Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Rozalin's Resolve
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"Then you won't be at the mansion for a while."
"That's right. I have to head east... no helping it."
The social gathering was being held in the east, after all.
"I see..."
We weren't leaving right away.
The topic had come up a few days ago, and I'd gotten William's permission properly just yesterday. Of course, I'd only told Rozalin today.
"I get it..."
"Why do you ask?"
"Oh? It's nothing. I was just thinking it's great that you'll get to know other nobles through this."
"Ah..."
"You mentioned she was a young lady who came to the tea party last time?"
"Yes, she's Ella from the Niesista Barony, also from the south."
"Ah, I've heard of the Niesista family before."
As expected, the Niesistas were in a better position than the Leonhardts. If Rozalin, who came from a count's family, had heard of them, that said it all.
Of course, the Rose family didn't sell goods to the Niesistas, as far as I knew.
In any case, the Niesistas' invitation was something we couldn't turn down—it was pure profit for us.
William had no connections in high society, so it was only natural.
"If the gathering had been in the south, it would've been closer, easier to travel back and forth. It's a bit disappointing, isn't it?"
"You're right. Going all the way east is honestly a hassle."
"But there's no choice. Still, it's a chance to build ties with nobles your age, so make the most of it."
Rozalin said this while stroking my hair.
Truth be told, we were in... Rozalin's room. On her bed, no less.
It was our now-familiar afternoon nap time. We'd lain down for that today, chatting lightly before drifting off.
Rozalin was lying beside me on the bed.
"Hmm..."
"Why? What's up?"
Rozalin looked at me, suddenly lost in thought.
What was it? Did I have something on my head?
"You're... eight now, right, Camellia?"
"That's right."
"Hmm..."
"...?"
What?
"What's wrong?"
"Hmm... At eight, wouldn't it be fine to start learning magic? Just a passing thought. You haven't learned any yet, have you?"
"No...?"
Was it really trendy for kids to learn magic? Ella had bragged about learning it herself while sharing the info.
If Rozalin was saying this, it must actually be a thing.
Of course, I didn't know exactly how trendy, but it probably wasn't total nonsense.
"Hmm... Magic. Do you want to learn it?"
"Not sure."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
I answered honestly.
I was living comfortably without magic anyway. We had money, servants—I never needed to lift a finger.
Plus, there were people around who could use magic, so I could rely on them without learning it myself.
"Still... it might be good to learn. It's not completely useless, right?"
"Probably."
"Then... if I can, I will."
I didn't desperately want to learn magic. It just seemed like a net positive.
It really did seem beneficial.
Rozalin seemed to want me to learn it too, which was a big factor. I wasn't dying to dive into magic, but if she thought it was fine...
So I gave a positive answer.
"Then I'll look into a magic tutor for you. You'll learn it at the academy anyway. These days, it's practically expected to start young."
Fine by me.
Better to learn than not, so I nodded and accepted Rozalin's offer.
She seemed pleased with my reaction... maybe?
*
I did some preparations before heading east.
Not that I did much myself—I just gave the orders. Same difference.
We packed plenty of clothes, including dresses, and Lize's maid uniform. As my exclusive maid, it made sense to handle her luggage together.
Naturally, I got spending money from William, plus info on the noble families attending and their kids.
Classic William prep.
"I've booked a high-end inn near the party venue for your stay. Use that, and if any issues or important matters come up, use the magic tool to contact us."
"It's a kids' party, so nothing serious should happen."
"But kids or not, they're nobles. Each one wields local power in their regions."
"Got it."
That was the gist.
It wasn't a vacation, so these talks were inevitable, especially since I was going alone.
"And after you return from the east, I'll assign you a magic tutor. What do you think?"
"Already?"
I was a little surprised by William's words.
It had only been a few days since my chat with Rozalin—I hadn't expected it this soon. Figured he'd tell me after I got back.
"Yes, your stepmother suggested it first. She said magic's trending among young nobles lately."
"I've heard that. Don't know the details yet."
"Well, I planned to have you start around ten anyway. And you'll learn it at the academy eventually. Just a bit earlier."
"Sounds fun. Thanks."
It was good news, after all.
That wrapped things up, more or less. The social gathering in the east, and what came after.
I hadn't been shocked or thrilled at first about learning magic. But now that it was real, it felt a little nice.
Maybe because I'd lived without it before. Felt a bit awkward.
"Did the talk go well?"
"Yes, nothing major. Just names and info on the attending families. That's it."
"Better to know going in. Going just to enjoy it isn't bad, but with so many people... better to be cautious."
"I'll be fine."
Probably?
I wasn't planning to draw attention or cause trouble. The goal was just to build some ties and come back.
I figured I'd slip in and out quietly.
William and Rozalin seemed overly worried about a party for early teens at most... but Rozalin's concern wasn't unwelcome.
"By the way, Camellia, who's going with you to the east? It's a long carriage ride, and you'll need help with various things."
"One coachman, Lize... some knights... um... that's it."
No one else came to mind. Aside from Lize, the rest weren't worth noting or interesting.
They were mercenaries hired as "knights," after all.
Though... they were paid so well their loyalty was unusually high for mercs.
"...So aside from your exclusive maid and a few knights, you'll be alone?"
"Yeah? No one else needs to go east with me. It's just a kids' social gathering."
"........."
"What's wrong?"
Rozalin paused mid-cut on her dinner steak, looking at me with faint worry.
"Ah, if you're concerned about safety, the route is completely secure, and our family's knights are quite skilled. No need to worry."
I said what should reassure her. There really was no need.
We didn't have some grand lion knight order like other nobles, but our guys were solid.
The road to the east was well-maintained—no random bandit attacks.
"...Ha."
Uh.
Yet Rozalin sighed, her gaze not just worried... but more so.
It wasn't that serious...
"The patriarch's busy with work, and the butler can't go either..."
"Go where?"
"Someone to help you on the road to the east. How can we send an eight-year-old young lady alone?"
"Huh? Lize is coming, and the knights too, so no problem..."
I wasn't alone to begin with...?
I told Rozalin that, but she pressed harder.
What if something happens and a message isn't enough? What if you clash with an adult? Lize is only ten—what good is that? Questions like that poured out.
Hmm... hard to argue.
"Hire a reliable adventurer from the Adventurer's Guild with guaranteed creds?"
"...No."
"Why not?"
"I'll tell the patriarch I'm going with you."
"Huh? You, Mother? You don't have to..."
"No, this is right. Or... do you not want me to come?"
"N-No! Absolutely not!"
I shouted across the table without thinking.
But it really wasn't that I didn't want her. She was just worrying too much.
And... her question was unfair. One I couldn't say no to.
Asking something only a yes would answer... that was too much.
Especially since her sudden offer to come along had my mind racing, and she hit me with that while I was focused on it.