The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 34
As Fars and I walked away from the castle toward the estate, we chatted lightly.
“Marloa, when you turned down the offer to become a royal attendant, I thought my heart was going to stop. You’ve got nerves of steel, as always.”
“Fars, you’re no one to talk. Even I was caught off guard by my own boldness.”
We laughed as we arrived at the estate. Refusing a royal request wasn’t something one did lightly.
“Welcome back, Lady Marloa,” Otto, the butler, greeted us at the door. “If you had informed us, I would have sent a carriage to pick you up.”
“It’s fine, Otto. The royal palace isn’t far, and we’re fine walking. Is Father in?”
Otto, ever composed, guided us directly to my father’s study. Fars, of course, had already shifted into his attendant persona.
“Father, it’s Marloa. I’ve returned,” I announced as we entered.
At his “Come in,” we stepped inside. My father paused his work, looked at us, and gave a single approving nod.
“Congratulations on winning the tournament.”
“Thank you. His Majesty also praised me.”
“I’ve been receiving invitations to tea parties and balls addressed to you, as well as marriage proposals.”
“I refuse them all. I don’t want a fiancé.”
“As a marquisate, we must maintain appearances.”
“Oh? Now I’m suddenly important? You kept me hidden away on the estate all this time. I’ve already asked you to send a formal complaint to my ex-fiancé, but clearly, Sarah hasn’t changed.
“She told Count Disley’s son, ‘I love Lord Ahim. Even as a second wife, I’d like to marry him,’ and apparently cries every day at home. Perhaps you should make her his fiancée instead? Sarah, with her magical prowess, can handle everything in my stead. After all, that’s what’s been done until now, hasn’t it?”
“The aristocracy isn’t so simple.”
“Then disown me.”
“…That is not an option.”
My father’s expression remained stern.
“Because of the scandal? My being born magicless was scandal enough for this family. Regardless, I’ve already been granted permission by His Majesty to abstain from social events. There’s no need for me to play the role of a noble lady any longer.”
I spoke quickly, barely able to contain my frustration. My father remained silent for a moment before finally speaking.
“…Even so, you are a noble lady. You are my daughter.”
“I don’t recall being raised by you. Even now, I support myself.”
Though I suppose you did buy me my sword and armor.
“I’ve managed without using the family name. This conversation is pointless. If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to the dormitory. Please address the matter with Sarah and Count Disley’s son. They’re causing trouble for the crown prince and Lady Eleanor.”
With that, I left the study. As Fars and I approached the front door, Otto stopped us.
“Lady Marloa, please wait a moment.”
“What is it, Otto?”
“The reason Lord Efsee called you back was purely to congratulate you. He also selected this for you himself.”
Otto handed me a small box.
“Lady Marloa, I know you have your feelings about the marquis, but please, let this be a gesture of peace.”
“…I see. Since you’re asking, Otto, I’ll accept it. Thank you.”
Fars and I returned to the dormitory. Later, I opened the box in my room and found a charm for my sword.
It was a small, intricately crafted piece, and I immediately attached it to my sword.
What was Father thinking when he chose this?
I reflected on my earlier outburst and wondered if I could have been more willing to hear him out. Perhaps next time, I’ll listen to his side a little more. I still have a lot of growing up to do.
Finally, the long mid-year break arrived. As for the exam results, both Fars and I managed to place within the top ten. What a relief.
We had considered returning to the village, but Violeta’s letter advised us not to overdo it, especially since we were still adjusting to life in the capital.
Fars and I agreed. Life in the capital was exciting compared to the village, and we didn’t want to intrude on Violeta and Hubert’s newlywed life. We decided to visit next time.
Meanwhile, the nobles were in the middle of their social season, spending their days at tea parties and their nights at balls.
Typically, nobles could participate in balls starting at fifteen or sixteen. As first-year academy students, we were only eligible for tea parties, but older students seemed busy preparing for the social season.
On the other hand, most commoners returned home for the break, leaving the academy nearly deserted. Fars and I were among the few who stayed behind.
Of course, there were exceptions, like Senior Arnold and some of the upperclassmen who remained to focus on their graduation projects for the magic tournament later in the year.
“Marloa, Fars, you’re not going home?” Senior Arnold asked as he approached us in the dining hall.
“No. It’s not comfortable at my family’s estate, and we’re not returning to the village yet.”
“Perfect. Then you can spend your break helping me. I need to gather a lot of materials.”
Fars and I exchanged amused smiles.
“Aren’t you returning to your family? As a marquisate, they must be busy with the balls.”
“I’m not the heir, so I only need to attend the royal ball. What about you, Marloa? Won’t you be busy next year?”
“Not at all. My family has a capable successor, and His Majesty has granted me permission to skip these events.”
“Fair enough. Then, if it’s all right, I’d like your help after lunch to collect materials.”
We agreed as we ate.
“What kind of materials are we gathering this time?”
“Bl00d. Monster bl00d. And magic stones. I’m not picky about the types, but I need a lot. Since it’s the break, we can even travel far.”
“Got it! We’ll help!”
After a quick meal, we returned to the dormitory to gather our things.
“Fars, we don’t have a tent. What will we do if we need to stay overnight?”
“I was thinking the same thing. I packed a few things in case we need to camp out.”
Meeting Fars outside the girls’ dorm, we both laughed at how stuffed our backpacks were. It seemed we had thought of the same preparations.