Five days after I asked my parents if I could meet my wet nurse’s child, the visit was arranged.
“Now, Luria, listen. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to arrange a visit this quickly,” my mother gently explained as the maid helped me change into my outdoor attire.
“Really?”
“Yes. This time it’s special because the place we’re visiting is a branch family of my own—our relatives.”
“I see.”
“Typically, you’d first send a letter, and if the household ranks higher than ours…”
Mother went on to explain the etiquette of visiting someone’s house. It was educational, but I couldn’t focus.
What mattered most to me was how I would manage to use healing magic on Marion during this visit.
I’d have to coordinate well with Daru to make this work.
“Daru, let’s get fired up!”
“Woof!”
Daru puffed out his chest, full of enthusiasm. Today, he seemed dependable.
“Oh? Daru will stay behind, though.”
“What?!”
“Woof!?”
“Of course. Even if they’re relatives, it’s not proper to bring a pet when visiting someone’s home, especially when it’s for a courtesy visit.”
“…Th-that’s true…”
“Woof…”
I was shocked, and Daru seemed just as surprised. With him staying behind, my entire plan would have to change.
We couldn’t rely on Daru’s mobility for a quick operation.
“But—but surely Sarah wants to see Daru!”
“You mean little Sarah?”
“Yes, Sarah.”
Mother had told me yesterday that the wet nurse’s child’s name was Sarah.
“But, Luria, some children are afraid of dogs.”
“Th-there are people like that?!”
The world is vast indeed. To think there are humans who fear such adorable dogs. People are far scarier than dogs.
“And Daru is quite large. Even children who aren’t afraid of dogs might find him intimidating.”
“Mmm…”
“Woof…”
Daru shrank down in an attempt to make himself look smaller, but no matter how much he curled up, he was still big.
“If Sarah wants to see him, we can invite her to the estate next time, alright?”
“…I guess that can’t be helped.”
“Woof?!”
Daru looked utterly shocked when I gave up so quickly.
“Woof, woof-woof!” Daru started licking my face as if urging me not to give up and negotiate harder.
“Daru, stop it! The young lady will smell like a dog just before we leave,” the maid scolded him.
“…Woof…” Daru slumped down, dejected.
“Daru…” I hugged his lowered frame and wrapped my arms around his neck.
“Leave this to me,” I whispered into his ear.
“Woof!”
“Mother, Daru might be too big, but Carro and Koruko are small enough to be fine, right?”
“Well… Technically no, but…”
Mother hesitated. If I was going to press, now was the time.
“Coo-coo!” Carro poked her tiny head out from my collar, emphasizing her small size.
“Look here!” Koruko curled up on Daru’s back, making himself look even smaller in comparison.
“Mother! Sarah is lonely! With Carro and Koruko, she’ll cheer up!”
“Hmm. Alright, Carro only. Just this once.”
“Coo-coo!”
“Cluck?!”
“Koruko is a bit too big.”
“Mmm…”
“Cluck…”
Koruko was about twice the size of an average chicken. It couldn’t be helped.
“It’s okay, Koruko,” I comforted him with a gentle pat.
“Coo-coo,” Carro chirped, climbing into my pocket.
If it came to this, I’d have to rely on Carro for reconnaissance. I needed her to find the path leading to the detached building where Marion was isolated.
While I planned, the preparations were completed. I was dressed in a beautiful light blue outfit, topped with a red hooded robe.
“You must keep the hood on until we arrive at their house, to hide your hair.”
“Got it!”
The red robe was likely chosen to blend in with my hair, making it harder to notice at a glance.
“Snacks!”
“Don’t worry. We’ve prepared some treats for Sarah,” Mother assured me.
“Good!”
Then, holding Mother’s hand, I stepped out of the mansion for the first time.
“My first time outside!”
“Yes. How does it feel?”
“The air smells like the courtyard!”
“It does, doesn’t it?”
Mother gazed at me kindly.
“Is there a birdhouse over there?”
“Yes, but it’s dirty inside, so we’ll save it for after we return.”
“Okay!”
Looking up, I saw birds circling in the sky. They seemed to be watching over me.
“Thanks for everything!”
When I thanked them, one of the birds let out a sharp cry as if replying. These guardian birds were sharp-eared, it seemed.
We rode in a large carriage drawn by four horses. A maid accompanied me inside, while five apprentice stewards, trained in both magic and martial arts, rode on horseback around us.
Father had insisted on this heavy escort for my protection.
“Wow,” I marveled at the scenery as I clung to the window, eagerly taking in the view.
Carro stood on my shoulder, scanning the surroundings.
“This is the capital? There are no houses at all!”
Father’s estate was surrounded by forest. It was a pleasant forest, full of calm energy. I could tell it was teeming with wildlife. Napping there would surely feel amazing.
“Technically, this is part of the royal capital,” Mother explained. “But it’s slightly outside what people generally call the capital.”
“Why is that?”
“Because it’s spacious.”
“Huh?”
“If estates are spacious, they can hold more soldiers.”
“Oh! To prevent rebellion?”
“Exactly. That’s right, Luria. You know some difficult words, don’t you?”
Perhaps it was to avoid scenarios like the one that had cost my former-life parents their lives—when the king’s brother secretly gathered soldiers in his estate, leading to our deaths.
“I see…” I muttered as the carriage rolled on, leaving the bustling cityscape behind. Soon, we arrived at Marion’s home.
