Self-search
After the meal, as I was listening to the junior members talk about the private army and the academy, Al and the others returned, looking completely worn out.
"Welcome back… Are you alright?"
I handed out specially-made sports drinks from the storage.
"I'm sorry, but we already ate. Oh, of course, we saved some for you. Here you go."
I brought out fried chicken and omelets. Thanks to the time-stop function, they were still freshly made.
[Thank you very much!]"If you'd like—"
"Miss Joan, Madam is waiting for you, so it's time to return to the mansion."
Nancy cut in.
"Alright~ Huh? Kira, did you say something?"
"No, it's nothing."
"Is that so? Well then, everyone, thank you for having me. Do your best!"
"Um, could you teach us again?"
Orki asked.
"Of course. Maybe over the weekend. Oh, and good luck at the academy too."
Smiling, I left.
*****
Tap, tap, tap… Bang.
"I'm hoooome~!!"
[......]"Huh? No one's surprised? Why?"
"Miss Joan, we heard your footsteps today."
"Oh, really? Then I'll try harder next time!"
"You really don't need to try harder."
Ah, Arthur just had to comment on that.
"So, Miss, how was the private army?"
"It was fun. I made fried chicken and vegetable omelets with Rufu bird meat, so I brought some as a shared taste test."
"””Yay!!!””"
I let them eat the dishes I took out of storage.
"This fried chicken is amazing! Perfect with ale!"
"Ah, I need ale!!"
"Guys, stop saying that!!"
"The omelet is delicious too."
The four of them gave it high praise, so I'll have them make it at the mansion.
"So, Miss, you'll teach us how to make this, right?"
"Oh, ohhh~~~! I didn’t think about teaching twice... I should have brought someone along~”
Seeing my shoulders slump, the four laughed awkwardly, probably realizing how troublesome it seemed.
After explaining how to make the fried chicken and vegetable omelet verbally, I was finally free. Before leaving, I stored the chicken broth in the storage. I didn't want to cook anything else today.
Back in my room, I flopped onto my bed.
"Ahhh... I'm so tired..."
I stared blankly at the ceiling.
It had been quite the weekend.
The barbecue and fried chicken were favorites of my grandchildren. I wonder how they’re doing now.
If I live for another five years, maybe I could attend Laika’s wedding if all goes well.
Huh? Speaking of which, if I grow up again, won't I get married once more? Oh dear... Would anyone even want an 82-year-old mind in a young body?
… Well, it'll work out somehow.
I don't mind staying single either. With my Null attribute and my extraordinary skills, I can manage on my own.
But otherworldly abilities are amazing. You can search without a smartphone. Who’d have thought you could even search for people... What would happen if I searched for myself?
Oh, but with a status, it might just show the same thing.
I looked at my hand and activated Search.
—
[Joan Lampail]
Lampaile family, eldest daughter. 5 years old. Null attribute.
Status: Healthy, but a bit overworked from doing too much.
Let’s try to take it easy, alright?
Additional note: After reincarnating, your mental age is being influenced by your physical body.
As your body grows, your mind will continue to grow younger.
Mental age: 70s.
Late elderly stage.
—
"Wh-whaaaaat?!"
What do you mean my mental age is getting younger?!
I’m in my 70s now? I've gone down a whole decade! Is this some kind of cheat?
Knock, knock, knock.
"Miss Joan, it’s Sarah. Is something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. Thank you."
My loud outburst worried Sarah. That wasn’t fair to her.
For now, I’ll keep this a secret.
*****
"Jo, hey, come with me?"
Big brother Noel said, hugging me.
"Big brother Noel, I can’t live in the dorms."
"That’s fine, just stay in the royal capital mansion. Come on, let’s go."
"Noel, stop it already."
Mother admonished him.
"Big brother Noel, Big brother Gene, I’m sorry it’s nothing special, but here are cookies and dried fruits."
“"Thanks, Jo.”"
Big brother Gene patted my head.
"Here you go, Nathan."
"Thank you, Joan."
Nathan patted my head too.
"””We are off.”””
After seeing them off, Mother, Nancy, and I went to the living room for a morning tea session for just the three of us.
Father had already left for the day.
"Hah~ every week is exhausting. Was Noel always like this?"
Mother sighed in exasperation.
"Ever since his eyes recovered thanks to the dried fruits, he’s been even more fond of Miss Joan."
Nancy answered.
"Maybe it’s because we haven’t chosen fiancées for them?"
"No, ma’am. Even if they had fiancées, I doubt Young master Noel would change."
Nancy was merciless.
Still, I was curious...
"Mother, is it common for nobles to decide on fiancées early?"
"Oh, Joan, you didn’t know…? That wasn’t the case in your previous life?"
"No, in my previous life, love marriages were the norm. There were occasional matchmaking arrangements, but it was rare to hear of children having fiancées."
"I see. For nobles, many get engaged as children to strengthen ties between families. Sometimes it’s for bolstering a faction. But as our family is a margrave’s household, even girls are expected to possess some combat ability. It’s less about family connections and more about ensuring the territory is protected, even in the lord's absence. So deciding during childhood isn’t practical."
"I see, so that’s why Father chose you, Mother."
"Exactly, Miss Joan. Back then, the lord was... Oh, it’s funny to think about it now, but he was so desperate to win over the lady, despite her being engaged to someone else!"
"What?! Mother, you were engaged before?"
"Yes, but it was amicably resolved after discussions. My former fiancé is happily married now."
"Wow. So Father swept you off your feet?"
"Oh, Joan, don’t make me blush!... But really, talking to my five-year-old daughter doesn’t feel like that at all."
"Ahaha..."
She’s probably curious about my mental age, so I’ll just laugh it off.
"Miss Joan, it’s time for your training. Even though Sarah and Anny are attending the academy, you still have your lessons."
"Understood!"
"Do your best, Joan."
"Yes, I will!"
What do you think about this chapter?
