Volume 2 Chapter 55 Alice's Departure
It's only been two months since New Year's Day. During this time, the Sanroze territory doesn't usually snow, but the nights are very cold. Cain is wrapped in a blanket, looking up at the night sky through the open window. In this world, originally free of exhaust gases, the winter's clear air makes the night sky breathtakingly beautiful with stars. Since Cain regained consciousness, he sometimes gazes at the winter sky, enjoying the starry nights.
"Cain, are you still awake?"
Alice slightly opens the door without waiting for Cain's answer and peeks inside.
"Why are you opening the window on such a cold night? Are you trying to catch a cold? Close it right now!"
While scolding Cain in a slightly louder voice, Alice pushes him aside, who was admiring the night sky, and hurriedly closes the window.
"You always look up at the night sky for so long. Do you like it that much?"
Alice embraces Cain from above the blanket to warm him.
"It would be a waste not to see such a beautiful starry sky. Elder Sister Alice told me that Mother is watching over us from the night sky."
Usually bright and cheerful, Alice sometimes cries at night. She said she wants to meet Linore in the night sky. Since then, she occasionally looks up at the night sky, thinking of her mother, whose face she can't even remember.
"Tonight, I'll sleep with you for the first time in a while."
"Huh? Why all of a sudden?"
"Never mind. It's cold, so come over here quickly."
Alice roughly pulls Cain into bed when he's flustered.
"The day after tomorrow, we're leaving for the royal capital. So, we won't see each other for a year. I'm really worried about Cain. Will he cry alone without me? I want to stay with him tonight so he won't feel lonely."
Even in this dim light, Alice's face is bright red. Cain, with a mind over 40 years old from his life as Michio and as Cain, decides to rely on his gentle older sister.
It was a night that warmed both his body and the core of his heart.
* * *
A two-horse carriage stops in front of the mansion entrance. Luke arranged the carriage for Alice's trip to the capital. It seems he bought it with funds from the road repairs of the Margrave Shield. The three brothers come home in shared carriages, but sparing no expense for Alice alone is quite a parent's obsession. Cain thought it was a bit over the top, but it might also be good that daughters from Viscount families usually travel by shared carriages.
"Father, Mother Lydia, Cain, and everyone. I will do my best and go."
Alice greets with a smile before departure.
"Take care of yourself. Stay somewhat quiet in the capital."
"If anything happens, rely on Arthur and them immediately. Alice, I worry because you are so cute."
"If you get a letter from a man, tell me right away."
"No, you should contact me, Father. I need to properly assess the person."
Lydia and Luke tease each other like a married couple, lamenting Alice's departure with silly parental advice.
"Elder Sister Alice, please be careful on the way to the capital. Knight Order Commander, Randolph, Lala. Please take care of Elder Sister Alice."
Instead of their teasing parents, the three accompanying Alice received the request.
"""Understood, Lord Shamrock."""
""Cain, what are you doing? Also, the three are servants of the Sanroze family (you know).""
"Because you keep flirting endlessly."
Cain's remark made the parents blush and look at each other with slight disappointment.
"Cain, listen carefully to Mother Lydia. Don't overdo it. Even though you are a noble, you are only 7 years old."
Alice embraces Cain gently. Her eyes are filled with tears, nearly spilling over.
"Yes, Elder Sister Alice. Please take care of yourself too. We look forward to your return on New Year's Eve."
Cain puts strength into his embrace. Lydia, who was watching, and the Sanroze family maids all had tears in their eyes.
Two days had passed since Alice and the others left. Only Cain remained as a child, and the mansion was a little quiet. For some reason, Lydia did not seem energetic, and Luke sighed softly at Alice's seat during meals. Cain thought he wanted everyone to get better soon.
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