Formerly, The Fallen Daughter of the Duke

42. To Reunion

Benjamin’s suggestion that he quit the Royal College of Aristocracy and went to the Paft Country.

If it was meant to be, Claire was happy to jump up and wanted to acknowledge it in two replies.

A good physical hassle, but that’s also exactly what Claire wants right now.

But accepting that, Claire, who knows it’s almost impossible to meet the Vikes in the city of Aeas a year later, couldn’t be more comfortable.

“Let me know why, Father”

“… From now on, Claire may have a tough situation ahead of her, and without waiting a year, there will be Charlotte’s baptismal ceremony”

Claire was surprised that Benjamin had so far shattered her heart about Claire’s relationship with Charlotte. When Claire was being sent all the way to Charlotte’s nightclub, my father didn’t think Claire was feeling hurt. But I was shocked to learn everything I knew.

“Is it my decision to study abroad already?”

“… Claire also said that Charlotte and His Highness Asbert looked great”

Benjamin deflects his eyes from Claire and pours a bottle with alcohol into the glass.

……

To Benjamin’s undeniable appearance, Claire realizes that going to his paft country is a matter of decision.

My father wants to replace Asberto’s fiancée without waiting for Charlotte’s christening ceremony.

“Have you told Charlotte yet?”

“No, that’s not yet coming. I’ve just decided with His Majesty the King at a night club today.”

“… I understand. Then I will come to the Phaft Country. When will the date be”

“Next time His Majesty the King will visit the Papeet country to attend the ceremony. And Oscar will accompany me, but Claire is wondering if I could come with her.”

“The departure date is”

“… in three days”

Too suddenly, Claire was surprised.

(I have a lot to do by then)

“Yes, Father.”

Claire returns to her room after a conversation with Benjamin to think about future measures.

“At that night club, Charlotte said,” Is it fun to abuse yourself? “Sure, I’ve taught a lot since I was a little girl that I thought would be good… but maybe it’s my fault Charlotte got distorted.”

In retrospect, it was Claire’s whispering caution that drew Charlotte’s rampage at the night club.

(I wonder why I couldn’t have done it better)

To be honest, going to the Paft country was a pleasure to Claire. Maybe I’ll see the Vikes, just think so. Claire felt happy to be able to fly in the sky too.

But I’m too anxious to leave Charlotte like this. As an inevitable decision to go to the Paft country, I had to strike my hand as soon as possible before I could leave.

―――――

The next day.

Claire visited Asberto at the Royal Palace.

“Excuse me, sir.”

When I went to Asberto’s office, Salomon was in the middle of cleaning up the job with me. Claire was not particularly concerned, and she briefly met Salomon before standing in front of Asberto.

“What’s going on?”

To Asberto, who is surprised by the sudden visit, Claire says.

“There’s something I need to talk to you about in a hurry, I’m here. When will you have time?”

“Prepare immediately. Sit in the reception room next to me. Prepare your tea now”

Claire blocks what Asberto says as he looks out for Salomon.

“No, I’m fine here.”

……

Asberto seems to face Claire’s too cold demeanor. Seeing Asbert floating two wounded and strange expressions at the same time, Claire slightly regretted what she had said.

(Speaking of which, we were still close as fiancées around this time…. he’s not a bad person, is he?)

Reflecting, Claire moved to the adjoining reception room to sit on the couch with an adult.

After a little tea was carried, Asberto, who had cut the job off, came and followed him across the street from Claire.

Make sure of that, Claire cuts it out quickly.

“Please forgive my sudden visit. I know you heard from His Majesty the King, but I have something to tell you about our dissolution.”

“Wait. I heard that this morning, but I’m not accepting. Claire doesn’t have to worry.”

“No. It’s clear that I can’t help the Noston Nation. If you were Charlotte, you would live up to your expectations… and you know very well that we are not allowed to have personal intentions.”

“That’s right, but…”

Claire never thought Asbert would show so much difficulty in dissolving her engagement, which she should be able to do away with lightly after a year, but she can’t wait that long now.

“My father tells me it’s a matter of decision. I’m sorry too…”

“… well…”

Asberto shut up when Claire gave her sad look in an attempt to appeal to her emotions.

“So it seems that my father, worried about my position, has arranged for me to study at the Royal School in the Paft Country.”

“What? Isn’t that a good pain in the ass?

Asberto’s expression seeps with anger.

“Yeah. It’s a pain in the ass. But I don’t care about that. Something even more bothering me.”

“That’s so easy… but what”

“I’m Charlotte’s educator. To date, the Martino family has not educated Charlotte about the Queen. He’s our cute youngest, and I don’t think my father would put on a proper educator after I went to Papeet country.”

This was an obvious fact to look at the world ahead. There’s only one reason Claire came all the way to see Asberto today. It was about getting a solid educator arranged so Charlotte wouldn’t go off the road.

“… you mean that. He wanted to rely on the royal family because he raised Wagamama all he wanted at home.”

“I’d say so.”

Claire smiles and continues.

“But he’s a little waggy, but he’s a free-range, cute kid. Until now, I’ve been a little bit careful, but from now on, it’s not just my sister giving an opinion to the future queen. Due to Charlotte’s personality, the educator wondered if it would be nice to have a good compliment…. As you know, she admires Her Highness. It may be hard for her at first, but with Your Highness’s encouragement, I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

Asberto looks at Claire with an unexpected look on her face.

“But… are you sure Claire’s okay with that?”

