Chapter 7: Separation from Mother

　After returning to the domain, I went back to the castle house, which was my real home, and was busy moving around.
　First of all, I needed to buy some clothes. In the Royal Capital, I had been wearing a makeshift dress, but to be honest, I don’t like dresses. I want comfortable casual wear that’s easy to move around in, but what I’m looking for isn’t sold in the market, so I have to get it custom-made. I went to a tailor, told him about the design, and had about ten garments made.
　I also went to a workshop to find the right equipment for my body, did research on some people, scrutinized material I had taken the liberty of borrowing from father’s room, copied maps, and kept busy.
　Speaking of busy, Father and mother were the same way.
　Mother, in particular, was busy sobbing, and not a day went by when I didn’t hear her screams and cries. Looks like she’s not at all pleased to have return to such a rural area from the glamorous Royal Capital.
　The maids who comforted her seem to be having a hard time, but I’ll let them give up that as their job.
　Apparently, every day father was thinking about how to spend the large sum of money he had earned from the dragon drool incense.
　Looking at the financial records, I don’t think father is very good at handling sudden money. I think he should think a little more long-term, but as a woman, it’s not my place to interfere, so I’ll just keep my mouth shut.
　However, our conversations stayed the same. Mother stayed in her room and never came out, and although I met father at meals, we only exchanged the usual greetings, then there was nothing else to talk about.
　Not knowing how to interact with them, I finished my preparations. The clothes I had ordered from the tailor were almost ready, and I have all the supplies I had planned. All that’s left to do is talk to father.

“Father, I’d like to have a word with you.”

　I went to my father, who was enjoying his afternoon tea, and began to talk to him.

“I’m thinking of going to a remote, secluded place to relax a bit after the long journey I just had.”

　A lie, of course.

“…… where do you want to go?”
“Cashew.”

　The Cashew region is a frontier in the far east of the kingdom. To the north are steep mountains, to the east is enemy territory, and to the south is wilderness and nothingness.

“All right, do as you please.”

　As expected, Father gave his permission. If his daughter, who was causing him so much trouble, would voluntarily retreat to the frontier, it would be a great thing.

“Yes, I will do as I please. But, I just don’t want to be inconvenienced there, father. I don’t want to be constantly bothering you. Instead, I want to be free to do what I want.”

　I’m going to beg a little bit like a selfish girl.

“……, okay, fine.”

　I had his word. I’ll have it made official later.

“When will you be ready?”
“As soon as possible. Can I get an escort for the journey?”

　Cashew is a remote area and the Demon king’s Army has yet to reach it. However, the monsters they had released have become wild. There’s also the possibility of bandits, so an escort is essential. Besides, I want to inspect the area and I want to save money, so I’m begging for an escort.

“All right, I’ll make the arrangements.”

　To my surprise, Father does as I ask. I wonder if this was his way of being considerate.

“I think I’ll say goodbye to mother in the meantime”

　If I’m not careful, I may never see them again. I couldn’t do it three years ago, but this time I should do it properly.
　Father agreed that it would be a good idea, and with that I headed for Mother’s room.
　As I made my way to her bedroom, I could hear her crying outside. I sighed and prepared myself.

“Mother, it’s me. I’m coming in.”

　After knocking, I entered the room.
　The large bedroom was a mess. Clothes, shoes, Jewelry, underwear, and handkerchiefs were scattered about.

“Oh, Romelia. What shall we do? It’s the end of the world.”

　She said this as soon as she saw me. This was the first thing to come out of her mouth. Mother was a genius at finding tragedies and calamities in this world.
　She could tell that the maid was cold, that her friends looked down on her, that the merchants gave her only inferior goods, that her pets didn’t even take to her, and that everything in the world was trying to make her an outcast.
　And then, lamenting, she never wants to look at me.
　Normally that would be fine, but this could be the last time.

“Mother!”

　Tired of listening to her endless complaints, I clap my hands loudly.
　Startled by the voice and sound, Mother looked at me with wide eyes.
　I put my hands on her face and looked at her carefully.
It had been a long time since I had seen her face from the front. It must have also been a while since she looked straight at mine.
　After looking at her face carefully, I lowered my hands, placing them behind her and embraced her.
　She was startled by the sudden embrace and stiffened nervously.

“I’m leaving for Cashew tomorrow. This is goodbye.”

　I gave all the love I had left in my heart to say goodbye.
　Good-bye, Mother. Poor woman, who could never love anyone but herself.
　But I could not love you either.
　I don’t love you, but I want you to be well.

“Good-bye, my dear.”

　I released her from the embrace and said goodbye.
　As I walked out of the room, I could hear her crying voice.
　Without looking back, I left for Cashew.