Volume 3 Chapter 44 Proposal For Escape
Crab cream croquettes and grilled crab shells. Lady Anna and I were sipping warm hojicha, while Sir Stefan, Elder Brother Chrisrain, and Lady Emilia were drinking the sake called "Demon King" from Elder Brother Chrisrain's collection.
Elder Brother Chrisrain already knew some things from our mom's letter, so when he heard from Sir Stefan about what happened in the Kingdom of Bernard, he nodded a lot and said, "But, well, it's over now, and everyone is safe, so that's good, right? The important thing is that we're all here enjoying a delicious meal together."
Sir Stefan agreed with Elder Brother Chrisrain's relaxed attitude and said, "Yeah. If I keep looking all gloomy, no one will want to follow me."
"Exactly. Sir Zeere is probably too serious and that makes him feel bad, right? Stefan is the same... well, they're father and son, so it makes sense they're similar. I think being like me is just right."
"Maybe Lord Chrisrain should work a bit harder."
"Yeah, I think it's good for Elder Brother to learn from Lord Chrisrain, but if he becomes too much of a party person, that would be a problem."
"But, brother, if you ever want to run away from being king, just tell me anytime. There's no rule in this country that says women can't be kings."
"Elder Sister Emilia, if you became Queen, you would look so cool and amazing! Elder Brother, you don't have to carry everything by yourself."
Lady Emilia and Lady Anna exchanged glances and nodded.
"Thank you, both of you. I'm really lucky to have you, and Lydia still accepts me like before. That alone makes me happy. I shouldn't keep dragging the past with me."
"Sir Stefan, everyone knows you're a kind person. So, I'm sure you'll be okay."
"Lydia... you could hate me more for hurting you. Thank you. To protect you and the people's peaceful lives, I need to be stronger."
"That's where you're wrong, Stefan. Listen carefully. You don't have to be perfect just because you're in charge. Like me, nobles don't have to work or do anything. Just being there makes you noble. If you focus on having fun and smiling every day, strong people will naturally gather around you to support you."
Elder Brother Chrisrain put one hand on his chest and raised the other like he was praying, acting a bit dramatic.
"It's important to know your strengths and weaknesses, and to admit when you can't do something. I live elegantly, eating rare foods and drinking wine in the palace every day, and because of that, my younger brothers have become really reliable. Even if I'm not great, my surroundings support me. That's what being a king is all about."
"I'm not so sure about Lord Chrisrain."
"Elder Brother, please stay serious, hardworking, and caring, but also a bit like an old man, even though you're young."
Lady Emilia and Lady Anna spread their arms to protect Sir Stefan. He crossed his arms and frowned, looking troubled.
"Maybe I should sometimes drink too much and forget everything."
"That's right, Stefan. Getting drunk and occasionally being completely n*ked can actually make people like you more because it shows you're human!"
Is that so?
Elder Brother Chrisrain sounds really confident, which makes what he says pretty convincing.
But it's true that Sir Stefan works really hard, so I think it's okay for him to be a bit like Elder Brother Chrisrain.
I'm not sure if drinking too much and ending up n*ked is good or bad, though.
"Um, well, I didn't have liquor at the restaurant, but I'll try to have some for Sir Stefan... There's a room on the second floor, so you can take off your clothes as much as you want. I'll try not to look..."
Anyway, the best thing I can do for Sir Stefan is to create a place where he can relax.
I think it would be a bit awkward to be n*ked in the palace, but in my restaurant on the second floor, no one would see him, so it should be fine.
"Thanks, Lydia. ...It's kind of a luxury to be able to eat your delicious food and still feel down. I'm really glad I came to see you today. ...Now I can keep going from tomorrow."
"Yes...!"
After Sir Stefan gently stroked my hair and smiled at me, I couldn't help but smile back.
It felt like we were back in the old days.
He's always been kind to me, dependable, and way more mature than I am.
Like the brightest star shining in the evening sky, Sir Stefan sparkles.
But it's not just that.
Sir Stefan also worries, suffers, cries, and feels down, just like me.
He's human, just like everyone else.
Thinking about that made me feel closer to Sir Stefan. I actually like the drunk Sir Stefan and the hungover Sir Stefan quite a bit.
Way more than the perfect Sir Stefan.
If I feel that way, I'm sure the people in the castle feel the same.
Since we were taking our time eating and drinking liquor, it was getting close to evening.
Sir Stefan said, "Let's go back before it gets dark," and left with Lady Emilia and Lady Anna.
Lady Anna seemed a bit sad as she kept bouncing Eir-Eir.
Lady Emilia was petting Ms. Famine and my dad's fur, saying, "Lyd-Lyd, I'll bring something that the cats and dogs will love as a thank you for today."
I smiled at Sir Stefan as he held my hand and said, "I'll come again, Lydia," and waved goodbye to the 3 of them.
Winter evenings come quickly.
The magic stone lamps lining the street were already starting to light up.
I wonder if it will snow again.
"...I should head home soon. Well, I plan to stay at the Rest priest's house today. I want to see Aunt Tiansa, and I have a letter for Head Priest Feldur."
Elder Brother Chrisrain, standing in the snow, looked really warm in his fluffy fur coat.
With his foreign clothes, he looked kind of magical.
"And also, Lydia."
"Yes, what is it?"
"...I think this country is a dangerous place for you. I know there are people who want to protect you, but as long as you're here, you might face some dangers."
Elder Brother Chrisrain, who had been smiling the whole time, suddenly looked serious, which was the complete opposite of the mood before.
He was looking at me with a seriousness that was a bit scary.
I thought he looked like someone, and it reminded me of Mom Tiansa.
His black hair and amethyst eyes are really similar.
After all, we must be related.
"The reason I came to see you today is... to invite you to my country. Elgard is peaceful. There's plenty of food, and there are recipes for all kinds of dishes that you won't find in this kingdom. I think you would have a lot of fun. Lydia, you don't have to stay here and get caught up in dangerous things and suffer."
"...Elder Brother Chrisrain, I..."
"Take your time to reply. Just think about it. But I really believe you should come to Elgard. I don't want to leave my cute little sister in a dangerous place."
Elder Brother Chrisrain said that and then walked away through the snow.
I stood there for a while, not knowing what to do, watching him go.
Then I looked around and saw a bag with a handle hanging on the doorknob outside.
"...What's this?"
Inside the bag was a box. When I went back to the shop and opened the box, I found a delicious-looking meat pie inside.
As I stared at the meat pie, I didn't move, and Eir-Eir poked me with a worried look, while Ms. Famine rubbed her fluffy forehead against my hand.
"...Lydia. Your life is your own. You should make the choices you think are best."
I guess I could hear Elder Brother Chrisrain's words. I couldn't respond to my dad.
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