Chapter 114

The Reincarnated Young Girl Is Adored by the Spirits She Helped in Her Previous Life

And so, Sara and I set off toward the palace.
Accompanying us are Father, Mother, and Marion.

When we left the house and got into the carriage, everyone came to see us off.

“Rulia, Sara, be careful, okay?”
“Brother is praying for your safety too.”
“Sister and Brother, don’t worry so much! We’ll be fine!”
“We’ll do our best!”
“Woof woof~”
“No, you can’t come. You have to stay behind.”

Apparently, animals like Da-u aren’t allowed in the palace. It’s disappointing, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

“Aww…”
“There, there.”

Carro, Koruko, Loa, and even the stick figure doll Mio also have to stay behind.

“We’ll be back soon, so wait for us, okay?”
“Kyuu~” “Coo coo.”

Carro and Koruko look anxious.

“Ryaam ryaam~”

Hearing Loa’s lonely cries makes me feel sad too.

“Loa, I’m sorry. We’ll come back as soon as we can, okay?”
“Ryaam…”
“Don’t worry! Sui will take care of Loa and the others!”

Sui is also staying behind.

“Sui, please take care of them.”

With someone as strong as Sui in charge, I can rest assured about Loa.

‘No need to reply.’

Suddenly, Kuro sprouted from the ground.

‘Rulia-sama, there’s no need to worry. The guardian beasts are secretly watching over you all.’

When I looked up at the sky, many guardian birds were flying around.

“Hmm, thank you.”

And so, we boarded the carriage and departed.
Brother, Sister, and Da-u saw us off until they could no longer see us.

Inside the carriage, I sat between Father and Mother.
Sara and Marion were seated across from us.

“Sara, are you nervous?”
“Yes.”
“It’ll be fine, it’ll be fine. Things will turn out the way they’re meant to, right?”

At that, Marion said:
“As expected of Lady Rulia. She’s truly remarkable.”

“Really? Hehehe.”
“I wish I could borrow some of Rulia’s courage. My hands are trembling…”
“Mother gets nervous too?”

That was surprising for me.

“Of course. If only we had another month… no, a week…”

Mother muttered something like that.

“Rulia, it’ll be fine. What mustn’t you forget?”
“Um, I shouldn’t say anything about being able to use magic or seeing spirits?”

Father and Mother had drilled this into me multiple times after etiquette practice when Brother and Sister weren’t around.
Apparently, if it got out, people might try to use me for their own purposes.

“And regarding the matter of the Water Dragon Lord, just keep quiet about it, alright?”
“Got it.”

If word got out that I could lift curses, the church might try to exploit me.

“Sara, please keep Rulia’s secret, alright?”
“Yes, Auntie. I promise I won’t say a word!”

Sara said this with determination.

After traveling for a while, the royal capital came into view.

“Wow, this is my first time coming to the royal capital!”
“If only we could show you around more leisurely…”

Mother said this with a hint of sadness.

Once we entered the city, the carriage slowed down.

“There are so many people!”
“Wow, is there a festival going on?”
“Sara, it’s not a festival. The royal capital always has this many people.”
“Amazing! Have you been to the royal capital before, Mommy?”
“Yes, I have.”
“So cool!”

As we chatted like this, we arrived at the palace.

We were guided by attendants to the waiting room.
Father led the way, followed by Mother and me, then Marion and Sara.

“…Rulia, stand tall and proud.”
“Mm.”

I responded softly to Mother’s whisper and straightened my posture as I walked.

“…Is that the daughter of Duke Valoa?”
“Her hair looks like flames. Just like…”

Whispers like these reached my ears.
Since Father and Mother were present, no outright insults could be heard.

Still, I could sense mocking gazes and veiled jeers.
This must be what Father and Mother had tried to shield me from.

“Don’t pay any attention to it, Rulia.”
“I know.”

I already knew that my red hair and eyes were feared.
At this point, nothing anyone said would bother me.

While we waited in the room, an attendant arrived.

“…The Chancellor wishes to have a private discussion with Duke and Duchess Valoa.”

Father glanced briefly at Sara and me.

“We’re here with the children today. Couldn’t this wait for another time?”
“It’s urgent. We need to discuss His Majesty’s plans.”

This was likely an explanation for why we were summoned for an audience so suddenly this morning.
Given that reasoning, Father couldn’t refuse.

“…Understood.”

Father stood up and hugged me tightly.

“Rulia, I plan to return before the audience, but… do you remember the procedure?”
“Mm-hmm. When called, I enter the audience chamber, stop where the knights are, and curtsy.”
“That’s right. And if His Majesty asks you to step closer?”
“I take one step forward.”
“That’s correct.”

I answered confidently, recalling everything I’d been taught.

“Rulia, you’ll be fine. Even if something goes wrong, I’ll fix it later.”
“Thank you, but I won’t fail.”

At that, Mother smiled warmly.
After Father and Mother left, only Sara, Marion, and I remained in the waiting room.

“Do you think Father and Mother will return before the audience?”
“They’ll surely come back. But even if they don’t, I’m here with you.”
“Thank you, Marion.”

As we spoke, another attendant arrived.

“Baroness Didier, the Minister of Internal Affairs requests your presence.”

Baroness Didier referred to Marion.
Though she isn’t the official head of her family, she holds the position in practice, which is why she’s addressed as “Madam.”

“What does the Minister of Internal Affairs require of me?”
“He has questions regarding the type of title inheritance.”
“Is there an issue?”
“Not exactly. It seems to be a confirmation due to the change in the audience date. Please don’t worry.”

Perhaps adjustments to documents or dates were needed.
It’s all because of the king. Surely the officials at the Ministry of Internal Affairs are working frantically, likely cursing under their breaths.

“I understand. I’ll go immediately.”

With that, Marion hugged Sara tightly.

“Sara, don’t worry. I intend to return, but even if I can’t, just follow what I’ve taught you, alright?”
“Mm-hmm. I’ll do my best.”
“If you make a mistake, I’ll apologize together with you.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“You’re only five years old, Sara. Making mistakes is expected. Everyone knows that. Don’t worry.”
“I understand.”

Then, Marion hugged me too.

“The Duke and Duchess will surely return soon.”
“That’s right.”
“Even if they don’t make it back in time, I’m sure you’ll be fine, Lady Rulia.”
“Mm-hmm. I think so too.”

When I said this, Marion smiled.
Then, looking slightly worried, she left the waiting room.