𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞
Outside the window, a beautiful sunset with shades of orange and purple spread across the sky.
From the first floor of the inn, we could hear the voices of incoming guests, gradually adding to the lively atmosphere.
It was just the two of us in the room. We sat side by side on the bed, and our intertwined hands seemed to hold onto each other as if they didn’t want to let go.
“I separated from my mother when I was four years old. We lived in a town called Welhinesta, located south from here. I don’t have many memories from that time. . .”
I had no idea that Cid was from Fumble.
He was brought by Otou-sama one day, and that was enough for me.
According to his story, the peaceful days he spent with his mother suddenly vanished when his father’s messenger appeared.
“My mother was a holy woman who could use holy attribute magic, and my father. . . I can’t really call him her husband or lover. I heard that my father unilaterally took my mother. But he had a wife and children, and he had other mistresses as well. My mother managed to escape when she saw an opportunity.”
“Um, that father you’re talking about, could it be. . .”
Someone of status to have a holy woman by his side in Fumble. And Cid, who inherited his father’s bloodline, can use magic of all attributes. I didn’t want to think about it, but there was a possibility that came to mind. . .
“The former king, Richequel.”
“?!”
The illegitimate child of the king?!
“According to the country’s law, it is not allowed to make a commoner the concubine. It was probably the limit to secretly keep her as a mistress. And it seems there was no love between them. . .I don’t know the details, but it is a fact that my mother couldn’t bear living in the harem and escaped without anyone knowing. She realized she was pregnant with me after she escaped.”
“So, your mother raised you on her own, then?”
Cid nodded silently.
Although she became pregnant in an unwanted affair, his mother loved and raised him properly. Cid grew up under his mother’s care until he was four years old, but one day, someone came to take him away.
“At that time, the country had to send one member of the royal family as a hostage to Roselia.”
Knowing about Cid’s existence and seeing him as useful, the king forcefully took him away.
“Since then, I haven’t seen my mother at all. For a year, I learned etiquette, language, swordsmanship, and magic. Afterward, I was sent to the Kingdom of Roselia as a hostage. . .””
The Kingdom of Roselia is where children of royal and noble families from neighboring countries live. It is common for a country to send their own royal or influential noble children as hostages, but I never thought Cid was one of them. . .
“My father knew about my existence and thought he could use me as a substitute for the important heir. The current king, Henry, is the legitimate son of the queen, and although there are male children born from mistresses, the powerful nobles who support them do not allow them to be handed over. My existence was just right. When I was five years old, I was sent to the Kingdom of Roselia, and I lived in the royal castle for three years.”
I met Cid when I was five and he was eight.
“You were in the castle until Otou-sama brought you back.”
“Yes. Since Fumble is not politically important, I was treated poorly. I couldn’t get along with the other hostage children, and at that time, I was small and often subjected to harassment. Although it was said that I had talent in magic, I couldn’t control it and became desperate. That’s when I was picked up by Simon Marcus-sama, your father.”
Otou-sama.
He really picked him up at the castle. . .
When I said, “I wanted a dog,” Otou-sama said, “I brought a dog-like boy.” I thought he was a bit strange even as a five-year-old, but my father was indeed an odd person.
“Did Otou-sama see Cid being bullied and bring him back?”
“Well, it’s difficult to explain, but it seems Simon-sama thought that if he presented me, who was dog-like, To you, He could please you.”
“Otou-samaaa!!”
I felt sorry and wanted to cry.
I’m sorry, Cid, for having such a strange father!
Cid smiled wryly and said, “It’s okay,” but that’s a bit too much.
“He begged in the carriage. He said, ‘I’m in trouble because my daughter wants a dog!’ and prostrated himself.”
“He prostrated himself?!”
“Yes. He didn’t want to be disliked for not fulfilling the wish. So, that’s how I came from Fumble to Roselia. It has been sixteen years since I left my hometown, so there is no lingering attachment.”
“I understand that.”
Wouldn’t it be better to meet your mother? I’m sure she’s worried.
I don’t have children myself, but one of the servants said that separating a parent and child is as painful as being torn apart.
There are many parents and children that can’t live together due to various circumstances, but I think it’s incredibly sad to have a son suddenly taken away.
“It’s been sixteen years already. I’m sure my mother wouldn’t recognize me even if I met her, and about three years ago, I heard from Ethan-sama that my mother remarried and has a child. I’m somewhat curious about my younger brother, but I don’t feel the need to visit Welhinesta and meet my mother and brother.”
