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Chapter 61: Luke’s Father
As the sun neared its zenith, Mia walked through the streets of Gilbadia, her head slightly bowed.
“…”
The city was bustling with energy, with people bustling about in every corner.
For Claude, who ruled this land, the people were nothing more than tools to enhance his own reputation and power.
He wouldn’t allow his pride to be questioned by the king or other nobles, doubting his abilities as a lord.
Hence, there was a kindness in this land that seemed to willingly embrace subjugation, like being immersed in sweet nectar.
What mattered most to the people was whether their lives were prosperous, regardless of the reasons behind it.
“…It’s a nice city.”
Everyone seemed to be busy, sweating and working hard. However, their eyes sparkled with determination.
They were living their lives to the fullest by their own will. In contrast, Mia couldn’t help but ponder her own situation.
Last night, she had been severely scolded by her parents, and not without good reason.
She had come to Gilbadia alone without informing them beforehand. Naturally, this unexpected visit tarnished the reputation of the Lennox family.
It was an unbecoming act for the third daughter of the esteemed Count’s household. Being reprimanded was inevitable.
“…Why did I…?”
Before she knew it, Mia found herself standing in front of the Gilbert estate—a magnificent mansion that overwhelmed the eyes of the bewilders.
She was about to turn back immediately but hesitated.
“…”
Deep down, she knew the truth.
She wanted to see Luke.
And, if possible, she wanted to find solace in him. She wanted him to acknowledge her and tell her that she was the one in the right.
(…I really hate it─)
Mia despised her own weak self for harboring such indulgent desires.
“What am I doing… I should go back─”
“Wait, Mia Klein Lennox.”
“…”
Her body jolted as if her heart had been seized by an eagle’s talons.
Someone had called out to her. Recognizing this, Mia immediately turned around.
“Duke Gilbert…”
There stood Luke’s father, Claude.
Their eyes met. With just that, Mia couldn’t help but shrink back.
(…As expected of Luke’s father.)
Eyes that seemed to see through everything.
They were undoubtedly like Luke’s eyes.
“What are you doing here?”
“I-I’m sorry. I was just passing by…”
“I see. Since you’re here, come with me.”
“Huh? T-that’s not necessary─”
“You wouldn’t refuse, would you?”
“Y-yes… Thank you for having me…”
Mia had no choice.
“…”
It was awkward.
Now, in the room they were guided to, there were only Claude and Mia. The awkwardness was so palpable that Mia couldn’t even taste the tea.
“You seem lacking in self-confidence. Why is that?”
However, that silence was broken.
Claude’s words struck Mia’s heart.
They hit the nail on the head.
She stumbled over her words. But Claude didn’t rush her.
“I… I often lose sight of what’s around me. As a result, I end up going in circles and causing trouble for others. This time too, I’ve caused a great inconvenience to the Duke. I’m truly sorry…”
Mia apologized.
For selfishly visiting the Gilbert estate without any prior notice.
“Hmm…”
Mia, still looking down, glanced at Claude from time to time, trying to gauge his demeanor.
“Let me tell you something that I alone don’t possess.”
“…Huh?”
It was a response that Mia couldn’t have anticipated.
However, as if he didn’t care about her confusion, Claude continued speaking.
“—It’s ‘attribute.’ My magical power doesn’t possess any attribute. Kuku, in my younger days, it bothered me quite a bit. Why doesn’t my magical power have an attribute? Even without an attribute, ordinary mages are no match for me, though.”
“…”
At that moment, Mia remembered.
She had almost forgotten due to Luke’s overwhelming presence, but the Gilbert family hadn’t been blessed with an ‘attribute’ for several generations.
“But look at you. You possess not just one, but three ‘attributes’ that I lack. Be proud of that.”
“Ah…”
Mia finally understood.
She didn’t know the reason, but Claude was encouraging her.
“Above all, Luke chose you. That alone is reason enough for me to acknowledge you.”
“Thank you very much.”
Just a little while ago, when their eyes briefly met.
Claude had almost accurately seen through Mia’s innermost thoughts. His words held no falsehood. Of course, it wasn’t without calculation that stabilizing Mia’s state of mind would ultimately benefit Luke.
(Kuku… Luke, like me, has a keen eye for women. Despite being a bit clumsy.)
Mia’s pure and genuine personality was something that Claude found favorable.
And this thought also manifested as an expression of his love for Julia, whom he had chosen as his wife. Like Luke, he rarely displayed it openly.
“Well then, let’s wrap up the conversation here. You came to see Luke, didn’t you?”
“Ah! Um, well… yes, that’s right.”
“Then let me guide you right away.”
“Thank you very much!”
Mia expressed her heartfelt gratitude and bowed her head.
Her heart became slightly brighter, and she was able to look forward a little more.
However, approximately one minute later, when Mia arrived at Luke’s room, she would be greeted by Alice in her naked form, and she would be thrown into a strong sense of déjà vu. But at this moment, she had no way of knowing what it was.
And she had no way of knowing that this day would become a special day for her.
Several luxurious carriages raced across the meadow.
Their appearance was so splendid that anyone who laid eyes on them would feel awe-inspiring. However, considering that the occupants inside were among the noblest individuals in the country, the security was surprisingly lax.
“Haha! I’m so excited to see Luke after such a long time!”
“…………………………..I want to go back.”
“Huh? Did you say something, Edmund?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
—Porupon, the second prince of the Kingdom of Myrstia.
Edmund, the secretary sitting next to him, imagined the future in which he would face disasters and endure tremendous hardships.
Then, he felt a pang in his stomach.
(Haah—, I really came without saying anything to the king… What am I going to do, seriously?)
Feeling the pleasant swaying of the carriage, Edmund responded with a resigned smile as he listened to Porupon’s words, who seemed genuinely happy.