Chapter 197
Chapter 197
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: My Birthday
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After successfully wrapping up the business talk with Ivana, I returned to the south as usual.
I couldn't spend time in the north until the vacation ended, and besides, it felt a bit awkward to keep staying there as a guest.
So, I came back south.
Was it because I'd been staying in the empire's coldest region, the north, and now returned to the south?
The contrast was truly striking.
"That's why so many people visit the south in winter, isn't it?"
"Young Lady, even so, it might be better to dress a little warmer. You could catch a cold in what you're wearing now."
"Pfft, got it."
Even after several days back in the south, the region's characteristically milder winter still felt unfamiliar in every way.
Just a short while ago, I'd been living in a brutally cold place, after all.
"And a little while ago, Madam said she wanted to see you."
"Why?"
It was sudden.
Why would Rozalin call for me out of the blue?
Unlike in the north, I hadn't caused any incidents here yet.
I'd really just been relaxing comfortably since returning.
"I don't know either. She just mentioned it."
"Hmm.... Well, I'll find out when I go see her in a bit."
Of course, I had no intention of avoiding it.
Even if Rozalin started lecturing me, I could just admire her unusual expression and let it go in one ear and out the other.
Anyway, lounging around the mansion in just a simple shirt and pants felt really awkward.
I'd spent about a month layering clothes heavily.
It was definitely different from wandering around Nordal Castle with an extra coat over my outfit.
Anyway, after chatting lightly with Lize, I headed straight from my room to Rozalin's.
I had no idea why she'd called me, but it was probably nothing major.
There wasn't anything pressing right after returning south, after all.
*Knock knock.*
"Mother? May I come in?"
I knocked casually and asked Rozalin inside, just as naturally as ever.
I'd done it from outside the door before, but this felt better.
"Yes, come in."
"Sure~"
I entered Rozalin's room like that, but I still had no clue why she'd summoned me.
Did she have some task for me?
Even that didn't fit, since she'd only been handling servant-related work since I got back.
"What did you need? Lize said you wanted to see me."
"Hmm...."
"What is it?"
She looked at me thoughtfully.
What could it be?
I couldn't figure it out, so I tilted my head.
"You really don't know?"
"Uh... no? It was so sudden."
"Sigh...."
"Why the sigh?"
Rozalin let out a deep sigh at my response.
What reason could there be for her to react like this with a sigh?
I even started worrying that something serious had happened.
In this sudden situation of her calling me to her room, it really felt like there might be an issue.
"Your birthday is tomorrow."
"Huh?"
"...Camellia, your birthday is tomorrow."
"Oh.... Is it?"
The revelation turned out to be far less dramatic than I'd imagined.
I'd thought it was some hugely important, urgent matter that needed immediate discussion.
Instead, it was just an utterly ordinary topic.
"Sigh.... How could you forget that...?"
"I've been so busy lately, I forgot."
"I'd prepared something special for your birthday. If I'd known, I wouldn't have said anything until tomorrow...."
"Ahaha...."
Well.
I understood Rozalin's exasperation, but I couldn't help it.
I'd had so much on my plate recently.
I'd only been back at the mansion for a few days, and the vacation had been quite hectic, so it was unavoidable.
On top of that, I planned to visit the Information Guild within the week to pick up more intel on the Rose Family.
I'd completely blanked on the fact that my birthday was literally tomorrow.
"I was going to ask what you wanted to do tomorrow...."
"Haha...."
"What would you like?"
"I'm fine with just a normal day."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I've always celebrated my birthday ordinarily anyway."
There was no need for a grand party or anything.
I didn't have many people to invite in the first place.
Plus, time with Rozalin was far more enjoyable, so I figured I'd have a happy birthday without any fuss.
"Don't you want anything specific, or go somewhere?"
"Hmm.... Not really. I've been traveling up north until just a few days ago, so resting comfortably at the mansion sounds sufficient."
"...I see."
Having been on the move so much lately, I genuinely didn't feel like doing anything special for my birthday.
Of course, Rozalin's reaction showed she wanted to do something for me.
She'd always wanted to mark my birthday somehow.
I'd known that tendency since my early childhood.
She was probably just a bit disappointed now, wanting to make this birthday ordinary like the others.
Rozalin's true feelings often showed plainly in her expressions and actions.
"Hmm.... How about we go out to eat together tomorrow, then?"
"Shall we?"
"Staying cooped up in the mansion on your birthday might feel dull."
Her face lit up the moment I said that.
Her reactions were... just so cute.
I always thought so, but seeing this made me realize once again how young she was.
Well, Rozalin was in her early twenties, so of course she was young.
Younger than the academy professors, even.
Considering that, she was far too young to feel like a mom.
It was hard for me to see her purely as a mother because of her age.
"Pfft...."
"Where should we go? How about that restaurant we went to before? The food was great last time. Want to try it again?"
"You should pick whatever you think is best, Mother."
I didn't mind either way if we went out.
Spending relaxed time with Rozalin was more than enough for me.
*
That's how I ended up spending my birthday with Rozalin.
I'd planned on a usual ordinary day, but she seemed quite excited....
I smiled and headed out with her.
"It is pretty chilly out, though."
"Yeah. Good thing I wore a coat."
Going out just the two of us, without Lize or the other servants, felt quite fun.
Having Lize along was nice, sure... but being alone together felt a bit like a date, didn't it?
That made it definitely better than going with others.
"You've always liked spicy food, Camellia. How about that place with the spicy pasta we had before?"
"That sounds good. With the cold weather lately, it'd hit the spot."
We strolled slowly through the streets, chatting like that with Rozalin.
She kept bringing up food options, but I didn't mind much.
My goal today was simply going out together like this.
That's how Rozalin and I arrived at a nice, atmospheric restaurant.
We ordered normally, savored the food leisurely.
Even in that ordinary time, Rozalin seemed far happier than expected.
Was going out to play on my birthday such a big deal for her?
Who knows.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything special for your birthday."
"I'm happy just going out with you, Mother."
"If that's enough... I'm glad, but still, it's your birthday—I feel bad not doing more."
It was the same thought she'd always had.
She always wanted to treat me well, and I appreciated it...
"I've told you before, haven't I? Wandering around with you like this is plenty for me."
"Really...?"
Just those words made her lips curve up in delight.
Honestly, it was fascinating, and after seeing her nag lately, this cute side felt even more endearing.
"By the way, once next month ends, you'll have to head back to the academy, right?"
"Yeah."
It was January now, and by late February, it'd be time to return.
I felt a bit reluctant... but since the second semester promised more fun than the first, that eased my mind somewhat.
"It's nice spending time like this together... but it can't be helped."
"Right."
Personally, hanging out with other girls was fun too.
But time with Rozalin had a distinctly different feel.
I preferred staying at the mansion over going to the academy.
Days like today, just casually going out with her, were honestly great.
.......
...If Rozalin weren't like a stepmother but closer to my age, things would feel easier in so many ways.
It was truly regrettable.