Page 277

I could finally enjoy a peaceful break once the major events of the New Year’s Ball and my subordinate’s wedding were over. I was on the verge of losing my mind while managing those troublemakers last summer vacation, but it felt incredibly relaxing now that I had nothing to stress about.

Even the 5th Empire, which was supposed to be this winter’s big event, was crushed without me lifting a finger. I wouldn’t mind it one bit if life could always be this easy.

“Here you go.”

While I was absentmindedly staring at the clock, just waiting for quitting time, the 1st Manager quietly handed me a piece of paper.

I immediately signed as soon as I saw the words ‘Leave Request’ at the top. I already knew the reason behind it, so there was no need to read the rest.

“This is the first time I’m taking a vacation with my boss.”

“It’s my first time spending one with a subordinate, too.”

It just so happened that where the 1st Manager planned to go on vacation was the same place I was headed—the Tailglehen County, where the Patriarch and Mother lived.

I’d promised Mother I’d visit after the New Year’s Ball. Naturally, I couldn’t go alone, so I dragged along one of her future daughters-in-law. As a result, the 1st Manager also had to take a sudden vacation.

Luckily, it didn’t seem like she minded.

“Oh, I bought a gift for your mother, too.”

“How thoughtful.”

I gave the 1st Manager a nod as she rummaged through their pocket. The fact that she was being considerate of her future mother-in-law was impressive. Marquis Iones would probably shed tears of joy if he saw this. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he reached enlightenment this year.

“This—do you think she’ll like it?”

Then, the 1st Manager pulled out a bright red ruby necklace.

Hmmmm.

“…Yeah, I think she’ll love it.”

“Right? I really put effort into choosing it!”

Seeing the excitement in the 1st Manager’s eyes made me feel a bit guilty, but I didn’t take back my words. Sometimes, you need to tell a little white lie to get through life.

From what I remember, Mother wasn’t one to wear red clothes or accessories. She preferred soft, warm colors over anything too flashy.

But how could I break the harsh truth to a future daughter-in-law who’d thoughtfully prepared a gift? Besides, Mother would surely appreciate it simply because it came from her future daughter-in-law.

One red necklace should be fine.

After all, the 1st Manager wasn’t the only one who brought a gift. All of her future daughters-in-law had prepared something, knowing they couldn’t visit their in-laws empty-handed.

They had bombarded me with questions about my parents’ preferences, and they all decided to buy her necklaces when I mentioned that Mother always wore one. I didn’t know the Patriarch’s taste, so I kept quiet about him. They must’ve figured something out for him on their own.

So, Mother was going to receive a total of six necklaces. In that case, one red one wouldn’t hurt, right? If anything, it might stand out among the more muted tones.

She’ll have one for each day of the week.

The thought made me chuckle. Thanks to her clueless son, my mother was now at risk of having to wear a different necklace every day. I should’ve just said she liked all kinds of jewelry and not just necklaces.

“I also got a gift for your father. And don’t worry, I didn’t forget you!”

“Wait, why are you telling me this?”

I was taken aback by the 1st Manager’s boldness. Seriously? Who’d announce their gift to the recipient beforehand?

“You would’ve known anyway, right? It’s only natural to get a gift for someone on their birthday.”

Oddly enough, that was a good point, so I nodded in agreement.

It was indeed true. No one needed a reminder to expect a gift on their birthday.

Birthday, huh.

It felt strange to hear that word. I’d half-forgotten about birthdays since my possession. I’ve had one every year since then, but I always forgot. Besides, it wasn’t even my real birthday.

— Could you come at the end of January, if possible?

“Yes, that’s fine, but is there any particular reason?”

— It’s your birthday, isn’t it?

“Oh.”

However, the karma of forgetting my physical body’s birthday came back in full force. Mother’s gaze hit me like a lightning bolt as if asking, ‘What kind of life are you living that you forget your own birthday?’ as soon as I gave my absentminded reply That slight tremble in her eyes struck a chord deep within me.

If I hadn’t said anything at that moment, I would have received a look that was more like pity, like I were some helpless creature. Anyone, no matter how dense, could sense that much.

So, I hurriedly blurted out that I’d be bringing along her sixth future daughter-in-law this time, the one who couldn’t come before. Only then did my mother’s tearful gaze soften. It felt a little like I’d thrown the 4th Manager under the bus, but who cared? As long as the result was good, then that was what mattered.

“But is Penelia allowed to come? I thought the Special Service Agency had strict limits on vacation.”

It seemed that the 1st Manager was also thinking about the same thing since she raised a very reasonable question.

It was true that the Special Service Agency had a more complicated vacation process compared to other departments. I’d heard they have fewer slots available for vacation at any given time, too.

“The Masked Unit gave up their leave.”

“Wow…”

But if there were vacation limits, then they just needed others to step aside. If the entire Masked Unit forfeited their vacation, then the 4th Manager could easily take hers.

…It was terrifying that subordinates would give up their leave for their superior, but I suppose it just spoke to how well-respected the 4th Manager was.

