Eldest 186

186.

“Meldor, you are the direct heir of Aeltern. Always feel that sense of responsibility, and never forget the weight of your position.”

“Yes, Father! I will remember!”

“Neshia, never forget that the name Aeltern stands behind yours. Even if you study abroad, hold your head high and never be intimidated.”

“Yes, Duke!”

‘He does love his lingering goodbyes.’

Despite my sarcastic thought, I kept a gentle smile on my face.

After offering encouragement and words of caution to Meldor and Neshia for quite some time, Father finally turned and looked at me.

“Bellady.”

“Yes, Father.”

Father and I looked at each other for a long moment.

It reminded me of when I was sixteen—when I’d sent him north just to secure control of our capital estate.

After a brief silence, he spoke gravely.

“I have always believed in you.”

In his eyes, remorse and trust for me coexisted.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Meldor and Neshia too, their gazes shining, looking to me.

Receiving the three of their looks, I gave a warm, lingering smile.

“Of course, Father. I’m the eldest of this family, after all.”

“Yes.”

He nodded calmly at my answer.

I said, as a matter of courtesy,

“I didn’t expect you to leave so soon. I thought you would at least stay for my investiture.”

“Your grandfather insisted. He kept scolding me for getting hurt so easily.”

Father managed a wry smile and glanced down at the cast on his right arm.

His left arm, with what little nerve still lingered, was also limp, swathed in bandages.

“Looks like I’m off for special training.”

“What you need is not special training, but rehabilitation. You’re going to recuperate, so don’t push yourself.”

Meldor and Neshia agreed emphatically with my words.

Father’s mouth curved faintly at their reaction.

I looked at him a while, then spoke quietly.

“Even if you can’t come to the capital’s investiture, you must be present at the succession ceremony in the north.”

The investiture in the capital would be attended by the Emperor; my father’s presence wasn’t essential.

But the successor’s ceremony in the north was different—the new head of house had to receive the symbolic banner directly from the former Duke.

My father was needed for that.

He answered, as if making a vow,

“Yes, I’ll have both arms moving by then. I promise.”

That was enough for parting words.

With a gentle smile, Father climbed into the carriage waiting by the iron gate.

“We’re off.”

“Yes, sir!”

Immediately, the carriage, drawn by great black horses, rumbled away in a cloud of dust.

I watched as it receded to a dot on the horizon.

‘Goodbye, Father… May I forgive you more when next we meet—and more after that. I hope that someday, I can truly forgive you.’

I whispered a farewell in my heart.

A little more honestly now.

After all, the more I resented him, the more difficult it became for me, too.

‘I wonder if I’ll ever be able to form a new relationship with him?’

I couldn’t say for certain, but I found it hard to take my eyes off the carriage as it dwindled into the distance.

As I lingered there, I felt a gentle tug at my sleeve and looked down.

Neshia, with her short hair, was peering up at me.

“Sis! Let’s go inside now!”

“She’s right, Sister. You’ve somewhere to be today.”

At their words, I slowly turned and headed back into the manor.

Meldor and Neshia soon walked alongside me.

I asked Neshia,

“Neshia, how’s your preparation for studying abroad? School’s starting soon, isn’t it?”

“Yes! Prince Killian, Lady Bergmann, and Ryuspel are helping me a lot, so I’m working hard!”

“As a spirit user, you’ll draw a lot of attention, so you have to act especially properly.”

“Yes, Sister!”

At that, Meldor muttered beside us.

“Ryuspel Fredo, that sly brat. He’s really planning to study abroad just to follow you? Sister, you’re really going to let him?”

“…”

“Fine, I’m not arguing with your decision. Just quit looking at me that way.”

He turned his head and stalked past us inside.

Neshia watched Meldor with a sheepish smile.

“I think I’ll have to go cheer up my brother!”

“Suit yourself.”

“Brother, wait for me!”

Neshia scurried after Meldor.

Watching Neshia’s retreating back, I recalled our recent conversation.

—Sister, I want to study abroad.

—Study abroad?

—Yes! Finding out about my birth made me want to learn more about spirits. I want to enter the Academy in the Magala Empire!

—Hmm, Magala Empire…

—Prince Killian says there’s nowhere better than the Academy there for spirit studies! Since relations between Aeltern and Magala are good right now, I’d like to go!

Neshia pressed on.

—And I’m going to track down the spirit that troubled you and Father! Then I’ll take fierce revenge! Please let me go!

