Grandparents' Mansion
The seasons passed, and during the academy’s summer break, we came to visit grandparents.
This time’s group includes me, my two older brothers, Nathan, Zack, Sarah, Anny, Nancy, and our escorts Dai and Kira. Father stayed behind to look after our pregnant mother.
“Mmm, I’m tired…”
During our last break before reaching the city of Phantasmo where our grandparents live, I stepped out of the carriage and stretched with a big yawn.
We left the estate in Lampail yesterday, spent the night in a town along the way, and are scheduled to arrive in about one more koku (roughly two hours).
We did encounter three orcs on the way, but my brothers and Nancy dealt with them with ease. Brother Noel used his Fire attribute to burn them, Brother Gene held them back with his Wind attribute and slashed them with his sword, and Nancy froze them using her Water attribute.
Dai and Kira were murmuring something like, “Are we even needed here?” but they’re necessary for dismantling the orcs Gene and Nancy defeated. As for Brother Noel’s, he burned his completely, so the meat was ruined. What a waste.
So I made Brother Noel sit in seiza position and said,
“Brother Noel, if you do things like that, the Waste Spirit will come for you.”
Brother Noel looked surprised at my sudden mention of the Waste Spirit. But I don’t care.
“The Waste Spirit, you see, is the ghost of food that’s been treated poorly. At night, it appears by your bedside and whispers, Such a waste… such a waste…’ That’s why you mustn’t waste food!!”
“… Yes, I’m sorry.”
“As long as you understand. Please be more careful from now on.”
I felt like everyone around us was a bit taken aback, but I paid it no mind.
With that little incident behind us, we finally arrived at our grandparents’ mansion.
Though it’s smaller than the estate in Lampail territory, the mansion with its white walls is dotted with beautiful blooming flowers. Maybe it’s the climate? There are palm-like trees in the garden, and those red flowers—are they hibiscus? The white ones must be plumeria? It feels like Hawaii...
“Welcome, welcome! I’ve been waiting for you.”
Will was waving at us on the front porch along with Lindsey.
The moment the carriage stopped by the entrance, I leapt out and dove into Grandfather. He was surprised, but caught me effortlessly.
“Wahaha! Been doing well, Joan?”
“Yes, and you look well too, Grandfather.”
“Joan, it’s nice that you’re energetic, but that was dangerous, you know? We’ll talk later.”
“… Yes.”
And just like that, I got scolded by Grandmother.
“Grandfather, Grandmother, it’s been a while. Have you been well?”
Brother Noel greeted them.
“Oh, Noel, Gene, you both doing alright?”
“Yes. Thank you for having us for a while.”
“Let’s head inside first.”
Urged by Grandmother, we entered the mansion.
The entrance hall was bright. Looking up, there was a large skylight directly overhead letting in sunlight. The interior was mostly white walls, and much of the furniture was made of reddish-brown wood.
[Welcome, young masters and young lady.]The servants here greeted us.
“I am Sebastian, the head butler here. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Waaah~! A butler named Sebastian, of course. That fits *so* perfectly. And he’s quite the dashing gentleman, too.
“I am Rottenmeier, the head maid. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”
Rottenmeier… Isn’t that the terrifying maid? The strict one from that Alps girl story? I wonder if this Rottenmeier is strict too? She looks kind enough, though...
As I was thinking this, Nancy came close and whispered to me.
“Young lady, those are my parents.”
“Huh?”
“I mean, Sebastian and Rottenmeier are my parents.”
“Ehhh!? Really!? … Thank you always for taking such good care of Nancy!! I’m Joan.”
I suddenly bowed my head and introduced myself, and Sebastian and Rottenmeier looked bewildered.
“Sorry. Come on, Joan, lift your head. You’re making everyone confused.”
Brother Noel said to me.
“No, no, not at all. We’re the ones thankful—not just for looking after Nancy, but also Kate and her husband… Thank you.”
Sebastian thanked me, but I’m the one always being helped.
After finishing our greetings with the staff, we were shown into the living room.
The servant team, including Nancy, went off to organize our luggage in the guest rooms. The private guard team went to greet the private guards working for Grandfather.
“Waaah~ what a lovely living room! And it even has a wood deck!!”
When I opened the large windows in the living room, it led directly onto a wooden deck. On it were a wicker sofa and table.
“Joan, let’s start with some tea.”
“Okaaay.”
Called by Grandmother, I returned to the living room.
“How are Stanley and Margaret? Doing well? The due date should be coming soon, right?”
Grandfather asked, and Noel answered.
“Yes, the due date is in about three weeks.”
“But since it’s not her first child, it might come earlier, right?”
“Really?”
Grandmother voiced her concern. Gene asked, looking puzzled.
“That’s true. With experienced mothers, it might be earlier. What was it like when I was born?”
“With Joan, you came five days early.”
“Then this one might be about a week early.”
“Maybe so~”
Grandmother and I chatted as Brother Noel and Brother Gene watched us curiously.
“Hey, how come you two know so much about this kind of thing?”
““Experience.””
I and Grandmother answered in unison.
“Eh!? Joan? Ohh, in your past life. Got it, that makes sense.”
Grandmother and I exchanged a smile and chuckled. Grandfather and Brother Noel just gave a wry smile.
Dinner that night featured mainly seafood dishes that are commonly eaten in Phantasmo: acqua pazza, ajillo, sautéed dishes, meunière, and poêlé. The sea is nearby, so the fish is delicious.
As for dessert, the fruits were mangoes and watermelons, which are apparently well-known in this warm climate.
Everything was delicious.
But I really want to eat sashimi~
What do you think about this chapter?
