Kays Translations

Chapter 347: Sending Fabienne Off

After seeing off the royal-capital party, the next farewell was Fabienne's. Spring had arrived, and she could not remain at the House Heine estate indefinitely.

The day after Brother Cain and the others departed, Fabienne returned to her parents at House Ambert.

“Thank you for everything you did for me this winter.”

Fabienne bowed deeply at the estate entrance, but Father stopped her.

“We are the ones who should thank you.”

“Yes,” Mother added. “It felt as though we had gained another daughter, and you brought great happiness to the household.”

Tears gathered in Fabienne's eyes. This was not a permanent separation; beginning tomorrow, she would visit every day. Only the evenings would feel different.

“Thank you, Lady Fabienne,” Brother Alex said. “Your work helped place the Heine Trading Company on firm footing. I hope you will continue assisting us.”

“Of course. I will continue working beside Lord Julius.”

“Are you truly leaving, Sister-in-law Fabienne?” Rosalia asked.

“Rosalia, do not make Lady Fabienne feel guilty,” Brother Alex said, although his own eyes were damp.

Everyone knew she would return the following day, but the farewell atmosphere had made the household melancholy.

“We should leave now, Lady Fabienne.”

“Yes.”

“Kyuu.”

“Mira, please remain here today.”

“Kyuu!”

Mira protested with their customary headbutt, but I was only escorting Fabienne home and intended to return immediately. Rosalia looked uneasy as well.

“I shall come straight back after taking Lady Fabienne home.”

“That would be best,” Father said. “With so many people leaving at once, Rosalia and Mira may be feeling unsettled.”

He smiled wryly at them. The estate had been unusually lively that winter, so the sudden quiet probably felt much stronger.

After reassuring Mira, Fabienne and I departed by carriage.

The snow in the territorial capital had completely melted. Residents had begun filling the streets again, as though everyone had been waiting impatiently for spring.

Baron and Baroness Ambert were waiting at the entrance when we arrived.

“I apologise for keeping you waiting.”

“Not at all. We came outside a little early.”

“Welcome home, Fabienne.”

They welcomed their daughter warmly while the servants unloaded her luggage. She had returned with more than she had taken, much of it consisting of Heine Trading Company products that she now used regularly.

We moved to the salon to discuss the new arrangement. Baron Ambert had received Father's letter and repeatedly apologised.

“I am sorry to ask so much of House Heine.”

“There is no need to apologise. We are the ones requesting Lady Fabienne's continued help.”

Baroness Ambert and Fabienne watched our repeated bows with complicated expressions, unable to decide which side to support.

“As Father wrote, I shall collect Lady Fabienne every morning and escort her home each evening.”

“Is that truly necessary? It will demand considerable effort. We can send her to the estate ourselves.”

“House Heine is asking for her assistance, so arranging her transport is only proper. Besides, Mira is eager to help.”

“Mira is?”

Father's letter had apparently omitted the method of transport. That was understandable; Mira had only recently learned to enlarge their body.

“We plan to travel on the back of Mira, the holy dragon.”

Baron and Baroness Ambert froze.

Fabienne and I explained that we had already taken several safe flights and that Mira could carry two children securely. The couple eventually accepted the arrangement, although their expressions suggested resignation rather than confidence.

“For House Heine—and a holy dragon—to go so far for us… How can we possibly repay such kindness?” Baron Ambert asked.

Perhaps a carriage would have caused less alarm. Nevertheless, I could not dismiss Mira's earnest wish to help. They had probably learned to enlarge themselves because they wanted to be useful.

“Please thank Mira when they come tomorrow. Praise will make them happier than any reward.”

“Yes, of course.”

Baron and Baroness Ambert looked close to tears. To them, Mira was not merely a convenient travelling companion but a sacred figure from legend.

After confirming the daily arrangements, I left House Ambert.

I rode back alone, and the carriage felt far larger than before. Fabienne was my precious fiancée; naturally, her absence made me lonely.

I should have brought Mira with me.

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