“Since Lady Suiren is so busy, should I talk with her over a meal? I could invite Glen too and have the meal at the second mansion.” Of course, I’ll make the food. Heh heh heh, I have been practicing my cooking lately, and I finally got back to a level Chef Yacoo would approve of. Finding time to get into the kitchen every day had finally paid off. I would no doubt have to do a lot of cooking in the Yanga territory from here on out.
I was excited to have Glen, who was very well-versed in my cooking from our time at the military academy, try my food. It’d be really fantastic if he said the taste hadn’t changed at all. I got fired up, and Ash tilted his head quizzically.
“If you’re meeting with those two, you could also bring up that you want to take Sir Glen to the Yanga region.”
“You’re right...” It would be a great help if Glen were to come along too. As a young member of the military, he was skilled at fighting and had been learning to handle administrative tasks. He was also a former classmate of mine from the military academy, so I knew I could trust him. But there was no way I could ask him to come along. He and Suiren were still a young couple, and I didn’t want to take away the one thing that was keeping Suiren together. There were just too many cons. I could understand all too well. I would be saying goodbye to Ash so soon after our long-awaited reunion. I could start the conversation by mentioning I would love him to accompany me as a travel companion...and then maybe, just maybe... I just want to think about it. Just a little. I laughed to myself, shaking away my silly daydreams.
“I’ll be sure to let them know in advance that I want to talk about my people—the citizens of Yanga. It’ll be awkward if they’re just expecting to eat some delicious food, and there’s me sitting there in tears, but filled with determination to help.” The food I made would go cold if they felt they had to stop to comfort me.
“You’re so kind, Alicia.”
“Of course I am. I’m a part of your family, as well as the youngest child of the Sacula family.” I’m bursting at the seams with kindness, and I have plenty more to share, but since I’m going to be away from you for a while, I should keep some in reserve. “I’ll make sure to continue being kind up until the day I have to leave.”
“Good, good. You’re a good girl, Alicia.”
“Does treating me like a child fall under kindness?” I’m happy but...wait, no. I’m gonna end up grinning. Eh heh heh. I’ll make Hamburg steak tonight. That’s Ash’s and Maika’s favorite, after all. Ash patted my head. His hand was surprisingly big and strong, and a lot warmer than I imagined. Pat me just a little longer, please. I want to experience this warmth just a little longer before I have to leave.
The days passed as everyone slogged through their work until finally, the regretful day had arrived—the day I was to leave for the Yanga territory. The departing ceremony was quite the affair. Amin and the maids were set to depart first alongside the military unit, so the research laboratory had brought out a steam-powered vehicle.
“It can only go as far as Fort Fenix. There are no paved roads after that,” explained Hermes. He was here to see them off, though he seemed unhappy with the conditions of the roads. “Well, soon they’ll reach all the way to the Yanga territory, but for now, you’ll have to put up with the horse carriage. Your citizens are currently researching concrete pavements, so it won’t be long until it’s a lot easier to come and go.”
“Thank you, Hermes.”
“Don’t mention it, I’ll just be happy if you can get there without much drama. I probably should have tried to make a continuous track for the wheels. But I wonder if that would even solve anything. Does the engine need more horsepower? That might work, especially if I use utility standard fuel...” While Hermes continued to mumble over his future plans, Reina, who stood beside him with a smile, kicked his foot with full force.
“Agh, what?!” he flinched.
“Hermes, save that for later. Your former classmate is having her moment. Seeing her off is more important.”
“Ah ha ha, thank you,” I said. Former classmate. I felt proud to be referred to like that. Not as someone from the royal family, but instead as a companion who had spent time with them here.
“Hermes isn’t wrong, though. Although we’re no longer a few floors apart like we were in the dormitory, it won’t be as difficult to see one another as it used to be. If you need anything, please let us know and we’ll help. That said...” Reina shrugged her shoulders and gave me a mysterious smile. “I guess Ash or Maika will be your first calls.”
“That’s true, but I’ll still be relying on you guys, you know? It’s just that I now have people who I can especially rely on.” After all, my new family had stolen me away from the palace. If I ask them to do something, most of the time they’ll say they’ll do it with a smile, and if not, they’ll give me a wry smile and do it anyway. I’ve got it good, haven’t I?
“Okay, okay. Enough of the lovey-dovey talk,” Reina said, waving her hand. I feel like I should mention that she’s the same when it comes to Hermes.
“I heard from Maika that she’s always pouring your drinks for you and that you never let anyone else do that,” I recalled.