Chapter 56
Chapter 56
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: A Letter from the East
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In the East lived the Bird Clan.
Could the Roisar family be part of the Bird Clan? Did they send a letter asking for me back? Why all of a sudden?
"What do you think the Gaju will decide?"
"He'll send her back."
"No way, he wouldn't do that."
"He wouldn't antagonize the East just to keep the young lady."
At those words, my mind went blank.
*Thump*. My heart felt like it had plummeted.
What if they really send me back?
A wave of anxiety washed over me. Would Kaide really protect me, even if it meant making an enemy of the East?
Just as I'd heard, there was no reason for him to go to such lengths to keep me.
I'm not even his real daughter.
But...
He told me that since I was a Black Mamba, I should never forget I was an Astrofel, no matter where I went.
But he'd said that before this happened, so it might not matter anymore.
Arban, who had been silent, called out to me.
"Hey. Don't listen to them. Why would Father send you away?"
"..."
"You don't actually believe them, do you?"
This time, they might be right.
He sometimes showed me an almost strange amount of affection and attention, but this time might be different.
Kaide is the Gaju of the family, after all.
He exists for the sake of the family. His decision is the stance of the South.
Would he really choose to clash with the East just for me?
The chances were almost zero.
Maybe the time to say goodbye would come soon.
* * *
"I'm sure you all know why you've been gathered."
Early afternoon.
An urgent meeting was called in the Astrofel household.
It was all because of a single letter that had arrived from the Roisar family.
The ripple effect of the short missive was immense.
The family's elders had gathered one after another as a result.
"...For what reason would the Roisar family suddenly send such a letter?"
"Indeed. They've been quiet until now, and suddenly they're asking for the young lady back?"
A heavy silence descended.
Kaide stared at the letter with cold eyes.
"Yes. I'm curious about that myself."
"What exactly does it say?"
Jeras asked with a grave expression.
"They say they're coming to the South to pick up Aileen."
"To the South?"
The atmosphere in the meeting room grew clamorous.
The fact that they intended to come in person suggested the Roisar family was determined.
"This situation isn't developing favorably. At this rate, they might even take us to trial."
"I agree. That would put the South at a disadvantage."
Normally, to take in and raise a young Su-in from another clan, it was only possible if the original guardian had formally entrusted them.
If not, a letter of consent from the clan leader was required.
The Astrofel family currently had Aileen without meeting either condition, which was a major problem.
If the Roisar family were to file a lawsuit, they would have to send Aileen back without being able to do a thing.
That wasn't all.
If they started asking about Aileen's origins, things would get even more complicated.
One of the elders, reading the room, spoke up.
"I don't know what you're thinking, Gajunim, but if this continues, our family could be put in a very disadvantageous position."
"The protection of a young Su-in is a matter for the entire clan, after all."
"If they find a reason to pick a fight, the problem could spiral out of control."
It was a serious issue that could easily lead to a confrontation between the South and the East.
As they voiced their opinions one by one, Baon, who had been listening quietly, scowled.
"Are you suggesting we send Lady Aileen back to the East?"
"...N-no, that wasn't what I meant."
Silence fell once more.
Everyone knew how much Kaide cherished Aileen, so they couldn't carelessly voice their opinions.
"But something is a little strange."
Durias, who had been observing the situation without offering his opinion, tilted his head.
"No matter how I think about it, I can't understand why the Roisar family would make such a demand. Isn't this a gamble for them?"
Even if their demand was legitimate, there was a vast difference in power between the two families.
It was completely baffling that they would make such a request, knowing it could cause friction with the South.
While valuing a young Su-in of their clan was common everywhere, it wasn't something to be traded for the family's overall benefit.
Jeras nodded in agreement.
"I think so too. Something is odd."
"Indeed."
It was uncharacteristically reckless. An action impossible without someone backing them up.
Kaide let out a dry laugh.
A request for Aileen's return right after they kidnapped Ella from the East.
The situation was taking a strange turn.
Perhaps the peaceful South would become deeply entangled with the East because of this.
Looking at the pure white feather crest engraved on the letter, Kaide smiled as if amused.
"Things are getting complicated."
"...What will you do?"
Baon asked gently. Everyone was waiting for Kaide's decision.
Kaide, who had kept his eyes closed for a long moment, opened them and spoke with a cold expression.
