Chapter 8 - Volume 1 (1/2)

Volume 1, Chapter 8: I was Captured

Author’s Note:

Cruel portrayals are present. Readers, please take notice.

After the tea party, I’m talking about today’s events while sitting on Father’s knee. We’re currently on a carriage heading towards one of Father’s private residences.

“… Rick?”

“……… Do you know that child…?”

“Yes…… He’s the son of one of my acquaintances.”

Muu…… Is your work related to children, Father? But then why was I sent away clumsily in the past? Was he perhaps being bullied by the children with jeers of [Fuhaha, What a Bumpkin!] and the like?

“Isn’t going… No good?”

“I wonder……”

Ah, no good. If Father says to go, even if I hate it, I can’t bring myself to say no. His reaction, however, is one that makes me feel as though he’s troubled about my opinion.

“If Yurushia doesn’t want to go, then –”

“I’ll go.”

“Eh?!”

Even though I, with great pains, made up my mind… Why is Father so surprised?

“D-Does Yurushia… Like Rick…?”

“…… Eh?”

Why…? The flow of the conversation has become strange.

“Is that so…… Rick has…”

F-Father…? Why is there an evil smile plastered on your mouth? Vio too? Why is Father’s hand on his sword?

I don’t understand the situation, but are you planning on using it against someone? Please don’t. Although, coming from a Demon, telling him not to cut someone down isn’t very convincing.

Rather than Father, I’ll do it myself if it means keeping the blood off his hands. Umu. I would.

I’d even lift the ban on the certain-death G-rank Summoning.

Well, setting that aside, Father’s mood has become quite bad. But I still have a card up my sleeve.

Throughout all of history, Fathers have always been weak to flattery from their young daughters.

“I wish to marry Father, though?”

“… I-Is that so?”

S-So easily……

I’ll become uneasy if your mood can be reversed so easily, Father.

When it’s time for me to be married, things might get a bit difficult…… Your appearance alone scared me, after all.

＊＊＊

“He’s not…… Coming home, huh.”

While looking outside her mansion’s window towards the dark sky, Albertine let out a small voice only audible to herself. She took care in confirming, as if to let the truth sink in……

About a year ago, the times her husband hadn’t returned home increased.

The official story was that he was out inspecting their territory, but in reality her husband was a key figure in the country, and spent most of his time in the Imperial Capital.

Naturally, his wife Albertine and two daughters lived there as well; his daughters were born there, too. There were very few people who actually took up residence in their territory’s Manor.

Albertine’s children recognized their secondary residence in the Imperial Capital as [Home].

Indeed, the Imperial Capital was pleasant to live in. Compared to their Manor in the territory, the Capital is gorgeous, and it was easy to know the latest trends, and get one’s hands on any news.

It was a society where a ball is held somewhere almost every evening, and invitations to tea parties are common during the day.

Beautiful women of high status and wealth often invited Albertine to compete in their social events, and showered her in praise.

But to Albertine, they were her enemies.

It wasn’t to the point that she’d pick a fight with them, but she ignored Young Nobles as if they didn’t even exist, and did the same to Old Nobles who held power but found her husband pitiful.

Albertine was aware.

She was aware of what she [Wanted]. Just as they wanted honor, wealth, and praise… She wanted her Husband.

But her Husband hadn’t returned.

She had pulled him from the woman he loved.

“A wife…”

Albertine turned to face Zumana, who was dressed in butler clothing and staring dubiously at her face.

It seemed that he was called several times, but wasn’t noticed until he approached.

“I apologize. I was… A bit preoccupied.”

“Are you tired…? Shall I bring you a warm drink?”

“Then perhaps…”

She was about to say wine… But she reconsidered. There was no Ball being held that night, so it would be best to refrain.

“Then…… May I have some tea?”

“Certainly.”

Zumana began to roast her favorite Rose Tea from the wagon that was already prepared.