Her determination was so very Aeltern that I couldn’t help but like it. Even beyond that…

There was a seriousness in her eyes as she spoke of studying abroad, as though she had been questioning and answering herself for a long time before reaching this decision.

—Fine.

I nodded gladly.

I’d never thought Neshia belonged in the Deckerdil Empire’s noble society.

‘In fact, I was relieved she wanted to go to the Magala Empire.’

No matter how proud the Magala aristocrats, they’d all fall over themselves to please a spirit user like her—and even more so now that Killian’s identity had been revealed.

‘I’d have to reveal Killian’s truth to explain what happened to the Crown Prince and Caspar Agla, what with their disappearance into the mirror.’

Besides, the power of the vengeful spirits had far exceeded Taudin’s predictions; the Crown Prince and Caspar were still suffering within that mirror.

‘Strictly speaking, I ought to be the one handling this…’

But a spirit user without even a trace of affinity is in a tough spot. Besides, I’m someone who should be in the spotlight for swordplay, not the spirits.

It was also time for Killian’s contract with the spirits to become public, so we’d agreed he would step forward first.

It worked out well on all fronts.

‘If Neshia carries on that sense of purpose, it’s a good thing.’

And that’s why I approved her studies abroad.

The capital’s investiture, the northern succession ceremony, Neshia’s studies overseas…

After today, everything would grow hectic once more.

‘That’s why I need to go today, no matter what.’

Back inside, I ate a simple breakfast and changed into an outing dress with Dorothy and Stia’s help.

It had been just dawn when I saw Father off, but by the time I stepped outside, the day was bright and full.

Spring sunlight and a clear blue sky—the weather was splendid.

“Bellady.”

At the sound of my name, I looked away from the sky and forward.

There, waiting at the front steps, was Killian, cleanly dressed and smiling gently. In his hand, a bouquet with a pretty ribbon.

“These are flowers I picked out myself at the morning market.”

He offered them with pride as I took them in my arms.

I let out a light laugh, boarding the carriage with Killian.

The coachman already knew the destination, and the carriage set off smoothly.

I gazed down quietly at the bouquet, then leaned in to breathe in their scent. A fresh, sweet fragrance rose to meet me.

Killian, staring dazedly at me, cleared his throat and asked,

“Do you like flowers?”

“I just…”

I’ve always been fond of gems rather than flowers.

But—

“It’s just that you brought them, so I tried smelling them.”

Somehow, they seemed more fragrant than other flowers I’ve known.

Killian’s face flushed bright red at my words.

While he was still flustered, the carriage brought us to our destination.

Hugging the bouquet, I reached out and laced my fingers into his.

I was a bit nervous.

Maybe sensing it, Killian’s fingers naturally intertwined with mine.

Feeling the warmth, I leaned a little into him.

This close, I could see him clearly, and my heart hammered.

“Will you be all right on your own?”

“…Yes.”

I answered under my breath, leaning even closer.

A whole new sort of tension swept over me—though, at the same time, I felt entirely at ease. It was strange.

I raised my head in that pleasure—and found our faces almost touching.

I glanced down, at bright red lips I wanted to reach out and touch.

Shutting my eyes, I pressed my lips lightly to his.

Chok—

Soft and yielding—that was the feeling.

In that instant, I felt a rush of confidence, that I could do anything.

I drew back, ready to step out.

Beside me, Killian, eyes squeezed shut, pleaded in a quiet, disappointed voice,

“Could I have just one more?”

“When I get back.”

My answer made his eyes fly open.

“Truly? Then can I ask for two?”

He hurried the question, and I swung open the carriage door, grinning broadly.

“Until your lips are swollen, if you like.”

Killian clenched his fists in triumph and punched the air.

Turning from him, I broke into a run. I didn’t want to lose my courage now.

Headed across the empty field, I soon saw a marble headstone gleaming. I ran straight to it and stopped.

The stone bore an inscription:

“Dohemia, you are no longer in the cold north, but in the warmth of the capital.”

Beneath the headstone was a well-tended grave.

I stood there for some time, reading the words again and again, then finally set down the bouquet I’d brought.

A soft breeze stirred, making the flowers tremble. As though someone was gently stroking the petals.

“Now, even the sight of flowers doesn’t hurt.”

So long as I keep softening my resentment for you, perhaps someday I’ll return to loving flowers.

And maybe, one day, I’ll come to forgive you as well.

“So sleep peacefully.”

I loved you, Mother.

—The End—