"Durias."
"Yes."
"Send a reply to the Roisar family. Tell them they are welcome to visit the South as they wish."
* * *
*Sniffle, sniffle.*
The first thing I did when I got back to my room was pack my things.
The whole way back, Arban tried to soothe me, saying it was nonsense, but it was no comfort.
"Lady Aileen. Why do you look like that?"
Rosaria, who was in the room, saw my face, which looked ready to burst into tears, and asked in surprise.
"Did something happen?"
"No, nothwing happened."
When I shook my head and didn't answer, Rosaria looked at Arban, who had followed me in.
Arban sighed.
"How many times do I have to tell you Father won't send you back?"
"What do you mean? Send Lady Aileen back?"
It seemed Rosaria hadn't heard the news yet.
I bit my lip.
I didn't want to say why myself. It felt like that would make it real.
As I stubbornly stared down at my bag, Arban spoke up for me.
"It seems the East has asked for Aileen back."
"What?!"
"Father called a meeting with the elders about it, and they're in there now."
"Then, is that why..."
Just as expected. Rosaria was shocked by the explanation.
Then she quickly snatched the bag I was packing.
"There's no way the Gajunim would send you away, Lady Aileen!"
"*Hic.*"
A tear squeezed out.
I had never seen Rosaria get angry like this.
My pouting lips, on the verge of tears, trembled.
I looked up at Rosaria with sorrowful eyes.
Looking at me, she said in a firm tone.
"If the Gajunim knew what you were doing today, he would be very upset."
"...Dada will be up...set?"
"Of course."
Rosaria placed the bag on a shelf, out of my reach.
I quickly wiped my eyes.
Would Kaide really not send me back?
I wanted to believe he wouldn't, but my anxiety kept me from feeling sure.
"Evewyone said things will get bad if I stay, Wosawia."
"That's absolutely not true."
"They said it'd be hard for Dada."
"Who in the world would give up their daughter just because things get difficult?"
"..."
"He's not that kind of person, so you can rest easy. Understand?"
"...Uh-huh."
Her words put me at ease, just a little. But I was still just as anxious.
What if I remembered that Kaide had only decided to let me stay here for a while?
And what if everyone else found out?
The way they treated me might change.
Seeing my expression wouldn't brighten, Arban scowled.
"If you're so worried, just go talk to Father."
"Go and say what?"
"Tell him you don't want to go to the East."
"If I say dat, will Dada listen?"
Regardless of the meeting's outcome?
"Has Father ever refused your requests? He even let you go out that one time."
That was true.
Kaide had never once refused my requests.
Even if it was annoying or troublesome, he always granted them.
Although sometimes with conditions attached.
I shot to my feet.
"Arban buh-brudder is wight. I'll go talk to Dada."
"You should have a snack before you go, shouldn't you?"
"Huh?"
Rosaria appeared with a snack.
On the plate was a delicious-looking pancake generously drizzled with honey.
"You should always fill your stomach before tackling anything important."
She's right.
You can't do anything without energy!
I should eat my snack first, then go see him.
I grimly gripped my fork and took a big bite of the pancake.
"But what do I say when I get dere?"
Just going and saying whatever came to mind could be counterproductive.
Kaide really hated that kind of thing.
"Is dere a good way?"
"Usually, when you want to ask for something, you give a bribe."
"...A bwibe?"
"Don't you have anything to give Father?"
"...I don't have anyfing like dat."
As Arban and I put our heads together, deep in thought, Rosaria smiled and said.
"Then how about this?"
"How?"
The two of us looked at Rosaria at the same time.
Did she think of a good idea?
I waited for Rosaria's words with a hopeful expression.
"You could make the Gajunim's refreshments with Mr. Bahareun and serve them to him."
"Huh? Make wefweshments with Bahawun?"
"Yes. After a meeting, we always serve the Gajunim new refreshments and tea."
I see! That was very good news.
Arban also seemed to think it wasn't a bad idea and nodded.
I jumped up from my seat.
I had to go quickly before Bahareun made everything himself.
"You can find Mr. Bahareun in the kitchen."
"Okay! Aileen is going now."
But would Kaide like it?
Just as a bit of worry started to creep in, Rosaria said.
"The Gajunim will be delighted with anything you give him, Lady Aileen."