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𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
“. . .I have nothing to do.”
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Alone in the guest room, I lie down on the bed.
It’s the morning after capturing Maurice, and the Valka household is still buzzing.
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I met Arthur, Rolf, and Rene, who had returned from the laboratory yesterday.
The three of them were a bit down, but I was relieved that they were not injured.
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“. . .Do you really say that you just command? I have learned about magic tools as well, but I couldn’t even get involved. . . I’ve lost my confidence.”
“I, too, thought my swordsmanship would be useful for something, but there was no opportunity for it. . ..”
“. . .Well, you’re the most skilled servant in the Valka family. I never thought there would be such a big gap. . ..”
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The murmurs of Arthur, Rene, and Rolf were tinged with disappointment in themselves. They were burning to become stronger, so it was all right in the end.
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“I’m full of sweets, and as a guest, I shouldn’t even make food. . . Perhaps for the first time since my reincarnation, I’m experiencing boredom.”
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This is the Valka household, so there is nothing for me to do. Rather, I must not do anything.
If I did something, the maids serving me would be blamed.
With the commotion over Maurice, I also refrain from walking around the garden and mansion. If I wandered, it would increase the work for the already busy servants, and they might resent me.
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The interrogation that Shiro mentioned did happen, but it was very brief.
I thought it would take several days, but it was over in just one hour, and now I am left with too much freedom alone in the guest room.
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As I was lazing around, Ian and Grion, Edgardo’s father and grandfather, went out of their way to greet me in the guest room.
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“I’m meeting you for the first time. I’m Ian Valka. I apologize for not being able to welcome you.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Alice Norchev. Please don’t worry about it, considering how busy you’ve been. The Valka family has been very kind to me.”
“It’s been a while, Miss Norchev. I want to thank you again for this occasion. I truly appreciate it.”
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Grion spoke seriously, and in the moment I pondered how to respond, Grion and Ian both bowed their heads.
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“We are immeasurably grateful to Miss Norchev. As the head of the Valka family and as Edgardo’s father, I pledge that when Miss Norchev is in need, the Valka family will definitely be there for her.”
“Thanks to Miss Norchev, we were able to capture Maurice quickly. And, we built a good relationship with Edgardo and Ian. It’s all thanks to you being by Edgardo’s side in the Fourth Knight Order.”
“Please, raise your heads! It’s not something I could have done alone!”
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They honestly raised their heads, which relieved me. It’s bad for the heart to be bowed to so deeply by the lord of the Marquis family and his father.
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“Regarding Edgardo-sama, I haven’t done anything significant. Truly. By Edgardo-sama’s side, there has always been Rolf-sama. How important Rolf-sama has been to Edgardo-sama. . . If it’s said that Edgardo-sama has turned in a good direction because of me, then the one who has been supporting and with him all along is Rolf-sama.”
“. . .Ah, indeed.”
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Ian smiled slightly, and the atmosphere relaxed.
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Edgardo has come to like me.
But I can’t quite believe that just my presence alone improved Edgardo’s situation. I think it’s because Edgardo has been earnestly struggling, that he achieved good results.
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“The First Knights will arrive soon. . . .After that, could you make some curry? The knights who saw Maurice Maigret making it said they wanted to eat it.”
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Ian, with his status, could have just ordered, but he asked tentatively, reminding me of Edgardo.
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“Of course, if I may! I am truly indebted to the Valka family. I would be happy if this serves as a small token of my gratitude!”
“I appreciate it, Miss Norchev. . . .Hmm, there’s a noise. Seems like the First Knights have arrived. Miss Norchev, you may rest in the guest room.”
“No, I will go as well. I’ll remind Maurice one last time.”
“That helps. Thanks to you, Miss Norchev, he’s been confessing to all his misdeeds.”
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I parted with Ian and Grion, who were to welcome the First Knights, and rang the bell.
The maid who came promptly tidied me up a bit, and together we went to the entrance, just as Maurice was being taken away.
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Maurice’s hands and feet are tied up with rope.
Because Maurice can alter magical tools, it seems they deliberately didn’t use a restraining magical tool on him. There’s someone with a magical tool a little distance away, presumably to seal something of Maurice’s, but it’s hard to tell just by looking at the tool.
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The First Knights, dressed in white and gold uniforms, are surrounding Maurice.
Ugh, they are all so handsome. . .! I’m not getting goosebumps thanks to being used to Arthur’s too-pretty face, but it’s still scary to approach them.
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Roa-sama, who was giving instructions at the entrance, noticed me and brightened up instantly.
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“Alice!”
“Ah!”
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Roa-sama’s smile is dazzling! And suddenly, all eyes in the place are on me, which is scary!
Roa-sama seems to understand how I feel, and he made the effort to come over to me.
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“May I escort you, my lady?”
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There’s a hint of concern in his eyes. I look up at Roa-sama with a composed face and place my hand on his arm.
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“I’m fine. Thank you, Roa-sama.”
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I was escorted close to Maurice, and as soon as his earplugs and gag were removed, Maurice turned his face towards me with a grin.
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“Marie Ange-sama? It’s Marie Ange-sama, isn’t it?!”
“. . .No. I’m trying to find out about Marie Ange-sama, so please wait a little longer.”
“I have to wait more?! Even though Marie Ange-sama is here! Am I being a nuisance?!”
“It’s not like that. Maybe Marie Ange-sama has just been reborn. If she’s a baby, she can’t speak.”
“Marie Ange-sama as a baby. . .? I understand. I shall raise her.”
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How did he come to that conclusion?
Look, even the sparkling First Knights are taken aback!
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“Please talk about everything properly. I’ll also do my best until then.”
“It is my duty to breastfeed Marie Ange-sama!”
“If you won’t talk, I won’t do my best either.”
“Alright, I’ll talk! So let me see Marie Ange-sama! Right now!”
“It’s impossible because I’m still trying to remember.”
“This world is rotten!”
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Even as he cried out, he began to speak of his misdeeds, so a person standing by hurriedly brought a recording magic tool closer.
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“Take him away! Lady, thank you for your cooperation. Prince Linus, I will excuse myself from your presence.”
“I’m counting on you.”
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The representative of the First Knights bowed respectfully and greeted Ian before quickly exiting.
From here to the royal castle, the First Knights will take Maurice. It’s clear they’re on edge because it would be a serious responsibility if he were to escape or die.
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I wonder if it’s alright for Roa-sama not to go along.
Glancing up, I noticed Roa-sama who had caught my gaze and gave a mischievous smile.
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“Now that we’ve come this far, let’s all go back together.”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
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Perhaps because he finally caught Dyson, the aura around Roa-sama is softer. Seeing his various expressions makes me happy.
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“We will head to the royal capital tomorrow. For today, you will serve curry, won’t you?”
“Leave it to me!”