Chapter 342 – The Pride of the Next Head of the Family

I immediately searched for the fig sapling that had been growing near Mother’s house and carefully extracted it using Earth Magic to avoid damaging the roots, then transferred it to a pot.

“How’s this?”

“Mmm. I think it’s good.”

When I asked, Floria nodded. Just to be safe, should I have Harvesta help protect the sapling? I’ll plant Harvesta in the same pot to accompany it.

“Please take care of it.”

Floria smiled and patted Harvesta’s head. She seemed to have noticed that Harvesta had some kind of effect.

“Can you communicate with Harvesta?”

“I can understand her emotions. Theodore and the others seem to trust her too.”

I see. So while she can’t communicate through words, she can understand emotions.

“Then let’s complete the contract. Take my hand.”

Claudia and Floria faced each other with the fig sapling between them, taking each other’s hands.

“I contract with Claudia-sama and swear that as long as the bond with Theodore, the head of this household, remains strong, I will reside in this sapling growing in this house and the Labyrinth City, and protect it.”

“Then I shall welcome you. Let us walk together and wish for each other’s prosperity.”

Their exchange resembled the contract with Tephra from before. A brilliant light appeared between their joined hands, spreading to the sapling and the house.

“Now then… once we transport the sapling to Termwills and plant it, the contract will be complete.”

As the light subsided, Claudia nodded. The courtyard would probably be a good place to plant the sapling.

“I’d be happy if you could make a room for me there too once the sapling grows.”

The sapling side also wants it to be the same as Mother’s house. I suppose this is like Floria’s identity.

In that case, what should I do? Since we’re planting it in the courtyard, we can’t let it grow too large. Considering she’s a Spirit, we could plant it in the ritual hall, but if she prefers it to be lively, then the house’s courtyard is probably best.

“…Maybe I’ll make a house for the Carbuncles.”

“I think they’d be happy with that too?”

Claudia showed a bright smile. Now then, what kind of house should I make?

…Well, I suppose we can deal with that gradually once the sapling grows.

After a relaxing vacation at Mother’s house, the day to leave Gartner County arrived.

After paying our respects at the tomb before departure, loading our luggage onto the Sirius, and checking that Mother’s house was properly locked up, as we were making preparations to leave, Father and the others came to see us off.

Of course Malcolm would be accompanying us back to the Marquisate of Broderick, but it seemed Harold and Cynthia, along with Daryl and Kathryn, had also come to see us off to the lakeshore.

First, I should introduce Floria to Father.

“This is Floria, a dryad. Floria… do you know Father?”

“Mmm. Henry, right?”

At Floria’s response, Father looked puzzled, so I explained that she was the spirit who had resided in Mother’s house and had now manifested.

“…I see. That’s why I couldn’t tell. I’m Henry.”

Father made a somewhat convinced yet ambiguous expression, but introduced himself to Floria.

“Nice to meet you, Henry.”

While Father and Floria were exchanging greetings nearby, Kathryn was also talking with Malcolm.

“…I’ve caused you a lot of trouble, Brother Malcolm.”

“Hmm. I heard some of the circumstances from the Count… but people do change. I don’t think I have any right to criticize you now. I intend to work hard for the Marquis’s household too, so I think it’s fine if you work hard as well.”

Kathryn bowed deeply and offered words of apology. Seeing this, Malcolm showed a surprised expression but eventually gave a wry smile and responded that way.

“Yes. I’ll work hard with all my might.”

At Malcolm’s response, Kathryn also returned an embarrassed smile and nodded slightly.

As for Daryl… he was looking at the Sirius and Floria with that distant gaze again, but eventually shook his head and regained his composure, then spoke to me.

“Well then, Theodore, take care.”

“Yeah. You too, Daryl. Your studies to become the lord must be tough, but do your best.”

When I answered like that, Daryl’s eyes widened slightly.

“Huh?”

“…No, it’s just. I heard various things since then, but I thought you hated our territory’s people…”

Ah. So he heard about that time.

“I do hate them. There are definitely some people I don’t even want to see.”

I answered honestly.

“But… I don’t think about blaming everyone. For example, it has nothing to do with the two tomb keepers, and what kind of lord Daryl becomes has nothing to do with it either, right?”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Plus, I don’t want to involve other people in matters concerning Mother, me, and Grace, nor do I want outsiders making arbitrary judgments.”

Mother never complained to anyone. That’s because she knew there was nothing the territory’s people could do. She understood that protecting their own families and neighbors was the most they could manage, and she showed understanding for that weakness. So I won’t say anything either, nor do anything. Because I want to respect Mother’s will.

“…It’s complicated.”

