Maseki Gurume – 009a
Where will I be going from now on?

“See you later, Ain! I’ll go over there to play some time too, luckily the fief is really close by! ”

Since it seemed like Krone had some greeting to make at the party, she and Ain bided their farewell.

After giving her the Star Crystal, she became strongly attached to him.

First of all, she kept holding his hand after that, and was already calling him 『Ain』 without any honorific.

And every time he called her Krone-sama, her adult-like appearance would dissapear as she puffed her cheeks showing her dissatisfaction. And eventually, she hugged his arm quite tightly as they walked.

That mood that could be understood at a glance continued until a servant came, telling Krone that the Archduke was calling for her.

It really gave a great impression that she understood the role she was assigned and tried to fulfill her responsability.

I wonder if she even is selfish? Ain had that thought as he reflected a little.

“Very well. It helps since this place isnt really one to be playing around.”

As expected, Krone-chan, let’s play! Was not something he could come to this house and say.

The reason being, the Roundhart house was below in rank to the Archduke Augusto’s.

“Fufu, indeed. Well then…… Olivia-sama, I’m very grateful for the incredible time I had today.”

“My, my, that should be my line. Thank you very much for accompanying us today. I’d be happy if you could get along with my son.”

“Hey, Ain? Olivia-sama has given her permission.”

“Hahaha…… Please be lenient.”

Well, see you later!

With those words, Krone returned to the party’s venue.

“Well, I dont really think it would be possible for us to get along from now on.”

Ain muttered those words. Ain was from an Earl’s house and Krone from the Archduke’s, the gap between the two was quite wide.

Above the rank of Earl was the Marquis, and above was the Duke, and then the Archduke; however that wasnt the only problem.

Ain thought that even the royal family would want Krone.

She was smart, and her looks were good. She had more than enough to become a bride to the royal family.

That’s why he thought a future where she appeared was almost impossible.

＊

“Ain, thank you.”

“What for? ”

“You did that for my sake, didnt you? ”

“……I dont know what you’re reffering to, but I’m happy as long as Mother is happy.”

“Fufu. Is that so? ……Then, let’s leave it at that. ”

Today best thing was the fact that mom wasnt humiliated and she was able to enjoy the night.

Speaking of which, I heard that Krone returned because the party was coming to a close…… I wonder how did Father fared?

“Excuse me? I wonder where could I find Logas-sama…… Earl Roundhart?”

“Ohh, Madam Roundhart. Please wait for a moment.”

After leaving the Garden, we waiting in a salon that was near the reception.

As expected, we cant go home alone, I dont really like it, but we should join the others.

＊

“He’s taking too long……”

I think over ten minutes have passed since we asked a waiter about my father, but a response has yet to come……

“Yeah, but sometimes it’s not really easy to leave the parties sponsored by the Archduke……”

“It’s not good to make him lose face against other, right?”

“You’re such a good child, Ain.”

…Well, I’m really happy to receive the praise of Mother. But still, arent they making us wait a little too long?

Even I understand to some extent the circumstances of why I wasnt able to enter.

But with that being the case, shouldnt they be leaving a bit earlier?

Just looks at the facts objectively, it’s not an exaggeration to say that father left his wife alone during the whole party.

“Haa… Haa… I-I’m so sorry for the wait, Madam Roundhart.”

“My, my, I’m sorry for hurrying you, so? Where is my husband? ”

“I’m sorry to say this, but all three of them were headed for the evening party…… they went together towards an evening party hosted by Viscount Lance.”

“Just until earlier we were together with Miss Krone, and we separated after she had to return to give her greetings at the party…… Do you mean that my husband left the Archduke’s house before that greeting? ”

“It is as you say. From the beggining, Earl Roundhart had the intention of participating in the evening party hosted by Viscount Lance, and the Archduke was contacted beforehand about it, so his actions didnt seem to be particularly rude ……”

“In other words, he has already passed through here? ”

Huh, mother? Ever since the start of the party she has had this look like she’s sorry towards me.

I wasnt very different from her usual self, however, the atmosphere was slightly more strained than usual, giving off an uncomfortable feeling, but it’s just natural that she was angry for father going to another party with the second wife.

“You are correct, I am very sorry for having taken so much time to report about this.”

“That’s alright, dont worry…… so that’s why. Very well, thank you.”

“Yes. Well then, if you’ll excuse me. Do not hesitate to call me if there’s anything else you need.”

“…… Fuuu, it’s alright now.”

Mother sighed in dissapointment, and when I looked at her, her expression was one like she have had enough.

Still, even then mother sure is beautiful.

“Hey, Ain? About your father…… Do you like him? ”

“……Eh? ”

All of the sudden…… A question of unclear intentions came.

“Ahh, sorry Ain…… I know you’re troubled to suddenly being asked that…… Still, I want you to tell he what do you think of your father.”

“You mean, like what I honestly think? My true feelings? ”

“Yes, that’s right. So? About your father…… do you like him so much you dont want to leave his side? ”

I sort of understand.

Mother might want me to only love her.

She might not want to admit than she’s sad and lonely…… receiving such treatment from a house where she was forced to marry into.

That being the case……

“I’m sorry for mother, but to be honest, I dont like father that much to the point of not wanting to leave.

I’m grateful that he has raised me. Still, I have no feeling of love towards father, who treats you, mother like this.”

“I-is that so……! So, you’re fine even if…… we’re not with your father? ”

“I dont have any problem as long as mother is together with me. “In other words…… I’m okay with it. ”

Seeing how happy Olivia was, Ain was convinced.

He felt he was correct, after all, seeing her sad and lonely was unbearable and he would always be by her side.

But thinking back on it, this was the beginning of something he could’ve never imagined.