Chapter 46
“Th-The weather’s really nice today!”
“…Indeed.”
No, no, that’s not it.
That’s not the kind of response I was going for.
I was trying to open with some small talk to get the conversation going!
But he just cut it off like that.
I used to like Claude’s personality, even in my previous life…
But just for this moment, I kind of resent him.
Let’s try a different topic.
Something that could actually keep the conversation going, unlike just now.
Something like…
“Maybe because the weather’s so nice, Estelle went to her first day at the academy in a great mood today.”
Estelle — our shared point of interest.
“Is that so. That’s good to hear.”
See that?
Unlike before when he only said one word, this time he said two.
“Yes. It’s thanks to the uniform you bought her. Thank you.”
Before leaving the house, Estelle had stood in front of the mirror several times, spinning around to admire herself.
She didn’t show it outright, but it was obvious she loved the new uniform.
And watching her be that cute first thing in the morning made me ridiculously happy.
Remembering that adorable scene, I shifted the shopping bag in my arms with satisfaction.
Then, to express my gratitude, I turned to Claude and smiled brightly.
But something seemed off with him.
“Claude…”
Was he even listening to me?
With his right hand propping up his chin, he was muttering to himself with a serious expression.
“Huh? What’s wrong, Claude?”
“It’s nothing.”
He snapped back to normal as soon as I called him.
That’s a bit different from usual.
I wasn’t personally close to Claude, but based on the game and meeting him in person, I had a decent read on his personality.
He lacks eloquence, so he’s often mistaken as cold—but in reality, he listens well and cares about others.
For example, he helped with Estelle’s studies, and he even took charge of teaching her etiquette classes himself.
Of course, even if you know that, his appearance makes him look cold regardless.
But today was the first time I saw him like this—
Thinking about something else right in front of someone.
Is something bothering him…?
I was puzzled and a little concerned, even if I couldn’t do anything to help.
“Nothing unusual happened this morning?”
“With Estelle? No, nothing. She was the same as always. Smiling brightly.”
But recalling Estelle heading to school brought another wave of worry.
What if she can’t make friends?
What if she’s looked down on for being a commoner?
What if some mean kids pick on her?
What if she comes home all gloomy? Just imagining it hurts my heart…
Just picturing Estelle’s shoulders drooping made my stomach twist.
With a heavy sigh, I opened my mouth.
“Anyway, I’m worried. Estelle’s personality is kind of delicate… Will she be able to adjust well at the academy?”
“I don’t think you need to worry.”
Claude shrugged and crossed his arms at my anxious words.
“She’s not as delicate as you think. And my younger sibling is at the academy as well.”
“Younger sibling?”
“Yes. So there’s nothing for you to worry about.”
Younger sibling… Ah, right.
The second son of House Genopesia — Aris Genopesia.
I completely forgot about him since there’s no capture target for the Emperor route at the academy.
Besides, when talking about the main capture targets at the academy, it wasn’t Aris.
Maybe that’s why he slipped my mind even more.
How could I forget something like that? I’m such an idiot.
I gave myself a brief scolding.
Then, looking relieved, I spoke.
“If your younger brother helps Estelle settle in, that’s wonderful. Thank you. I feel reassured.”
“I’m glad you feel reassured.”
Claude said, watching me quietly like before.
His expression is softer now.
I didn’t know whether to feel embarrassed or burdened.
Unable to endure his gaze, I quickly turned my head away.
Then I pretended to adjust my bags and hid my face behind the shopping bag.
“By the way, Estelle’s birthday is this weekend, isn’t it? Are you preparing well?”
“Of course! I’m fully ready!”
“Good. I’m sure you’ll give her a great present.”
His tone was full of trust.
To be trusted by the heir of House Genopesia — it felt like I had been acknowledged.
Feeling elated, I couldn’t help but smile.
I had to actively restrain the muscles in my face from moving at will.
“I’ll send a gift for the date as well, so open it together with her.”
“Really? Thank you. Estelle will love it.”
I smiled brightly at the mention of a present and bowed my head.
Then suddenly, I realized—
I had been saying “thank you” to Claude quite a lot lately.
And receiving just as much from him.
I hadn’t done anything for him in return.
It made my chest feel uncomfortably scratchy, like being rubbed with sand — a bit awkward.
“I feel like all I ever do is thank you, Claude.”
“No need to think about it. I’m doing it because I want to.”
Claude shook his head slightly.
Then he looked forward and continued.
“We’ve already reached your house.”
Just as he said — my house was right ahead. Only a few steps away.
But for some reason, there was a hint of regret in his voice.
So without meaning to, I glanced at him sideways.
Was I imagining it?
His face was so calm, it made me wonder if I had misheard.
I dismissed it as my imagination and shook my head lightly.
Before long, we arrived in front of my house.
Claude and I stopped at the same time and faced each other.
“Well then, I’ll see you again.”
He carefully set my bags down on the ground and said goodbye.
A faint smile on his lips.
“……”
Just then, the warm sunlight hit his face.
Maybe it was because of that—
His deep blue eyes seemed to hold warmth.
And the face that had always looked so cold…
Looked surprisingly gentle.
They say life is thrill, shock, and suspense.
…Or is it love? Whatever.
Time has been flying by like crazy.
Before I knew it — it was Estelle’s birthday.
“I haven’t even figured out how I’m going to celebrate her birthday yet…!”
I’ve been living so busily that I barely even noticed the days passing.
I didn’t have a plan — let alone preparations for a party.
The only thing I’d barely managed was grocery shopping for the birthday table.
“But I really was busy!”
I thought I’d have more free time once Estelle entered the academy.
Not at all.
I had to run around buying paper, glue, scissors, and other supplies for the kids preparing for the festival.
Thanks to that, my arms and legs were killing me for days.
Then I had to meet with guardians whenever I had time — both to greet them and to discuss their children.
And somehow, not a single one of them came empty-handed.
I received freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, health supplements, tonics… Sorting all of that alone took forever.
And that wasn’t the end.
I even had to stop by Morris Inn to help with their festival preparations.
With all that running around, I didn’t have a single moment to plan a birthday celebration.
“Maybe I’ll think about it before bed,” I’d tell myself — but I’d be so exhausted after moving all day that I’d just pass out the moment I got home.
…Honestly, those are all excuses.
If I really wanted to, I could have done it.
I could have slept less, eaten less, helped less, postponed things!
I could have made time to plan!
This is all because I overestimated myself!
“I’m a failure as a guardian…!”
Estelle must be looking forward to it.
Thinking of her being disappointed makes my heart tear apart.
“But it’s already the morning of her birthday. It can’t be helped.”
There’s only one thing I can do now.
Do whatever it takes to make her birthday special.
That’s all I can do.
Right now, it’s 5:30 in the morning.
In summer, the sun would be peeking out by now — but it’s autumn.
The sky is still dim, not yet ready to brighten.
Maybe that’s why—
It feels like the night hasn’t ended yet, as if time has stretched endlessly.
But I know. I don’t actually have time.
“Is the seaweed fully soaked? Yes! Anchovy broth next, then the meat!”
From seaweed soup to japchae to short ribs—
I had to prepare a full Korean-style birthday meal that Estelle had never tasted before.
“Oh no—! I soaked the ribs too long, they’re white! Too much blood drained out! …Whatever! Moving on!”
It’ll probably be fine.
…I think. Honestly, I don’t know!
Suppressing my screams into silent shrieks, I ran frantically around the kitchen.
Unlock soon!~