Chapter 10: The Strongest Onmyoji, Captures (Part one)

Next morning.

After a short vacation, the day came to leave for school again.

“Well… is this all your luggage, Seika?”

Luft looks at the line of wagons and says.

We were not alone on the return trip. Fiona’s group and Grey’s platoon escorting them were also with us. In addition to the impressive line of wagons, I could also see soldiers riding horses in light armor.

It will be a safer journey than when we went to Astilia.

“That’s right. Thank you, brother.”

“Be well when you get back to the academy.”

“I know”

“And you need to decide what you’re going to do when you graduate from the academy, and you need to decide fast. As for father, I know he’d want you to go on to higher education…….”

“Ah, I know …”

I reply with a tight smile.

I had not told Blaise or Luft that I was going to be an adventurer.

I’m going to keep my mouth shut until the last minute. I don’t want them to start saying they won’t pay my tuition or something. ……

“I’m glad you’re doing well, Ifa. You’ve been working all day, did you get your rest?”

“I’m fine. Take care of yourself, Luft-sama.”

Ifa says shyly.

All the time she was in the mansion, Ifa had been doing housework with the servants and slaves. She didn’t have to do that anymore, but she did not have anything else to do.

Perhaps she wanted time to talk with those she was close to. The next time we meet will be a long time from now, if ever.

“And Miss Mabel. Please come again if you have a chance.”

“…… Yes.”

Mabel nodded her head regretfully.

I looked at her with half-open eyes.

Mabel had been lazy throughout her stay.

I don’t mind that she was a guest, but it was enough to make me want to scold her.

“Uh … I want to stay here all the time …”

“Hey you …… are you like that at your parents’ house?”

“I wear a mask in front of them … so I’m a little tired.”

”Wear it here. Why was it so relaxing?”

“I understand how the girls who want to marry an aristocrat feel. …… I want to live like this all my life.”

“The people who say that are also prepared to have children, go out socially, support their husbands in their work, and so on. They don’t just want to live like you!”

“Why do you say such horrible things?”

“Everyone is living on their own strength. For that reason, let’s study hard again when we return to school.”

“Ugh…… no!”

I look down at Mabel with dismay as she gets teary-eyed.

I wonder if she has this kind of personality. In contrast to Ifa and Amiyu, who are the type to start moving even if you leave them alone.

“Hey, Seika!　What are you doing in a place like that!”

Suddenly, Grey’s voice rang out.

My second brother, who had returned from the platoon’s wagon, was staring at me with his hands on his hips.

“It’s time to go, what are you waiting for?”

“So noisy……”

“I’m sorry, Grey. I’m the one who’s been holding you back.”

“Well…… that’s fine. See you later, brother.”

“Grey……”

“What the hell……, you’ll come to the capital once in a while, won’t you?　We can see each other then.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Fiona appears in a flash from behind Grey and says.

 “I hope Grey doesn’t end up in a fight with the assassin who was sent to kill me. Ufufufu.”

 “…… Hey. Don’t be so ominous at a time like this.”

“Ufufu, I’m joking,……it’s a joke. So don’t worry.

“Oh, oh ……”

Fiona laughs.

Or perhaps it was Fiona’s concern that no future would come in which Grey would be defeated by assassins.

“Your Royal Highness ……”

“Lord Luft. I thank you for your hospitality. It was a great comfort to me before I started my journey back to the capital. I’m sorry for the trouble I have caused you during my long stay. I will be sure to repay you for this. Please convey this to Lord Blaise.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. I am honored that you have chosen my estate for your stay. I’m glad that your visit was a restful one. I will continue to work hard for the promotion of the territory and the development of magical studies for the sake of the empire.”

“Ufufu. I’ll borrow your excellent younger brother.”

“If it’s all right with you, please use him to your heart’s content.”

“Hey!”

At that moment, a red-haired girl peeked out of the window of a nearby carriage.

“Huh? Aren’t you guys on board yet? Should I get off too?”

I smiled a little and raised my hand to Luft, 

“See you later, brother. Take care.”

I wonder when we will see each other again.

I’ve never thought of him as family, but I’m kind of hoping that I’ll get the chance to see him again.

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