Chapter 513: That Fuzzy Feeling
Of course, it went without saying that I needed to pay my respects to Fabienne’s parents but the real question was about the others. Rosalia was obviously out of the question. That left Mira. If I brought her along, it might become an issue… perhaps it was best to have her stay behind.
“Hm… looks like it’d be difficult to take Mira with us.”
“Kyuun…”
As if she’d predicted my words, Mira let out a sorrowful whimper. I wanted to cry too. Don’t look at me with those eyes, those pitiful, abandoned puppy eyes. My resolve was wavering. Fabienne gathered Mira gently into her arms, holding her close.
They made such a beautiful picture together. I wanted a camera. Would they scold me if I made one? There should be a magical tool that functions like a copier somewhere…
“I know it’ll be lonely, Mira-chan. I’ll be lonely too. But there are people who need our help right now. That’s why we have to go.”
“Kyuu.”
I couldn’t tell if Mira truly understood, but she buried her face into Fabienne’s chest.
A strange twinge stirred inside me. Was this… jealousy?
“Julius-niisan, may I come with you too?”
“Sorry, Rosalia, but you’ll be staying home as well.”
“Eeh! Nooo, I don’t wanna!”
Rosalia began to throw a tantrum. It had been a while since I’d seen that. Lately, thanks to Mother’s lessons in etiquette, she’d been growing more refined but apparently, not completely cured of her childishness.
Mother and Sister-in-law Daniela soothed her gently.
“I’ll start drafting the report right away. When do you plan to depart?”
“I’ve heard that a carriage carrying the royal court’s alchemists is on its way from the capital. We’ll be leaving together once they arrive in about five days.”
That was rather soon. Things must be worse than I thought. I’d better make my visit to Baron Amber and his wife quickly. I could speak with them when I escorted Fabienne home.
For tonight, Fabienne would stay at the Heine Frontier Territory, and we’d visit the Amber Barony tomorrow morning. Of course, I’d send word ahead today.
Dinner with my family was lively for the first time in a while. When Fabienne and Rosalia began chatting excitedly about pest-control tools, games using that bamboo-like plant, and the water channels and well-digging, Father, Mother, Alex-niisan, and Sister-in-law Daniela all had the same look on their faces, something like, “I knew it.”
I’d include those details in my report later. That should be enough to smooth things over. After all, I’d be heading to the Kingdom of Raven in five days, and by the time I returned, they’d probably have forgotten all about it.
After dinner, I took a bath, a proper one, where I could soak all the way to my shoulders. Fabienne and Nero joined me, of course. Naturally, we were all wearing swimsuits, so nothing indecent there. Still, Fabienne’s swimsuit was starting to look a little tight. I’d need to have a new one prepared soon.
I’d ask a maid to take her measurements. As much as I’d like to do it myself, that would definitely be crossing a line.
“Sorry to drag you along, Nero. You probably wanted to spend some time with Lillie, didn’t you?”
“That’s true… but Lillie understands. We both take great pride in serving you and Rosalia-sama, after all.”
He said it with absolute conviction. There was no hesitation in his eyes. Perhaps from the very moment he became my attendant, he had already accepted his relationship with Lillie for what it was. All the more reason I wanted him to spend time with her when he could. For the next five days, I’d try to keep Rosalia nearby, Lillie would be with her too.
“I feel bad for Fabienne as well. The Ambers must be exasperated with me by now.”
“Not at all. I intend to send them a letter explaining everything. I’m sure they’ll understand.”
“Until I come to fetch you, spend time with your family. It’s only five days, but still.”
“I will. So please, don’t make such a sad face.”
Fabienne leaned her head against my shoulder. I wondered what kind of face I’d been making, probably a rather pitiful one.
The next morning, right after breakfast, I escorted Fabienne to the Amber estate. Since we’d sent word ahead, Baron and Baroness Amber were waiting to welcome us warmly.
We moved straight to the salon, where I explained our upcoming journey to the Kingdom of Raven. I disclosed as much as I was permitted to share.
“I see. So Fabienne’s improved potion is needed there. That’s wonderful news, she’s our pride and joy.”
“She’s my pride and joy as well.”
I laughed along with the Baron. Hearing that, Fabienne’s face flushed red as she lowered her head, while the Baroness watched over her with a soft, sunlit smile. I couldn’t help feeling guilty for having to separate them again.
Once more, I apologized for taking Fabienne away. Though they both bowed and said, “Please take care of her,” I knew they had little choice in the matter. Refusing a request from high nobility was nearly impossible. I wished we could speak as equals, where “no” could truly mean “no.”
That night, I stayed at the Amber estate. Their gardens were beautifully maintained even without Fabienne’s care.
“I started tending the garden in her place, and before I knew it, I’d become quite taken with horticulture myself. As you can see, it’s come along nicely.”
The Baron spoke with pride as he showed me his garden. Compared to Fabienne’s, it felt more vigorous—less delicate beauty, more vibrant strength. The greenery itself seemed alive.
Until now, people had mostly admired flowers, but perhaps houseplants would soon become fashionable as well. When I mentioned that to the Baron, he seemed even more motivated.
I should share this idea with Father and Alex-niisan too. A few plants in each room might help everyone relax and refresh their minds.