Getting Swayed, Aren’t We
At some point, Floria had made an official clerk’s uniform, and lately she had been helping with work while wearing it.
She refused to help with my parents’ work, saying, “I’m not your wife yet,” adding one unnecessary remark, but she pushed efficiency forward at the Merchants’ Guild, and it seemed to have made things easier for my parents as well.
We were relaxing in the salon, having taiyaki-style pastries and green tea—Floria, Mother, and I.
“What will you do from now on?”
“Would it be bad if I continued helping you as I have been?”
“I don’t mind, since it helps, but I was wondering if there’s something you want to do.”
“I want to go to the Great Forest, but you don’t go during winter, right?”
“We hunt Cocottes and One-Horn Rabbits around the shallows, but I don’t go myself. Once you build up some stamina, then.”
“Ehehe.”
“What?”
“For all your complaining, you’re awfully kind.”
Thanks to the improved efficiency, we now had more time to relax.
I was grateful to Floria…
“Well, I came back from the capital feeling depressed, but someone blew all my worries away.”
“Oh my, so I arrived at just the right time.”
“That’s right. Thanks to you, the new maid uniforms are about to be finished as well.”
How far has she stuck her hands into things without me knowing?
Floria had asked the family to call her simply “Floria,” so everyone did.
"Good for you." Mother said it with no emotion at all, yet—
“Hardt has been spreading himself too thin, so having her gather up all the loose threads really helps.”
She ignored my reaction and praised Floria.
"It’s only natural as a future wife."
“You’re not a wife.”
"If I don’t keep saying it, you will never take it seriously."
Ugh, she hits exactly where it hurts.
“Ahaha, she understands your personality very well, doesn’t she?”
Mother looked thoroughly amused.
My parents and grandparents seemed to enjoy watching me get outmaneuvered by Floria.
All of them got along well with her and doted on her.
Especially Mother and Grandmother—since we didn’t have any girls in the family.
“I’ve only just been told to become the next heir; I can’t think about engagement right now.”
“I know that. But unless I keep saying it, I won’t be able to stay here.”
“That’s not true.”
“The things I thought I’d never eat again—I can eat them here. There are hot springs. There’s no way I could live anywhere else.”
“Hey, Floria—”
Before I could finish, she cut me off:
"Reinhardt, why don’t you have soy sauce or miso?"
“Because I don’t know how to make them.”
"It’s a staple in reincarnation stories."
“Then you can make them.”
"I know I need soybeans, salt, koji, and wheat, but I don’t know the actual process."
“I didn’t even know wheat was needed.”
"I think it was for soy sauce."
“You two—it’s fine with me, but you don’t know who might be listening. Save talk from the other world for when you’ve checked your surroundings.”
“You’re right. We’ll be careful.”
“I apologize.”
“It’s an interesting topic, but for now, focus only on the work for the new town.”
About a month had passed since Floria came.
She now joined the family’s after-meal relaxation as if it were perfectly natural, and it no longer felt strange.
“Floria, a letter came from Duke Clondale. Your father, Duke Grande, and your brother will arrive in Aranfes in two weeks. They want you present for the discussion.”
"Even if I say I refuse, it’s no use, right?"
“That’s right… Go settle it.”
"I can come back here afterward, right?"
Floria said this while looking up at Father with pleading eyes.
“Floria, that’s why he said to settle it.”
At Mother’s words, Floria suddenly realized and answered with a smile, “Yes.”
Normally one would simply say “Settle it,” but…
Father was getting swayed by Floria too.
“Hardt, you accompany Floria to the capital.”
“Father…”
“Uncle Davit, may I stay at the Westland mansion even while in the capital?”
“I don’t mind, but won’t you stay with the Clondale household?”
“To be honest, I don’t trust Duke Grande, so please allow it.”
“… I see. You can attend the discussion from our house. And Hardt, you need to properly talk with Chris as well.”
“Hey, Atre, Lucas. Don’t you find Floria’s maid and guard a bit suspicious?”
“Hardt, where did that come from?”
“What are you suddenly saying?”
We had just arrived at the capital mansion with Floria and entered our rooms.
“On the train, I felt like they were being unusually alert.”
Atre and Lucas exchanged glances.
“Lucia told us to be careful.”
“They haven’t done anything strange yet, but…”
Lucia?
“Did Lucia pick up something?”
“No, not anything concrete, but she said their presence feels off.”
“It doesn’t feel like hostility toward you or us, though.”
“If Lucia says something’s up, then there might be. I’ll stay cautious too.”
What do you think about this chapter?