“Well, given my current situation, I understand why they’d be too scared to face me too.”

Too much time has passed for them to apologize, and conversely, I’ve gained too much power and status in some ways.

Even if they apologize now that my position is stronger, I don’t want to hear it if it’s just for form’s sake. After all, if they came to see me and weren’t forgiven, they might face punishment.

If they still want to do it… well, those words shouldn’t be directed at me anyway.

“If those guys want to apologize, I’d prefer they say it to Mother, not me. I couldn’t do anything back then either.”

When I said that, Old Sigmund, who had been listening, closed his eyes. I’ve talked with Old Sigmund and the others too. The feelings I just shared with Daryl… Old Sigmund and Valentina listened quietly and finally said they understood.

“Not being able to do anything… that applies to me as well, and everyone else. If Theodore deliberately says nothing, then I too shall respect the feelings of Theodore and Patricia.”

I nodded at Old Sigmund’s words.

“So yeah. Daryl, you don’t need to worry about me just because you’re the next lord.”

When I said that, Daryl’s eyes widened slightly again, then he shook his head and gave a wry smile.

“…Mmm. I’m no good, am I. Even if I think there might be something I can do, nothing seems to work out well. In the end, I’m even being encouraged here.”

“No, I appreciate the sentiment, and it makes me happy. Besides, Daryl, you’re studying various things with Father, right?”

“Yeah. I’m doing that.”

When I asked, Daryl looked straight at me and nodded. He had a serious expression. This is where you can catch a glimpse of Daryl’s pride.

“Then that’s fine. I’m supporting you, and what I think about those other guys has nothing to do with it.”

When I answered like that, Daryl raised his head, gave a wry smile, and nodded.

“Yeah, I’ll do my best too. Uncle and Mother both say they’re working hard. I can’t afford to fall behind.”

“Mmm. That’s right.”

After shaking hands with Daryl, when I turned my head, I met everyone’s gazes. Grace nodded quietly, and Ashley placed a hand on her chest and closed her eyes.

Not just those two, but Marlene, Claudia, and Rosemary too – everyone had been watching how the conversation unfolded, but when I smiled at them, they seemed relieved. I nodded back to everyone too, then exchanged greetings with the two tomb keepers as well.

“Theodore-sama, please take care.”

“Yeah. You two as well. Ah, let me introduce you. This is Floria, the spirit who resided in Mother’s house.”

I introduced Floria to the two of them.

“Harold and Cynthia, right? Thank you for always keeping my surroundings clean.”

“Y-yes.”

The two seemed a bit nervous meeting Floria for the first time, but her friendliness and smile seemed to ease their wariness.

When Harold extended his hand as if asking for a handshake, Floria took it with her wooden arm. Then she shook Cynthia’s hand too.

“I can draw you into the barrier as well. If anything dangerous happens in the forest, come escape to my place.”

“Understood.”

Mmm. Regarding these two, I feel quite at ease.

“Well then, Father.”

“Mmm… Theo, be careful on your journey. Next time… it might be me going to Termwills.”

“Yes. I’ll be waiting for you then.”

I exchanged words with Father, who had been greeting Old Sigmund.

So next time Father will come to Termwills? Considering it’s autumn, Father will likely have business in Termwills too.

“Then, is everyone ready?”

“No problems here.”

“Same here.”

“Thank you, Ambassador.”

After checking that Mother’s house was locked up and the fire was properly extinguished, cleaning the water areas, roll call for everyone boarding the Sirius, checking the loaded luggage, and various other confirmations, I took my seat at the helm and did a final check with everyone. Replies came from various places on the bridge. When my eyes met Marlene’s, she nodded slightly.

Well then – let’s depart for the Marquisate of Broderick. As we were seen off by Father, Kathryn, and Daryl visible on the crystal panel, I raised the Sirius and slowly began moving the ship.

“Lady Lisa’s house… I’m glad we came.”

“Yes. It was wonderful.”

Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana murmured while looking at the scenery on the crystal panel. Grace went over to the two who seemed reluctant to leave, smiling as she brought them tea.

“Let’s come again. I’ve grown fond of this place too.”

“It’s a beautiful place no matter when you come.”

Ashley chimed in agreement with Rosemary’s words.

“The mushroom soup was delicious too.”

“Well… next time will probably be in winter.”

I gave a wry smile and nodded at Sheila’s words. Sheila was her usual self, but I understand she’s being considerate too.

As Irmhild played the lute with a gentle smile, the Sirius moved forward. As it did, the blue of the lakeshore, Mother’s house, and the tomb gradually grew distant and smaller.

Eventually, they too disappeared into the autumn forest, buried and hidden by the colorful foliage.