Formerly, The Fallen Daughter of the Duke

35. To Noston Country

Dion, who has passed out, says Claire has done the same damage she did before when she purified the Magic Tornado.

Leaving the post-processing to the Royal School, Claire returned to the Royal Palace by carriage after a day of classes.

As soon as I leave my stuff in my room and change out of my uniform, I head to Veek’s office.

“… excuse me…. That, Vik hasn’t come back yet?

Veek, who was supposed to have gone home one foot away, was absent, and there were only three of them there: Keith, Lewis and Donnie.

“Welcome home. Vik has gone to His Majesty the King to report everything, including today.”

Keith laughs nicely.

“Welcome home, Claire…. Nothing?

Lewis looks worried.

“I am… but Master Dion… It’s complicated.”

Claire drops her shoulder.

All I can say about this case is that it was completely rust out of Dion’s body, but perhaps he was moving at the Lord’s command. Given that, Claire didn’t even feel sorry for his misfortune.

Most importantly, Claire saw where people pass out by magic for the first time today. That was a shock, too.

“But I wonder why you release ‘Sharing Magic’ to someone who doesn’t know the difference in magic. Your sister, Miss Deanna, seemed arrogant too, but the twins in that house are a little unusual after all.”

Donnie whines in a wind that she knows about the twins’ one-crack, Deanna, as well, as she roams around the Paft country.

“Future policy decided”

As the four of us spoke, Veek returned after finishing his report to His Majesty the King. He’s back on the run, his breath is playing.

“So what?”

Ask Keith to hurry.

“As for the Count Meade family, it became the King’s depository project. Based on my history and the seriousness of the situation, I was told that the king should move more immediately than I do with emotions.”

Vik speaks with a little remorse. It should be, too, that months after Claire’s mother was found to be Princess Lindell, Vike has been conducting his own investigation to find time.

I had just finally found a thread that approached the truth, but there was something in my expression that I couldn’t get my hands on directly.

“… but in order to keep Claire safe, His Majesty the King promised me that he would always take the time to resolve it. It’ll take a while, but will you wait?”

“Of course it is. Thank you, Veek.”

Claire smiled.

“… so…”

For a little while, Veek, staring at Claire and blushing, turns around and says to those near Keith and the others.

“Separately, during next month’s extended holiday, we should not visit the Noston Country officially”

To Claire, who reacted unexpectedly to her home country name, Vique says.

“The Noston Nation is an important neighbor. Welcoming the daughter of the prestigious Duke of that neighbouring country, as well as the former fiancée of the First Prince, as his wife without any consultation, could create friction between the two countries in the future”

“What, if you think you’ve come home in a long hurry, is this story destined for you”

Donnie turns her gaze to tease Vik.

“But…… sure that bothered me too”

Keith agrees.

“… I don’t think anyone cares about me being gone”

Claire, watching the exchange, reluctantly pinches her mouth.

From Claire’s point of view, my presence in the Noston country just seemed like a blurry rag. For the Noston Nation and the Martino family, they abused their talented sister because they had just failed to live up to their expectations and furthermore escaped before being pursued for their sins.

“That’s not true! Well, thanks to the fact that the people of Noston didn’t see us, we met Claire, who was cute.”

It’s a rare and strong tone for Donnie.

“Right. My intestines boil back when I think about how it went, but that’s all I need to thank you for.”

Vik nods and continues.

“The purpose of the visit is to give you an invitation to my Tachiko ceremony, which will take place next spring. I’m going to adjust, but I think the stay will be about 3 days. When he saw the fold, he reported to King Noston that he would marry Claire, and that he would then complete his greeting to the Martino family, the king said. He also told me to take plenty of knots.”

“That sounds kind of… interesting. Looking forward to it.”

Lewis laughs in meaningful ways.

“But if that’s the case, why shouldn’t Claire come with us? I assume you were hiding Martino’s name because you were wary of the chaser? I think it would be a good opportunity to make people realize that the Pfeite Nation is behind this.”

Keith is serious everywhere, even knowing Claire’s inferiority planted in the Noston country.

“I disagree that Claire could get hurt. That’s why I’m not taking Claire.”

“Keith is more of an uncle than we are. You’re too strong, Keith.”

Vike and Donnie disagree with Keith because of Claire’s mood, but Claire also knew perfectly well that the issue was not of a nature that could push her through.

(… That’s not true. Keith is right. I decided to get engaged to Veek, but I wonder if I can run away)

As I perceived Claire’s mind to contemplate, Lewis listens gently.

“Claire, what do you want?

……

Claire takes a breath and then answers.

“I’d like to come with you, to Noston Country…. and”

And I leaned my neck and continued.

“The truth is, didn’t His Majesty the King tell you to take me?

“… have you found out? Claire’s looking forward to everything.”

For a moment, towards Veek, who looked like a bum, Claire says like a lady.

“I know a little bit about what it means to marry Veek, the heir to the throne of the great nation of Papeet. With me in mind, I don’t want you to blunt judgment.”

Donnie whistled, Hugh.

“And”

Claire says with a full smile.

“I’m so happy to be traveling with you again.”

―――――

Two weeks later. The day after the Royal School went on a long vacation, Claire was set to leave for Noston State with the Vikes.

“… wow. You’re going with so many people.”

Claire, surprised to learn the length of the line by riding herself out the carriage window.

“Oh. It was private six months ago, but this is an official visit with a letter from His Majesty the King…. It may be cramped for Claire, but will you be patient?”

“I’m not cramped at all. Too bad I can’t ride a horse with Lewis…… I’m so excited about the trip!

Vike and the two of us, Claire laughing across the carriage, Lewie peeks through the window next to the carriage and smiles.

“Looks like we’re leaving already”

Lewis and Donnie pinched the carriage Claire and Vike would ride with a horse, and Keith took the lead on it, and the line left.