It Feels Like I’ve Finally Become Just Clementina Again
“Despite the unexpected trouble, it looks like we’ll be able to depart before noon. That’s a relief,” Sarasa said with a smile.
I returned her smile.
“Indeed. I wonder what the weather’s like over there… I hope it’s sunny.”
Today was the perfect clear day for setting off.
I looked up at the bright blue sky, not a single cloud in sight, and narrowed my eyes slightly.
“If it’s sunny, let’s stop by Lake Nympée. They say the lake in midsummer is a completely different kind of beautiful compared to winter.”
I smiled and nodded at Sarasa’s suggestion.
Sarasa and Lilia got into the same carriage, while the royal guards rode alongside on horseback.
In the following carriage, Mary rode with the luggage.
Once we climbed into our modest, unremarkable carriage, all that was left was to head toward our destination.
We were going to the Nympée region.
It was known for its cool climate year-round, and more famously—
It was commonly called The City of Cats.
(It’s basically like those cat islands from my previous life.)
Nodding to myself, I turned my gaze out the window.
After regaining the memories of my previous life and deciding to quit being queen, I had begun arranging for a long vacation.
I wanted to physically distance myself from the castle.
And more importantly, I suspected His Majesty would interfere when divorce proceedings began.
And—most of all—what I truly wanted…
Was to be surrounded by cats, basking in their presence and replenishing my cat levels.
(In my previous life, I had cat allergies and could only have one cat…!!)
Fortunately, it seemed I had no such allergies in this life.
But as queen, living in the castle, I hadn’t been able to “breathe in” cats to my heart’s content.
But in Nympée… if I hid my identity—
(I’ll finally be able to indulge to my heart’s content…!!)
I wanted to be surrounded by cats. To cuddle them. To breathe in their scent.
Driven by that strong desire, I’d chosen the Nympée region as the destination for my long vacation.
While keeping my expression composed, I peeked excitedly out the window.
Across from me, Lilia spoke cheerfully.
“I’ve heard they sell all kinds of cat-themed items in Nympée. Hair accessories, handkerchiefs, things like that.”
“I’m looking forward to it, Your Majesty,” Sarasa added with a smile.
I smiled and replied, “Indeed.”
But then, I voiced the thought that had been nagging at me.
“There’s no need to call me that anymore.”
“But—”
Sarasa looked bewildered.
I smiled gently at her.
“I’m getting divorced, after all.”
It was final.
I’d spent the past six months making the necessary arrangements and laying the groundwork.
I was confident now—there was no going back.
Smiling at the two of them, I said,
“Just call me Clementina, like you used to.”
Sarasa’s eyes widened in surprise.
She was three years my senior.
When we were children, I had always looked up to her like an older sister.
As I reminisced about those days at the ducal estate, I continued,
“Besides, we’ll have to hide our identities in Nympée. If you call me ‘Your Majesty the Queen,’ everyone will figure out who I am immediately.”
Hearing that, they both nodded in understanding.
Sarasa, a little hesitantly, called my name.
“Then… Lady Clementina.”
“…… Yeah.”
It had been so long since Sarasa had called me by name.
It felt nostalgic—and warm.
Like it was proof that I’d finally shed the heavy title of queen.
After I responded, Lilia, sitting beside her, also tried to call me by name.
“Lady… Cl… Clementina…”
“Yes. Please call me that from now on.”
As I answered Lilia, I truly felt—
That I had finally become Clementina again, and not Her Majesty the Queen.
What do you think about this chapter?