***

After adjusting vacation schedules among the civil servants and ensuring that the Mage Duchess could delegate her duties to the Vice Master:

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here. It still feels good to return.”

Thanks to the continent’s greatest mage, we were able to travel comfortably. We teleported straight to the front of the mansion, and it’d be honestly stranger if something had gone wrong.

“Thank you. It made the trip much easier.”

The Mage Duchess simply smiled and shook her head when I thanked her, as if to say this was nothing.

It probably wasn’t a big deal for her considering her abilities, but it was still wrong to take anyone’s kindness for granted. No matter how small the gesture, showing gratitude was the proper thing to do.

“Thank you, Beatrix.”

I whispered my thanks softly, and I could see her ears twitch slightly.

Looks like it worked perfectly.

***

My heart was racing. Today was the first time in my life that I would be leaving the mansion. It wasn’t just stepping out of my room, but truly leaving the territory.

“Sarah, are you sure about this? You’re not pushing yourself too hard, are you? Maybe we should stay here. That might be—“

“I’m fine. I’ve already been thoroughly examined, remember?”

Erich looked more anxious than I was, and seeing him like that made me uneasy. However, this was a step I needed to take. l needed to be able to move around outside if I wanted to attend the Academy with Erich.

I needed to prove and show that attending the Academy and going out wouldn’t be a problem for me. That way, I could stay by Erich’s side.

“Everyone said I’m fine, remember? Don’t worry too much.”

I placed my finger gently against Erich’s lips, trying to reassure him with a smile.

The mage who treated me and the priests both said there was nothing wrong. They even confirmed that I could manage life at the Academy, so theoretically, everything should be fine. This was just the process of turning theory into practice.

“…Alright, I understand.”

Erich sighed in resignation, finally giving in.

“But promise me that you’ll rest immediately if you feel even the slightest bit off.”

He even added a condition, but it made me feel happy instead because I knew he was worried about me.

“Fufu, then I’ll rely on my knight in shining armor if something happens.”

“Looks like I’ll have to stick close to you then.”

His response made my face heat up. I had meant it as a playful tease, but he replied so casually that it sent an unexpected flutter through my chest.

Stay close…

That flutter, though, was one of joy. Erich’s words instantly sent my mind into a whirlwind of happy thoughts.

Erich as he stayed by my side and never left, and Erich as he escorted me like a proper knight. Just imagining it made me feel like I was walking on air. It felt like a dream come true.

But this wasn’t a dream. This was real.

“Yes, I’ll be counting on you.”

I smiled and linked my arm with his. I could feel his body stiffen immediately.

So cute. His face was even turning red. How could he be so shy from something this small? How innocent.

“Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”

“Y-yeah. Sure. Let’s go.”

Watching Erich stumble over his words made me grin as I confidently stepped out of the room.

…It wasn’t until we passed a mirror that I realized my face was just as red as his.

***

When we arrived at the mansion, Mother and the Countess welcomed us. I was bombarded with questions as soon as we stepped through the doors—was the journey uncomfortable? How was my health? Was I cold?—but knowing that their questions were filled with love and concern, I didn’t mind one bit.

“No, I’m really fine. You don’t need to worry.”

“How could I not worry, my dear?”

The Countess gently stroked my cheek as she spoke with concern, bringing a smile to my face. I couldn’t help but smile. She was my mother’s childhood friend and Erich’s mother, and because of that bond, she even insisted I call her ‘Aunt’ in private.

“I’m really okay, Aunt. You sent such wonderful healers to take care of me, after all.”

At that, she smiled faintly and glanced over at Mother.

“She looks just like you did when you were young, but how can her personality be so different?”

I saw Mother’s eyebrow twitch slightly at the unexpected jab, but she held back given that it was my first time leaving the house.

Instead, she shot Aunt looks that spoke volumes—as if she was cursing her with her eyes.

“It must have been a long time since you’ve seen Carl.”

Aunt said, ignoring Mother’s glare.

“Yes, it feels like years.”

It was true; I hadn’t seen Carl oppa in what seemed like forever. If it weren’t for him bringing his lovers back to the territory or my recovery progressing, I might not have seen him for even longer. He was so busy that he couldn’t even visit me while I was ill.

Six…

I felt a bit overwhelmed when thinking about the number of lovers oppa would bring with him. Six at the same time… The Count and his wife happily lived with just each other, so why should their son, Carl oppa, be any different?

…I heard the previous Count had multiple wives.

Could it be that Carl oppa inherited this tendency? Did that mean… that Erich might end up like him someday?

No.

I tightened my grip on Erich’s hand. No. I couldn’t stand the idea of sharing my knight with anyone else.

Erich was my knight. He was the one who’d protected me since childhood, and I was the only one who had been by his side all these years.

“Sarah?”

Erich looked at me, surprised when I suddenly grabbed his hand.

“It’s just a little cold… Can we stay like this for a while?”

I smiled softly at him as I answered.

It was a lie, of course. I didn’t want to hold his hand for just a moment—I wanted to hold it forever.

This hand I’m holding right now… I wish it could be mine and mine alone for the rest of our lives.