“Cid. . .”
The way you deliberately speak brightly about it only stirs up my heart even more.
I want to go and meet them. I want to introduce Cid to his mother and his mother to Cid.
Ah, but can I say, “Your precious son is on the run because of me!”? I should probably bring an apology letter or something.
However, I realized something important here.
Being a hostage means being under the control of that country. Was it really better for him to be taken away from here?
“Hey, was it really a good idea to bring Cid, who was a hostage, back without permission?”
Even if it’s the Duke Marcus family, bringing back a hostage entrusted to them from another country.
“I’m fine. I won against the king in chess, and he said, ‘As long as you don’t kill me, it’s fine.’”
“What do you really think of human life?!”
“I’m a bastard. Since I’m not a legitimate successor, My value as a hostage is low. My status in Fumble is that of a commoner. But I’m grateful to be taken in by the Duke Marcus family. I learned how to protect myself, I was able to attend school, and above all, I could meet Vi-sama and pledge our future together.”
Yes, we haven’t pledged our future yet.
It’s because I’ve been hesitating!
“Don’t worry about me. I did insist on Nice because I wanted to avoid Fumble, but I think it would be better for you to live under Mrs. Lisana, who is Obaa-sama. You might be able to live as a noble lady again.”
“I don’t want to live as a noble lady.”
I just want to be with Cid.
I don’t need jewels or dresses or a big mansion. It’s much better to live together and support each other.
Besides, if I rely on Obaa-sama, there’s a possibility of being forced into a political marriage.
They won’t force me, but it’s unreasonable for me to rely on them for free.
“Cid will be with me from now on, right? So, as promised, please take responsibility and take us to Nice.”
“Vi-sama. . .Are you sure about this?”
“Fine, whether you like it or not, it’s me who decides the destination! I’m the one running away.”
“I decided on Nice as our destination.”
“Well, even if you came up with the idea, the final decision is mine!”
Yes, I didn’t just go along with it. It’s not like I decided on Nice just because I thought, “Anywhere is fine as long as Cid is with me.”
“Anyway! Since I had no familiarity with Nice, I’ll be in trouble if Cid doesn’t support me properly!”
Cid stared at me with a dumbfounded expression as I declared that he should support me.
“What. . .did you say something?”
Although it’s far from a sweet atmosphere, I wonder if my seriousness got through?!
I didn’t say I love him, but I think my desire to be together forever got through?!
As I glared at him with an upward gaze, Cid quickly released my hand and swiftly pulled me into his arms.
“Whoa!!”
I let out a scream devoid of any sexiness.
My feminine wiles are nonexistent. I can’t disguise myself as a duke’s daughter I’ve been building up over the years.
His arm strength was so strong that I couldn’t escape even if I struggled, and he held me tightly, making it difficult to breathe.
“Vi-sama, I love you. I like you. Please only look at me.”
I’m looking! I’m looking!
I’m looking at him to the point where my eyes are about to rot, and I remember his image even behind my eyelids!
“Stop it, please let go a little! I can’t handle a sudden hug!”
I begged and pounded my fists against him, but Cid didn’t flinch. He continued to hold me tightly.
“When we arrive in Nice, let’s look for a house where we can live together. I’ll work, so Vi-sama, please just make scrambled eggs. I’ll handle the rest of the cooking. Please, don’t do anything.”
Huh? Am I being indirectly told not to cook? Is my cooking bad? Hey, is my cooking bad?
I haven’t even made anything yet.
He nuzzled his head against mine, making me feel like I was being cuddled by a dog. I could almost see his ears and tail. Maybe he really is a dog. . . I thought to myself.
“Regardless of the method, we should thank your father.”
There was no doubt in my father’s eyes.
I tamed a cute and cool, strong magician dog.
Cautiously, I wrapped my arms around his back and found it to be firmer and sturdier than I expected, like that of a man. Though he is a man. . .
As I stroked his back while saying “Good boy,” he snuggled up to me like a spoiled child.
What am I going to do with this adorable person?
“Is this hair similar to your mother’s?”
As I gently touched his hair, Cid squinted as if ticklish.
“Yes. My hair and eyes resembles my mother’s. Our physiques are probably different, but I think our appearances are quite similar.”
Adding “probably,” Cid looked somewhat lonely.
“I’m glad Cid is here and that you were born. I have to thank your mother.”
“Maybe. . . you’re right.”
We spent a long time embracing and playing around, not caring about the continuous ringing of the communication set in our bags.
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