Published: August 15, 2025
It was a few days after the meeting with the Plantin Trading Company, back at the castle.
During an afternoon lesson in Brother Wilfried’s room, Angelica was called outside by a Guard Knight. She stepped out briefly, then returned and whispered something to Richarda and Oswald.
“Young Master Wilfried, Princess Rosemine, Aub Ehrenfest is returning. Let’s go welcome them.”
“Father and Mother are coming back!?”
I heard Brother Wilfried’s excited voice just before Richarda, wearing a frightening smile, snatched the history book I was reading.
“Studying comes after we greet them. Let’s go, Princess.”
“Yes.”
Urged by Richarda, Brother Wilfried and I headed toward the room with the teleportation circle. A knight on guard opened the door, and we entered.
As soon as we arrived, the teleportation circle began to glow brightly. A complex magic circle appeared, and in the next moment, Father, Foster Father, and Foster Mother were standing on it.
Wilfried immediately rushed over. “Welcome home, Father, Mother.”
“We’ve returned, Wilfried, Rosemine. Did you both fulfill your duties properly?”
“Of course, Mother. We supplied mana every day. Right, Rosemine?”
“Welcome home, Foster Father, Foster Mother. Brother Wilfried worked hard every day supplying mana even though he wasn’t used to it.”
“That’s excellent, both of you. I’m proud as a mother.”
Foster Mother smiled kindly and started walking away. Since the officials would be returning one after another, it was better to leave the room with the teleportation circle early.
Wilfried eagerly wanted to report various things to Mother, so I gave him the place and approached Father, who was lightly stretching his shoulders.
“Returning to Ehrenfest feels so calming.”
“Welcome back, Father.”
When I called out to Father, who had been acting as a Guard Knight escorting the lord and lady, he widened his eyes slightly, then softened them and looked down at me.
“Are you well? Nothing has changed?”
“Yes.”
While chatting with Father, the Foster Father suddenly poked my cheek. He looked exhausted, his complexion poor, and his eyes lifeless.
“W-what’s this?”
I tilted my head, but Foster Father’s expression didn’t change. He poked persistently, and I realized what he wanted.
“Puh, puh?”
“...It’s your fault.”
“Huh?”
He stopped poking my cheek, but now I had no idea what he wanted. I blinked and looked up at him, and he lightly flicked my forehead with his index finger.
“Ow!”
“I have something to discuss about the temple. When the bell tolls five, come to my office.”
“...Understood.”
Rubbing my aching forehead, I parted from the lord and lady. Wilfried and I returned to continue our lesson. Until the bell tolls five, we carried on with our studies.
While reading, the bell struck five.
“Rosemine gets to talk with Father. I have a tea appointment with Mother and my younger siblings.”
Wilfried seemed genuinely happy the parents had returned after a long time. As the bell rang, he packed up his books and hurried off to the room in the main building where the siblings stayed.
I had an appointment with Foster Father, so I took the mini bus to his office in the main building. Lately, people seemed less surprised to see the mini bus.
“Aub Ehrenfest, Lady Rosemine is here.”
“Let her in.”
Entering the office, I saw the clerks organizing returned documents and the attendants preparing tea.
After gesturing me to sit, Foster Father dismissed everyone except Father, who was also a Guard Knight.
“Wait here until I call. Only Karlstedt should remain.”
“Understood.”
The clerks and attendants ceased their work and quietly left.
Once no footsteps could be heard, Foster Father exhaled slowly. At the same time, the dignified air he had exuded when the clerks were present vanished, and he slumped face down onto the table.
“It’s Rosemine’s fault.”
Though likely a side of himself shown only to family, his words made no sense and left me puzzled. I had no idea what it was my fault.