Chapter 276: Let’s Go Home (1)

Chapter 276: Let’s Go Home (1)

I could finally enjoy a peaceful break once the major events of the New Year’s Ball and my subordinate’s wedding were over. I was on the verge of losing my mind while managing those troublemakers last summer vacation, but it felt incredibly relaxing now that I had nothing to stress about.

Even the 5th Empire, which was supposed to be this winter’s big event, was crushed without me lifting a finger. I wouldn’t mind it one bit if life could always be this easy.

“Here you go.”

While I was absentmindedly staring at the clock, just waiting for quitting time, the 1st Manager quietly handed me a piece of paper.

I immediately signed as soon as I saw the words ‘Leave Request’ at the top. I already knew the reason behind it, so there was no need to read the rest.

“This is the first time I’m taking a vacation with my boss.”

“It’s my first time spending one with a subordinate, too.”

It just so happened that where the 1st Manager planned to go on vacation was the same place I was headed—the Tailglehen County, where the Patriarch and Mother lived.

I’d promised Mother I’d visit after the New Year’s Ball. Naturally, I couldn’t go alone, so I dragged along one of her future daughters-in-law. As a result, the 1st Manager also had to take a sudden vacation.

Luckily, it didn’t seem like she minded.

“Oh, I bought a gift for your mother, too.”

“How thoughtful.”

I gave the 1st Manager a nod as she rummaged through their pocket. The fact that she was being considerate of her future mother-in-law was impressive. Marquis Iones would probably shed tears of joy if he saw this. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he reached enlightenment this year.

“This—do you think she’ll like it?”

Then, the 1st Manager pulled out a bright red ruby necklace.

Hmmmm.

“...Yeah, I think she’ll love it.”

“Right? I really put effort into choosing it!”

Seeing the excitement in the 1st Manager’s eyes made me feel a bit guilty, but I didn’t take back my words. Sometimes, you need to tell a little white lie to get through life.

From what I remember, Mother wasn’t one to wear red clothes or accessories. She preferred soft, warm colors over anything too flashy.

But how could I break the harsh truth to a future daughter-in-law who’d thoughtfully prepared a gift? Besides, Mother would surely appreciate it simply because it came from her future daughter-in-law.

One red necklace should be fine.

After all, the 1st Manager wasn’t the only one who brought a gift. All of her future daughters-in-law had prepared something, knowing they couldn’t visit their in-laws empty-handed.

They had bombarded me with questions about my parents’ preferences, and they all decided to buy her necklaces when I mentioned that Mother always wore one. I didn’t know the Patriarch’s taste, so I kept quiet about him. They must’ve figured something out for him on their own.

So, Mother was going to receive a total of six necklaces. In that case, one red one wouldn’t hurt, right? If anything, it might stand out among the more muted tones.

She’ll have one for each day of the week.

The thought made me chuckle. Thanks to her clueless son, my mother was now at risk of having to wear a different necklace every day. I should’ve just said she liked all kinds of jewelry and not just necklaces.

“I also got a gift for your father. And don’t worry, I didn’t forget you!”

“Wait, why are you telling me this?”

I was taken aback by the 1st Manager’s boldness. Seriously? Who’d announce their gift to the recipient beforehand?

“You would’ve known anyway, right? It’s only natural to get a gift for someone on their birthday.”

Oddly enough, that was a good point, so I nodded in agreement.

It was indeed true. No one needed a reminder to expect a gift on their birthday.

Birthday, huh.

It felt strange to hear that word. I’d half-forgotten about birthdays since my possession. I’ve had one every year since then, but I always forgot. Besides, it wasn’t even my real birthday.

— Could you come at the end of January, if possible?

“Yes, that’s fine, but is there any particular reason?”

Stay close...

That flutter, though, was one of joy. Erich’s words instantly sent my mind into a whirlwind of happy thoughts.

Erich as he stayed by my side and never left, and Erich as he escorted me like a proper knight. Just imagining it made me feel like I was walking on air. It felt like a dream come true.

But this wasn’t a dream. This was real.

“Yes, I’ll be counting on you.”

I smiled and linked my arm with his. I could feel his body stiffen immediately.

So cute. His face was even turning red. How could he be so shy from something this small? How innocent.

“Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”

“Y-yeah. Sure. Let’s go.”

Watching Erich stumble over his words made me grin as I confidently stepped out of the room.

...It wasn’t until we passed a mirror that I realized my face was just as red as his.

***

When we arrived at the mansion, Mother and the Countess welcomed us. I was bombarded with questions as soon as we stepped through the doors—was the journey uncomfortable? How was my health? Was I cold?—but knowing that their questions were filled with love and concern, I didn’t mind one bit.

“No, I’m really fine. You don’t need to worry.”

“How could I not worry, my dear?”

The Countess gently stroked my cheek as she spoke with concern, bringing a smile to my face. I couldn’t help but smile. She was my mother’s childhood friend and Erich’s mother, and because of that bond, she even insisted I call her ‘Aunt’ in private.

“I’m really okay, Aunt. You sent such wonderful healers to take care of me, after all.”

At that, she smiled faintly and glanced over at Mother.

“She looks just like you did when you were young, but how can her personality be so different?”

I saw Mother’s eyebrow twitch slightly at the unexpected jab, but she held back given that it was my first time leaving the house.

Instead, she shot Aunt looks that spoke volumes—as if she was cursing her with her eyes.

“It must have been a long time since you’ve seen Carl.”

Aunt said, ignoring Mother’s glare.

“Yes, it feels like years.”

It was true; I hadn’t seen Carl oppa in what seemed like forever. If it weren’t for him bringing his lovers back to the territory or my recovery progressing, I might not have seen him for even longer. He was so busy that he couldn’t even visit me while I was ill.

Six...

I felt a bit overwhelmed when thinking about the number of lovers oppa would bring with him. Six at the same time... The Count and his wife happily lived with just each other, so why should their son, Carl oppa, be any different?

...I heard the previous Count had multiple wives.

Could it be that Carl oppa inherited this tendency? Did that mean... that Erich might end up like him someday?

No.

I tightened my grip on Erich’s hand. No. I couldn’t stand the idea of sharing my knight with anyone else.

Erich was my knight. He was the one who’d protected me since childhood, and I was the only one who had been by his side all these years.

“Sarah?”

Erich looked at me, surprised when I suddenly grabbed his hand.

“It’s just a little cold... Can we stay like this for a while?”

I smiled softly at him as I answered.

It was a lie, of course. I didn’t want to hold his hand for just a moment—I wanted to hold it forever.

This hand I’m holding right now... I wish it could be mine and mine alone for the rest of our lives.