“Fine or nothing, from the beginning I think Your Highness and Charlotte look good together. To me, Charlotte is my dear sister. If you feel sorry for me, take care of her. I’m lonely, so please write to Mame and accompany her to tea when you have time.”

Claire smiled, staring into Asbert’s eyes. Asbert’s eyes still have a puzzling color floating around, but Claire thought he would be switching lightly tomorrow for sure.

“… I didn’t seem to understand you in essence. I just thought he was beautiful, noble, and faultless with qualities worthy of a queen…. Actually, I was a little upset at the baptism ceremony yesterday. You don’t have to go any further. I am sincerely ashamed of that. I’m going to remember you every time I see Miss Charlotte. About you as a stern, gentle, merciful sister.”

“… thank you”

Claire left the reception room pretending not to notice how Asbelt looked with a slight red cheek.

As soon as I return from the royal palace, I now head to Charlotte’s room. Refrain from enrolling in the Royal School of Aristocracy, Charlotte was scheduled to spend some time without going out to prepare.

“Charlotte, I need to talk to you for a second, okay?

“Yes, sister.”

As Claire spoke in front of the door, Charlotte immediately invited Claire into the room.

“What’s wrong, sister?”

Claire looks seriously at her by sitting next to Charlotte, who had just turned 14, much younger than her at a night club she remembered.

(I can’t believe such a cute kid would do that… could it be some mistake)

Claire told Charlotte as her eyes held incredible thoughts.

“Charlotte. I’m going to study in the Paft Country.”

“What!? Study abroad!? Is it true, it”

Charlotte’s voice is no loud.

“Yeah, I saw yesterday’s baptism ceremony, and it was decided by His Majesty the King and your father.”

“… then your sister needs me to enroll in the Royal College of Aristocrats… no”

Charlotte is unfortunately dropping her shoulder.

“With His Royal Highness Asberto here, it’s okay. From now on, you support your Highness.”

“… eh! Am I? Not by some mistake.”

Charlotte’s eyes are still wide open. It seemed I understood the meaning of Claire’s words correctly.

“Please…. you’re the only one I can count on.”

Charlotte nodded with a crying face as Claire held Charlotte’s hand.

(All you have to do is leave it to a good educator)

Claire, who served her purpose, left Charlotte’s room.

Charlotte shrugs after making sure Claire’s footsteps disappeared into her room.

“What the hell is going on…!

―――――

That’s why two days later, Claire accompanied her brother Oscars on a mission to Papeet Country. This time, Sophie, the samurai, is with me.

They’re picking you up from the Paft country as far as Lindell Island at the midpoint. Claire was going to sneak out of the baptism by herself because she had an extra time on her schedule of staying and leaving for Lindell Island.

“I heard rumors, but it’s a really great island”

Before the beautiful scenery of Lindell Island, says Oscar.

“Brother Oscar…”

After the baptismal ceremony, Oscar was supposed to get cold on Claire, but that didn’t happen at all. Claire thought even accompanying this mission would show difficulty. But Claire can’t hide her confusion in her tender older brother’s appearance as before.

“Claire would have liked flowers. It’s beautiful here, of course, but I hear there’s a flower garden behind the castle. There’s still time for the other side to arrive. Why don’t you take a look?”

“Is it true, brother?”

Holy Springs is behind the castle. I also thought about sneaking off at night, but as soon as that Aurora-like thing appears in the dark, they’ll find out I’ve been baptized. Claire wanted to go alone during the day, as much as she could.

(Going to see flowers is a good excuse)

“Thank you, brother. I will!

“Right…. hey, someone to escort.”

Claire hurries to rest as Oscar speaks to the knight in an attempt to put on an escort.

“I’ll be fine by myself. I’m guessing the Paft Nation is renting out this island today? There’s nothing dangerous about that.”

“So is that.”

Claire lowered her breasts and headed to the sacred fountain of purpose.

―――――

Claire stands on a beach she misses.

It’s sunny today.

This island is always as beautiful as paradise, but today the blue of the sky is particularly deep and the boundaries with the sea are not known. Porky spring cheer and smell of the day. The poor flowers blooming all over there were no different from the landscape a year later.

I don’t see anybody around, it’s quiet.

(Before this, Vik was playing with the Keiths, right?… even though it’s still cold)

Remembering the landscape a year later, Claire laughed couscous.

Take off your boots on the beach and get barefoot.

The feeling of Sarah’s sand on her bare feet has been around since then.

Walk one by one to the waves.

The motion of the waves that I would return reflected on the sun, and it was very beautiful.

Claire stood at the waves.

Big waves are coming.

Claire closed her eyes and waited for the moment.

Wet to the ankle, nostalgic sensation.

Thousands of lights shone in the sky at the same time as the waves were about to take my feet.

I don’t often see the color because of the daytime, but seeing every single one that comes down is still an Aurora color, Claire thought.

I’m done baptizing, but strangely, there’s no change in Claire’s physical condition. Though I feel a little snug, I never lost my mind like I did last time.

“… really, I wonder if the baptism is over”

Concerned, Claire gives herself protection after letting her magic gather on the surface of her body.

(… same as usual. I’m sure you’ve been baptized without any problems)

When I was horrified that I had been baptized before the Holy Springs had been buried, I heard a loving voice that sounded familiar.

“Today, the island is off-limits to anyone other than the Paft royal users, but do you have permission?”

……

Claire slowly turns her eyes to those whose voices spoke by suppressing the inside of her chest she does.

There he was, four dear friends.