Not only the taste, but the smell was also sweet, thought Albertine.

And yet her husband wouldn’t return home. …… Even though she was away from home herself due to attend soirées frequently. While thinking so, Albertine leaked a smile which held a hint of self-mockery.

“Is it not to your liking?”

“Not at all; it is delicious…… Have the children already gone to sleep?”

“Yes.”

Zumana lightly responded to the topic diversion.

A long time ago the Industry of Magic had discovered Zumana soon after he enrolled. He was a commoner, but had a high amount of talent — he was a protégé of sorts.

Initially, they had only found his magic talent, but it was later discovered that he wan skillful with hands, which would be useful for a Butler or a Spy.

Albertine, who had helped pay the tuition fees of those in poverty, had gained Zumana’s fealty for life… And has tended to her ever since.

All without knowing that his poverty was, in the first place, her fault……

“The young ladies took a bath after having dinner for two, afterwards –”

“Alright. It’s the same as always, then…”

“Yes.”

The two daughters have conversations every day with their mother, but they do not love their father. If the situation called for it, they would be able to boast of their father’s good looks to some extent.

But that was only natural… Or so thought Albertine.

To he whose house and power was snatched away forcibly, even if she was able to become his husband and bare his children, Albertine would never be able to gain his heart.

He would still be affectionate to his daughters, and he would try his best to love his wife, but his attitude made it seem as though he was always a step away. Irritated with the cold attitude of her husband, Albertine would sometimes shower him with cruel words… To which he would always reply with a lonesome smile, and nothing else.

Naturally, in must have been hard for the children who grew up watching such parents.

Albertine, who could not win her husband’s love, doted on her daughters — or more accurately, she spoilt them. They became selfish and greedy as a result. In the end, it could be said that they were raised off of Albertine, and gained a resemblance to something akin to her alter ego.

For how long was the Father’s heart tormented by the words of his daughter?

Therefore, the husband devoting himself to [A Beloved Woman] and [An Ideal Daughter] would be natural.

But for some reason…… She could not permit it.

“Zumana. The preparations…… Are they finished?”

“Yes, madam. They were completed without a hitch.”

“Then…… In that case…”

Albertine stood up from her seat, and beckoned Zumana.

It was natural for her husband to be unable to love his daughters if they did not love him to begin with.

That being said, Albertine didn’t know if he was truly the father of his daughters, as they could have belonged to the man in front of her.

＊＊＊

Two days later, the brat–…… Er… Rick(?)’s birthday party has begun.

It seems that the party was originally scheduled to take place somewhere amazing, but suddenly, they decided to borrow the house of a different Noble near the suburbs for the occasion.

Whenever I ask [Why?] to Father, he avoids the question by laughing, so I tried asking Vio. She responded with a subtle smile and gave the reason:[Because of Yuru-ojousama]. But why…?

Today, I’m clothed in a soft white dress.

Father had been invited to a different location, which seemed quite important.

Vio and Fer were made to wait in a waiting room, so although it was a long time since I used my feet, I was escorted by a young knight on foot.

I really can walk, you know……

The moment I arrive at the venue, some members of the orchestra make [Gigoo] or [Gigii] sounds with their instruments. The other children also remain at a distance. In other words, there’re no particular problems.

That’s right. There were no problems with the venue.

The problems which occurred with the orchestra is completely unrelated.

“Yurushia-sama!”

“Shelly.”

I’m genuinely relieved. I’m really, really glad that I’ll also have a friend to talk to. I’m embraced with all her might, so I almost fall over from our meeting.

“I’m glad to see you once again, Yurushia-sama. You look wonderful in that white dress; it brings the image of a Lily Fairy to mind. But, of course, a white rose also comes to mind, and with its texture, it seems as though it was made of the feathers of an angel. Ahh, and your beautiful golden hair would be such an Angle’s lovely halo. With its charm, surely other angels would be jealous. To be able to meet Yurushia with such a charming appearance, I feel quite dizzy……”

That’s likely from a lack of oxygen.

