As Expected…
When we returned from the Adventurers’ Guild, Zoey, Sarah, and Zack met us and explained that Young Lady Belle’s mother, her elder brother, Young Master Eric, and Young Master Eric’s mother were already waiting in the reception room.
We went back to the guest room once to change clothes.
Knock knock knock. “The young lady’s group has returned.”
“Enter.”
At Belle’s father’s voice, Zoey led the way into the reception room, followed by Belle, Brother Gene, me, Sarah, and Zack.
“Forgive us for keeping you waiting.”
Brother Gene bowed politely, but Belle’s father shook his head.
“No, no, I must apologize for troubling both of you siblings.”
At that, Brother Gene hastily protested.
“Please, Count, raise your head. And call us simply Gene and Joan.”
“Very well then, Young Master Gene and Young Lady Joan. First, allow me to introduce my family. Starting on my left, my wife, Renya.”
The lady who rose gracefully had beautiful indigo hair pinned up, soft green eyes, and a kind smile. She was a touch plump, giving her a warm presence.
“I am Renya Burst. Welcome, and thank you for coming such a long way.”
“And this is our son, Hans.”
The man who stood had dark navy hair, deep green eyes, and the same sturdy build as Count Burst.
“I’m Hans Burst. Back in academy days, I served on the student council with Young Master Noel.”
Ah, right. At the dorm entrance ceremony, when I introduced Belle to Noel, he mentioned something like that.
“And of course you know Eric, but beside him is my sister, Eric’s mother, Isabella.”
Eric’s mother had red hair swept up and light green eyes. Her smile was very much like Eric’s.
Hm? Wait a second… could it be…?
“I am Eric’s mother, Isabella Adams. Young Master Gene, thank you for always looking after my foolish son… Young Lady Joan, it’s been a long time. You’ve grown.”
“Hm? Isabella, you know Young Lady Joan?” Count Burst asked.
“Yes, about four years ago. We had tea together.”
“What!? Mother, you never told me!”
“Oh? Did I not? It was at Young Lady Lindsay’s invitation. Isn’t that right, dear Joan?”
“Yes. Lady Isabella, it’s been a while. Thank you again for all the guidance back then.”
“Oh no, we only answered your questions. There’s no need for thanks.”
“Not at all. Thanks to your stories, I gained a dream.”
“Uh… Joan, mind explaining?”
“Ah, sorry, Brother Gene. Lady Isabella used to serve in the Monster Subjugation Corps, under Father. She was colleagues of Gray, Nancy, and Mr. Abe.”
““What!?””
“Ah… my apologies.”
Along with Gene, Zack too had cried out in surprise, and quickly bowed his head.
“Lady Isabella, this is Zack, son of Gray and Nancy.”
“Well, no wonder he looked familiar. If I recall, he’s about the same age as Belle and Joan?”
“Yes, we’re classmates at the academy.”
“Oh my. Then you must be the apprentice butler who keeps scolding Young Lady Joan.”
“M-Mother!?”
As soon as Zack was introduced as a classmate, Belle’s mother chimed in with that—and of course, it was about me getting scolded.
“Beeelle…”
“Sorry. But you really do get scolded by Zack all the time…”
“Ugh…”
Since it was true, I couldn’t deny it.
“Joan, you brought that on yourself.”
Brother Gene sighed, while behind us Zack and Sarah nodded. Belle’s family just watched warmly with amused smiles.
Ah—that reminds me. I need to mention this.
“Um… I have familiars with me. Where should I let them rest?”
“Ah, yes. Margrave mentioned that in his letter.”
Neither Brother Gene nor I had been told the letter’s contents. I’d assumed it was just something like Thanks for inviting them, please take care of my kids.
But the night before departure, Father had granted me permission to reveal the information listed in my status—now that I could protect myself. Only the fact that I carried past-life memories still required Father’s approval.
“Since everyone is gathered, I’ll explain. The Margrave’ letter mentioned Young Lady Joan’s unusual number of skills, her familiars, and the fact that she cooks. It seems she studies many cuisines and makes dishes even the Margrave has never seen.
And though I don’t quite understand it, the letter emphasized again and again—she is ‘outside the norm.’”
“““““……”””””
“… Huh?”
“My goodness?”
“”Pfft—””
Silence from me, Belle, and our attendants. A startled sound from Hans. Polite surprise from the ladies. And Gene and Eric couldn’t hold back their laughter.
“As for the skills and beasts, the Margrave said to ask Young Lady Joan directly.”
“Ah, yes. I don’t think I’m that outrageous… It’s probably clearer if I show my status, right?”
“That would be helpful.”
“Yes. Status Open”
---
[Joan Lampail]Condition
Healthy
Attribute
Null
Skills
Search S
Storage S
Repair
First Aid
Aqua
Dry
Assist
Teleport
Animal Talk
---
““““!!!””””
“See? Just a bit more than average, right?” I tilted my head, looking at the Burst family and Lady Isabella, who were struck dumb.
“No… that’s not ‘a bit.’ And two S-ranks… yes, that certainly is beyond the norm. Margrave Lampail must have his hands full.”
Count Burst groaned, rubbing his forehead and staring up at the ceiling.
“Teleport… only high-ranking magicians use that. This is insane. She might even be stronger than Noel…”
Hans muttered to himself.
“Oh my? But four years ago you said you only had three skills.”
“At the time, I couldn’t protect myself, so I couldn’t reveal more to anyone outside the family. I’m sorry for lying, Lady Isabella.”
“Oh, no need to apologize, dear. With this many skills, even hiding some is understandable. Truly… this is something else, isn’t it?”
What do you think about this chapter?
