…… um…… yes…… of course it was necessary…… um……”
ㅤ
ㅤ’How does she know!?’
ㅤ
ㅤI’m curious as to how she got that information. Judging from Danna-sama’s expression, it doesn’t seem like it came from him.
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ㅤ”F-for the sake of the country……”
ㅤ”It would be admirable if you truly believed that.”
ㅤ
ㅤ’She knows!’
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ㅤWell, it’s not a lie, because I thought it would be good if my own satisfaction also benefited the country. It’s not a lie, but…… I can’t relax under her knowing gaze.
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ㅤMy mother closed her eyes for a moment. It was as if she was saying, “I thought so,” but when she opened her eyes, she had a slight smile on her face.
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ㅤ”You’ve always been rebellious since you were born…… but I know that you understood our conversations, digested them in your own way, and accepted the things you could accept.”
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ㅤIs she talking about the way a noble should be? Well, it’s true that I didn’t go to parties or tea parties, but I behaved myself when we had guests. At least as a member of the Witwish family, I’ve worn the skin of a noble. That’s because I know it’s still a useful way to live.
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ㅤ”When the marriage proposal came from the Blood family, of course I was worried. It’s doubtful that you could restrain yourself in front of your favorite food.”
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ㅤThe results are as you see.
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ㅤ”I knew I couldn’t confine you, so I thought that at least in this town where you could interact with adventurers, you would find a compromise and manage things well……. Even if you became an adventurer, with the title of Duchess, you wouldn’t be taken advantage of by those around you.”
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ㅤ’I thought I was married off to get rid of a bad debt…… but she was thinking of me?’
ㅤ
ㅤI suddenly heard a sniffling sound, and then I saw that Danna-sama was tearing up. He was probably moved by seeing my mother’s love up close. Stop it, my tears are going to well up!
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ㅤ”You’re unconventional and have a wild side…… but I know you have a good heart. I wasn’t worried from the start that you would use your overflowing power for evil.”
ㅤ”Okaa-sama……!”
ㅤ”Mother!”
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ㅤHey! Don’t butt in on this touching scene, Danna-sama!
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ㅤ”However! Don’t get carried away with the words ‘Do as you please’ and neglect your duties! I’m always worried about that!”
ㅤ”……Yes.”
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ㅤI knew she would say that.
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ㅤ’My duties as the Duchess of Blood, huh……’
ㅤ
ㅤ”Wendel-sama, I would like to thank you once again for accepting such a daughter.”
ㅤ”I’m the one who’s grateful. Thanks to her, I’m spending the happiest time of my life.”
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ㅤ’Hey!!!’
ㅤ
ㅤNormally, I would immediately deny it, but I’ll refrain from doing so just today.
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ㅤ”Oh my! So that’s…… that’s what was happening! Did you send us that letter out of consideration for us?”
ㅤ
ㅤIt seems that my parents were suspicious of the letter Danna-sama sent them that said we were “getting along well.” As expected of my blood relatives.
ㅤMy mother is in a good mood now. She calls over her attendant and receives a small box.
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ㅤ”Tempest, I came here today to give you something very important.”
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ㅤShe said that and opened the old wooden box.
ㅤ
ㅤ”This is……?”
ㅤ”It’s called the Witwish Shield. I brought it from your Otou-sama.”
ㅤ”Eh? …… Eh!!?”
ㅤ
ㅤThe ‘Witwish Shield’ is that thing, right!? The legendary item that protected our territory in the Great War five hundred years ago!? I thought it was a fictional object from the war stories……
ㅤ
ㅤ”I-is it real?”
ㅤ”Yes. It’s something that is passed down from generation to generation of the head of the family.”
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ㅤIt’s a brooch. A stone that shines like obsidian is set in a frame shaped like a small shield.
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ㅤ’The Witwish family really loves black, huh?’
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ㅤSuch unnecessary thoughts come to mind.
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ㅤ”This is a magic tool that can create a barrier. It uses lost technology, just like the chimera. During the war, it’s said that a barrier strong and vast enough to protect all the soldiers and people of the territory was created.”
ㅤ”Can I…… have this?”
ㅤ
ㅤWith this, I can sleep and take breaks as much as I want in the dungeon! That’s how much of a difference there is in strength and maintainability between defensive magic and barriers.
ㅤJust as I was about to receive it with a “Yay!”, my hand was pulled back.
ㅤ
ㅤ”This is a family heirloom of the Witwish family. It’s something that will be passed down to your younger brother when he becomes the lord…… I’m only lending it to you until then.”
ㅤ
ㅤ’Ah…… she’s worried……’
ㅤ
ㅤI understood immediately when I looked into my mother’s eyes. She’s worried about her troublesome daughter, but she also wants to support her. That’s the look on her face.
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ㅤ”That brooch can only be used by someone who carries the blood of the Witwish family. And even then, it can’t be activated without magical power.”
ㅤ”Then, the only one who can use it now is……”
ㅤ”Yes. Only you.”
ㅤ
ㅤAmong the living blood relatives, I’m the only one with magical power. That means it would be a waste to keep it at my parents’ house.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Don’t worry, your younger brother knows about this.”
ㅤ”He doesn’t seem interested in this, does he?”
ㅤ”Yes, that’s right.”
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ㅤWe both chuckled. Unlike me, my brother is a realist. If something can’t be used, there’s no point in having it. It’s much more rational for someone who can use it to have it.
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ㅤ”But if you die, it will be lost. Never forget that.”
ㅤ”Yes.”
ㅤI looked into my mother’s eyes and answered firmly.
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ㅤ”Ugh…… Sniffle! I-I’m sorry……!”
ㅤ
ㅤAs expected, Danna-sama cried in my place, so my tear ducts remained closed, but if Danna-sama wasn’t weak to familial love, I might have cried.
ㅤWhen it was time to leave, my mother was back to her usual self.
ㅤ”I didn’t want to give you time to think of excuses by contacting you in advance. You had prepared quite a splendid excuse for such a short notice.”
ㅤ”Hehe……”
ㅤ
ㅤWhen she says that, I can only laugh and try to gloss over it.
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ㅤ”Christina-sama was worried about you. And about our family too. That’s why she told us beforehand so that the Witwish family wouldn’t be caught off guard by another family…… If you ever meet her again, be sure to thank her.”
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ㅤSo it was from her…… It was kind of her, but I can’t help but feel that there was also an element of tattling in it.
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ㅤ”Yes…… I lacked consideration……”
ㅤ”Well, we were prepared when we sent you off, so we had already thought of countermeasures.”
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ㅤShe had a spirited smile. Well, I’m sorry…… for causing you unnecessary trouble……
ㅤ
ㅤ”It’s not a given that you have people who care about you.”
ㅤ”I’ll keep that in mind.”
ㅤA grateful heart. That’s certainly important.
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ㅤ”Be careful not to get hurt…… and get along with Wendel-sama.”
ㅤ”Yes!”
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ㅤIt was Danna-sama who answered energetically, as always.