Episode 35.15-16 (1/2)

The following day, Norma moved to Goncourt mansion in haste. Can't exactly carry all her father's manuscripts, and it won't do to mess them up now. So she wrapped everything she's gonna need for the time being in a cloth and loaded them in the wagon. She also packed all highly effective medical herbs as well. She only brought a bare minimum of clothes. The clothes she's wearing from now on will be provided by Goncourt.

The following day, after putting together all the bare minimum necessities to live at the mansion, she went to greet the late Zepus's wife, Utena, and the late Dopus's wife, Jona.

Utena is 22. She was married off from Zafkremen House of Bigo. Utena was really surprised when Norma mentioned how her grandmother came from Okarute House of Bigo during her introduction. Utena's grandmother is also a member of Okarute House. Meaning, Norma and Utena's grandmothers were sisters. Utena expressed her delight by hugging Norma. Norma could sense fright in Utena's eyes. Can't blame her, she's been thrust in an uncertain situation after being left alone. When Norma left her room, she told her 'Do come again okay', with pleading eyes.

Norma got along with Utena's two kids as well. The eldest son Gaipus is five, the eldest daughter Elfus is two. As someone who has years of experience as a medic, Norma knows just the way to handle kids. She came with candy and toys prepared. She became the two's favorite right away.

Jona is 20, but she looks younger than her age. She's a very quiet woman. She keeps her two year old daughter, Yulila, in her arm all the time. Norma's calm demeanor and soft talking voice seemed to have soothed her, she gradually opened up to her as they chatted.

Jona is from one of the four noble houses at Vouka, Tsurusawa. When Norma indirectly asked her if she wanted to go back to her family, she entreated Norma to let her remain at Goncourt since she'd be shut in a room deep within her family mansion, and be treated like an outcast if she went back. Norma swore to do everything in her power to keep her wish.

They're ready for battle now.

The day after was Dopus's funeral. Held at the temple.

It was very obvious how the priests were all so eager to talk to Norma who was sitting on the second seat of the chief mourners, funny even.

The vice temple head offered tea time to Prado and Norma after the service, but Kanner declined her, saying they would be holding a family council to decide on the successor.

Then more than 20 wagons were headed to Goncourt Mansion.

The family council began.

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Family members of Goncourt House sit around an oblong-shaped table in a spacious council room.