Published: January 24, 2026
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Led here by Mr. Aldo, I arrived in Darane and was immediately placed in this room, a building separate from the Claudel family's mansion, and since then, I haven’t been allowed outside.
―― “You are, after all, a noble’s daughter. Since you carry noble blood, you must fulfill your duties.”
―― “You’re starting to resemble that little thief cat. Just hurry up and go to the empire. This is your atonement for sullying the venerable Claudel family. Isn’t it an honor to dedicate yourself for the sake of the people?”
Since arriving here, the words my father and mother have spoken continue to cast shadows over my heart.
Especially my mother, who comes here almost every day and throws heartless words at me.
It was infuriating.
Not just for me, but also for my mother who gave birth to me—how could she tolerate my own mother speaking so harshly?
I became an adventurer and grew stronger.
I thought that now, I could boldly express my opinions to my mother without fear.
―― That’s what I believed.
But when I faced my mother, I found I had no such courage.
Just like when I was a child, I could only endure silently until my mother grew tired of me.
In the end, I have changed nothing since back then.
Powerless, unable to change anything by myself—a tiny, insignificant existence.
If my worthless self can buy the safety of the people, then I, too, think that’s a cheap price.
As usual, I look up at the night sky through the window.
Then, absentmindedly reaching toward the moon, it was suddenly hidden by clouds—deepening the night’s darkness even more.
It’s like a reflection of my current heart…
Speaking of which, it’s been about three days since I last heard from my big sister through telepathy.
Well, if I ignored her that much, it’s no surprise she’s given up on me.
I’m no longer an adventurer, and I’m to marry into the enemy nation, the empire.
Even if I met my big sister, I know I’d end up whining.
That would only trouble her.
So as painful as it is, it’s better not to meet her at all.
But in her last telepathic message, she promised, “I will definitely save you.”
Maybe she knows my situation and is working on it in her own way.
(Haha… I ignored her thinking I couldn’t trouble her, but why do I keep thinking so selfishly?)
I truly hate my own baseness.
Still, if by chance, if my delusion is correct—
“Has something happened to big sister…?”
Worried, I muttered those words aloud, realizing that maybe she can’t telepath to me right now.
“—Ms. Selma is fine. She’s just tired and sleeping now, but there’s no danger to her life.”
“...Huh?”
Suddenly, I heard a familiar male voice behind me and turned around in surprise.
This room is locked from the outside, and the windows are sealed.
There was no one else here except me, and no one should have been able to enter.
When I turned toward the voice, the figure blended into the darkness and was hard to see clearly.
Still, I knew exactly who it was even without seeing.
I could never mistake this voice.
“……Mr. Orun?”
Though hidden in the dark, I sensed Mr. Orun’s gentle smile as he heard my voice.
“It’s been a while. I never thought I’d meet you here in Darane. You’re probably not well, but I’m glad you’re safe.”
I was the one who never expected to see him here.
Why is Mr. Orun in Darane?
As far as I knew, only my father, mother, and Mr. Aldo knew where I was.
I couldn’t imagine those three telling anyone else.
“Why are you here, Mr. Orun…?”
“The recent dungeon conquests in various places have ended. So, I came to Darane to report to Princess Lucilla.”
Ah, that’s right.
Mr. Orun was commissioned by the princess to clear dungeons.
It makes sense to report the completion to the client.
…It’s embarrassing that I briefly thought he might have come here out of concern for me.
“There isn’t much time, so I’ll get straight to the point.”
When Mr. Orun spoke again, his demeanor turned serious.
“I’ve already heard that Sophie is engaged. There’s only one thing I want to ask—does Sophie want to marry Viscount Emelt, or not? Tell me your true feelings.”