I suppose this is a Noble-sama’s technique to give lavish praise, all while it’s nothing but lip service…… Amazing, Shelly. Even though you’re still young.

“She-Shelly as well, you look like a princess.”

“Ahhh… For Yurushia to say such a thing……”

She finally seems to have calmed down. Excellent…… Shelly, who is wearing a pale pink dress, is pretty like a Princess from a picture book.

Because of Shelly’s slightly eccentric behavior, attention was gathered… But no one is approaching us. With the exception of……

“Oi, Yurushia.”

I’m found by the brat which was having a pleasant conversation with a cute young boy, and he proceeds to walk over here.

“If you ended up coming, then quickly –”

“Rick-sama, happy birthday. Thank you for your invitation.”

“… M-Mhm.”

I interrupt his words and bow as beautifully as possible before he ends up picking a fight. Because of the knowledge I gained from the dream, I can do at least this much. I said what I did because complaints should be barred after doing so.

“Also, this is–…”

“R-Rick-sama, I am currently talking to Yurushia-sama. Come, Yurushia-sama, there’s some fruit juice over there if you’d like.”

“O-oi, what did you say? You’re Shellynn, right? Don’t just selfishly lead Yurushia around.”

With my hands being grasped by two sides, a quarrel began right in front of me. Or, would this really be a quarrel? Their voices aren’t loud yet, and their words aren’t thorny by any means.

Shelly may have thought that I was frightened, or perhaps she simply hates Rick…… Ah, I want to go home already, but I can’t.

Both of my hands are getting a little sore. I should have these two let go pretty soon. Perhaps I should complain about the pain? But if I do that, would Shelly worry about it……?

“An argument… No good…?”

I’ll appeal to the consciences of these children. I’ll give off the feeling of ‘Older Brother, Older Sister, Why are you fighting?’ rather than a more adult-type persuasion.

“Mu–…”

“That is…”

While the two hesitate for what to say, their grip loosens slightly. But they don’t let go.

Shelly seems to be holding my hand because she’s working hard as the [Older Sister] of a smaller child, but why isn’t Rick letting go? Perhaps he just doesn’t want to lose…?

That aside, the gazes are kind of painful…… I, who is put between the guest of honor and a pretty girl, can feel all of the eyes in the surroundings concentrating on me.

“My… Rick, Shelly, this is no good right? Be gentle to the child.”

From behind, I’m picked up suddenly and held by a beautiful woman with red hair.

Although she brings to mind the person who I saw in the carriage, she was someone else. If that person’s hair resembled the color of a red rose, then this person’s would be described as a glaring orange fire.

She gives off a different impression as well. Much like a fire, she’s warm.

“Mother…?”

This is Rick’s mother, then? How was Rick born from such a nice person……? It’s a mystery.

“O-Outa…”

“Yes, there.”

Rick’s mother closes the lips of a surprised Shelly.

She looks down at me with a splendid smile.

“Ahh, we meet at last. Yurushia…… Ria’s child, right?”

“… Do you know Mother?”

“I do. I’m Elea, one of Ria’s friends.”

Mother…… You have a friend? I’m released by Rick and Shelly, and then captured by Elea while having such a cruel thought.

Captured…… That’s right. I was definitely caught.

“Y～～～～～～～up, as expected, girls are great～～”

My cuddling personnel increased by one person.

Elea had walked over to a large sofa, and sat me down on her knee. She then proceeded to stroke and fiddle with Shelly’s hair with one hand, as she had sat beside us. …… What kind of night club is this?

On the opposite side, Rick sits down with an dissatisfied [Fuhn].

Erm… Elea-sama? Girls are good and all, but your son is sitting right next to you, you know?

“Rick is cute now, but in 10 years he’ll become a rough man similar to his father.”

There’s no mercy for her 7-year-old son.