Chapter 186
Chapter 186
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Winter Break Plans
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The first year at the Academy passed by much faster than I had expected.
In truth, it was because I didn't do much—just slept through classes every time and then hung out with pretty girls afterward.
But in the end, it felt like time had flown by faster than anticipated.
"Hmm...."
Just one more month, and I'd turn 14, with the school year advancing too.
Honestly, I didn't feel any particular excitement about it.
"Sis, what should we do this break? Dad said it's fine to just relax this winter."
"Really...? Then, uh...."
"Since it's winter, how about a trip somewhere?"
"Yeah, sounds good."
"We could skip going north and head somewhere warmer down south...?"
"Sure."
Unlike me, my other friends seemed pretty thrilled about the upcoming break.
They'd been looking forward to winter vacation for weeks now.
They were still kids, after all.
That's why they couldn't help but be excited about it.
"Camellia, what are you gonna do?"
"Me?"
"Who else but you, Camellia?"
"Hmm.... Fair enough."
Ella asked me that while I lounged comfortably on the bed, wrapped in blankets.
She was probably influenced by the Rosaki sisters constantly chatting about break plans.
"I haven't thought of anything specific. But.... there is one thing I might do."
"What is it? Wait, since when do you even plan stuff like that...?"
"Ella."
"...Well, it's true, isn't it? You've always just played around during breaks and vacations? When you're not doing business, you just play...?"
"......."
Of course, I understood what Ella meant.
Yeah, I got it.
I'd lived like that every time, including the last break.
But hearing that fact from someone else's mouth felt entirely different....
"Sigh.... Anyway, I think I'll head north this break."
"North?"
"Yeah. North. There's some business with Lady Ivana."
"...Pardon?"
"It's business-related, and it's a bit tricky to handle just by letter, so I need to go there myself."
I hadn't mentioned it before.
The northern business talks were only with Ivana anyway, and there was no need to tell the others.
I'd only informed Lize and Rozalin, so their reactions made sense.
"So... you'll be spending the whole break with Lady Ivana?"
"Probably. The stuff in the north won't wrap up in a day or two. We'll likely spend quite a bit of time together."
"Oh...."
Honestly, I'd wanted to visit the north for a long time.
When Rozalin mentioned how brutally cold it was, I hesitated, but since childhood, I'd been drawn to it.
That's why I'd even brought up northern business ideas back when I was really young.
A place blanketed in heavy snow everywhere—anyone would want to see it at least once.
"I see...."
"What about you, Ella? Something with your family like last break?"
"Not sure. I just... want to rest this time...."
"Ah."
Hmm.
Hmm....
Ella's vibe was just like when Karen and I chatted alone and brought up other girls.
No, it felt even more pronounced.
Ella was usually so bright, and her words and actions reflected that, so her gloom stood out even more.
"Ella."
"What."
She replied a bit sulkily.
It definitely wasn't her usual self.
But that made her seem oddly cute.
The ever-cheerful, innocent Ella acting pouty was rare.
"Want me to bring back a souvenir when I return from the north?"
I said it on purpose.
I could have invited her along or brought up something else.
I knew that's what she wanted.
"...Do whatever."
She answered still pouting.
Her lips weren't pursed out, but the sulk was clear.
So different from her usual self?
"Anyway, I think I have to go north this winter."
"...Fine."
"So, really, what are you doing over break?"
"No idea. Dad hasn't said anything about plans."
"I'm asking what you want to do."
"I said I don't know."
Truthfully, cheering Ella up was simple.
Just invite her to the north, and she'd brighten right up.
But I deliberately didn't.
It was business, after all.
Dragging a friend along on a business trip to the north didn't seem ideal.
Not just Ella—the other friends in the club room gave me those looks too... but it couldn't be helped.
*
After break started, I returned to the Leonhardt Mansion from the Academy first.
It was chilly because of winter, but the south's winter was like a slightly cool autumn elsewhere, or early winter in other regions.
"You're going north?"
"Yes, I think I have to this winter break."
"Uh...."
The moment I got back to the mansion for break, I talked with Rozalin.
It would've been too much to head north without properly telling her.
I'd grown a lot, but I still wasn't an adult, and sneaking off without a word would've gotten me in huge trouble.
"It's for that business... right?"
"Yeah."
"...When are you going? In about two weeks?"
"There's a lot to handle during break, so I probably need to leave in a few days."
I hadn't nailed down an exact date with Ivana.
But I needed to go soon.
There was tons to do, and no clue how long it'd take.
"...I see."
"It's not just any business—it's Lady Ivana's, so no choice."
"I suppose it's unavoidable."
"Plus, the Nordal Family has a lot to do in the north during winter."
It was winter, when monsters needed heavy hunting too.
Going late wouldn't be good.
"Winter in the north is busy for sure. Better to go early."
"And finish quick to come back sooner."
"True...."
"I'd love to relax at the mansion, but delaying work isn't an option."
I really wanted to lounge comfortably at the mansion.
I'd worked hard through the first semester at the Academy.
Even aside from that, I still wanted more time with Rozalin.
I'd realized that last break... but separately.
"So, what will you do there?"
"Prep the business first, I guess... Details need discussing with Lady Ivana and her people."
"Isn't the north really cold?"
"Probably."
"Did you prepare well? If not, it'll be tough...."
"I just got back today? Prep starts now."
"Oh...."
They'd be ready for my arrival up north, but I hadn't packed yet.
I'd only just arrived.
Now I needed to head to my room and prep slowly with Lize.
Not just me—Lize, coming along, needed solid prep too.
"Clothes, documents—lots to gather."
Quite a bit to prepare.
Not casual travel prep—thorough stuff.
"Lize will handle most of it."
"Lize is going too.... Of course she is."
"Yeah? It's tough alone."
"...Right."
Going north solo would've been weird anyway.
It took time to get there, and having help like Lize afterward would definitely be useful.
Not just for business—other things too.
"What if I come along?"
"Pardon?"
"Going north just with Lize sounds tough, right? The journey, and staying there just the two of you...."
"Hmm.... Maybe, but I don't think it'll be that bad. We're going through the capital anyway?"
Traveling north via the capital was fine, time aside—no real hassle.
Passing through the empire's capital meant safe, easy roads.
I understood Rozalin's worry.
Her daughter heading far north... natural.
"Still, just the two of you...."
"Hehe, it'll be fine. Our family's carriage and horses are top-notch, right? No need to worry too much."
"...Are you sure?"
"And Father might be away anytime. Better if you stay at the mansion, no?"
Last summer break, William didn't return the whole time.
Always off on business as he pleased.
Rozalin staying would be... good.
"Haha...."
Of course, I'd love taking Rozalin north and spending time together.
It'd be fun.
But... with her there, I doubted I'd focus on business with Ivana.
That's why I kept dodging, unable to say it.